NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Farmers, rural business owners and families who paid IRS late fees, estimated tax penalties or interest during the COVID years could be eligible for refunds, but they may need to act before the deadline passes.
According to AARP, 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, though refunds are not expected to happen automatically.
Anyone who filed or paid late, missed estimated tax payments, or was charged IRS interest during that period, is being encouraged to review past tax records. Farmers and self-employed rural taxpayers may especially want to take a closer look, as estimated tax rules often apply to their operations.
The first step is reviewing IRS account transcripts for 2020 through 2023. Tax preparers can help identify penalty or interest charges and determine whether Form 843 should be filed.
The IRS is still challenging the court ruling, but taxpayers may need to file a protective claim by July 10, 2026, to preserve possible 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
CoBank Lead Energy Economist Teri Viswanath discusses their analysis of rising energy costs, rural impacts, and the outlook for fuel prices amid ongoing global uncertainty.
April 15, 2026 03:33 PM
·
Lawmakers say payments will support schools, infrastructure and public safety in rural communities.
April 15, 2026 03:10 PM
·
Risk management and diversification improve survival odds. Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust discusses barriers to farmland access and efforts to connect the next generation of producers with retiring farmers.
April 15, 2026 03:05 PM
·
The analysis models how trade disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz may continue to drive up the cost of fertilizer.
April 15, 2026 01:10 PM
·
A late-season freeze in northeast Louisiana has forced farmers to replant thousands of corn acres, adding costs, straining seed supplies, and raising concerns about shifting to soybeans.
April 14, 2026 03:50 PM
·
March 15 of each year is the application deadline for the Pima Cotton Trust, and March 1 of each year is the application deadline for the Wool Trust. The law mandates trust payments by April 15. More information about these programs is available at www.fas.usda.gov/programs.
April 14, 2026 03:45 PM
·
