Tariff Refunds Open Today: What Small Businesses Need to Do

Starting Monday April 20th at 8 a.m., businesses across the country can begin applying for refunds on tariffs that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled were imposed without proper constitutional authority. According to ABC7 Chicago’s reporting, this could return billions to companies that paid these fees on imported goods — including many small-town manufacturers, retailers, and specialty shops that absorbed the costs to keep prices stable.

This refund window is a major opportunity, but it comes with a detailed process business owners need to follow carefully.

Where to Apply

All refund claims must be submitted through U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) official portal:

CBP Refund Portal (ACE Portal Login):  https://ace.cbp.dhs.gov (ace.cbp.dhs.gov in Bing)

CBP Information Page on Refunds & Tariff Claims:  https://www.cbp.gov/trade

CBP Contact Page for Trade Questions:  https://www.cbp.gov/contact

Guide on How to Apply by US Chamber: https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/how-to-apply-for-small-business-tariff-refunds

These are the official government links referenced in the ABC7 reporting and CBP’s public guidance.

What Businesses Need to Submit

To qualify for a refund, businesses must provide:

• A detailed declaration listing each imported item tied to the tariff

• Documentation showing tariff payments

• Accurate product codes and shipment information

• A complete file with no missing or incorrect entries

CBP officials warn that even one incorrect line item can delay or derail a claim. For businesses that import dozens or hundreds of products, this may mean gathering thousands of data points.

How Long Refunds Will Take

Once a claim is submitted:

• CBP will review the file

• Approved refunds are expected within 60–90 days

• Some claims may take longer depending on volume and accuracy

The first phase of refunds applies only to specific tariff categories, and additional phases will roll out later.

Real-World Impact

ABC7 highlighted a Minnesota business owner who paid $34,000 in tariffs last year alone. For companies like his — and for many small-town businesses that operate on tight margins — these refunds could support hiring, expansion, equipment upgrades, or simply catching up after years of absorbing extra costs.

What You Should Do Now

If your business paid tariffs on imported goods, take these steps immediately:

1. Log into the CBP ACE Portal and confirm your account is active

   https://ace.cbp.dhs.gov (ace.cbp.dhs.gov in Bing)

2. Collect all import documentation — invoices, tariff payment records, product codes

3. Prepare a clean, accurate file with no missing data

4. Submit your claim as early as possible to avoid backlog delays

5. Consult your accountant or customs broker if you’re unsure what qualifies

This is a rare chance to reclaim money your business already paid — but only if the paperwork is correct.