IRS $1390 Direct Deposit Relief Payment for January 2026

The IRS has announced a $1390 direct deposit relief payment arriving in January 2026. This guide explains who may receive the payment, how the direct deposit process works, what documents you may need, and what to do if you do not get the payment on time.

IRS $1390 Direct Deposit Relief Payment: What You Need to Know

The IRS relief payment is intended to provide short-term financial assistance to specific taxpayers. The payment amount is $1,390 and will be delivered by direct deposit when the IRS has valid banking information on file.

This article focuses on practical steps: confirming eligibility, checking direct deposit details, and tracking the payment in January 2026.

Who qualifies for the IRS $1390 Direct Deposit Relief Payment

Eligibility rules are limited and depend on recent tax filings and certain benefit programs. In general, eligible groups may include:

• Individuals who filed a recent federal tax return and claimed a refundable credit that triggers relief.
• Households receiving certain federal benefits tied to IRS data, such as Social Security or veterans benefits, where an automatic relief payment is authorized.
• Low- and moderate-income taxpayers identified through prior-year filings and IRS records.

If you are unsure about your status, check the IRS notice you received or use IRS online tools described below.

Documents and information to confirm eligibility

Before January 2026, gather these items so you can act quickly if needed:

• Most recent federal tax return (Form 1040).
• Social Security number or ITIN.
• Current bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit.
• Any IRS notices or letters mentioning relief payments.

How to get the IRS $1390 Direct Deposit Relief Payment in January 2026

The IRS will use direct deposit when it already has taxpayer bank information from a recent return or benefit provider. If the IRS does not have direct deposit information, they may send a check instead, or you may need to take action.

Steps to check and update direct deposit details

Follow these practical steps to confirm or update your banking info before payment delivery:

• Visit the official IRS website and log in to your account. Use the Get My Payment or similar IRS tools if available.
• Verify that the bank routing and account numbers on file are current.
• If you do not have an IRS online account, create one early using ID verification methods recommended by the IRS.
• Contact your benefit provider (for example, Social Security Administration) if your benefits route through that agency and you expect the IRS to use its records.

What to do if you do not receive the IRS $1390 Direct Deposit Relief Payment

If January 2026 passes without a deposit, take these actions:

1. Check the IRS online portal or notices for payment status updates.
2. Confirm your bank did not reject or return the deposit; speak to your bank if necessary.
3. Look for an IRS letter in the mail explaining delays or next steps.
4. If needed, contact the IRS at the phone number on official IRS pages. Prepare your tax return and identification details before calling.

Tracking and timing: When to expect the IRS $1390 Direct Deposit Relief Payment

The IRS typically communicates a payment schedule and may phase deposits over several days or weeks. Expect deposits to begin in January 2026, but exact timing depends on processing and verification steps.

Use the IRS online tool to check payment status. Keep in mind the IRS will not call and demand private information about bank accounts.

Important timing tips

• Clear any bank holds or closed accounts prior to January to avoid returned funds.
• Allow 5 to 10 business days after the IRS posts a payment status update for your bank to process the deposit.
• If you move, ensure your address with the IRS is current to receive any mailed notices.

Practical example: A small case study

Maria is a single parent who filed her 2024 tax return and received refundable credits. The IRS had her bank details from direct deposit refunds in 2024.

In December 2025 Maria verified her bank account via her IRS online account and confirmed eligibility notices. In mid-January 2026 she received an automatic $1,390 deposit from the IRS. She checked her bank statement the same day and saved the IRS notice for her records.

If Maria had not updated her bank info, the IRS might have mailed a paper check instead, which could have delayed delivery by several weeks.

Final practical checklist for January 2026

Use this short checklist to prepare for the IRS $1390 direct deposit relief payment:

• Confirm eligibility using IRS notices and online tools.
• Verify or update bank account information before January.
• Keep recent tax returns and identification ready for verification.
• Monitor your bank account and IRS portals for payment status.
• Save any IRS letters you receive about the payment for future reference.

Following these steps will make it easier to receive the IRS $1390 direct deposit relief payment in January 2026 or to resolve issues quickly if a payment is delayed or returned.