- What it means
- Your refund is delayed because the refund is under additional review.
- Respond within
- The date on the notice
- What to send
- Nothing. Wait the period stated.
- Write it
- Document cover letter
- When to get help
- If the stated period passes with no refund and no follow-up notice, call the number on the IRS page for CP53 or contact the Taxpayer Advocate if the delay causes hardship.
What the letter says
The refund is not lost; it is held while the IRS looks at something on the return or the deposit request. The notice gives an expected timeframe.
What to do
Wait. Do not file a second return. Respond promptly if a document request follows.
What to gather
- The notice
- Your return
Write back
The Document cover letter tool builds the response in the order the IRS reads it. Fill it in, review it, print it, and send it with copies of the documents above and the notice stub on top.
Before you send anything
This is general information, not tax advice. Situations differ. Check with your tax advisor before you send anything. Nothing on this page creates a client relationship.