IRS Notice - Banking Information

[GodFather]

I've had two clients who have owed tax receive the attached letter from the IRS (appears legitimate...maybe looks are deceiving).  Both confirmed that the amount due was electronically pulled accurately and timely from their bank account (which was identical to the account used on their 2024 return).  Any idea why the IRS would send this?  Neither chose to contact the IRS.  I guess I can...but wondering if anyone else has dealt with this?

[BobKamman]

The text refers to a QR Code but none is shown -- did you white that out, also?  But the bar code at the top right translates to:

0BNRINA14630202512060000053E0000000000

0000000000000017914221461031026WI000

 

The 202512 is the year.  Do any of the other numbers or letters match your client's name, SSN or address?

 

Also, this doesn't say that if no information is provided, a check will be issued in 30 days.  Or something like that.  I thought that was what legitimate notices say.  This one just says to call the number that is answered with a recorded message, with no transfer to a live person.  

[IRonMaN]

"Any idea why the IRS would send this?"

Sending paper checks is frowned on so maybe they are sending out bogus letters so that they use up their paper and postage budgets so that they don't get shorted in next year's budget process.  You know, the old use it or lose it budgeting system.

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

this is happening everywhere, all the tax groups Im in, people are seeing the same thing.   

There are some scam letters out there. They may have a QR code.   Ive been advising clients to either create an IRS online account and update banking info, or just wait to see if a check eventually arrives. 

Do not scan Any QR codes!

[Skylane]

I had a one with no refund due… overpayment that was applied to 2026. Apparently IRS software is susceptible to same unexpected behaviors as Intuit

[dd4vols]

I've had 1 letter on a client that had a refund coming, BUT wanted a check mailed to her.  Yes, she's near 70.  I think that her still wanting a check BROKE the matrix that is the IRS refund procedure/Notice CP53E trigger parameter, and taxpayers and preparers all over the USA are having to endure this because of her needing to see and feel that little brown envelope and check.

BTW, I've also had at least 4 or 5, that have gotten the letter but did owe taxes.

[IRonMaN]

"Yes, she's near 70."

So 70 is the cutoff for being senile or what's the scoop?  Since I will hit that mark next tax season, I should just peacefully hand over my PTIN to the nearest IRS office on my way to the nursing home?  Or should I head directly to the cemetery.  At least that way IronWoman can save on the hearse rental fees.  On my way there (if I remember), I'll stop and pick up Bob to get him off the streets too. 😱

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

the few Ive spoken with that owed money and got letters, one had an extra estimated payment that was made that we missed, so a she has a refund, the others looks like the estimated tax penalty may have been computed too high and theyre getting small refunds.

[dd4vols]

Sooooo, you're saying there's a chance,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, that this mess could be valid??

[david3]

A client received the same letter with a QR code. Their bank advised them that this is fraud and many of their customers have received this letter.

Ignore the letter and do not use the QR code.

[IntuitKate]

Hi @david3 please also see this thread. Some of the notices are legit. For the CP53E notices we'd recommending looking at this from the IRS: Understanding your CP53E notice

From the IRS website regarding QR codes: "Many notices have QR codes that help direct taxpayers to their online tax accounts. In addition, these letters inform the taxpayer of the status of their unpaid balance, options for resolution and their rights in the collection process."  

However, when in doubt, always verify notices by going directly to IRS.gov/Account instead of scanning the QR code. 

[Karen Sneed]

We too have had several clients receive these letters and here is what i discovered.  Most are due to the IRS recalculating the penalty.  When reviewing the Info worksheet for the client Part VIII "Direct Deposit & Refund Disbursement Options" has "No bank selected" for "Selected Processor" 

If you select for electronic funds withdrawal for the balance due then you cannot have direct deposit also.

I found and i quote "The IRS generally stopped issuing paper refund checks to individual taxpayers after Sept. 30, 2025. " This was due to "The Executive Order 14247:  Modernizing Payments To and From America's Bank Account"  The IRS is moving to all electronic payments to and from them.

Most clients are receiving a second letter that gives details on the change.  We are advising clients to wait and let the IRS mail them a check because most elderly clients anyway have too much trouble with technology to set up an account.

[david3]

Thanks, Kate and Karen.

My clients had no adjustments for penalties or anything else that would warrant a refund. The letter didn't explain anything that showed that a refund is being processed.

The letter said that their bank declined the direct deposit. Their bank said that the IRS didn't attempt to process a direct deposit with the bank and that they are seeing a lot of these letters sent to their customers. 

I guess we will wait to see if there is additional correspondence.

Thank you for clarifying this issue.