What this notice is about
We tried to direct deposit your refund, but the financial institution couldn’t process it. We’reresearching your account for the next steps.
What you need to do
You don’t need to do anything at this time.
You may want to
- Call us at the number on the notice if you don’t receive your refund check or a follow-up letter within 10 weeks
- Monitor your financial accounts
If you notice any suspicious or unusual activity, you should:
- Notify your financial institutions.
- Contact the fraud department of one of the .
- Report any fraudulent activity to your local police or sheriff's department
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at
- Submit a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit PDF
- Consider getting an IRS Identity Protection PIN to help prevent misuse of your taxpayer identification number on fraudulent federal income tax returns. Learn more at Get an identity protection PIN (IP PIN).
Frequently asked questions
Submit a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, to the IRS address in the Form 14039 instructions.
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).
We must research your account to determine if you are entitled to the refund. We try to balance customer service and tax compliance by reviewing tax returns to prevent fraudulent or incorrect refunds. These critical reviews take time. The following also affect time frames:
- Bankruptcy
- An open audit
- A balance due on a related account (such as a different tax year)
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.
Tips for next year
- If you request a direct deposit refund, ensure the account you specify is in your name (or your spouse’s if you have a joint refund).
- If you changed your name due to a recent marriage or divorce, ensure the name on your tax return matches the name registered with the Social Security Administration.
- Never direct your refund to an account that belongs to a relative, friend, or tax return preparer.
Need help?
- You can authorize someone to represent you before the IRS or inspect and/or receive confidential tax information.
- You may be eligible for free help from the .
- See if you qualify for help from a .
- You can request a copy of your notice or letter in Braille or large print.
- If you can’t find what you need online, call the telephone number on your notice or letter.