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CP53W notice: what it means and what to do
Got an IRS CP53W 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 CP53W notice freeWhat the IRS says this notice is about
A refund check we sent was returned to us. We are reviewing your account to ensure the return and refund are valid.
What you need to do
You don’t need to do anything currently.
If you’re entitled to the refund, we’ll send you a new check in the mail; or If we need more information, we’ll send you a letter to explain what we need.
Please allow 10 weeks before checking the status of your refund . We can’t provide any information until we complete our research.
Additional information
Someone may have altered your check. Usually, this involves a change to the original payee’s name, address and/or refund amount. When this happens and the check is returned to us, we review related returns to ensure the returns and refund is valid.
If you believe you may be a victim of identity theft, visit our centralized identity theft page to learn how to protect yourself
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.
Get my response letter for CP53W notice