I opted for paper check and the IRS sent me a CP53E, telling me that I have to have a bank account so I am trying to update that information

[headtroy27]

How do I update my bank information?

[JohnB5677]

As of September 30th, 2025, the IRS will not be issuing paper refund checks.

The CP53E  is an IRS notice that informs you that your tax refund is frozen   because your return does not include a valid direct deposit Bank on your 2025 Form 1040. 

• When you receive the CP53E notice, you have 30 days to update or add a new bank account.
• Access or establish your online account by visiting Your Account to add or update your bank account information.

IRS to phase out paper tax refund checks, starting with individual taxpayers

Understanding your CP53E notice

Online account for individuals

[Mike9241]

you have to sign in or create an account with the iRS. 

• Step 1 – Return accepted: The tax return is processed normally regardless of whether banking information is included. Filing procedures have not changed.
• Step 2 – Refund freeze: If a refund is due and no valid direct deposit information is on file, the IRS temporarily freezes the refund. It is not rejected—it is held pending taxpayer action.
• Step 3 – CP53E notice mailed: The IRS sends a CP53E notice to the taxpayer’s last known address, requesting that banking information be provided within 30 days.
• Step 4 – Taxpayer responds online: The taxpayer must use their IRS Online Account (for individuals) or IRS Business Tax Account (for businesses) to provide direct deposit details. For security reasons, IRS employees cannot accept banking information by phone or in person.
• Step 5 – Refund released: Once banking information is provided, the refund is released via direct deposit. If no response is received within 30 days and no other issues exist, the IRS will issue a paper check after six weeks.

[jbabrown]

I got the same letter from the IRS.  If this is true, that checks are no longer issued by the IRS, Turbo Tax should update their software to require bank account information and not have us believe we have a choice in how we receive a refund.

[fus2020]

We received an IRS Notice  CP53E letter. Where do I go to enter my bank account with my account info>?

[mesquitebean]

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@fus2020 wrote:

We received an IRS Notice  CP53E letter. Where do I go to enter my bank account with my account info>?

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The letter should have the instructions.   But the article below may help.

The IRS is trying to decrease the use of paper checks.   It's possible that the refund would be frozen at the IRS up to 30 days, and the IRS may give you a chance to enter the deposit info within that 30 days by using your Online IRS account (or establishing one) to update the deposit information.   

IRS:  Understanding your CP53E notice

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-cp53e-notice

If you receive such a letter, and if the update in your Online IRS Account is unsuccessful, or if you don't respond to the CP53E notice to update it, the IRS says it will ultimately issue a paper check after 6 weeks have gone by.   There are FAQs about the process on that IRS page I linked above.

[ElSatrapa]

So, I'm having to do this with one of my clients because this year, the TurboTax software refuses to e-file with a BofA routing # (I've been on numerous forums trying to figure out the right thing to do... but truly nothing). 

Anyway, we're doing the mail me a check option and I'm trying to tell the client that they will receive this notice in the mail, so to stay aware in the meantime. 

[Jonny5150]

Also opted to have check mailed an just received CP53E notice.

Absolutely BRILLIANT that TurboTax gave me the option to have my check mailed when that is no longer available by the IRS. BRILLIANT! Great Job!