The IRS has approved a $1,390 year-end relief payment for qualifying taxpayers. This guide explains who is eligible, how the payment schedule works, and what December recipients can expect. Read the practical steps to confirm eligibility and track the payment.
Who is eligible for $1,390 IRS year-end relief?
Eligibility is usually based on income, filing status, and benefit participation for the tax year in question. The IRS will use recent tax returns and benefit records to identify qualified recipients.
Income limits and qualifying situations
Most programs that provide year-end relief limit payments by adjusted gross income (AGI). For this $1,390 relief you should check the IRS notice, but common qualifiers include:
- Individuals with AGI below a specified threshold.
- Recipients of federal benefits such as Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in certain cases.
- People who filed a recent tax return or used the IRS non-filer tool for the relevant year.
If you received a similar federal payment in previous years, you may be automatically eligible again. However, changes in income or filing status can disqualify a previously eligible recipient.
$1,390 IRS year-end relief: Payment schedule
The IRS issues payments in phases and typically provides a schedule showing approximate mailing and direct deposit windows. Expect multiple waves over weeks rather than a single distribution day.
How payments are sent
Payments are generally delivered in three ways: direct deposit, mailed paper checks, and mailed prepaid debit cards. Direct deposit is the fastest method and will appear in your bank account on or near the scheduled date.
- Direct deposit: fastest; often delivered in the first waves.
- Paper check: mailed with standard postal delivery times; may take 7–14 days after issuance.
- Prepaid debit card: sent in a secure envelope and activated by the recipient.
December recipients and timing
December recipients are typically those identified later in the automation process or those with mailing addresses that require paper checks or cards. The IRS often schedules a major wave in December to reach people before year-end.
Key points for December recipients:
- Direct deposits issued earlier in the cycle may still post in December.
- Mailed payments started in mid-December can arrive close to or after the holidays.
- If information is missing or inconsistent, the IRS may delay issuance to verify eligibility, pushing the payment into December.
How to confirm eligibility and check payment status
Use these official steps to confirm whether you qualify and to track the $1,390 payment. Avoid unofficial sites that request personal information beyond what the IRS requires.
Steps to verify and track
- Visit IRS.gov and look for the dedicated relief or payments page related to the announcement.
- Use the “Get My Payment” or similar IRS online tool if it has been updated for the relief program.
- Check your most recent tax return to confirm the filing status and bank information for direct deposit.
- Watch for an IRS notice by mail; the agency typically sends letters explaining payment amounts and methods.
Keep your Social Security number, filing status, and bank routing/account numbers handy when using online IRS tools. The IRS will not call to demand personal financial information for routine payment verification.
Common reasons for payment delays
Not all delays are cause for alarm. The IRS frequently cites verification, address issues, and identity checks as reasons for holding a payment.
- Unmatched or missing tax return information.
- Change of address not updated with the Postal Service or IRS.
- Identity verification flag due to unusual account activity.
If your payment is delayed, the IRS will normally notify you by mail. You should allow several weeks for checks to arrive if mailed.
The IRS typically sends an official letter after distributing relief payments. Keep that letter for your records because it explains the payment amount and how it was delivered.
Case study: How a December recipient received the $1,390 payment
Maria, a single filer with modest earnings, did not have a direct deposit on file for the latest return. The IRS verified her income through the filed return and scheduled a mailed check. She received the check two weeks after the IRS wave listed for December recipients.
Lessons from this example:
- Direct deposit on file speeds up receipt of funds.
- Mailing can add 7–14 days after the IRS issues payments.
- Keep tax records accessible in case you need to confirm details with the IRS.
What to do if you believe you’re eligible but didn’t get the $1,390 payment
First, verify your eligibility using the IRS official guidance for this relief. If you believe you should have received the payment and did not, follow these steps:
- Confirm your tax return was filed and accepted for the relevant year.
- Check that your bank info and address on file were correct.
- Wait for the IRS notice; it will explain adjustments or denials.
- Contact the IRS using the phone numbers on IRS.gov if the notice does not resolve the issue.
Do not share personal or financial information on unsolicited emails or calls. Use only official IRS contact methods found on IRS.gov.
Final checklist before the payment arrives
- Confirm your most recent tax return details and address.
- Sign up for direct deposit where possible for faster delivery.
- Monitor the IRS website and your mail for official notices.
- Keep documents and ID ready if you need to verify identity or correct information.
Following these steps will improve your chances of receiving the $1,390 IRS year-end relief promptly and securely. If you still have questions, start with the official IRS pages to avoid scams and misinformation.







