In December 2025, a claim began circulating widely online, suggesting that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) would issue a $1,390 direct deposit payment to millions of Americans. Social media posts, messaging apps, and blogs fueled speculation that eligible taxpayers would automatically see these funds in their bank accounts by year-end. While this claim has caused excitement, it is important to separate fact from rumor.
What Are the Online Claims Saying?
The circulating posts claim that:
- The IRS will send automatic payments without requiring applications.
- Millions of taxpayers nationwide are eligible.
- Payments would be deposited directly, with paper checks sent if direct deposit information is unavailable.
- The funds would arrive before the end of December 2025.
Although these claims appear convincing, no official IRS documentation or federal law supports them. The details often mimic previous pandemic stimulus payments, making them seem plausible.
The IRS’s Official Stance in December 2025
The IRS has not announced any new national relief or stimulus payments for 2025. Current communications from the agency focus on:
- Preparing for the 2026 tax filing season
- Processing pending tax refunds
- Adjusting amended returns
| Subject | Official IRS Status |
|---|---|
| $1,390 Direct Deposit Payment | Not Announced |
| New Federal Stimulus or Rebate | Not Approved |
| Emergency Relief Program | Not Active |
| Regular Tax Refund | Ongoing |
| Amended Return Adjustment | Ongoing |
Without an official announcement, the $1,390 payment claim is not legitimate.
Why the Rumor Feels Credible
Many Americans recall stimulus payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were automatic and required little or no application. The similarity in terminology and payment structure creates a false impression that a new round is underway. However, no legislation in 2025 authorizes such payments, and the IRS cannot issue large-scale relief without congressional approval.
IRS Payments Require Congressional Approval
The IRS cannot independently authorize nationwide payments. Any relief program requires:
- Approval by Congress
- Funding allocation in the federal budget
- Signed legislation establishing eligibility and payment rules
As of December 2025:
- No bill for a $1,390 payment has passed.
- No federal funding has been allocated.
- No eligibility framework has been approved.
Without these approvals, the IRS has no legal authority to issue such payments.
Why Some Americans Are Receiving IRS Deposits
Although the $1,390 claim is false, legitimate IRS deposits may still appear in December:
- Delayed tax refunds due to processing backlogs
- Amended return adjustments
- Additional payments from prior tax years
- Audit or review resolutions
These payments are part of normal tax administration, not a new stimulus initiative, and may sometimes be mistaken for such a program.
State-Level Payments and Confusion
Many states continue to issue local relief payments, including energy rebates, renter credits, and property tax relief. When these arrive via direct deposit, recipients may assume the IRS is sending the funds, adding to confusion.
Social Security and Federal Benefits Remain Unchanged
- Social Security retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income, and Social Security Disability Insurance continue on their normal schedules.
- No extra December bonuses or emergency increases have been authorized.
- Claims linking these benefits to IRS-issued $1,390 payments are false.
Payment Rumors Fuel Scam Threat
False claims often trigger scams, with fraudsters posing as government representatives. Common warning signs include:
- Requests for bank account details to “release funds”
- Emails or texts claiming immediate payment confirmation
- Requests for Social Security numbers or verification fees
The IRS never initiates contact via unsolicited messages. Taxpayers should avoid providing personal information to unverified sources.
What Taxpayers Should Trust
Reliable federal payments are:
- Publicly announced
- Legally authorized
- Accompanied by detailed official guidance
Currently, there is no evidence of a $1,390 IRS direct deposit payment. The safest approach is to rely on official government communications and ignore unverified online claims.
Conclusion
The circulating $1,390 IRS direct deposit rumor in December 2025 is false. No congressional approval or federal law authorizes such a payment. While some Americans may receive legitimate IRS deposits in December, these are related to tax refunds, amended returns, or normal adjustments, not a new relief program. Taxpayers should remain vigilant against scams and rely on official IRS announcements for accurate information.
FAQs
Q1. Is the IRS issuing a $1,390 direct deposit payment in December 2025?
A. No. The IRS has not authorized or announced such a payment.
Q2. Has Congress approved a new stimulus or relief payment for 2025?
A. No. No legislation or budget allocation exists for this purpose.
Q3. Why are people talking about a $1,390 IRS payment online?
A. The claim is spreading through social media and blogs but is based on rumors, not official sources.