Tax season always brings anticipation, but it also brings confusion. Over the past few weeks, many Americans have come across social media posts and viral headlines claiming the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is issuing a $1,390 payment this month.
The posts make it sound like a new government relief benefit is arriving automatically in bank accounts. For people still remembering pandemic stimulus checks, the news sounds believable. However, the situation is very different from what the internet rumors suggest.
The reality is far less dramatic but far more practical. The IRS is indeed sending money to taxpayers right now, yet it is not a new relief payment or a surprise bonus from the government. What people are seeing are standard tax refunds and credit adjustments connected to the annual tax filing process. Once taxpayers understand how refunds actually work, the viral claim becomes much easier to explain.
The focus keyword — $1,390 IRS payment — has spread widely online, leading many taxpayers to expect a government payout without taking any action. In truth, there is no nationwide program promising a fixed amount to every American. No law has been passed approving a new stimulus check in 2026, and the IRS has not announced any automatic deposit program. The number circulating online likely comes from a typical refund example rather than a guaranteed benefit. Anyone receiving money from the IRS this month is getting a refund they earned through filing their taxes and qualifying for credits, not a universal payment.
Table of Contents
$1,390 Payment Coming This Month
| Topic | Real Information |
|---|---|
| $1,390 payment | Not a universal payment |
| Stimulus check | No new stimulus approved |
| Why deposits are happening | Tax refunds and tax credits |
| Who receives money | Only taxpayers who filed returns and qualify |
| Automatic payment | No automatic payout program |
| Refund timing | Usually within about 21 days after return acceptance |
| Scams | Many fake messages using this rumor |
The $1,390 IRS Payment Claim — Fact Check
The most important point is simple: the rumored payment does not exist as a federal benefit. For a government stimulus payment to happen, Congress must approve legislation and the IRS must formally announce distribution details. None of that has occurred in 2026.
The confusion likely comes from how refunds are reported. Some articles and posts use an estimated refund figure — in this case $1,390 — and present it as though it is a government relief payment. In reality, refunds are not standardized. Each taxpayer receives a different amount based on personal tax information.
In other words, the amount is not a promised payout. It is just an example figure that became exaggerated through social media sharing.
So Why Are People Actually Receiving IRS Deposits?
The answer is straightforward: tax filing season has started. Every year, the IRS begins issuing refunds once tax returns are processed. A refund simply means a taxpayer paid more taxes than necessary throughout the year, often through paycheck withholding.
Current deposits mainly come from:
- Regular federal income tax refunds
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Corrections to previous filings
These payments are not new benefits. They are part of the normal tax system and only apply to people who file their tax returns and qualify for credits.
Where Did the Exact Number $1,390 Come From?
The specific number likely originated from an estimated or sample refund calculation. Many taxpayers fall within similar income brackets, so example refund amounts are sometimes used for illustration. Over time, the number was taken out of context and presented as a guaranteed payment.
Tax refunds vary widely. Several factors affect the final amount:
- Annual income
- Number of dependents
- Withholding from paychecks
- Tax credits eligibility
Two taxpayers with similar incomes could still receive very different refunds. That alone shows why a fixed payment promise cannot be accurate.
What Real IRS Payments Look Like in 2026
Instead of a universal payout, the IRS is processing millions of regular refunds. Some taxpayers receive smaller amounts, while others get significantly larger ones depending on their circumstances.
Typically:
- Refunds are sent after a return is accepted and processed
- Direct deposits often arrive within about three weeks
- Paper checks take longer
The refund is simply your own money being returned. It is not a government bonus or relief program. Many people misunderstand this because the deposit arrives as a lump sum, making it feel like a new payment.
Biggest Warning (Important)
The viral rumor has created another serious concern: scams. Fraudsters often exploit tax season because people expect communication from the IRS.
Common scam tactics include:
- Text messages claiming you must “claim your $1,390 payment”
- Emails asking for banking information
- Links to fake IRS websites
The IRS does not contact taxpayers through random texts, social media messages, or unsolicited emails requesting personal details. Any message urging immediate action should be treated cautiously.
Bottom Line
The online claim about a $1,390 IRS payment this month is misleading. There is no automatic payout, and no new stimulus has been approved. The deposits people are seeing are standard tax refunds connected to filed returns and tax credits.
Tax season often brings confusion because refunds arrive in large, noticeable amounts. However, those funds are simply money already paid in taxes being returned to eligible taxpayers.
Anyone expecting a payment without filing taxes will be disappointed, and anyone asked to share personal information to receive it should be cautious. The truth is simple: the IRS is issuing refunds, not surprise government checks.
