You've probably seen the headlines. Maybe a TikTok video popped up on your feed with a guy pointing at a green "IRS Confirmed" graphic. Or maybe an aunt shared a Facebook post claiming that a $1390 stimulus check is hitting bank accounts this week. Honestly, it’s everywhere. It feels real because we all kind of want it to be. Inflation has been a beast lately, and seeing an extra comma in your balance would change the month for a lot of people.
But here is the thing.
The IRS hasn't actually announced a nationwide $1390 payment. If you're waiting for a federal "fourth stimulus" to just drop into your lap like those COVID-era checks, you're going to be waiting a long time. It’s basically a massive game of digital telephone where some real state-level updates got mixed up with old rumors and a bit of wishful thinking.
Why $1390? The Truth Behind the Number
Where did that specific amount even come from? It’s not a random figure.
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Actually, most of the confusion stems from the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. Back in early 2025, the IRS made a final push to get people to claim their old stimulus money from years ago. That credit was worth up to $1400 per person. When you account for small tax offsets or people misremembering the exact total, "$1390" started trending.
The deadline to claim those old federal funds was April 15, 2025. If you missed that window, that ship has mostly sailed. Unless you're filing an amended return for a very specific reason, there is no $1390 federal check coming from Washington D.C. right now.
It's also worth noting that Congress is pretty jammed up. For a new stimulus check to happen, a bill has to pass the House, clear the Senate, and get a signature at the White House. Currently, there is no "One Big, Beautiful Bill" (as some have nicknamed recent legislative packages) that includes a flat $1390 payment for every American.
Real State Checks That People Are Confusing for Stimulus
Just because the federal government isn't sending a check doesn't mean nobody is. This is where it gets tricky. Several states are sitting on massive budget surpluses, and they’re actually sending that money back to residents.
If you live in one of these places, you might actually be getting a check—just not the $1390 one you saw on social media.
New York’s Inflation Refund
Governor Kathy Hochul pushed through an "Inflation Refund" for 2025. This isn't a federal stimulus, but it’s real cash. Over 8 million New Yorkers are eligible.
- Single filers making under $75,000 are seeing around $200.
- Joint filers making under $150,000 are getting $400.
The state started mailing these out toward the end of 2025, and some are still landing in mailboxes this month.
Georgia’s Surplus Tax Refund
Georgia has been on a roll with this. Because the state has an $11 billion surplus, they’ve authorized another round of rebates. If you filed your 2023 and 2024 taxes, you’re likely in line for $250 (single) or $500 (married).
Colorado TABOR Payments
In Colorado, the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) requires the state to give money back if they collect too much tax. For 2025, some residents have seen "Cash Back" checks as high as $800 for individuals or $1600 for couples. This might be where that $1390 number got scrambled in the rumor mill.
The "Tariff Dividend" and Future Rumors
You might have heard whispers about a $2,000 "tariff dividend" or a "DOGE dividend" related to government efficiency. These are real proposals being discussed in political circles, but they aren't law yet.
Some politicians have suggested using revenue from new tariffs to fund direct payments to Americans. While the idea sounds great in a campaign speech, the math is complicated. For a $2,000 check to reach every adult, the government would need hundreds of billions of dollars. As of now, those plans are just ideas on paper. They haven't been authorized for 2025 or 2026.
How to Tell if a Stimulus Claim is a Scam
Scammers love the word "stimulus." It’s the perfect bait.
If you get a text message saying, "Your $1390 stimulus check is ready, click here to verify your identity," do not click it. The IRS will never, ever text you a link to claim money. They don't slide into your DMs. They don't call you out of the blue demanding your Social Security number to "release" a payment.
Legitimate payments are almost always automatic. If you filed your taxes, the government already has your bank info or your address. They just send the money. Any site asking you to pay a "processing fee" to get your stimulus is a 100% confirmed scam.
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Actionable Next Steps for 2026
Since a federal $1390 check isn't happening, you should focus on the money you can actually get. Here is what you need to do right now to make sure you aren't leaving cash on the table.
- Check your state's Department of Revenue website. States like Virginia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania have specific 2025 rebate programs. Type "[Your State] 2025 tax rebate" into a search engine and look for the
.govlink. - Verify your address with the IRS. If you moved recently, the IRS might have tried to send you a 2021 Recovery Rebate catch-up payment that got returned. Use the "Change of Address" form 8822.
- Look into the EITC. The Earned Income Tax Credit was expanded in many states for the 2025 tax year. This can result in a much larger refund than a one-time stimulus check ever would.
- Stay updated on the 2026 Filing Season. The IRS officially opens for 2025 tax returns on January 26, 2026. Filing early is the fastest way to get any legitimate credits or refunds owed to you.
The $1390 stimulus check might be a myth, but state-level relief and standard tax credits are very real. Don't let a viral rumor distract you from the actual money you're entitled to.