Rumors are swirling across social media that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is sending out a $1,390 direct deposit relief payment in November 2025 — a claim that’s sparked hope, confusion, and skepticism nationwide. The story sounds familiar: a one-time “stimulus-style” payment to help Americans cope with inflation and high living costs. But is it actually happening?
Here’s what we know — and what’s misinformation.
The Viral Claim
Posts circulating online claim that the IRS is preparing a $1,390 payment for eligible taxpayers. Supposedly, the money would be deposited directly into bank accounts between November 3–14, 2025, with eligibility based on 2024 tax return data.
The posts also mention a new “Get My Payment” portal — modeled after the COVID-era stimulus tool — where users can check their payment status. Some even include detailed charts suggesting phased rollouts and different timelines for taxpayers, non-filers, and federal benefits recipients.
If true, the payment would be one of the largest federal relief efforts since the pandemic, designed to offset rising prices on food, rent, and healthcare.
Why It Sounds Plausible
The U.S. economy is still grappling with persistent inflation. Grocery prices remain 18% higher than pre-pandemic, and housing costs have jumped 25% since 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
For millions of households living paycheck to paycheck, a $1,390 relief payment would provide welcome breathing room — and stimulate short-term consumer spending. Economists note that direct payments often offer a quick but temporary boost to local economies.
“It’s a quick boost — not a fix,” said one Washington-based fiscal analyst. “It helps people stay afloat, but it doesn’t address long-term affordability.”
The Reality: No Confirmation from the IRS
Despite the viral buzz, there is no official IRS or U.S. Department of the Treasury confirmation of any new relief program. As of November 2025, the IRS newsroom includes no mention of a $1,390 payment or related legislation.
No press releases, congressional bills, or Treasury announcements support the claim. Major outlets like Reuters, Associated Press, and Bloomberg have also found no evidence of a new stimulus or relief initiative.
Instead, the IRS continues to focus on existing operations, such as:
- Disaster relief tax extensions for specific regions.
- The expansion of the Direct File pilot program.
- Ongoing tax refund processing for 2024 filers.
In short: if you haven’t seen it on IRS.gov or home.treasury.gov, it’s not real.
Fact Check Summary
| Claim | Reality |
|---|---|
| $1,390 IRS Relief Payment Approved | ❌ False — No confirmation from IRS or Treasury |
| Payments Begin Nov. 3, 2025 | ❌ False — No schedule exists |
| New “Get My Payment” Portal Live | ❌ False — Only archived version from 2021 remains |
| IRS Sources Confirm Program | ❌ False — No official sources cited |
| Eligible Taxpayers Paid Automatically | ❌ False — No federal authorization granted |
Status: Unconfirmed and likely false.
How to Protect Yourself
Scammers often exploit viral “relief payment” rumors to steal personal or banking information. If you receive texts, emails, or social media messages claiming you can “claim” or “track” your $1,390 payment, do not click any links.
To stay safe:
- Only trust official sources: IRS.gov/newsroom and home.treasury.gov/news.
- Never provide your Social Security number or bank details through third-party links.
- Remember: the IRS never asks for payment information by email, text, or phone.
- Follow credible outlets like Reuters, AP, or Bloomberg for verified updates.
Could Relief Payments Still Happen?
It’s possible that Congress could approve new stimulus-style payments in the future — particularly if economic conditions worsen. But such measures always require legislation, public debate, and official government announcements.
No federal agency can issue nationwide payments without clear congressional authority.
The Bottom Line
The $1,390 IRS relief payment circulating online appears to be misinformation — not an official government program. While many Americans could use financial relief, there is no current federal plan offering new direct deposits this month.
When in doubt, verify first — and protect your financial information.
