Recent claims circulating on social media regarding a $1,390 direct deposit relief payment purportedly being issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have been confirmed as false. A thorough investigation reveals that this payment scheme is a hoax and does not originate from any official government program.
These rumors emerged from a combination of misleading online content and recycled information from previous discussions on stimulus payments. Numerous unofficial websites and social media posts falsely asserted that the U.S. government had approved a relief payment of $1,390 set to be delivered in 2025. These claims, structured to resemble legitimate press releases, invoked the names of reputable institutions like the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury to lend credibility.
To clarify, neither the IRS nor the U.S. Treasury has released any announcement, press release, or update regarding a new relief program for the year 2025. Additionally, there has been no congressional legislation or legal authorization for such payments, which is essential for any federal stimulus or relief initiative.
The fabricated reports suggested that millions of Americans could expect a $1,390 tax-free payment via direct deposit, aimed at middle- and low-income households, retirees, and veterans. The false narrative proposed that eligibility would be automatically assessed based on 2024 tax filings and data from benefit databases. Some even claimed that these payments would begin in waves by October 2025. However, none of these assertions reflect any official government actions or announcements.
As of now, the IRS has not confirmed any new payment programs. The last authorized economic impact payments were made during the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan, both of which have concluded. Without passage through Congress and subsequent approval, there is currently no national stimulus or relief payment on the horizon.
The rapid spread of this rumor can be attributed to the economic stress and inflation affecting many households. With grocery prices rising approximately 18% since 2019, rents escalating over 25%, and healthcare costs soaring, the public is increasingly desperate for financial relief. Scammers often exploit this desperation by disseminating false claims aimed at obtaining personal information.
Despite the absence of the $1,390 payment, the federal government continues to provide several legitimate assistance programs for eligible citizens. These include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) targeted at low- to moderate-income workers, the Child Tax Credit (CTC) for families with dependents, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food support, as well as Housing Assistance and Energy Credits for qualifying households. These are established programs administered through appropriate channels.
To protect against misinformation, it is crucial to verify all financial news before taking action. Official announcements from the IRS or U.S. Treasury will always be available on their official websites, and they will never request sensitive information unprompted through emails, texts, or phone calls.
Individuals who encounter messages promising the nonexistent $1,390 payment should refrain from clicking any links or sharing personal data. Reporting these incidents to the IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting Page or local consumer protection agencies is advisable. It is essential to wait for verified updates from federal authorities rather than being swayed by circulated rumors.
In conclusion, the rumor regarding the $1,390 direct deposit relief payment is entirely unfounded and lacks any basis in law, policy, or official IRS communications. As of now, the government has not announced any new direct payment initiatives for 2025, and it is vital for citizens to remain vigilant and rely on verified government sources in navigating financial claims.