IRS $1,390 Direct Deposit: Are You Eligible or Missing Out

This article explains why you might see an unexpected IRS $1,390 direct deposit, who could be eligible, and practical steps to check or claim a missing payment. The guidance is neutral and focuses on safe, official channels.

What could the IRS $1,390 Direct Deposit be?

Not every random deposit from the IRS is the same. A $1,390 direct deposit could be one of several things: a tax refund, a tax credit (like an earned income credit or a recovery rebate credit), or a retroactive payment tied to a recent tax filing.

Amounts vary by household and tax year. The exact $1,390 figure does not identify a specific universal program, so it is important to confirm what the deposit represents before taking any action.

How the IRS $1,390 Direct Deposit is triggered

Common triggers for an IRS deposit include:

• Tax refund from a filed 1040 return.
• Tax credits added or corrected after processing (for example, Earned Income Credit adjustments).
• Recovery Rebate Credit or other pandemic-related credits claimed on a tax return.
• Offset returns, notices or corrected filings that release previously held funds.

The IRS will usually send a notice or letter explaining the payment in the weeks after the deposit.

Are you eligible for the IRS $1,390 Direct Deposit?

Eligibility depends on your tax situation and the specific credit or refund involved. You may be eligible if you:

• Filed a tax return recently and are owed a refund.
• Claimed credits on a return that were processed after an initial review.
• Previously had incorrect bank information and the IRS reissued a payment.

If you did not file a return and have not previously claimed a related credit, unexpected deposits are less common and deserve extra scrutiny.

Check your IRS account and recent notices

Use these steps to verify a deposit:

• Sign in to your secure IRS account at IRS.gov (or use the IRS2Go app) and check your payment and account history.
• Review any mailed letters or notices. The IRS usually mails an explanation after issuing a payment.
• Compare the deposit date and amount with any recent tax activity you or your tax preparer submitted.

How to confirm or claim a missing IRS $1,390 Direct Deposit

If you expected a payment but didn’t get it, follow these steps:

1. Check the bank account listed on your most recent tax return. Incorrect routing or account numbers cause failed deposits.
2. Check IRS notices and your online account for status updates or reasons for delay.
3. If a payment was returned, the IRS often mails a paper check to your address on file. Confirm your address is current.
4. Consider filing an amended return (Form 1040-X) if you missed claiming an allowable credit or entered the wrong information originally.
5. Contact a tax professional for complex situations or if you believe a credit was improperly denied.

What to do if you received an unexpected $1,390 deposit

If you see an unexpected deposit from the IRS, do not panic. Confirm the source before spending the money.

• Verify the deposit in your bank statement against your IRS online account or mailed IRS notice.
• Be aware of scams: the IRS will not contact you by phone to demand payment or ask for sensitive information by email or text.
• If the deposit is in error, contact the IRS or your bank for guidance on how to return the funds safely.

How to avoid common mistakes

• Never click links in unsolicited emails claiming to be the IRS. Use IRS.gov directly.
• Keep your bank and mailing address updated with the IRS to prevent misdirected payments.
• Use a certified tax preparer when filing complex returns to reduce errors that trigger later corrections.

Real-world example

Case study: Maria is a teacher who expected a small refund but saw a $1,390 direct deposit one morning. She checked her bank and then logged into her IRS account. The IRS notice later arrived by mail explaining that an Earned Income Credit correction for the prior year released an additional payment.

Steps Maria took:

• Confirmed the transaction in her bank account and saved the IRS notification letter.
• Reviewed prior-year tax returns with her preparer to understand the correction.
• Kept the payment and correctly reported it in her records in case of future questions.

This simple confirmation avoided rushed decisions and ensured her records were accurate.

When to contact the IRS or a tax professional

Contact the IRS or a qualified tax advisor if:

• You can’t identify the source of the deposit through your IRS account or notices.
• You believe the payment was issued in error and need to return funds.
• You need to file an amended return to claim a missing credit or correct account details.

Use official IRS contact methods found on IRS.gov to avoid scammers pretending to be the agency.

Final checklist: Did you miss an IRS $1,390 Direct Deposit?

• Check your IRS online account and recent mail for payment details.
• Verify bank account and routing info on your last filed tax return.
• File an amended return if you missed a credit and are within the allowed timeframe.
• Contact a tax professional for help with complex adjustments or disputes.
• Watch for IRS letters explaining the payment — keep them for your records.

Confirming the source of any IRS deposit is the safest move. If you are unsure, use official IRS tools and consider professional help rather than relying on unverified advice.