What the IRS $1,390 Direct Deposit Relief for December 2025 Means
The IRS announced a targeted relief payment of $1,390 via direct deposit for eligible taxpayers in December 2025. This article explains what that payment is, who may qualify, and when to expect deposits.
The information below is practical guidance based on the IRS announcement and common payment processes. For official verification, check IRS.gov.
Who Is Likely Eligible for the $1,390 Direct Deposit Relief
Eligibility rules vary by program, but these are common criteria the IRS uses for targeted relief payments.
- Lower- and moderate-income filers with adjusted gross income (AGI) below specified thresholds.
- Taxpayers who filed 2023 or 2024 returns and provided direct deposit bank information.
- Some Social Security or federal benefit recipients, where applicable.
- Nonfilers who registered through an IRS portal may also qualify, depending on the program rules.
Check the IRS announcement for exact AGI cutoffs, household rules, and dependent exceptions.
Documents and data you may need
- Most recent tax return (2023 or 2024)
- Social Security number or ITIN for each recipient
- Bank account and routing number if you want direct deposit
- Proof of identity if contacting the IRS
When Payments Are Expected in December 2025
The IRS typically distributes mass payments on a rolling schedule. For this relief payment, the agency indicated disbursements will begin in early December and continue through the month.
Expect most direct deposits to arrive by mid-December, but some payments may post later if the IRS needs additional verification or if bank processing delays occur.
How the timing usually works
- IRS processes eligibility and issues payment notices in waves.
- Direct deposit payments generally hit accounts faster than mailed checks.
- Weekends and bank holidays can delay visible deposits by a day or two.
How to Check Your Payment Status
Use the IRS online tools to confirm status. The IRS website has an online payment status tool and mobile app options.
Steps to check status:
- Go to the IRS payment status tool on IRS.gov.
- Enter personal information requested, such as SSN and birthdate.
- Review the displayed status and any next steps the IRS lists.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive the Direct Deposit
If your bank account does not show a deposit by late December, take these steps.
- Confirm the IRS had your correct bank information on file.
- Check for an IRS notice in the mail about a mailed check instead of deposit.
- Use the IRS contact options only after confirming online status, to avoid long hold times.
If the IRS mailed a paper check, expect an additional 7 to 21 days for delivery, depending on USPS and local handling.
Common Reasons a Deposit Might Be Delayed
- Incorrect or outdated bank account information on file
- Identity verification or fraud screening by the IRS
- Processing backlogs from large payment rosters
- Bank holds or internal review at your financial institution
If you receive Social Security benefits and do not typically file taxes, you may still qualify for the relief payment. The IRS often coordinates with federal benefit programs to issue direct deposits when possible.
How to Update or Provide Bank Information
If you need to add or change direct deposit details, use the IRS online tool specified in the announcement. Nonfilers sometimes have a dedicated registration portal.
Never share bank details via unsolicited phone calls or emails. Use only the official IRS website and secure portals.
Small Case Study: How One Family Received Their Payment
Maria is a single parent who filed a 2024 tax return showing an AGI of $24,200. She had already provided direct deposit information on her return.
Timeline for Maria:
- Late November: IRS published the relief program details and eligibility.
- Early December: Maria checked the IRS payment status tool and saw a scheduled direct deposit.
- December 10: The $1,390 deposit posted to her checking account and she received an IRS notice in the mail confirming payment.
This example shows the typical flow: confirm eligibility, verify bank info, monitor online status, and expect mail confirmation after deposit.
When to Contact the IRS or Your Bank
Contact your bank first if a deposit shows pending or is on hold. If the IRS payment status indicates an issue, use the IRS phone or online contact options listed on IRS.gov.
Be prepared with identifying information and recent tax data when calling the IRS, and expect longer wait times during mass payment periods.
Final Checklist Before December
- Confirm you filed the correct tax return year required by the program.
- Verify direct deposit info is up to date.
- Check the IRS online payment status tool regularly in December.
- Keep an eye on mail for an IRS notice confirming the payment.
This guidance is intended to help you prepare for and track the IRS $1,390 direct deposit relief payment in December 2025. For the official rules and the latest updates, always consult IRS.gov.
