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 three major credit bureaus. Report any fraudulent activity to your local police or sheriff's department File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov 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 What should I do if I didn’t file a return? Submit a Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, to the IRS address in the Form 14039 instructions. Can I direct part of my refund into my tax professional’s checking or savings account to pay my tax preparation fee? (updated Jan. 14, 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). Why will it take up to 10 weeks to receive my refund? (updated Jan. 14, 2025) 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) Will calling the IRS give me additional information or speed my refund? (updated Jan. 14, 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. 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. Herramientas de referencia Publicación 1, Sus derechos como contribuyente Tema 651, Avisos: que debe hacer Tema 653, Avisos y facturas del IRS, multas y cargos por intereses Lista completa de formularios, instrucciones y publicaciones de impuestos (en inglés) ¿Necesita ayuda? Puede autorizar a alguien (en inglés) para que le represente ante el IRS o para inspeccionar y/o recibir su información tributaria confidencial. Puede ser elegible para recibir la ayuda gratuita del Servicio del Defensor del Contribuyente (TAS, por sus siglas en inglés). Verifique si reúne los requisitos para recibir la ayuda de una Clínica para Contribuyentes de Bajos Ingresos. Puede solicitar una copia de su carta o aviso en braille o en letra grande (en inglés). Si no puede encontrar lo que necesita en línea, llame al número de teléfono en su carta o aviso.
