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
Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
February 24, 2026 11:57 AM
·
Cash flow management and lender communication are becoming critical survival tools for farmers as tightening margins increase risk and borrowing pressure.
February 24, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Expanded global trade access boosts long-term export demand potential for U.S. ag products.
February 23, 2026 03:03 PM
·
RFD Farm Legal & Tax expert Roger McEowen shares guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, its impact on renewable energy and agriculture, and what producers should know moving forward.
February 23, 2026 02:36 PM
·
Brooks York of AgriSompo discusses projected prices and how farmers are adapting their crop insurance strategies as the price discovery period comes to a close.
February 23, 2026 12:32 PM
·
For the broader agricultural industry, a railroad antitrust case in Kansas could lead to the dismantling of legacy regulatory shields, creating a more fluid, market-driven transportation grid that prioritizes moving crops efficiently over protecting historic rail monopolies.
February 23, 2026 11:35 AM
·
