diff --git a/src/wp-includes/comment.php b/src/wp-includes/comment.php
index a6deb2db599f5..145cf91a7c129 100644
--- a/src/wp-includes/comment.php
+++ b/src/wp-includes/comment.php
@@ -2429,9 +2429,17 @@ function wp_new_comment_notify_postauthor( $comment_id ) {
 
 	$maybe_notify = $is_note ? get_option( 'wp_notes_notify' ) : get_option( 'comments_notify' );
 
+	// By default, only notify for approved comments and notes.
+	if (
+		! isset( $comment->comment_approved ) ||
+		( '1' !== $comment->comment_approved && ! $is_note ) ) {
+			$maybe_notify = false;
+	}
+
 	/**
-	 * Filters whether to send the post author new comment notification emails,
-	 * overriding the site setting.
+	 * Filters whether to send the post author new comment and note notification emails,
+	 * overriding the site settings and defaults. By default, notifications are sent for
+	 * all notes and for approved comments.
 	 *
 	 * @since 4.4.0
 	 *
@@ -2448,13 +2456,6 @@ function wp_new_comment_notify_postauthor( $comment_id ) {
 		return false;
 	}
 
-	// Send notifications for approved comments and all notes.
-	if (
-		! isset( $comment->comment_approved ) ||
-		( '1' !== $comment->comment_approved && ! $is_note ) ) {
-			return false;
-	}
-
 	return wp_notify_postauthor( $comment_id );
 }