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
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
January 21, 2026 12:03 PM
·
From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
January 20, 2026 03:39 PM
·
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
·
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
January 20, 2026 01:14 PM
·
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
·
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
January 20, 2026 11:48 AM
·
