IRS Announces $1390 Direct Deposit Relief Payment For January 2026

IRS Announces $1390 Direct Deposit Relief Payment For January 2026

The IRS has scheduled a one-time relief payment of $1,390 by direct deposit for eligible individuals in January 2026. This guide explains who may receive the payment, how it will be delivered, and practical steps to confirm and track the deposit.

Who is eligible for the $1390 direct deposit relief payment

Eligibility is based on income, filing status, and recent IRS records. Social Security recipients and many taxpayers who filed returns for the prior year may be eligible.

Key factors include reported adjusted gross income, dependency status, and whether the IRS already has direct deposit information on file.

How the relief payment will be delivered

The IRS will use direct deposit when it has a valid bank account on file for a recipient. Paper checks and debit cards are reserved for people without direct deposit details.

Most direct deposits post to accounts on the scheduled payment date; banks may post funds earlier or later depending on internal processing.

When to expect the January 2026 deposit

Payments labeled as January 2026 are scheduled to begin during the first weeks of that month. Exact timing can vary by taxpayer due to processing batches and bank procedures.

If your bank posts ACH deposits overnight, you may see the payment on the announced date or the next business day.

How to check if you will get the $1390 relief payment

Use these practical steps to verify potential receipt.

• Check recent IRS notices or messages in your IRS Online Account for eligibility updates.
• Confirm direct deposit information on file with the IRS, especially if you changed banks in the last year.
• Review your most recent tax return or Social Security correspondence that may indicate automatic enrollment.

What to do if you don’t receive the deposit

If the payment does not appear within a few business days of the scheduled date, follow a short checklist to troubleshoot the issue.

• Verify your bank account and routing numbers on recent IRS filings or your Social Security profile.
• Check for IRS notices by mail; the IRS often sends letters explaining non-delivery and next steps.
• Contact your bank to see if a pending ACH deposit was rejected or returned.
• Call the IRS only after you’ve checked notices and bank records, since hold times may be long.

Tax and reporting considerations for the relief payment

The IRS usually describes such relief payments as non-taxable, but official guidance will clarify the tax treatment. Keep correspondence and any IRS notices in case reporting questions arise later.

Do not assume the payment affects eligibility for other benefits without checking program rules for SNAP, Medicaid, or housing assistance.

Avoiding scams related to the $1390 payment

Scammers may contact people claiming to help with the relief payment. The IRS will not call or text asking for banking passwords or full Social Security numbers to deliver this payment.

Always verify requests by checking your IRS Online Account or calling the official IRS phone numbers listed on IRS.gov.

Real-world example: How one family confirmed their payment

Case study: Maria and her husband received the direct deposit on the scheduled date. They took three simple steps that made confirmation fast and safe.

• Checked their IRS Online Account two days before the payment window and saw a pending deposit message.
• Verified their bank information on a recent e-filed tax return to ensure the ACH details were current.
• Monitored their account on the day of deposit and saved the bank notice for their records.

The result: Their $1,390 payment posted without issue and they kept the confirmation for future questions.

When to contact the IRS

Contact the IRS when you have checked bank records and IRS notices and still cannot explain a missing payment. Gather documentation first: recent tax return, bank statement, and any IRS letters.

Use the IRS website to find the correct phone number for your situation and expect wait times during high-volume periods.

Summary checklist: Preparing for the January 2026 payment

• Confirm your direct deposit bank details are up to date with federal records.
• Monitor the IRS Online Account for payment status updates.
• Save any IRS mailing or notice related to the payment.
• Report suspected scams immediately and avoid sharing sensitive information.

This direct deposit is intended to be automatic for eligible people but requires accurate, recent banking and tax records. Taking a few minutes to confirm details can speed receipt and reduce confusion.

If you still have questions after following these steps, check IRS.gov for official announcements and detailed guidance about the $1,390 relief payment in January 2026.