Social media is buzzing about a new $1,390 IRS payment allegedly coming this October. But is it real? Here’s what the IRS has actually said, what’s rumor, and what real relief programs are available in 2025.
IRS Announces $1,390 Direct Deposit Relief Payment: Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Authority Claimed | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) |
| Rumored Amount | $1,390 per person |
| Claimed Payment Date | October 2025 |
| Status | Not confirmed / No official announcement |
| Official Source | IRS.gov/newsroom |
| Real Relief Programs | Social Security COLA 2025 · State rebates · Child Tax Credit expansion (debated) |
What the Rumor Claims?
A viral post insists that the IRS will send $1,390 direct deposits to taxpayers, seniors, veterans, and low-income families beginning in October 2025.
It even outlines “eligibility brackets” modeled after past stimulus checks:
| Filing Status | Full Eligibility | Phase-Out Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Single Filer | ≤ $75,000 AGI | $99,000 |
| Married Joint | ≤ $150,000 | $198,000 |
| Head of Household | ≤ $112,500 | $136,500 |
Social posts claim the deposits will arrive automatically to bank accounts, SSI cards, and VA accounts, mirroring the pandemic-era stimulus rollout.
Sounds appealing — but there’s a catch.
What the IRS Has Actually Said?
As of October 2025,
- No federal law, press release, or IRS announcement confirms any nationwide $1,390 relief payment.
- Neither IRS.gov, Treasury.gov, nor the White House has published documentation authorizing such deposits.
The IRS newsroom currently lists no active direct-payment program beyond regular tax refunds and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
IRS spokesperson Rafael De Leon clarified to reporters:
“If a new payment program existed, taxpayers would see it first on IRS.gov and in official press bulletins — not on social media posts.”Also Read
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Translation: there’s no $1,390 check approved by Congress or the Treasury.
How Legitimate IRS Payments Usually Work?
When Congress authorizes a direct payment (such as the 2020 and 2021 stimulus checks), the IRS follows a strict protocol:
| Verification Step | What You Should See |
|---|---|
| Legislation Passed | An Act of Congress or Executive Order (appears on Congress.gov) |
| Official Press Release | Announcement via IRS.gov Newsroom and Treasury Press Office |
| Eligibility Criteria | Clear income thresholds and payment dates |
| Tracking Tool | “Get My Payment” or similar portal on IRS.gov |
| Coverage | Widespread reporting from Reuters, AP, CNBC and other verified media |
Anything missing these steps — especially PDFs shared on Facebook or TikTok — is not legitimate.
What Relief is Actually Available in 2025?
Even without a new IRS payment, several verified programs are providing real help this year:
Social Security COLA 2025
- Increase: 3.2 %
- Effective: January 2025
- Raises monthly benefits for retirees, SSI, and SSDI recipients automatically.
Child Tax Credit Expansion (Debated)
- Lawmakers continue negotiations to boost refundable credits for families with children under 17.
- Possible maximum: $3,600 per child if passed by late 2025.
State Rebate Programs
Several states have their own relief plans:
| State | Program | Approx. Payment |
|---|---|---|
| California | Middle Class Tax Refund Round 2 | $250 – $1,050 |
| Colorado | TABOR Refund 2025 | Up to $1,130 |
| New York | Energy Rebate 2025 | $400 – $800 |
| Illinois | LIHEAP Energy Credit | Average $686 per household |
Energy and Housing Assistance
- Programs like LIHEAP and HUD rent relief remain active.
- Visit Benefits.gov to see if you qualify.
Why the $1,390 Rumor Spread So Fast?
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Economic Anxiety | Inflation has eroded household budgets for food and rent. People crave hope. |
| Election Season | Campaign promises and online speculation blur facts and politics. |
| Social Media Algorithms | Posts with “IRS Payment” keywords trend quickly on Facebook and TikTok. |
| Scam Amplification | Fake websites imitate IRS pages to harvest bank or SSN information. |
“Fraudsters know that ‘IRS payment’ is a trigger phrase,” warns cyber-security expert Dina Hughes.
“If you’re asked to ‘apply early’ or ‘verify bank info,’ it’s a scam — every time.”
How to Avoid Scams?
- Go directly to IRS.gov — never click unsolicited links.
- Ignore texts or emails that demand “application fees” or personal details.
- Report suspicious emails to [email protected].
- Check your tax transcript in your IRS account for official payment history.
- Use two-factor authentication on all financial apps.
The Bigger Picture: Relief vs. Reality
| Program Type | Authority | Active in 2025? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Stimulus ($1,390)** | IRS / Congress | No authorization | Rumor only |
| Social Security COLA | SSA | Yes (3.2 %) | Automatic increase Jan 2025 |
| VA Disability COLA | U.S. Dept. of VA | Yes (same rate as SSA) | Tax-free payments |
| State Rebates | Various Governors | Ongoing | Apply via state websites |
| Energy Credits (LIHEAP) | HHS | Yes | Applications open through 2026 |
If a Real Federal Payment Happens Next
Here’s how you can make sure you receive it immediately:
- File your 2024 tax return on time (E-file preferred).
- Keep direct deposit details current with the IRS.
- Opt for electronic notices to get alerts faster.
- Monitor IRS.gov/newsroom and SSA.gov weekly.
When relief programs are real, they show up there first — and nowhere else.
Expert View
“There’s no $1,390 payment from the IRS this October,” confirms Danielle Klein, tax policy analyst at the Urban-Brookings Tax Center.
“But there are ongoing benefits that add real dollars to household budgets — COLA adjustments, earned income credits, and state rebates. Those are the ones people should focus on.”
Fact Check Summary
| Claim | Truth | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| IRS issuing $1,390 payment in Oct 2025 | False | No legislation or official notice |
| Social Security benefits rising in 2025 | True | 3.2 % COLA approved by SSA |
| State rebates available in 2025 | True | Several states offering tax refunds and energy credits |
| IRS will email or text you about new payments | False | IRS never contacts by text/email |
| Fake websites collecting bank info | True | Ongoing phishing scams reported |
FAQs
Is the $1,390 IRS payment confirmed?
No — the IRS has issued no press release or legal authorization for any nationwide payment.
Who started the rumor?
Likely click-bait sites and social posts that blend state rebate stories with federal stimulus memories.
Can I still get help if I’m struggling?
Yes. Check Benefits.gov for rent, food, energy, and tax credit programs.
How can I avoid fake IRS sites?
Only trust URLs ending in “.gov”. Never enter bank details on unverified pages.
Could Congress approve a new payment later?
Possibly. But until a law is passed and posted on IRS.gov, assume all claims are false.
