The IRS has issued an alert about $1,390 direct deposit notifications that some taxpayers are seeing. If you recently received or expect a payment, this guide explains what the alert can mean, how to verify the payment, and the exact steps to take if you think you qualify but didn’t get funds.
What the IRS $1,390 Direct Deposit Alert Means
An IRS direct deposit alert is a notification tied to electronic payments, refunds, or tax credits. The $1,390 amount could represent a specific credit or adjustment for certain taxpayers based on recent tax rules or reconciliations.
Important: not all alerts mean final payment. Verify with official IRS tools before taking action or sharing personal data.
Common reasons for a $1,390 deposit
- Refund from an amended or original tax return
- Reconciliation of advance tax credits or stimulus-related adjustments
- Corrected payment following an IRS processing update
- Clerical or bank posting showing provisional amounts
How to Check If You Qualify for the $1,390 Payment
Follow these practical steps to confirm eligibility and track payment status. Use official IRS channels to avoid scams.
Step 1 — Review your recent tax returns
Check your most recent filed return and any amended returns. Look for credits, dependents, or reconciliations that could create a payment close to $1,390.
Examples of items to check: Earned Income Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, or reconciliation of advance payments.
Step 2 — Use IRS online tools
Access the IRS Get Transcript or the Get My Payment/Payment Status tools on IRS.gov. These tools show official payment amounts, dates, and method (direct deposit or check).
- Get Transcript: shows return and account details
- Get My Payment / Payment Status: shows issued stimulus or other federal payments
Step 3 — Confirm your bank records
Check your bank account for any pending or posted ACH credits from the IRS. The bank description may include “IRS TREAS” or similar. Note that pending entries can change.
If you see a posted $1,390 direct deposit but have no IRS record, do not spend the funds until confirmed.
What to Do If You Think You Should Have Received $1,390
If you believe you qualify but did not receive the payment, act promptly. There may be deadlines to claim credits or file corrections.
File or amend your tax return
Unfiled returns can block credits. File the appropriate tax year return or file an amended return (Form 1040-X) if you missed claimed credits or dependents.
Tip: Use Free File options if you qualify for free IRS e-file services.
Update your direct deposit information
If the IRS has incorrect direct deposit info, payments can be delayed. Update bank routing and account details when the IRS allows changes, or contact the IRS if a payment was returned to sender.
Contact the IRS for missing payments
If tools show a payment issued but you never received it, call the IRS or use secure messaging options. Keep these details ready: tax year, SSN or ITIN, and recent tax return status.
How to Avoid Scams and Fake $1,390 Alerts
Scammers use believable payment amounts to trick taxpayers. Follow these simple rules to protect yourself.
- Only use IRS.gov links or your official IRS account to verify payments.
- The IRS will not call or text asking for bank account details to send a payment.
- Do not click links in unexpected emails or texts about payments; instead, type irs.gov into your browser.
- Report suspicious messages to phishing@irs.gov and forward scam texts to the IRS at 202-552-1226 when instructed.
Did You Know?
The IRS typically issues direct deposit payments through the U.S. Treasury using ACH transactions. If a payment fails, funds can be returned to the IRS and reissued by mail as a paper check.
Deadlines and Timing to Act
Some tax credits require filing by a specific year to claim a payment. If you missed a tax year or didn’t claim allowable credits, you may still file late returns, but timing matters.
Generally, refund claims are limited (often three years from the original return due date). Check IRS guidance for your specific credit or tax year.
Quick Checklist: Verify a $1,390 IRS Direct Deposit
- Check your IRS online account and Get My Payment tool
- Review your bank statement for ACH entries labeled IRS or TREAS
- Confirm last filed tax return and any amendments
- Update bank or address info with the IRS if needed
- Contact the IRS if a payment shows issued but never arrived
- Report suspicious contacts and never provide personal data to callers or texters
Real-World Example
Case Study: Maria filed her 2022 tax return on time but missed claiming a dependent credit. In the following year, she noticed a $1,390 pending deposit in her bank but had no IRS notice. Maria logged into her IRS online account, found an adjustment tied to a corrected dependent claim, and confirmed the payment was valid. She waited two business days for the ACH to post fully, then matched the IRS confirmation number with her bank record. When all matched, she safely used the funds to pay a medical bill.
Final Steps: When You Still Have Questions
If you follow the steps above and still have uncertainty, contact a qualified tax professional or an IRS representative. Keep records of communications and any confirmation numbers.
Acting quickly can resolve missing payments, correct errors, and help you claim money you’re entitled to. Verify everything using official IRS tools and avoid giving personal information to unsolicited contacts.
For more details visit IRS.gov or consult a tax professional to confirm your specific eligibility and next steps.
