What This Notice Means

You asked for your refund by direct deposit. The IRS is sending you a paper check instead.

Why This Happens

  • The IRS limits how many direct deposit refunds can go to the same bank account or the same prepaid debit card. If your refund is the fourth one going to an account or card, you'll get a paper check.
  • The IRS can't deposit any part of a refund into an account that doesn't belong to you.

You can send a refund to any of your own checking or savings accounts. You can't send it to someone else's account, except your spouse's account on a joint refund. That includes your tax preparer's account to cover their fee.

What to Do

If you filed this return, you don't need to do anything.

If you didn't file this return and think someone used your information, report it. Submit Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, or a police report showing identity theft. Send it to the IRS address in the Form 14039 instructions. Then consider getting an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) and keep an eye on your financial accounts for other fraud.

When Will the Check Arrive?

You should get the check within 4 weeks of the notice date, as long as there are no other issues with your return. That isn't a guarantee. If it hasn't arrived after 4 weeks, call the number on your notice.

Calling sooner won't speed things up. The IRS phone staff can't give you more information. If the IRS needs something from you, it will write to you.

Make sure the IRS has your current mailing address so the check gets to you.

Next Year

  • Never direct your refund to an account belonging to a relative, friend, or tax preparer.
  • If you use a shared family account, expect a paper check if yours is the fourth refund going to that account or card.

If a refund problem turns out to be identity theft or a larger IRS issue, call us at (813) 229-7100.