IRS CP153 Notice: Refund Sent by Mail Instead of Direct Deposit

What This Notice Means

The IRS can't send your refund or credit payment through direct deposit, so it's sending it by mail instead.

What to Do

Nothing, for now. You can expect your refund within 3 to 4 weeks from the date of the notice. If it hasn't arrived after 4 weeks, call the number on your notice for help.

Make sure the IRS has your current mailing address. A paper check goes to the address on file.

Why No Direct Deposit

One common reason: direct deposit refunds are only available for current year returns. Refunds for prior years are sent by mail. If this refund is from a return two years back, that's why.

Getting Direct Deposit Next Time

The IRS guidance for this notice addresses corporate and bond issuer filers. How you set up direct deposit depends on the return:

• Corporations: complete Form 8050, Direct Deposit of Corporate Tax Refund, and attach it to your Form 1120 or Form 1120-S next year.
• Bond issuers: complete the banking information in the "Direct Deposit" section of Form 8038-CP, Return for Credit Payments to Issuers of Qualified Bonds, the next time you file.

When the Check Arrives

Compare the amount to what you expected. If it's different, call the number on your notice and ask why. Deposit the check promptly and keep the notice with your records for that tax period.

Help

You can authorize a representative to contact the IRS for you with Form 2848.

If you received a CP153 notice and the refund never shows up, call us at (813) 229-7100.