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CP53D notice: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS CP53D notice? Here is what it means, your deadline, what to check before you answer, and how to reply. Check your own letter free: it stays on your phone.
Check my CP53D notice freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
You requested that we direct deposit your tax return refund, but we’re issuing you a paper check instead.
What you need to do
- If you filed this tax return, you’re not required to do anything at this time.
- If you didn’t file this tax return and you believe someone is using your personal information, to file the tax return, you should report the misuse to us by submitting Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit PDF , or a police report indicating identity theft as the issue. Send either of these documents to the IRS address in the Form 14039 instructions.
Your deadline
Answer by the date printed on your notice. If there is no date, answer as soon as you can, and call the number on the notice if you need more time.
What to check before you answer
Is this letter really from the IRS?
The IRS writes first by mail. A real letter shows a notice or letter number, your name and part of your tax ID number. The IRS does not ask for payment by gift card, crypto or wire transfer. If in doubt, sign in to your IRS online account, where many notices are listed.
You may want to
- Consider requesting and using an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) , which can help prevent misuse of your taxpayer identification number.
- Monitor your financial accounts to determine if you’ve been the victim of non-tax fraud. You can find more information at the Federal Trade Commission’s ID Theft page.
- Track your refund on the IRS website.
Common questions
Why am I receiving a paper check? (updated Jan. 15, 2025)
We limit the number of direct deposit refunds to the same bank account or on the same pre-paid debit card. Also, we can’t deposit any part of a tax refund to an account that doesn’t belong to you.
Will calling the IRS give me additional information or allow me to get my refund sooner? (updated Jan. 15, 2025)
Unfortunately, calling the IRS won’t speed up your refund. You don’t need to call us unless we ask you to do so. If we need more information to process your refund, we’ll contact you by mail. Our telephone assistors cannot provide any additional information.
Is the estimated date my tax preparer, tax software, or Where’s My Refund provided a guarantee of when I’ll get my refund? (updated Jan. 15, 2025)
You should receive your check in the mail within 4 weeks from the date of your notice, provided there are no additional pending issues with your tax return. However, we can’t guarantee the date when you’ll get your refund. While we can estimate, this is a “best-case scenario” where the tax return doesn’t require any additional review or corrections. We issue refunds as quickly as possible. If you don’t receive your refund within 4 weeks from the date of your notice, call the number on your notice.
Can I direct part of my refund into my tax professional’s checking or savings account to pay my tax preparation fee? (updated Jan. 15, 2025)
No. You can direct your refund to any of your checking or savings accounts, but you can’t direct your refund to someone else’s account (except for your spouse’s account, if you have a joint refund).
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