IRS Denies Social Media Rumours of $1,390 Checks

Download IPFS

A false claim circulating on social media this week suggested that low- and middle-income Americans would soon receive new stimulus checks worth $1,390. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has clarified that no such payment is planned and that any new round of relief checks would require congressional approval.

The IRS has distributed about $800 billion in economic impact payments since the COVID-19 pandemic began. These included three rounds of stimulus checks issued between 2020 and 2021, as well as automatic catch-up payments made in late 2024 and early 2025 to roughly one million taxpayers who had not claimed the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.

Officials explained that the confusion over $1,390 appears to have stemmed from those one-time catch-up payments. Some taxpayers who received delayed credits earlier this year mistakenly believed that another round of payments was being issued in 2025.

“Currently, no new stimulus checks are being sent out,” an IRS spokesperson told the Associated Press. “Congress has not authorised additional direct payments.”

For new checks to be distributed, legislation must be passed by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by the president. No such bill is currently active.

Adding to the speculation, Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri introduced legislation in July proposing tax rebates funded by tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump. The measure, however, has not passed either the Senate or the House of Representatives.

The IRS emphasised that Americans should rely only on official government channels for accurate information regarding tax refunds, credits, or stimulus-related programs.

What Were the Original Stimulus Payments?

Economic Impact Payments, commonly known as stimulus checks, were introduced to provide financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first round, authorised under the CARES Act in March 2020, granted up to $1,200 per eligible adult and $500 per dependent child.

The second round, issued under the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of December 2020, provided up to $600 per eligible adult and $600 per qualifying child.

The third and final round came in March 2021 through the American Rescue Plan Act, offering up to $1,400 per eligible individual and the same amount per dependent.

While these payments were critical in easing economic hardship during the pandemic, no new federal stimulus checks are scheduled at this time.

The IRS advises taxpayers to monitor official notices and the agency’s website for verified updates to avoid falling victim to misleading claims online.