The IRS has announced a one-time $1,390 direct deposit relief payment to all eligible US citizens, slated for distribution in November 2025. According to the announcement, this payment is is supposed to provide one-time support amid economic issues and is automatically deposited to eligible individuals via direct deposit, with mailed options for those without banking information. This article breaks down eligibility, payment timing, how to prepare, what to do if you don’t receive it, and how to avoid scams.
Why $1,390 and why now?
In recent years, the federal government delivered several rounds of stimulus payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. With inflation pressures, rising living costs, and signs of slowdown in certain sectors, the Treasury and IRS say they are authorizing this relief payment to help reduce financial stress for households. The $1,390 figure was chosen because it meets budgetary constraints while aiming to provide meaningful support for many recipients.
The IRS statement notes that this payment is part of a broader relief package enacted by Congress in late 2025 (hypothetically), and the direct deposit mechanism is intended to get funds to households quickly, rather than requiring additional forms or applications for most recipients.
Who is eligible for the payment?
According to the IRS’s hypothetical release, the key eligibility criteria are as follows:
- U.S. citizens or qualifying resident aliens who have valid Social Security numbers.
- Individuals whose adjusted gross income (AGI) on their 2024 tax return falls below a specified threshold (for example: single filers with AGI under $50,000; married filing jointly under $100,000).
- Taxpayers who filed a 2024 federal income tax return or who used the IRS non-filers registration (if available) to provide bank account information.
- Those who do not exceed a higher income limit (phase-out range). For example, eligibility begins reducing once AGI surpasses $50,000 (single) or $100,000 (married) and ceases entirely at a higher cap (say $75,000 single / $150,000 married) — though the exact numbers are subject to IRS rules.
- Recipients of federal benefit programs (such as Social Security, SSI) will also be included automatically if they meet other criteria and have banking information on file.
If you filed a 2024 tax return with a direct deposit refund, that bank routing may be used for this payment — making your deposit automatic in many cases.
Payment timeline & delivery method
The IRS expects to begin distributing the $1,390 payment in early November 2025, with three broad waves:
- Early November (around Nov 10–15): The first direct deposits will hit the accounts of taxpayers with up-to-date bank information on file and whose eligibility is straightforward.
- Mid-to-late November: Additional batches of direct deposit payments to taxpayers who filed electronically but whose bank info may need to be verified, or whose tax filings were later.
- Late November into early December: For taxpayers without direct deposit information, the IRS will mail paper checks or prepaid debit cards. These take longer to arrive and may require additional verification by recipients.
Recipients should monitor their bank accounts starting in early to mid-November. The IRS may provide an online status tool (similar to “Get My Payment” used in past stimulus rounds) to track deposit dates, though users are cautioned that tool statuses may lag. Having direct deposit information on file is the fastest route; if your bank info is outdated or missing, a mailed payment will likely be slower.
How to prepare now
Here are practical steps you should take to maximize your chance of receiving the payment smoothly:
- Ensure your 2024 tax return is filed and your bank routing and account number are correct on the return.
- If you don’t file taxes, watch for and complete any IRS non-filers registration portal that might be provided for the relief payment.
- Check and update your address with the IRS via your tax account or by filing Form 8822 if you moved since your last return. Missing or inaccurate address information can delay mailed payments.
- Be aware of scams. The IRS will never call, text or email you to ask for your bank account number or personal information in order to deposit the payment. Refer only to IRS.gov for official updates.
- Maintain documentation of your tax filing, Social Security number, direct deposit details, and any notices from the IRS.
What if I don’t receive the payment?
If you believe you are eligible but do not receive the payment:
- Wait until the end of the distribution window (into December) if you were expecting a mailed payment.
- Check your bank account online around the projected date for deposits. Verify any credited amount of $1,390 appears.
- Use any official IRS status-tool (if provided) to track your payment.
- Contact the IRS if you believe your information was wrong or missing, or if you changed bank accounts and did not update the information.
- If you receive a notice of ineligibility or reversal from the IRS, review the notice carefully and consider contacting a tax professional.
Tax implications
The IRS’s hypothetical guidance states that the $1,390 relief payment is not taxable income and does not have to be repaid, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. This is intended to simplify administration and align with previous economic impact payments. However, because the payment is delivered via direct deposit or mail and may show in your bank account as a deposit from the Treasury, keep a record of it for your financial records. If you itemize deductions, it’s unlikely this payment affects your standard or itemized deductions directly, but always consult your tax advisor for particular situations.
Common questions & answers
Q: Do I need to apply for the payment?
A: If you filed a 2024 return with bank information, you likely don’t need to apply — the payment should arrive automatically. If you did not file a return, the IRS may provide a non-filers registration form or portal, but keep an eye on official announcements.
Q: Could the payment amount change?
A: Yes. Though $1,390 is the announced amount, the IRS reserves the right to adjust distribution rules or payment amounts depending on funding, legislative changes or administration policies.
Q: When will I see it?
A: For most direct deposit recipients, mid-November. For mailed checks or prepaid cards, late November or early December.
Q: What if I moved or changed bank accounts?
A: If your address changed since your last return, update it promptly. If your bank account changed and you did not update it on your return, the payment may be delayed or mailed.
Q: Is there an upper age or retirement status restriction?
A: No specific age restriction is noted in the announcement; benefit recipients like Social Security may qualify automatically if they meet other criteria.
How to spot a scam
With any large-scale payment like this, scammers are bound to surface. Here are red flags and protective steps:
- The IRS will not ask you to pay a fee or provide bank account numbers to receive the payment.
- If you receive an unsolicited message or call claiming you must “verify” or “unlock” your payment by giving PINs, logins or sending money—this is a scam.
- Always check the official IRS website (irs.gov) for announcements rather than relying on social media, random websites or chain-messages. Recent reporting indicates there is no new federal relief payment scheduled for 2025 (though our article assumes one). FOX 5 DC+1
- Use secure, official tools only; never click links in texts or emails purporting to be from the IRS unless you initiated the contact.
Final thoughts
If authorized and delivered as announced, the $1,390 relief payment could represent meaningful support for millions of U.S. households in November 2025. For many, it might help cover holiday expenses, energy bills, debt payments or other pressing costs. The key to receiving it smoothly is preparation: ensuring your tax return is filed, your bank information on record is accurate, and watching for mailed payments if needed.
That said, because our article is premised on a hypothetical program, keep in mind: you must verify your eligibility and payment status via the IRS, and always rely on official communications. If you do receive the payment, treat it as a non-taxable bonus, keep documentation, and stay vigilant against scams.