IRS Announces $1390 Direct Deposit Relief Payment For January 2025 — Overview
The IRS has announced a one-time direct deposit relief payment of $1390 scheduled for January 2025. This article explains who may be eligible, how payments will be delivered, and practical steps you can take now.
Who is eligible for the $1390 direct deposit relief payment
Eligibility will depend on IRS criteria set for this relief payment, typically based on recent tax filings, income limits, or benefit statuses. The IRS will publish official guidance that lists qualifying conditions.
Common factors that often affect eligibility include adjusted gross income, filing status, and whether the IRS or another federal agency has your current bank details. Stay alert for the IRS notice that confirms exact rules.
Common eligibility scenarios
- Recent filers who reported direct deposit details on a 2023 or 2024 tax return.
- Federal benefit recipients who receive deposits from Social Security or Veterans Affairs and meet income rules.
- Low- or moderate-income households identified through the tax system.
How and when the IRS will send the payment
The IRS plans to issue most payments by direct deposit in January 2025. Deliveries are often phased, with different groups receiving payments on different dates to manage processing.
If the IRS does not have valid bank information, the agency may send a paper check or a prepaid debit card instead. Expect an official IRS notice mailed to the last address on file with details about your payment.
What to watch for
- Official IRS notices by mail explaining the amount and delivery method.
- Bank account deposits that list an IRS reference or payment code in your statement.
- Announcements and tools on IRS.gov for checking payment status.
How to check payment status and confirm direct deposit
Use only official IRS resources to check your payment status. Look for a dedicated IRS online tool or payment status page specifically created for this relief payment.
Steps to confirm or prepare for a direct deposit include:
- Verify the bank account shown on your most recent federal tax return.
- Check for an IRS online payment status tool or an announcement page at IRS.gov.
- Watch for a mailed notice from the IRS that confirms the payment amount and delivery method.
How to update bank information
In most cases the IRS will use bank details on your most recent tax return or those on file with federal benefit agencies. If the IRS does not provide a way to update bank information for this program, you may need to rely on the data already on file.
If you receive federal benefits, update bank details with the benefit agency (for example SSA or VA) so future deposits reflect current information. Only use secure, official portals to update banking information.
Many IRS relief payments are not taxable for federal income tax purposes, but always check official IRS guidance for the specific payment to confirm tax treatment and reporting rules.
Tax and benefits considerations
Most one-time relief payments in recent years were not treated as taxable income on federal returns. However, final tax treatment depends on the IRS announcement and any follow-up guidance.
If you receive public benefits, ask the benefit agency whether this payment could affect eligibility or benefit calculations. Agencies sometimes have different rules about income treatment for program purposes.
How to avoid scams and phishing attempts
Scammers often use relief payments as a hook. The IRS will not call to demand fees or ask for personal banking details over email or text to deliver this payment.
To protect yourself follow these rules:
- Do not give personal or bank details in response to unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.
- Only use IRS.gov or official federal agency websites for information and updates.
- Verify mailed notices by checking the IRS website or calling an official IRS phone number listed on IRS.gov.
Checklist before January 2025
- Confirm your current mailing address with the IRS or your tax preparer.
- Review your most recent tax return for bank account details and correct errors if possible.
- Monitor your bank account and mailbox in January for the deposit or an IRS notice.
- Save any IRS notices you receive regarding the payment for your records.
Small real-world example
Case study: Maria filed her 2024 taxes electronically and included direct deposit information. She verified her mailing address with her tax preparer in December 2024 and watched her bank account in January 2025.
On January 14 she received a direct deposit labeled with an IRS reference and a mailed notice confirming the $1390 payment. Maria kept the IRS notice and recorded the deposit for budgeting and tax recordkeeping.
Next steps and resources
As January approaches, bookmark the IRS announcement page and look for a specific payment status tool. Follow the IRS on its official site for updates and avoid relying on unverified social posts.
If you believe you are eligible but do not receive the payment, use the official IRS contact channels after the IRS confirms the payment schedule. Keep documentation such as tax returns and benefit statements handy to resolve questions quickly.
Staying informed and using official IRS resources will help ensure you get the $1390 direct deposit relief payment smoothly in January 2025. Check IRS.gov for the latest guidance and tools related to this payment.