The IRS has confirmed a one-time direct deposit relief payment of $1,390 to eligible taxpayers in February 2026. This article explains who is eligible, the payment schedule, and the clear actions taxpayers must take to receive the money quickly and avoid delays.
IRS Confirms $1,390 Direct Deposit Relief for February 2026
The IRS statement says the payment will be delivered by direct deposit to qualifying bank accounts beginning in February 2026. Payments will be issued in batches, so not everyone will get funds on the same day.
Taxpayers who already have current bank details on file with the IRS or through their Social Security Administration records will normally receive direct deposit automatically. Others may get mailed checks or prepaid debit cards if the agency does not have electronic deposit information.
Who is eligible for the $1,390 direct deposit relief
The IRS tied eligibility to recent tax and benefits records. In general, the relief targets individuals who meet income and filing requirements set by the IRS.
- Eligibility is based on the most recent tax return or benefit records the IRS has on file.
- Filing status (single, head of household, married filing jointly) affects eligibility and may change income thresholds.
- Social Security and certain federal benefit recipients may be eligible even if they did not file a recent tax return.
- Non-filers may be able to receive the payment if they use the IRS non-filer portal or the tool the IRS provides for one-time credits.
Check the IRS announcement or your IRS online account to confirm your specific eligibility based on your situation.
Payment schedule and how the $1,390 direct deposit relief is delivered
Payments begin in February 2026 and will continue in waves until the program completes distribution. The IRS typically processes large batches over several weeks.
Direct deposits usually arrive sooner than mailed checks. If the IRS does not have valid banking information, expect a paper check or prepaid card instead.
- Direct deposit: fastest option; appears in bank accounts within 1–3 business days of the IRS transfer.
- Paper check: mailed to your address on file; allow several weeks for delivery.
- Prepaid debit card: some recipients may see funds via card mailed to them.
What taxpayers must do to receive the $1,390 direct deposit relief
Follow these practical steps to increase the chance of receiving your payment by direct deposit and avoid delays.
- Verify your IRS online account. Sign in at IRS.gov and check your payment status and bank information.
- File or update your tax return. Your latest tax return provides the IRS with current filing status and bank routing information when you include direct deposit details.
- Use the IRS non-filer tool if you do not normally file. The IRS often offers a short form or portal for one-time relief payments.
- Confirm your address and bank routing number. If your bank changed or you moved, update the IRS or SSA records immediately.
- Watch for mailed notices. The IRS will send a letter explaining the payment; keep that letter for your records.
If you expect a direct deposit but have not received it, check your IRS account first, then contact your bank before calling the IRS. Your bank can confirm whether a deposit is pending or was returned.
The IRS often uses the latest tax return or federal benefit record to determine direct deposit delivery. If you recently changed bank accounts, the agency may not have the new routing information unless you updated it on a filed return or with the benefit agency.
Common questions and quick answers about the $1,390 relief
Below are short answers to common concerns so you can act quickly.
- Q: When will I see the deposit? A: Direct deposits begin in February 2026 in batches; timing varies by taxpayer.
- Q: I moved—will I still get paid? A: The IRS will mail checks to the address on file; update your address as soon as possible.
- Q: I’m on Social Security only—do I qualify? A: Many benefit recipients are included; verify your status in your IRS or SSA account.
- Q: What if my payment is wrong? A: Keep the IRS notice and contact the IRS for corrections; do not share bank details over the phone unless you initiated the call.
Real-world example: How one taxpayer received the payment
Case study: Luis is a single worker who filed his 2025 tax return with direct deposit information and kept his address current. The IRS deposited $1,390 to his bank account in mid-February. He received an IRS notice two weeks later explaining the payment.
By contrast, Maria, who did not file and did not have benefits records with the IRS, used the IRS non-filer portal and provided banking details there. She received the deposit three weeks after the portal submission.
These examples show that timely filing and using IRS tools speed up direct deposit delivery.
Final checklist before February 2026
Use this checklist now so you are ready when payments begin.
- Confirm or update your bank routing and account numbers with a filed tax return or benefit agency record.
- File your 2025 tax return if you are required or use the IRS non-filer tool if you normally don’t file.
- Monitor your IRS online account and watch for mailed notices.
- Keep records of any communications and notices from the IRS.
Following these steps will help make sure the IRS $1,390 direct deposit relief reaches you with minimal delay. If you have doubts about eligibility or delivery, check IRS.gov or contact the IRS directly for guidance specific to your case.