IRS Clarifies No $1,390 Stimulus Checks in Works This Summer

The recent wave of speculation about $1,390 stimulus checks from the IRS has been officially dismissed by the agency, which confirmed that no such payments are in the works for this summer [1]. The claims gained traction across social media platforms such as TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram, with some accounts falsely asserting that the IRS and Treasury were preparing to distribute the checks [3]. These posts, however, were neither verified nor based on any current legislation or policy [4].

The confusion appears to stem from a proposed but unpassed bill introduced by Senator Josh Hawley known as the American Worker Rebate Act [1]. The legislation, which would have directed funds collected from Trump-era tariffs toward tax rebates for Americans, has not advanced beyond its initial introduction in the Senate. It remains in the Committee on Finance with no indication of movement or support from the full chamber [1]. As such, no action is being taken to implement the proposal, and no financial mechanism exists to distribute the proposed payments [4].

The IRS has emphasized that it only distributes funds when directed by Congress through formal legislation. Past stimulus checks, including those issued during the pandemic, were made possible through the CARES Act, the American Rescue Plan Act, and the Tax Relief Act [1]. These laws were passed by Congress and signed into law by the president. Without similar legislative action, the Treasury and IRS have no authority to issue new payments [4].

In addition to the false $1,390 claim, some taxpayers were misled by a separate, unrelated initiative in which the IRS distributed $2.4 billion in 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit refunds [1]. This payment, however, was not a new stimulus round but a final disbursement of a previously enacted credit, available only to individuals who filed their 2021 taxes by April 15 [1]. The IRS has clarified that this program is now fully concluded and that no new credits are available for 2025 [4].

The situation highlights the risks of spreading unverified financial information online. Social media accounts and influencers have played a role in amplifying these claims without providing evidence or citing official sources [3]. In response, fact-checking organizations and the IRS itself have stepped in to correct the record [1]. Experts warn that such misinformation can lead to confusion, misplaced expectations, and potential scams [1].

While there are ongoing discussions in certain political circles about potential new economic relief measures, no official proposal has been introduced or supported by the necessary legislative or executive branches [5]. Taxpayers are urged to verify any financial news through the official IRS website or U.S. Treasury communications before taking any action [4].

[1] https://www.cryptopolitan.com/irs-latest-1390-stimulus-checks/

[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/topic/stimulus-payment-new-york

[3] https://www.instagram.com/eurweb/?hl=en

[4] https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/uncertainty-surrounds-free-meals-michigan-093816419.html

[5] https://www.tiktok.com/@theargentgroup