IRS Announces $1390 Direct Deposit Relief Payment For February 2026

The IRS issued guidance about a one-time $1390 direct deposit relief payment scheduled for February 2026. This article explains who is eligible, how the payment is delivered, what to expect in your bank account, and simple steps to resolve common issues.

IRS Announces $1390 Direct Deposit Relief Payment For February 2026: Who Qualifies

The IRS will send the $1390 relief payment to eligible taxpayers based on recent legislative or administrative relief programs. Eligibility generally follows adjusted gross income thresholds, filing status, and qualifying dependent rules tied to the program.

Common qualification criteria include:

• Filing a 2024 or 2025 tax return if required.
• Meeting income limits set by the relief provision (check IRS rules for exact thresholds).
• Having a valid Social Security number or ITIN as specified in IRS guidance.

Who is excluded from the $1390 payment?

Nonresident aliens, deceased individuals at the time of payment, and those who did not meet income or filing rules typically are excluded. Specific exclusions depend on the law authorizing the relief.

How the $1390 Direct Deposit Relief Payment Will Be Delivered

The IRS will use direct deposit information already on file from prior returns or tax records. If you received past refunds or stimulus payments by direct deposit, the IRS will try that same account.

Key delivery points:

• Direct deposit is the fastest method and the default when valid bank details exist.
• Paper checks and debit cards are fallback options when direct deposit information is not available.
• The IRS will not call you to request bank details for this payment. Beware of scams.

Timeline and expected dates

Payments are scheduled for February 2026. Exact deposit dates may vary by taxpayer and bank processing times. If you do not see the deposit on the posted date, allow an additional 5 to 10 business days for bank posting.

How to Check Payment Status for the $1390 Relief

Use official IRS tools to monitor your payment. The IRS typically updates its “Get My Payment” or equivalent online portal with status and expected delivery method.

Steps to check status:

1. Visit the IRS website and navigate to the payment status tool.
2. Enter the required identity verification details exactly as on your tax return.
3. Review the status message for delivery method and date.

What the IRS status messages mean

• Payment scheduled — the IRS plans to send a direct deposit or check.
• Direct deposit sent — funds were transmitted to your bank; check with your bank if not posted.
• Paper check mailed — expect postal delivery within 7–14 business days.

What to Do If You Don’t Receive the $1390 Payment

If the IRS status shows a payment but you did not receive it, contact your bank first. Banks can often explain pending deposits, holds, or returned transactions.

If the bank says the funds were not received, take these steps:

• Check the IRS payment status tool again for updates.
• Confirm the direct deposit account on file by reviewing your last tax return.
• If the IRS mailed a check and it was lost, follow IRS guidance to request a reissue.

When to contact the IRS

Contact the IRS only after confirming with your bank and checking the online tool. The IRS phone lines will be busy; have your Social Security number, tax filing status, and last filed return year ready.

Tax and Reporting Considerations for the $1390 Relief Payment

Most relief payments are not taxable income, but rules vary. The IRS will publish guidance about whether this $1390 payment is taxable or affects tax credits for the 2026 tax year.

Keep documentation of the payment and any IRS notices. If you are unsure, consult a tax professional about whether to report the payment on your next return.

Record-keeping checklist

• Save IRS notices about the payment.
• Keep bank statements showing the deposit.
• Retain a copy of the tax return used to determine eligibility.

Small Case Study: How One Family Received the Payment

Example: The Torres family received a direct deposit notice on February 9, 2026, after the IRS marked the payment as “Direct deposit sent.” Their bank posted the funds the same day.

The steps they followed can help others:

• Checked the IRS payment status tool the morning the payment was announced.
• Confirmed their most recent tax return contained the correct bank routing and account number.
• Contacted their bank when the payment did not appear within two business days; the bank located it in a pending deposits queue and posted it that afternoon.

Avoiding Scams Related to the $1390 Payment

Scammers will try to exploit relief payments. The IRS will not call, text, or email asking for bank details to deliver this payment.

Safety tips:

• Do not provide personal info in response to unsolicited messages.
• Use the official IRS website for status checks.
• Report suspicious calls or emails to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).

Summary: Preparing for the February 2026 Deposit

Confirm your bank details on your most recent tax return, monitor the IRS payment tool, and check bank postings around the announced date. Keep records and contact your bank before contacting the IRS if a deposit is missing.

Following the practical steps above ensures you know when to expect the IRS $1390 direct deposit relief payment and how to act quickly if problems arise.