You’ve probably seen posts online about a $1,390 direct deposit from the IRS coming in January 2026. It sounds like good news, especially with prices still high for groceries and gas. But let’s clear this up right away – there is no official IRS relief payment of $1,390 planned for January 2026. Many websites and social media stories are spreading this rumor, but reliable sources like Yahoo Finance and fact-check sites say it’s not true. The IRS hasn’t announced any new stimulus or relief checks like the ones from the COVID years.
Why Are People Talking About $1,390?
This number seems to come from old COVID stimulus ideas or average tax refund amounts some people got before. Back in 2021, the last big stimulus was $1,400 per person, so folks mix it up and think something similar is happening again. Sometimes, the IRS sends automatic refunds if you missed a credit on past taxes, and those can be around that amount. But it’s not a new program for everyone. Inflation is tough on budgets, so these stories spread fast when people hope for extra cash.
Who Might Qualify If It Were Real?
Even though it’s not happening, the rumors often mention rules like past stimulus: single people earning under $75,000 a year getting the full amount, married couples under $150,000 getting double, and Social Security recipients automatically qualifying. But again, this is just guesswork from fake articles. Real IRS help comes from things like the Child Tax Credit, which is $2,200 per kid for 2025 taxes (filed in 2026), or Earned Income Credit for low-wage workers. No income limits trigger a flat $1,390 payment.
Expected Dates and How You’d Get It
The viral posts claim deposits start in mid-January 2026, with direct deposit being fastest if your bank info is on file with the IRS. Paper checks would take longer. In reality, January is when Social Security gets its yearly cost-of-living bump (COLA), which might add a bit to monthly checks, but that’s separate – not a one-time $1,390. Tax refunds for 2025 start processing around late January or February 2026, and some could be bigger thanks to recent tax changes.
Benefits and What to Watch Out For
If a real payment like this existed, it would help with bills, debt, or everyday costs – that’s why the idea is popular. The real benefit right now? Bigger tax refunds expected in 2026 from new laws, like a higher Child Tax Credit and other cuts. Families might see hundreds more back when they file. But beware of scams! Fake messages about “relief payments” try to steal your info. Only trust irs.gov for news. Update your IRS account online if needed, and file taxes early for faster refunds.