There’s been a fresh wave of headlines flying around the internet “IRS confirms $1,390 direct deposit!” — and it’s catching fire on TikTok, Facebook groups, and click-hungry news sites. The message? That the U.S. government is about to drop nearly $1,400 straight into Americans’ bank accounts this fall.
But is this another round of economic relief? A secret stimulus? A hidden benefit no one told you about?
Not quite. Here’s what’s really going on — and why so many people are getting confused.
Is the IRS Sending a $1,390 Direct Deposit in 2025?
Let’s cut through the noise:
No, the IRS is not issuing a new, nationwide $1,390 stimulus payment in September, October, or November 2025.
What’s actually happening is this: some Americans — a very specific group — may receive a one-time refund or credit payment, depending on previous tax filing issues or unclaimed stimulus money from prior years. That’s it.
This is not a new stimulus program.
It’s not part of any new economic relief package passed by Congress.
And it’s not going out to every American household.
So, where’s the $1,390 number even coming from?
Why the $1,390 Rumor Is Spreading
There are three main reasons this story has caught on — even though it’s mostly smoke and mirrors.
1. It Sounds Familiar
People remember the COVID-era relief checks:
- $1,200 in 2020
- $600 in early 2021
- $1,400 in 2021 under the American Rescue Plan
That last one? It’s nearly the same amount as this rumored $1,390. So naturally, when people hear that the IRS is sending a similar amount now, it triggers a sense of déjà vu — and a bit of hope.
2. Recovery Rebate Credit Confusion
Some of the $1,390 payments are real, but they’re part of the Recovery Rebate Credit — a tax credit for people who never received one or more of the original COVID stimulus checks. In other words, this isn’t new money. It’s old money, finally reaching people who were owed it years ago.
This includes:
- People who were wrongly excluded from stimulus checks
- Taxpayers who had errors in their 2020 or 2021 filings
- Individuals who became eligible retroactively (e.g., new parents in 2021)
For these people, the IRS may be issuing direct deposits or checks — but again, it’s not a new program.
3. Scams and Misinformation
Unfortunately, anytime money is involved, scammers show up fast. People are receiving text messages or emails saying, “The IRS has issued your $1,390 direct deposit — click here to confirm.” These messages are fake — and designed to steal your personal info.
The IRS never contacts people via text or social media. If you get a message like that, delete it immediately.
Who Could Actually Receive $1,390?
Let’s be clear: some individuals may see $1,390 (or a similar amount) land in their bank account, but only under specific conditions.
You might be eligible if:
- You were supposed to receive the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit and didn’t
- You made an error on your 2021 tax return that has now been corrected
- You recently filed an amended return and qualified for a past rebate
| Possible Reason for Payment | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Missed 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit | Up to $1,400 |
| Corrected tax filing or amended return | Varies (often ~$1,390) |
| IRS adjustment based on eligibility correction | Varies |
These payments are being sent automatically — either as a direct deposit (if your banking info is on file) or a paper check. No application is required, and there’s no official “claim form” floating around.
If someone asks you to fill one out — it’s a scam.
What the IRS Has Officially Said
Despite the viral posts and flashy headlines, the IRS has not made any announcement confirming a universal $1,390 payment.
Here’s what we do know:
- The IRS is still processing delayed or corrected payments from 2021 stimulus programs.
- Some Americans are receiving those payments, but not as part of any new relief bill.
- There is no active stimulus program in 2025 providing $1,390 to all citizens.
In other words, if you get $1,390, you were likely owed it already — and it’s just now making its way to you.
How to Know If a Payment Is Legit
Here’s how to separate fact from fraud:
✅ It’s legit if:
- You filed a 2021 tax return and recently received an IRS notice or refund adjustment.
- You amended your 2021 return and were told to expect a rebate.
- You’ve previously missed out on a Recovery Rebate and recently took steps to correct it.
🚫 It’s a scam if:
- You get a random text, call, or email saying “click here to claim your $1,390.”
- You’re told to provide your Social Security number or banking info to “unlock” the payment.
- The message contains odd grammar, suspicious links, or non-official IRS logos.
Reminder:
The IRS does not communicate via text messages or unsolicited emails. Any genuine update will be posted on their official portal or sent via standard mail.
What Should You Do If You Think You’re Owed?
If you believe you may have been eligible for a prior Recovery Rebate Credit and didn’t get it, you can:
- Check your IRS account online to view your tax return and any recent adjustments.
- File an amended return for 2021, if needed, with help from a licensed tax preparer.
- Wait for IRS processing if you already filed and were recently notified of a correction.
Do not file anything new just because you saw a headline online — if you weren’t eligible then, you’re not suddenly eligible now.
Final Word: What’s the Real Story?
The viral $1,390 direct deposit rumor is based on a kernel of truth, but it’s being stretched beyond reality.
Some Americans are receiving delayed or corrected credits including the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — which may land as payments of $1,390 or close to that. But this is not a new IRS program, and it’s not happening for everyone.
If you’re one of the people who missed out, this could be your time to get what you’re owed. But for the majority, there’s no new stimulus, and no $1,390 windfall coming in 2025 — at least, not yet.