IRS Debunks Viral $1,390 and $2,000 Stimulus Check Rumors

Adam Tahir
Oct 27
2 min read

Over the past week, social media platforms have been filled with claims that the IRS is sending out new $1,390 or $2,000 stimulus checks to taxpayers as part of a 2025 “relief program.”

The rumor spread quickly across TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, gaining millions of views and sparking confusion among taxpayers and small business owners.

According to an official IRS statement, there is no such program or payment in existence. The agency acted quickly to correct the misinformation and warn the public about possible phishing and scam risks linked to the viral posts.

IRS Debunks Viral $1,390 and $2,000 Stimulus Check Rumors

What Actually Happened

False information began circulating in mid-October 2025, claiming the IRS had approved a new round of direct-deposit stimulus payments for all U.S. taxpayers.
Posts linked to unreliable websites encouraged users to “check eligibility” by entering personal or banking information, which is a clear red flag for potential identity theft.
On October 27, 2025, the IRS released an official clarification confirming that no new federal relief payments are being issued or scheduled.
The agency reminded taxpayers that legitimate IRS announcements about refunds or stimulus programs are shared only through IRS.gov or verified Treasury communications.

Why It Matters for CPAs, Tax Attorneys, and Business Owners

1. Client Misinformation Is Becoming a Compliance Issue

Tax professionals are already receiving calls from clients who believe these viral claims are real.

If left unaddressed, misinformation can lead to:

Delayed tax payments or false refund expectations.
Increased risk of identity theft.
Reduced trust in verified IRS and Treasury communications.

2. Employee and Payroll Confusion

Business owners report employees asking payroll departments about “stimulus direct deposits.” Internal HR or finance teams should share accurate IRS information proactively to prevent workplace confusion.

3. Cybersecurity Risks Are Rising

Scammers use fake stimulus campaigns to capture taxpayer data. Firms and advisors should remind clients to:

Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or social media messages that reference the IRS.
Report suspicious messages to phishing@irs.gov.
Regularly update data security protocols within their firm or client-facing systems.

What’s Next: Staying Ahead of Tax Misinformation

Tax professionals should expect an increase in viral misinformation as election-year discussions about tax reform and economic relief intensify.

Here are steps to stay ahead:

Monitor official IRS sources such as IRS.gov/newsroom.
Issue proactive client updates that clarify which tax claims are accurate.
Train staff to recognize phishing and misinformation tactics.
Remind clients during year-end reviews to verify tax-related news directly with trusted professionals.

Final Takeaway

The IRS has confirmed that there are no $1,390 or $2,000 stimulus checks on the way.For CPAs and business owners, this issue goes beyond rumor control. It is about maintaining trust, protecting client data, and reinforcing clear communication.

Stay informed, stay compliant, and stay ahead by trying Bizora today for verified, real-time tax intelligence tailored to professionals who cannot afford misinformation.