CBP will launch an online tariff refund system.

After the Supreme Court ruled that certain tariffs are unlawful, many business owners are asking: how do we get a refund? Some details of the process are still being worked out, but the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has issued guidance for small businesses. Here’s what we know about how refunds will work.

Who will qualify for refunds?

An estimated 300,000 businesses who paid International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs will qualify for refunds. This includes those that have been referred to as “fentanyl,” “trafficking,” “reciprocal” and “baseline” tariffs, and tariffs on some goods from Brazil and India.

Refunds will also include interest.

How do I apply for a refund?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is expected to launch an online portal for processing refunds by April 20, 2026. Eligible businesses will have to set up an account to request a refund.

When will I get the tariff refund?

It’s not 100% certain the refund system will go online in April due to ongoing legal proceedings. Nor is it clear when refunds will be issued.

In February, a federal judge ordered immediate compliance to return tariffs collected unlawfully. In early March, the Department of Justice requested 45 days to set up an automated system. As of this writing, there’s no date for the start of refunds. The sooner the government issues refunds, the better it is for taxpayers. The Cato Institute calculates that, “the U.S. owes almost $700 million more in interest every month it delays IEEPA refunds.”

How will repayment be made?

In keeping with the federal government’s initiative to stop using paper checks, refunds will be made electronically through CBP’s Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) refund system. You can enroll now in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Secure Data Portal to receive ACH payment. Funds can be directly deposited into the account of your choice, such as a business checking or business savings account.

Beware of scammers and talk to your tax planner

Even before the system for refunds is set up, scammers have devised schemes to steal information and funds from business owners. Some promise to help importers collect their refund for a fee, while others offer to buy the rights to refunds for pennies on the dollar. To avoid scams, work only with reputable customs brokers.

Business owners should also consult with their tax professional about how a refund may affect their federal income taxes.

Learn more in the guide, Tariff Refund FAQ: What Small Businesses Need to Know After Supreme Court’s Ruling, from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

 

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