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
U.S.-Mexico agricultural trade faces uncertainty in 2026 as tariffs and cartel violence threaten farmers and ranchers. Congressman Henry Cuellar and Texas leaders weigh in on impacts and risks.
February 27, 2026 09:00 AM
·
Liquidity management and cost control will matter most in 2026.
February 27, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Food demand is stable but price-sensitive across rural markets. For agriculture and rural communities, the important signal is not optimism — it is stability.
February 27, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Through “One Farmer, One File,” USDA’s mission is to create a single, streamlined record that follows the farmer — no matter where they go in the USDA system.
February 26, 2026 05:13 PM
USDA headquarters downsizing reflects cost pressures and may reshape agency operations.
February 26, 2026 03:45 PM
·
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer provided insight on updated PLC rate estimates, the role of base acres, and the upcoming enrollment window for ARC and PLC programs.
February 26, 2026 02:42 PM
·
