IRS Payment Rumor: Reports about a $1,390 IRS payment have been circulating online, leading many taxpayers to question whether a new federal stimulus or refund program has been approved. Social media posts and unofficial websites suggest that Americans may be eligible for a fresh payment from the Internal Revenue Service.
As of the latest official updates from the Internal Revenue Service, there is no new nationwide $1,390 stimulus payment program currently approved by Congress. However, the rumor appears to stem from confusion surrounding tax refunds, credits, and past relief programs.
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This article explains where the claim originated, what the IRS has actually confirmed, who may still qualify for legitimate payments, and how to avoid misinformation.
What Is the $1,390 IRS Payment Claim?
The claim suggests that the IRS is sending out a one-time $1,390 payment to eligible Americans. In most versions of the rumor, the payment is described as:
- A new stimulus check
- A recovery rebate payout
- A “relief bonus” for seniors or low-income taxpayers
- An automatic direct deposit
- A limited-time benefit
However, there is no official announcement confirming such a standalone payment amount for 2025.
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In many cases, the $1,390 figure appears to be a misinterpretation of average tax refund amounts, state-level rebates, or refundable federal credits claimed on tax returns.
Latest Official IRS Position
According to official guidance from the Internal Revenue Service:
- No new federal stimulus payment of $1,390 has been authorized.
- Tax refunds vary based on individual filings.
- Payments currently being issued relate to regular tax refunds, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), or Child Tax Credit (CTC) adjustments.
- Any new federal stimulus would require congressional approval.
The IRS has also warned taxpayers to rely only on official sources such as IRS.gov to verify payment information.
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Breakdown of Possible Sources Behind the Confusion
Below is a structured overview of programs and tax components that may have contributed to the rumor:
| Program / Payment Type | Is It Active? | Average Amount | Who Qualifies | Official Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Stimulus Check | No | N/A | N/A | IRS | No new stimulus approved |
| Recovery Rebate Credit | Limited | Varies | Eligible non-filers from prior years | IRS | Only for missed prior stimulus |
| Earned Income Tax Credit | Yes | Up to several thousand | Low to moderate-income workers | IRS | Refund depends on income & dependents |
| Child Tax Credit | Yes | Varies | Families with qualifying children | IRS | Claimed on tax return |
| Regular Tax Refund | Yes | Varies (often around $1,000–$3,000) | Tax filers | IRS | Based on overpaid taxes |
| State-Level Rebates | Some states | Varies | State residents | State tax agencies | Not federal payments |
| Senior Tax Credits | Yes (existing programs) | Varies | Eligible seniors | IRS | Not a flat $1,390 payment |
| Tax Adjustment Payments | Case-based | Varies | Amended returns | IRS | Not automatic for everyone |
This table shows that while taxpayers may receive payments around that amount, they are not part of a new universal $1,390 program.
Who May Still Receive IRS Payments in 2025?
Although the $1,390 rumor is misleading, some taxpayers are receiving legitimate payments. These typically fall under:
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- Tax refunds for overpaid federal income taxes
- Refundable credits such as EITC
- Adjustments from amended returns
- Recovery Rebate Credit claims for missed prior stimulus
- Identity theft or correction-related releases
Eligibility depends entirely on individual tax filings, income levels, and dependent status.
There is no automatic eligibility category labeled “$1,390 payment.”
Why Rumors Like This Spread
Financial rumors often gain traction during tax season. Several factors contribute:
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- Confusion between average refund amounts and stimulus checks
- Old relief programs resurfacing on social media
- Misleading headlines designed to attract clicks
- Misinterpretation of IRS processing updates
- State rebates being confused with federal payments
Because tax refunds often average over $1,000 for many filers, some posts mistakenly frame these refunds as a newly approved government payment.
How to Verify IRS Payment Information
Taxpayers should use official verification methods rather than relying on social media posts.
Here are reliable steps:
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- Visit IRS.gov directly
- Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool
- Review official IRS news releases
- Check your IRS online account
- Confirm any payment notices through mailed IRS letters
Avoid clicking on suspicious links promising fast access to the alleged $1,390 payment.
Real-World Impact on Taxpayers
Misinformation can lead to:
- False expectations of extra income
- Financial planning errors
- Increased scam risk
- Phishing attempts targeting taxpayers
Scammers often use trending payment rumors to collect personal data. The IRS does not initiate contact through social media or text messages requesting personal information.
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Understanding the difference between a tax refund, a tax credit, and a stimulus payment is essential. Refunds are based on taxes already paid, while stimulus checks require separate federal legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an approved $1,390 IRS stimulus payment?
No. The IRS has not announced or approved a new $1,390 stimulus payment.
Why are some people receiving payments around $1,390?
This amount may reflect individual tax refunds or credits based on income and filing status.
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Do seniors automatically qualify for $1,390?
No. There is no special automatic payment of that exact amount for seniors.
Could Congress approve a new stimulus later?
It is possible, but no such legislation has been passed at this time.
How do I check if I am owed money?
Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool or log into your official IRS account.
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Are social media payment announcements reliable?
Only if they link directly to verified IRS or government sources.
Final Summary
The $1,390 IRS payment rumor is not supported by any official federal announcement. While many Americans are receiving legitimate tax refunds or credit-related payments, there is no new universal payment program set at that amount.
Taxpayers should rely on verified updates from the Internal Revenue Service and avoid unconfirmed online claims. Staying informed through official channels helps prevent confusion and protects against scams during tax season.
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Dr Linda Steele is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Technology Sydney, and a member of the Law Health Justice Research Centre. She is also a Visiting Senior Fellow at the Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts, University of Wollongong.