NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Farmers, rural business owners, and families who paid IRS late fees, estimated-tax penalties, or interest during the COVID years may have money waiting to be refunded. The catch is that they likely have to ask for it before the deadline passes.
AARP reports the issue involves penalties and interest charged during the federal COVID disaster period, which ran from Jan. 20, 2020, through July 10, 2023. The National Taxpayer Advocate says millions of taxpayers could be affected, but refunds are not expected to arrive automatically.
That means anyone who filed late, paid late, missed estimated tax payments, or was charged interest by the IRS during that period should review their old tax records. Farmers and self-employed rural taxpayers may want to pay close attention, as estimated tax rules often apply to their operations.
The first step is checking IRS account transcripts for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. A tax preparer can help identify penalty and interest charges and determine whether Form 843 should be filed.
The IRS is still fighting the court ruling, but taxpayers may need to file a protective claim by July 10, 2026, to preserve refund rights.
Farm-Level Takeaway: If you paid IRS penalties or interest during the COVID years, review your records now, because a refund may not be issued unless you request it.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
For producers, success this season will require more than just a clean field; it will require meticulous record-keeping, a proactive written mitigation plan, and a constant eye on both the forecast and the federal docket.
March 10, 2026 05:04 PM
·
Tidal Grow’s AlignN delivers encapsulated nitrogen to leaves, boosting in-season response, yield gains, and farm profits.
March 10, 2026 04:32 PM
·
UNL student fellow Alison Walbrecht shares her perspective on building support for agricultural research, extension, and teaching while gaining hands-on insight into federal policymaking.
March 10, 2026 03:57 PM
·
Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on current cattle market conditions and shares advice for producers seeking to stay protected in an uncertain market.
March 10, 2026 03:08 PM
·
Leadership continuity signals a steady focus on family farm advocacy.
March 10, 2026 02:48 PM
·
National Pork Producers Council incoming president Rob Brenneman shares insights from the National Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City, where producers gathered to discuss Farm Bill policy, sustainability, and other priorities for the year ahead.
March 10, 2026 01:44 PM
·
