Millions of Americans are buzzing with anticipation this November after rumors surfaced about a potential $1,390 relief payment from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If true, it would be one of the biggest direct payments since the pandemic-era stimulus checks — a welcome relief for households still feeling the pinch of high prices and inflation.
But before you start checking your bank account, there’s one big question to answer: is it real?
The Buzz About the $1,390 IRS Relief Payment
In early November 2025, posts began circulating online claiming that the IRS was preparing a new relief program worth $1,390 per eligible taxpayer. The supposed goal? To help families manage soaring grocery costs, housing expenses, and healthcare bills.
According to these viral claims, the rollout would look a lot like the previous stimulus rounds — quick direct deposits rather than paper checks. Posts also claimed the payments would be “tax-free,” “automatic,” and require no separate application.
It’s no surprise the rumor caught fire. After years of inflation squeezing paychecks, the idea of a surprise deposit from the IRS sounds almost too good to be true.
What the Rumor Claims
According to these unverified reports, eligibility would allegedly be based on 2024 tax data and existing government records, with the following supposed payment timeline:
| Category | Eligibility | Payment Method | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxpayers below income limits | Full $1,390 | Direct deposit | Nov 3–10, 2025 |
| Higher-income taxpayers | Partial (phased-out) | Direct deposit | Nov 7–14, 2025 |
| Non-filers (SSI, VA, SSA) | Automatic payment | Benefits account | Mid-Nov 2025 |
| No direct deposit info | Paper check or debit card | Late Nov 2025 |
Some posts even mentioned a new “Get My Payment” portal launching on September 30, 2025 — a callback to the system used for the COVID stimulus checks.
However, no such portal currently exists, and there’s no official word about one being developed.
Why It Matters (If It Were Real)
It’s easy to see why this rumor spread so quickly. With rent, gas, and groceries still climbing, a one-time payment of $1,390 would bring real relief to many American households.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that grocery prices are still nearly 18% higher than before the pandemic, and rents in big cities have climbed over 25% since 2019. For working families and retirees, that’s a heavy lift.
Economists note that even short-term cash infusions like this can help stabilize spending and give local economies a quick boost. “It’s not a permanent fix,” one Washington-based analyst explained, “but it could help people stay afloat.”
What the IRS Actually Says
Here’s where things come back down to earth. As of November 21, 2025, neither the IRS nor the U.S. Treasury Department has confirmed any such $1,390 relief program.
Official updates on IRS.gov only mention ongoing tax processing, targeted disaster relief, and the expansion of digital filing tools — not any new national stimulus or relief payment.
In other words, those posts claiming payments would start “November 3, 2025” are unverified.
This isn’t the first time rumors like this have surfaced. Similar stories have circulated during tax season or economic downturns, often mixing a bit of truth (like past stimulus programs) with a lot of speculation.
Fact Check: Is the $1,390 Relief Payment Real?
- Status: Unconfirmed / Likely False
- IRS Confirmation: None as of November 2025
- Treasury Department Announcements: None
- Media Coverage: No credible reports from Reuters, AP, or Bloomberg
- Official Portal: No live “Get My Payment” site
While the rumor borrows from real past events, there’s no evidence that this particular payment exists.
To stay safe and informed, always check official sources such as irs.gov/newsroom or home.treasury.gov/news.
How to Protect Yourself from Fake Payment Scams
If you ever come across a claim about new federal payments:
- Verify directly on IRS.gov — never through social media links.
- Avoid texts or emails that ask for personal or banking information.
- Check major news outlets. If it’s real, every reputable outlet will report it.
- Use your IRS online account to review deposits or tax-related updates.
If a future relief program ever gets approved, it will come through official legislation or a Treasury announcement — not a social media rumor.
FAQs
Is the $1,390 IRS relief payment confirmed?
No. There’s no confirmation from the IRS or Treasury Department as of November 2025.
Could a new payment still happen later?
Possibly. Congress or the White House could authorize new relief, but nothing is active now.
How can I confirm if a payment is legitimate?
Always use official government sites — never third-party links.
Are scammers using this rumor?
Yes. Many fake websites are popping up claiming to “track” or “claim” your $1,390 check. Avoid them.
What if I didn’t file taxes last year?
You can still file your 2024 return to stay current with the IRS, but it won’t trigger any $1,390 payment at this time.
Until official confirmation appears on IRS.gov or in a major government press release, the $1,390 payment remains what it likely is — just another viral rumor in a tough economy.