IRS Notice CP53: Refund Check Not Delivered
Your refund check was returned to the IRS as undeliverable.
- Response deadline
- No response required
- Category
- Refund & Adjustment
- Severity
- Low
What does an IRS CP53 notice mean?
A CP53 notifies you that the IRS could not deliver your refund check, usually because of an address problem, and the check was returned. The notice explains how to update your information so the refund can be reissued.
Why did you receive a CP53?
The mailing address on file was outdated, incomplete, or incorrect, so the postal service returned the refund check to the IRS.
How to respond to a CP53 notice
Update your address with the IRS (Form 8822 or through your online account) and follow the notice's instructions to have the refund reissued. Verify the corrected address carefully so the replacement check reaches you.
What happens if you ignore it?
Your refund stays unclaimed until you provide a valid address. There is no penalty, but you will not receive the money until you act.
Common resolutions
- Update your address with the IRS
- Request a new check
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For informational purposes only. Not legal, tax, or medical advice.