As we navigate the final days of December 2025, a wave of reports regarding a $1,390 direct deposit from the IRS has captured the attention of taxpayers nationwide. With inflation continuing to impact household budgets, many Americans are hopeful for additional financial relief before the year ends. While various sources claim the IRS has announced a new stimulus payment, it is crucial to verify the facts and understand the actual tax mechanisms at play. Currently, most incoming payments are tied to delayed tax refunds, amended returns, and specific tax credit adjustments rather than a new, standalone stimulus check.
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The Reality Behind the $1,390 Payment Figure
The figure of $1,390 appears to be derived from average tax refund calculations or specific claimable amounts for tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or portions of the Child Tax Credit, rather than a universal flat-rate payment for every citizen. Unlike the pandemic-era Economic Impact Payments, the IRS has not issued a broad announcement for a blanket $1,390 check for all Americans in December 2025. Instead, this amount likely represents the targeted relief receiving by those who have successfully filed amended returns or resolved discrepancies in their 2024 tax filings.
Critical Deadline, December 31, 2025
For many taxpayers hoping to receive a payment this month, the focus should be on the upcoming December 31, 2025 deadline. This date serves as the final cutoff for filing revised income tax returns for the current assessment year to correct errors or claim missed refunds. If you have received a notice from the IRS regarding a data mismatch or an “ineligible” deduction, you must file a revised return by this date. Failing to do so could result in your refund being permanently delayed or denied. This end-of-year rush to process revised filings is a primary driver of the deposits seen in bank accounts this week.
Targeted Relief for Specific Groups
While a universal check is not being distributed, specific groups are seeing funds arrive. This includes:
- Taxpayers who filed extensions or amended returns earlier in the year.
- Households claiming the expanded tax credits under recent 2025 legislation.
- Individuals who resolved identity verification issues that previously held up their refunds.For these groups, the “relief payment” is effectively their own tax refund being released after processing. The amount varies by household, with some seeing checks close to the rumored $1,390 average depending on their income and deductions.
Steps to Verify Your Payment Status
If you believe you are owed money, reliance on third-party reports is not recommended. The most accurate way to check your eligibility for any December payment is through the official IRS online portals. You should log into your IRS account to view your tax records. This will show if a refund has been issued, if an adjustment has been made to your account, or if there is a pending alert requiring your attention before December 31.
IRS Relief and Refund Overview December 2025
The following table summarizes the current status of payments and deadlines for this month.
| Feature | Details |
| Payment Type | Tax Refund / Credit Adjustment |
| Rumored Amount | $1,390 (Individual) |
| Actual Nature | Refund of overpaid taxes or credits |
| Key Deadline | December 31, 2025 (Revised Returns) |
| Processing Time | 3 to 5 business days for direct deposit |
| Distribution Mode | Electronic Transfer or Paper Check |
| Official Check Tool | IRS.gov “Where’s My Refund” |
Eligibility Factors for December Payouts
To receive a payment from the IRS in December 2025, you generally must meet the following verified criteria:
- You must have filed a 2024 tax return or a revised return for the current assessment year.
- You must not have outstanding debts that would trigger a Treasury Offset (such as unpaid child support).
- Your banking information on file must be current and match your identity.
- You must have resolved any “math error” notices sent by the IRS earlier in the year.
- You must be a legal resident or citizen with a valid Social Security number.
