Over the past week, millions of Americans have seen headlines and TikTok posts claiming the federal government will soon deposit $1,390 “stimulus” checks into taxpayer accounts. Supposedly, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. Treasury had approved the plan for low- and middle-income households to offset high inflation. Both agencies have confirmed that no federal stimulus checks or Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) are scheduled or authorized for summer 2025.
“These claims are inaccurate. Congress has not passed legislation authorizing any new direct payments,” an IRS spokesperson reiterated in a statement to multiple outlets this week.
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IRS $1,390 Stimulus Check November 2025
Social media posts, often accompanied by screenshots of fake IRS alerts, allege that:
- Americans earning under $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (joint) will soon receive a $1,390 direct deposit.
- The deposits will arrive “by the end of summer 2025.”
- The goal is to “help families facing inflation.”
None of this information appears in official Treasury or IRS notices. The story’s wording mirrors past federal relief programs, making it sound plausible — which explains why it spread so fast.
“People remember the pandemic-era checks and assume another round must be coming,” notes Dr. Laura Henderson, senior fellow at the Center for Tax Policy and Public Finance. “But those were emergency measures that ended years ago.”
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How the Rumor Started?
According to fact-checkers at the Associated Press (AP) and The Sun, the rumor likely stems from recycled news about the COVID-era Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) issued between 2020 and 2021. At that time, three authorized rounds went out:
| Legislation | Year | Maximum Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARES Act | 2020 | $1,200 per person | Completed in 2020 |
| COVID-Related Tax Relief Act | 2020 | $600 per person | Completed in early 2021 |
| American Rescue Plan Act | 2021 | $1,400 per person | Final payments ended 2021 – 2022 |
The final filing deadline to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit — the last chance for any federal stimulus-related refund — was April 15, 2025. Those late filings are now being processed, which may explain why some taxpayers are suddenly receiving small refunds or IRS notices and mistaking them for a new check.
“Taxpayers seeing unexpected deposits might actually be getting old refund corrections, not new stimulus money,” says Brian McAdams, former Treasury payments analyst.
Understanding the End of Federal Stimulus
The Economic Impact Payment program was designed as a temporary emergency measure during the COVID-19 crisis. In total, more than 476 million payments worth $814 billion were distributed between 2020 and 2021. Economists note that today’s fiscal environment — marked by efforts to curb inflation and reduce the federal deficit — makes new universal checks highly unlikely.
“With the economy still expanding and unemployment near record lows, broad cash payments are politically and fiscally implausible,” explains Dr. Mark Healy, senior economist at the National Institute for Economic Policy.
State-Wise Relief Payments
Although Washington D.C. has no active stimulus, several states continue targeted inflation-relief rebates using local budget surpluses.
| State | Relief Program | Maximum Amount | Eligibility Highlights | Status (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Inflation Refund Program | Up to $400 per resident | Income ≤ $150k (joint) | Ongoing Fall 2025 |
| Virginia | Taxpayer Rebate Act | Up to $200 (single) / $400 (joint) | Filed 2024 state tax return | Payments rolling out Nov 2025 |
| Alaska | Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) | ≈ $1,000 per eligible resident | Residency criteria | Distributed Oct 2025 |
These state-funded rebates are separate from federal stimulus checks and vary by location. To verify eligibility, residents should visit their official state Department of Revenue websites — never rely on viral links or private messages.
How to Check a Stimulus Scam?
Scammers often exploit trending rumors to collect personal data. Warning signs include:
- Texts or emails claiming “You’ve been approved for your $1,390 stimulus.”
- Requests for banking details or small “processing fees.”
- Social-media pages mimicking IRS logos or Treasury branding.
“The IRS never contacts taxpayers via text, email, or social media for payment verification,” warns Michael DeSantis, IRS Criminal Investigation Division. “If you receive such a message, delete it and report it to the officials”
For legitimate information, always use the secure portal at IRS.gov or call 1-800-829-1040.
Could Another Federal Stimulus Ever Happen?
While no new round is planned, the idea of future relief resurfaces whenever economic conditions worsen. Congressional researchers say any new stimulus would require:
- Legislation passed by both the House and Senate.
- A presidential signature.
- Funding appropriations through the Treasury.
So far in 2025, no such bill has advanced beyond committee discussion.
Fact Check
| Topic | IRS Position (as of Oct 2025) |
|---|---|
| New Federal Stimulus Announced? | No. Congress has not approved new direct payments. |
| Amount ($1,390) | False. No such figure appears in federal legislation or IRS guidance. |
| Timeline (Summer 2025) | False. No pending disbursement schedule exists. |
| Agency Involved | IRS & Treasury confirm rumor is unauthenticated. |
| Official Update Source | www.irs.gov |
Key Takeaways
- No federal $1,390 stimulus payment has been approved or scheduled.
- The IRS and Treasury have not authorized new direct deposits.
- Any recent IRS deposits are tax refunds or past-due credits, not new aid.
- Some states (e.g., New York, Virginia, Alaska) are providing small rebates.
- Always verify news through official IRS or state government websites.
FAQs
Is the IRS sending $1,390 stimulus checks this summer 2025?
The IRS and Treasury have confirmed that no federal payments are being issued or scheduled.
Where did the rumor originate?
It stems from misinformation shared online, misrepresenting the COVID-era stimulus programs that ended in 2021.
Can I still claim older stimulus money?
Only by filing or amending a 2021 tax return for the Recovery Rebate Credit. The final filing deadline was April 15, 2025.
Are any payments happening at all?
Yes, but only state-level rebates in places like New York (up to $400) and Virginia (up to $200 – $400). These are not federal checks.
How do I confirm if an IRS deposit is real?
Check your IRS Online Account or transcript. Never trust emails or DMs; official notices arrive by mail or through the secure IRS portal.