$1,390 IRS Direct Deposit Dec 2025: Facing tight budgets with holiday costs and everyday prices like groceries and gas still up in December 2025? You’re likely not alone if you’ve heard whispers of a $1,390 direct deposit from the IRS landing soon. This amount often pops up in online rumors as a “new stimulus check,” but it’s really tied to leftover money from the 2021 COVID relief payments – specifically the third Economic Impact Payment (EIP) of up to $1,400 per person.
With inflation hovering around 3%, many are searching for extra help, but is this cash coming your way this month? In this simple breakdown, we’ll explain the facts, who qualifies, when any payments might arrive, and how to check without scams. Based on official IRS updates and trusted reports as of December 9, 2025, here’s the straight scoop on $1390 IRS direct deposit December 2025 to cut through the hype.
What Is the $1,390 IRS Direct Deposit and Why the Buzz Now?
The $1,390 figure isn’t a fresh federal handout – it’s the full $1,400 from the third round of 2021 stimulus checks, minus a small average offset for things like unpaid taxes or debts (often around $10, making it about $1,390 net). These were part of the American Rescue Plan to ease pandemic hardships, giving $1,400 per adult and $1,400 per qualifying kid.
Most folks got theirs back in 2021 via direct deposit or check. But if you missed it – maybe due to low income, no filing, or forgetting to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) on your 2021 taxes – the IRS stepped in. In December 2024, they auto-sent $2.4 billion to about 1 million people who left the RRC blank or put $0 on their returns. Rumors of a “December 2025” wave are false; that’s just recycled clickbait mixing old news with fake “new stimulus” claims.
No new federal stimulus is planned for 2025 or 2026 – despite Trump’s tariff dividend talk ($2,000 proposals, unapproved). The IRS warns these myths spread via social media during tough times, leading to scams. Real help? Unclaimed 2021 funds are your best bet, but the main deadline passed April 15, 2025.
Clearing Up the Rumors: No New Checks in December 2025
Sites claiming “IRS approves $1,390 in December” are misleading – they twist the 2024 auto-payments into 2025 hype. The IRS’s latest releases (IR-2025-117, December) cover audits and taxes, not stimulus. Over $1 billion in 2021 refunds went unclaimed by the deadline, now lost forever. If you got an auto-payment last year, great – but no more waves this December.
Who Qualifies for the $1,390 Unclaimed Stimulus Payment?
Eligibility mirrors 2021 rules for the third EIP: U.S. residents who lived here over half the year, with a valid Social Security number (SSN). Income limits use adjusted gross income (AGI – your total earnings minus deductions) from 2021 taxes.
- Full $1,400 if AGI under $75,000 (single), $112,500 (head of household), or $150,000 (married filing jointly).
- Phases out: $5 less for every $100 over the limit, zero at $80,000 (single), $120,000 (head of household), or $160,000 (joint).
- Add $1,400 per dependent (kids under 19, or full-time students under 24).
You qualify if you filed 2021 taxes but skipped the RRC, or didn’t file at all (even zero income). Benefit receivers like Social Security, SSI, SSDI, or VA? Fully eligible – no income test. Excludes: Felony prisoners in 2021, non-residents, or those claimed as dependents.
If you got partial EIP or none, claim the difference. Non-filers used the IRS Non-Filer Tool (now closed), but late filers had till April 15, 2025. About 1 million qualified for auto-payments; others missed out.
Here’s a simple table on 2021 eligibility phases:
| Filing Status | Full Amount (AGI Under) | Partial (Up To) | No Amount (AGI Over) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 | $80,000 | $80,000 |
| Head of Household | $112,500 | $120,000 | $120,000 |
| Married Joint | $150,000 | $160,000 | $160,000 |
| Per Dependent | +$1,400 each | Same | Same |
*Offsets (debts) could reduce to ~$1,390.
Payment Dates: When Did the $1,390 Deposits Actually Happen?
No December 2025 dates – the auto-rollout was December 2024 to late January 2025. Direct deposits took days if bank info matched your 2023 return; paper checks 2-4 weeks. If bounced (wrong account), IRS mailed them.
For late claims: E-file a 2021 return? Processed in 21 days. Mail? Up to 6 weeks. But post-April 15, 2025, no more – funds returned to Treasury. Track old ones via IRS “Get My Payment” tool (now archived) or your account transcript.
States have their own: Colorado’s TABOR rebates (up to $800) hit December 2024; New York’s $400 started September 2025. No federal tie-in.
Steps to Check If You Got or Can Still Get It
- Log into IRS.gov/account – view 2021 transcripts for RRC claimed.
- If unfiled: Too late for 2021, but file now for other refunds.
- Update bank info for future (like tax refunds).
- Call IRS at 800-829-1040 if needed – wait times long.
The RRC isn’t taxable and won’t cut benefits like SNAP or SSI.
Scam Alerts: Don’t Lose Out to Fake $1,390 Offers
With rumors rife, scammers send texts/emails promising “December $1,390” for your SSN or fees – IRS never does that; they mail only. Report to FTC.gov. Stick to IRS.gov/coronavirus for truth – no quizzes or links needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the $1,390 IRS direct deposit real for December 2025?
No – it’s a myth; auto-payments for unclaimed 2021 stimulus happened December 2024–January 2025.
Who qualifies for the $1,390 unclaimed stimulus?
2021 U.S. residents with AGI under $75K single/$150K joint, SSN; includes dependents and benefit receivers.
When were the payment dates for these deposits?
December 2024 start, most by late January 2025; claims deadline was April 15, 2025.
How do I check if I got my $1,390 payment?
Review IRS online account transcripts or call 800-829-1040; tool archived post-January.
Will this affect my other benefits like SSI?
No – tax-free, doesn’t count as income for SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
Conclusion
The $1,390 IRS direct deposit for December 2025 sounds like timely relief, but it’s not new cash – it’s unclaimed 2021 stimulus that mostly landed last winter, with the claim window closed since April 15, 2025. If you qualified under $75K–$150K income rules and filed, check your IRS account for peace of mind; over $1 billion went unclaimed, a tough lesson in deadlines. No fresh federal stimulus looms, but state rebates like Colorado’s offer spot help. Dodge scams by trusting only IRS.gov – update your details for tax refunds instead. As 2025 ends with steady costs, focus on budgeting or local aid; real recovery starts with facts, not rumors. For more, visit irs.gov/coronavirus – your financial clarity is just a click away.