What the IRS clarified about the $1,390 Stimulus Check
Recent headlines and social posts have caused confusion about a possible new $1,390 stimulus check. The IRS has clarified that there is no broad, new automatic payment labeled exactly as a $1,390 stimulus for all taxpayers.
However, certain taxpayers could see a payment or credit near that amount as part of specific tax adjustments, recovery rebate credits, or corrections to prior stimulus calculations. This article explains who may actually qualify and how to verify or claim any payment safely.
Who may actually qualify for a $1,390 payment
There is no single new program that guarantees every eligible adult a $1,390 check. Instead, a payment of about that size could appear in a few limited situations:
- Recovery Rebate Credit: If you did not receive the full stimulus payments you were eligible for in prior years, you may claim a credit on your tax return that results in a refund near $1,390.
- Corrected payments: The IRS may issue a corrected payment if earlier stimulus amounts were calculated incorrectly for certain taxpayers.
- Dependent or mixed-status family adjustments: Changes in dependent claims or new filings can change eligible amounts, sometimes producing payments similar to $1,390.
Common eligibility categories
- Low- and moderate-income taxpayers who did not receive the full credit earlier.
- People who became eligible after a tax year ended and claimed the recovery rebate credit on their return.
- Taxpayers who had their stimulus payment offset incorrectly and later corrected by the IRS.
How to check whether you qualify for the $1,390 Stimulus Check
Follow these practical steps to confirm your status and avoid misinformation:
- Check your IRS online account. The IRS account tool shows stimulus payments issued and any pending adjustments.
- Review your tax return. If you claimed a recovery rebate credit, the return explains the amount and how it was calculated.
- Watch for official IRS letters. Notices such as CP21A or similar letters explain corrections and show payment amounts.
- Avoid social media claims. Verify through IRS.gov or direct notices before believing or acting on social posts.
Documents to have ready
- Most recent tax return (federal).
- Social Security or benefit statements if you receive SSA/SSI.
- Any IRS notices or letters about stimulus payments.
How to claim a missing or corrected payment
If you believe you are owed money similar to a $1,390 payment, these steps help you claim it correctly:
- File or amend your federal tax return for the year in question and include the recovery rebate credit if eligible.
- If you already filed, respond to any IRS letters. They often explain steps to receive corrected amounts.
- Contact the IRS only using phone numbers and links on IRS.gov. Do not call numbers from suspicious emails or social media posts.
Practical examples and a short case study
Example: A single parent who worked part time and did not receive the full prior stimulus payments could see a recovery rebate credit that produces a refund around $1,390 after filing taxes.
Case study: Maria, a part-time retail worker, filed her 2022 taxes and realized the IRS had not issued one of the stimulus payments she expected. She reviewed her IRS online account and the notice she received, then claimed the recovery rebate credit on her return. After the IRS processed her filing, Maria received a refund that matched the corrected credit amount — about $1,390. She avoided scams by using only the official IRS tools and following the notice instructions.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Watch for these common errors and scams around stimulus payment claims:
- Scam messages promising immediate payment — the IRS will not demand personal information by text, email, or social media.
- Paying a third party to claim a credit you can claim yourself for free.
- Mistaken or premature beliefs that a headline guarantees a payment without checking IRS guidance.
How to report suspicious activity
- Report phishing or scam emails to phishing@irs.gov.
- Call the IRS or use the online tools on IRS.gov for account help.
Final checklist: steps to take now
- Verify any claim through IRS.gov before sharing personal information.
- Check your IRS online account for payment history and notices.
- File or amend your tax return if you believe you are owed a recovery rebate credit.
- Keep records of any IRS letters and your tax filings.
Staying informed and using official IRS resources will help you determine whether you will receive a $1,390 payment or a similarly sized credit. When in doubt, rely on the IRS website or a qualified tax professional to confirm your eligibility.