Rumors have circulated online claiming that the IRS will send out $1,390 direct deposit relief payments in November 2025. These claims are false. No such program has been announced, funded, or approved by the U.S. government. Here’s what’s real, what’s not, and how to verify information safely.
No Federal Relief Payment Approved
As of late October 2025, there is no federal law, IRS bulletin, or Treasury Department release announcing or authorizing new relief payments or stimulus checks worth $1,390.
You can confirm this information on official government sites:
IRS Newsroom: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom
U.S. Department of the Treasury: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases
Congress.gov Appropriations Tracker: https://www.congress.gov
Currently, there are no bills, budget lines, or Treasury disbursements tied to such a program.
Where the Rumor Came From
This false claim appears to have started from social media posts and fabricated news articles designed to look like official IRS announcements. These posts often combine details from past relief programs or state-level payments with false amounts and dates to attract attention.
Common tactics used include:
- Graphics mimicking official IRS announcements
- Recycling information from legitimate state rebates such as those in Minnesota, Alaska, or New Mexico
- Confusing timing with the annual Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), usually announced in October and applied in January
The IRS has warned taxpayers not to trust unsolicited emails, posts, or texts offering special relief or holiday stimulus payments.
“There are no new federal direct payments planned for 2025,” the IRS said in an October statement. “Taxpayers should be cautious of scams that use the IRS name or logo to solicit personal or banking information.”
What the IRS Is Actually Doing
While there is no $1,390 relief payment, there are several legitimate updates and adjustments taking place this fall.
| Program / Change | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tax Bracket Updates | Confirmed | New inflation-adjusted tax brackets will be announced in November. |
| Standard Deduction Increase | Confirmed | Expected to rise by about 5% for 2026 filings. |
| Social Security COLA (SSA) | Confirmed | Benefits increase begins January 2026 and is unrelated to IRS payments. |
| State Rebates | Varies | Some states, such as Alaska, Montana, and Minnesota, are issuing local refunds, not federal payments. |
Some households may receive legitimate deposits this fall, but none are connected to a new IRS relief program.
How to Check If You’re Owed Money
If you think you may have missed a previous refund or credit, you can verify safely using official sources.
Use your IRS online account: https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account
Review your 2020–2023 tax filings: You may still be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit if you missed it.
Avoid social media links or unsolicited texts: Scammers often imitate IRS or Treasury communications to steal personal information.
Social Security or VA recipients should check payment updates at ssa.gov and va.gov. Neither agency has announced new lump-sum relief programs.
Why These Rumors Persist
The memory of pandemic-era stimulus checks and ongoing economic challenges make false relief stories easy to believe and exploit. Scammers spread these claims to:
- Collect Social Security numbers or bank details
- Charge fake processing fees for nonexistent payments
- Generate clicks or ad revenue using misleading headlines
Always verify information directly from IRS.gov or Treasury.gov before trusting any financial announcement.
FAQs
Is the IRS sending $1,390 direct deposits in November 2025?
No. There is no such program or funding authorization.
Where did this claim come from?
From viral posts and fake news articles misrepresenting old stimulus and tax relief programs.
How can I confirm any IRS payment?
Always check your IRS online account or visit the official IRS newsroom. Do not rely on third-party sources or social media messages.
