Is that CP53E notice from the IRS a scam?

By snapme | May 11, 2026 |

There has been a lot of information in the news about how the IRS is moving away from paper checks. While direct deposit is a safe and secure way to get your tax refund, there are scammers out there looking to capitalize on any confusion about updating your bank account information.

If you filed your tax return, are due a refund, and did not add your bank account information to the return or your banking information was incorrect, the IRS will issue you a CP53E notice.

  • The notice asks you to add or update direct deposit information using your IRS Online Account.
  • You generally have 30 days to respond.
  • If you don’t take any action, the IRS will issue a paper check after six weeks.

Important: The CP53E notice is only issued once. If a second direct deposit is rejected, you will not get another opportunity to update your bank information.

The CP53E notice includes a toll-free information-only phone line: 866-325-4066.

  • This line provides recorded explanations of the notice and next steps.
  • It does not transfer callers to a customer service representative or let you enter deposit information – it is for informational purposes only.

For more information about direct deposit changes, see our Tax Tip: Direct Deposit Changes for 2026 Could Affect How and When You Get Your Refund.

 

How do I know if my notice is real?

First, the IRS will not ask you to submit your banking information via email, text, or over the phone.

The only way to update your banking information is through your IRS Online Account.

Remember, you can always log in to your IRS Online Account to see your notices, visit Where’s My Refund? to see the status of your refund, or call the official IRS phone number: 1-800-829-1040 for additional information.

Additionally, IRS notices will come through the mail. So, if someone calls, texts, or emails you saying that you need to give them your banking information, that is a scam.

Beware of links and QR codes within notices. While a legitimate notice may contain a QR code to take you to IRS.gov, fake notices may point you to malicious websites that are made to look as though they are the real IRS website. When in doubt, go directly to the IRS website to look for information regarding your notice.

It’s important to remember that the IRS will never:

  • Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, iTunes gift card, or wire transfer;
  • Ask a taxpayer to make a payment to a person or organization other than the U.S. Treasury;
  • Threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to arrest the taxpayer for not paying; or
  • Demand payment of taxes without giving the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.

 

I got a CP53E notice, but I’m not due a refund

Most IRS notices are sent automatically, so if you receive a CP53E notice, but don’t think you are due a refund, this may be the result of a processing error or an adjustment made to your return. You should check your IRS Online Account to determine if your notice is valid or not. If it was received in error, you’re okay to ignore it.

 

How else can I keep my tax information safe?

Every year, the IRS releases its Dirty Dozen list of the most common scams that taxpayers are likely to encounter. Keeping informed of these scams can help keep you safe at tax time and throughout the year.

When working with a professional tax return preparer, make sure that they are not a “ghost preparer.” A ghost preparer won’t sign a tax return they prepare for you. Always check credentials before working with any tax return preparer. (See our Tax Tip Choosing the right tax return preparer for you for more on this topic.)

The IRS also provides more information about schemes, phishing, abusive tax preparers, and identity theft. Use these resources to learn more:

The post Is that CP53E notice from the IRS a scam? appeared first on Taxpayer Advocate Service.

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