Tariff Refund Recovery vs. Doing Nothing
You paid the tariffs. The Supreme Court said they were unconstitutional. Here's what happens if you don't file for your refund.
Quick Answer
If you imported goods subject to IEEPA tariffs since April 2025 and don't file a protest within 180 days of the Supreme Court ruling (by August 19, 2026), you permanently forfeit your right to a refund. The government keeps your money. There is no second chance.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | File with Tariff Arrow | Do Nothing |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $0 | $0 |
| Time required | Under 10 minutes | None |
| Potential refund | 60-95% of duties paid | $0 |
| Risk | None | Forfeit entire refund |
| Effort | Minimal | None |
| Deadline protection | Guaranteed | Expires silently |
| Outcome | Money recovered | Government keeps it |
The 180-Day Clock Is Ticking
The Supreme Court ruled on February 20, 2026 that IEEPA tariffs were unconstitutional. From that date, importers have 180 days to file a protest with CBP to recover overpaid duties. That deadline — August 19, 2026 — is absolute. After it passes, your right to a refund is gone forever, regardless of how much you paid.
How Much Are You Leaving on the Table?
IEEPA tariff rates ranged from 10% to 145% depending on the country of origin. If your business imported $500,000 in goods from China at a 25% tariff rate, you paid $125,000 in duties that the Supreme Court has now ruled were unconstitutional. That's $125,000 the government has no legal right to keep — but they will, if you don't file.
Why Importers Don't File (And Why They Should)
Common reasons importers skip filing: 'It's too complicated,' 'I don't have time,' 'I'm not sure I qualify,' or 'The amount probably isn't worth it.' With Tariff Arrow, none of these apply. We handle all the complexity, it takes under 10 minutes to check eligibility, and there's no cost if you don't qualify. Even smaller refunds add up — and the money is rightfully yours.
The True Cost of Inaction
Doing nothing costs you exactly the amount of IEEPA duties you paid. It's not just about the refund — it's about the precedent. These tariffs were ruled unconstitutional. The money was collected illegally. Filing a claim isn't just a business decision; it's exercising your right to recover what's owed to you.
Pros & Cons
Filing with Tariff Arrow
Pros
- Recover 60-95% of duties paid
- Zero upfront cost
- Takes under 10 minutes
- No risk — free if not eligible
- Deadline protection built in
Cons
- Contingency fee on recovered amount
Doing Nothing
Pros
- No effort required
Cons
- Permanently forfeit your entire refund
- Government keeps your money
- No second chance after deadline
- Leaving potentially millions on the table
- Ignoring a constitutional right
The Bottom Line
There is no scenario where doing nothing is the better choice. Checking your eligibility is free, takes under 10 minutes, and carries zero risk. The only risk is missing the 180-day deadline and permanently forfeiting your refund.
- ✓Free eligibility check with no obligation
- ✓180-day deadline: August 19, 2026 — no extensions
- ✓Government keeps 100% of your money if you don't file
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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