IRS Announces $1390 Direct Deposit Relief Payment For January 2025

The IRS has announced a one-time $1390 direct deposit relief payment scheduled for January 2025. This guide explains who may receive the payment, how the IRS will send it, and practical steps to confirm or correct payment details.

What the $1390 Direct Deposit Relief Payment Means

The $1390 payment is a targeted relief deposit the IRS plans to distribute by direct deposit in January 2025 to eligible individuals. The payment is automatic for eligible accounts and will appear in bank accounts with the deposit description used by the IRS.

This article focuses on the direct deposit process, how to check eligibility, and actions to take if your payment is delayed or missing.

Who Qualifies for the $1390 Direct Deposit Payment

Eligibility is based on IRS criteria released with the announcement. Common qualifying groups for similar relief payments include:

Taxpayers who filed recent tax returns and claimed credits or benefits tied to the relief.
Social Security and other federal benefit recipients who have an IRS record and bank routing on file.
Low- and moderate-income households identified by IRS parameters.

Not every taxpayer will qualify. The IRS typically publishes a short list of eligibility rules—review those details on IRS.gov to confirm your status.

How the IRS Will Send the January 2025 Payment

The IRS uses direct deposit information it already has on file to send relief payments. If your bank account and routing numbers are on file from a recent tax return or benefit record, the deposit should be automatic.

If the direct deposit cannot be completed, the IRS usually issues a mailed paper check or prepaid debit card to the taxpayer’s last known address.

Key points about timing and notices

Deposits may arrive at different dates in January depending on the bank and processing schedule.
The IRS may send an official notice by mail after the payment is issued explaining the amount and reason.
Watch for messages in your online IRS account or mailed notices if your payment is delayed.

How to Check Eligibility and Payment Status

Use official IRS tools and reliable records to check whether the payment is expected for you. Avoid unofficial sites that ask for extra personal data.

Steps to check status:

Log in to your IRS online account (if you have one) and review any payment messages or upcoming payments.
Check the bank account you used on recent tax filings for a deposit around the announced payment window.
Look for mailed IRS notices that confirm or explain the payment.

How to Update Bank Details Before January 2025

If you expect a payment and need the IRS to use a different bank account, options are limited. The IRS generally uses the most recent direct deposit information on file from tax returns or benefit enrollments.

What you can do now:

File your next tax return with the correct bank account and routing numbers.
Update bank information on any federal benefit portals if you receive Social Security or other federal payments.
Contact your financial institution for guidance on receiving deposits and handling returned funds.

What to Do If You Don’t Receive the $1390 Direct Deposit

If the payment window passes and you don’t see the deposit, take these steps to trace or recover funds.

Check your mail for an IRS notice explaining an issue with direct deposit.
Contact your bank to see if a deposit attempt was returned to the IRS.
If necessary, initiate a payment trace through the IRS. The IRS provides procedures to trace missing deposits.

Common reasons deposits fail

The bank account number on file was closed or changed.
Personal information did not match IRS records.
Bank processing delays or returned transactions.

Did You Know?

The IRS often issues a mailed notice after a direct deposit payment. Keep that notice; it explains the payment reason and shows how to report a missing deposit.

Small Case Study: How One Household Received the Payment

Case study: Maria, a single parent, received the $1390 direct deposit on January 12, 2025. She had filed her 2023 tax return with direct deposit information and had not changed banks since.

Timeline:

Jan 3: IRS announced payment and window of distribution.
Jan 12: Maria’s bank showed a deposit labeled by the IRS; she received a mailed notice the following week.
Result: Maria used the funds to pay monthly utilities and update emergency savings.

This example shows why maintaining up-to-date bank details with the IRS and federal benefit programs can speed direct deposits.

Practical Tips to Prepare

Verify bank account and routing numbers on last filed tax return or benefit account.
Keep your mailing address current with the IRS to receive official notices.
Be alert for IRS mail and legitimate notices. The IRS does not send payment requests by email or text.

Final Checklist: Before January 2025

Confirm you meet the IRS eligibility criteria once details are published.
Verify direct deposit details the IRS has on file through your tax filing or benefit account.
Watch bank accounts and mail for the deposit and corresponding IRS notice.

If you remain unsure about eligibility or the deposit status, consult the official IRS website or a trusted tax professional. This article provides practical steps but not legal or tax advice for individual situations.