IRS Confirms $1,390 Direct Deposit Relief for January 2026 — What You Need to Know
The IRS has announced a $1,390 direct deposit relief payment scheduled for January 2026. This article breaks down eligibility rules, the payment schedule, and exact steps taxpayers should take to maximize chances of receiving the payment on time.
Information below is based on the IRS announcement and standard IRS procedures for direct-deposit payments. Always verify your personal situation at IRS.gov or by contacting the IRS directly.
Who is eligible for the $1,390 relief?
The IRS says eligibility is limited to taxpayers who meet specific income and filing criteria. Core eligible groups generally include low- and moderate-income taxpayers, certain Social Security recipients, and people who filed a recent tax return or registered with the IRS when required.
Typical eligibility checks the IRS uses involve adjusted gross income (AGI), filing status, and dependent status. The IRS will publish precise AGI thresholds and other conditions on its website — check the official announcement for exact numbers.
Common eligibility rules to verify
- Filed a federal tax return for the most recent tax year or used an IRS registration option.
- Meet the income limits and filing-status rules outlined by the IRS announcement.
- Are not disqualified by other program rules (for example, certain nonresident status or claim issues).
- Have valid direct deposit information on file, or have provided an address for a paper check.
Payment schedule for January 2026 deposits
The IRS plans to begin direct deposits in January 2026 and will phase payments over several days or weeks. Payments are typically released in batches to manage processing and reduce errors.
Exact deposit dates can depend on factors such as when the taxpayer filed, the method used to file, and whether the IRS already has a valid bank account on file. The IRS will post a schedule and status updates on the Get My Payment tool.
How the IRS notifies you
The IRS usually sends letters or posts account updates when a payment is scheduled or completed. If you are eligible and have direct deposit on file, you may see the deposit hit your account on the scheduled date without prior notice.
If the IRS does not have direct deposit details, it may mail a check or use an alternate delivery method. Monitor mail and secure mailboxes in January and the weeks that follow.
The IRS Get My Payment online tool will tell you if your $1,390 payment is scheduled for direct deposit, mailed as a check, or still under review. You do not need to call the IRS if Get My Payment shows a scheduled deposit.
What taxpayers must do to receive the payment
Follow these steps to check and update your status before January 2026. Doing these actions early reduces the chance of delays and ensures the IRS has correct delivery data.
- Check IRS.gov and the Get My Payment tool to confirm eligibility and status.
- Confirm that your most recent federal tax return is filed; if not, file promptly to avoid missing the payment window.
- Ensure your current bank account is on file with the IRS; update your direct deposit info via official IRS options if allowed.
- Keep a copy of notices from the IRS and check mailboxes in case the IRS needs to send a paper check.
How to update bank or contact information
Only use official IRS channels to change bank or contact information. The IRS will not request account numbers by email or social media. Use the online tools at IRS.gov or follow instructions in an IRS letter.
If you need to update information and the IRS portal is not accepting changes, file your return with accurate bank details or follow the IRS guidance for address and bank changes to ensure future payments use the correct data.
What to do if you don’t receive the payment
If you were eligible but did not get the $1,390 payment, first check Get My Payment and any IRS notices. The tool explains whether the payment was issued, pending, or stopped for review.
If the tool shows no payment and you believe you are eligible, keep records of filings and contact the IRS for guidance. You may be able to claim a reconciliation on your next tax filing if the program allows it, but check IRS instructions carefully.
Real-world example: A short case study
Case: Maria, a single freelancer, filed her 2024 tax return electronically in April 2025 and confirmed direct deposit details on her return. She verified the IRS Get My Payment tool in late December and saw a scheduled deposit for January 21, 2026.
Action: Maria kept her bank account open and monitored her account. On January 21 she received the $1,390 deposit. When a small issue appeared on the bank transfer, she used the IRS online portal to confirm the payment record, which resolved the question without a phone call.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting to file a required tax return or failing to register if required by IRS rules.
- Providing bank details to anyone other than the official IRS website or follow-up letter instructions.
- Ignoring IRS letters that ask for verification — these can affect delivery method or delay payment.
Final checklist before January 2026
- Verify eligibility and read the IRS announcement for exact AGI and status rules.
- Confirm or update direct deposit information using only IRS.gov tools.
- File any missing tax returns and keep copies of confirmations and notices.
- Monitor Get My Payment and your bank account starting mid-January.
Following these steps will improve your chance of receiving the $1,390 direct deposit relief quickly and securely. For the authoritative source, always refer to the IRS announcement and the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov.
