As of November 2025, no such IRS relief payment exists. The Internal Revenue Service has not authorized, announced, or distributed any new nationwide direct deposits worth $1,390. Here’s what’s actually happening — and why this rumor took off in the first place.
What’s Being Claimed
According to circulating posts and YouTube videos, the IRS is supposedly sending $1,390 “relief payments” to “qualified taxpayers” in November 2025. Some versions call it a “Federal Inflation Rebate,” others a “Direct Economic Relief Payment.”
All versions share the same key detail: that Americans will see an automatic $1,390 deposit appear in their bank accounts, based on 2024 tax filings. Sounds great — except it’s entirely unverified and inconsistent with any official IRS communication.
What the IRS Actually Says
The official IRS Newsroom (irs.gov/newsroom) has no mention of any 2025 direct payment or “relief deposit.” Nor does the U.S. Department of the Treasury (home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases). The Congress.gov appropriations tracker likewise lists no budget authority or bill for a “relief payment” or “inflation rebate.”
An IRS spokesperson reiterated in late October:
“There are no new federal direct payments or stimulus deposits scheduled or approved for 2025. Any messages or emails suggesting otherwise are fraudulent.”
If the IRS were distributing such funds, it would appear in official press releases, Treasury disbursement schedules, and the Federal Register. None of that exists.
Where the $1,390 Number Came From
Here’s the likely source of confusion:
- Social Security COLA increase for 2026.
In October, the Social Security Administration announced a 2.7% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026, which averages about $55 more per month for retirees — roughly $1,390 extra over an entire year. Some social media users misread that as a “one-time relief check.” - Tax refund chatter.
The IRS also adjusted standard deductions and tax credits for the 2025 filing season. Larger refunds are expected for some households, but those will arrive next spring, not as an extra deposit in November. - Old stimulus posts resurfacing.
Screenshots from 2021–2022 stimulus programs were recycled with new captions, turning legitimate historical documents into misleading viral graphics.
The Reality: No New Federal Checks
| Claim | Verified Fact |
|---|---|
| “IRS sending $1,390 relief deposits in November 2025” | No such program exists |
| “Automatic deposits for 2024 taxpayers” | IRS has issued no announcement or schedule |
| “Federal Inflation Rebate or Cost-of-Living Payment” | No legislation, no funding, no record in Treasury or Congress |
| “Check your IRS portal to track payment” | IRS portal only tracks refunds and prior stimulus payments |
Cross-referenced with IRS.gov, Treasury.gov, and Congress.gov, there is zero evidence supporting the rumor.
Why These Hoaxes Keep Circulating
Money rumors have always been clickbait gold — but in 2025, they spread faster than ever. With cost pressures still high and memories of pandemic stimulus checks fresh, many Americans are primed to believe “surprise” payouts.
Some social accounts deliberately exploit that optimism for engagement, using old IRS language, fake graphics, and doctored screenshots to generate clicks. Others are outright scams — phishing attempts designed to steal Social Security numbers or bank details under the guise of “confirming eligibility.”
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has already flagged this trend, warning consumers to delete or report any message requesting personal information to “verify your relief payment.” You can file a report directly at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Real Assistance Programs That Still Exist
Even though this $1,390 payment is fake, there are legitimate ways households may see extra money this season:
- State rebates or tax credits: Some states — including Minnesota, Maine, and Alaska — are issuing limited cost-of-living or energy relief checks. Visit your official state Department of Revenue website (never random links).
- Federal credits: The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) remain available and were slightly adjusted for inflation in 2025 (IRS Credits & Deductions).
- SNAP and LIHEAP: Federal food and energy assistance programs continue through at least FY2026 (USDA SNAP, HHS LIHEAP).
FAQs:
Is there a new $1,390 federal relief payment?
No. The IRS has confirmed that no new stimulus or relief payments are being issued in 2025.
Why are some people claiming they received it?
Most screenshots are fake or show unrelated deposits like state rebates, tax refunds, or benefit adjustments.
Could such a payment happen later?
Only if Congress passes new legislation — and any genuine program would be publicly announced on official government websites.
