Have you ever opened a letter from the Internal Revenue Service and felt a moment of panic? You are not alone. Recent notices like CP53E can feel alarming, but they are often informational and not a sign of trouble.

What is happening

The IRS is encouraging taxpayers to use electronic refunds as part of executive order 14247. You may be asked to log into your IRS account and add or update direct deposit information. This applies even if you are not expecting a refund today and is simply in place in case you receive one in the future.

What we recommend

Visit IRS Online Account to make sure your bank information is current. This may help reduce future notices, though it is not guaranteed.

A quick caution

Please stay alert for scams and phishing attempts that appear to come from the IRS. If you receive unexpected or suspicious communication, do not click links or share information until it has been verified.

  • Do not click links or scan QR codes in IRS messages
  • Instead login to your IRS online account by typing IRS.gov directly into your browser
  • The IRS does not contact taxpayers by email, text, or social media for sensitive information
  • The IRS cannot take bank account information over the phone

Contact the IRS: If you’re concerned, call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040, rather than the number listed on the letter

Report Fraud: If you receive a fake notice, send it to phishing@irs.gov

We are here to help. If you receive a notice and are unsure what it means, please reach out before taking action.