How to Identify Fake IRS CP53E Notices and Protect Your Financial Information
In March of 2025 the IRS announced a transition toward electronic payments under Executive Order 14247. Due to this Executive Order, the IRS has sent Notice CP53E to taxpayers that did not submit banking details with their 2025 tax return. This notice explains that your payment or direct deposit cannot be processed and provides numerous reasons, most notably, the lack of bank information provided. The notice directs you to the IRS Online Account page (https://www.irs.gov/your-account) and you’ll have 30 days to update or add a bank account. Scammers have taken advantage of the confusion around the implementation and have begun to circulate fake CP53E notices closely resembling legitimate versions.
Our tips/suggestions:
Any notice sent by the IRS will be received exclusively through US mail. It will never be sent by email, text, etc. In addition, the notice will be available on your IRS account.
You may see a QR code provided on the notice. Regardless of legitimacy we suggest using only the official IRS.gov website to provide information. Take note of the site you’re being directed to. A fake notice often points you toward an unusual third-party page.
Official notices explain IRS employees cannot update banking details on your behalf. A fraudulent notice may say the opposite and request sensitive information or banking details.
Be wary of abnormally urgent language. Though the IRS notice may be alarming, fake notices may use seemingly threatening language intended to drive taxpayers to panic and immediate action.
Ultimately, as with any new process there is widespread confusion and we urge you to proceed with caution if you receive Notice CP53E. If you have any uncertainty or questions don’t hesitate to contact us.
