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Are You Owed a COVID-Era IRS Penalty Refund? What Gilbert Small Businesses Need to Know

The pandemic upended nearly every aspect of running a small business here in Gilbert, AZ. From broken supply chains to sudden shifts in IRS processing, the ripples of 2020 were felt for years. Now, a recent federal court case is re-evaluating a question many assumed was permanently closed: Did the IRS wrongfully assess certain penalties and interest during the COVID era?

If the answer holds up as a yes, millions of taxpayers—including many local Arizona business owners—could be entitled to recover those funds.

Why a Recent Court Ruling Matters for Your Bottom Line

A federal court decision recently interpreted disaster relief statutes in a way that dramatically expands pandemic-related deadline extensions. The ruling centers on a tax code provision that automatically pauses specific tax deadlines during federally declared disasters.

Because the federal COVID disaster declaration spanned from January 2020 through May 2023, the court determined that many filing and payment deadlines during that three-year window were legally postponed much longer than the IRS originally stated.

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The takeaway? Penalties for late filing, late payment, and the resulting interest charges assessed during those pandemic years might not have been legally valid. Taxpayers who paid these fines could qualify for a full refund.

Who Could Be Affected?

This situation applies across multiple tax years and return types. You may be impacted if you fall into any of these categories:

  • Small business owners hit with late payment penalties
  • Individuals who filed their returns past the deadline during the pandemic
  • Taxpayers who entered into installment agreements after penalty fees accrued
  • Companies or individuals who paid heavy IRS interest charges between 2020 and 2023
  • Anyone whose filing or payment dates landed within the federal COVID disaster timeline

The Clock is Ticking: Why You Need a Protective Refund Claim

While the government is expected to challenge this ruling through appeals, taxpayers cannot afford to sit back and wait. For many, the strict deadline to preserve refund rights is July 10, 2026. This date is tied to the IRS statute of limitations for filing refund claims.

If you miss this cutoff while the courts deliberate, you permanently forfeit your right to that money—even if the final ruling favors taxpayers.

To prevent this, CPAs are advising clients to file a protective refund claim. Think of this as officially holding your place in line. It does not guarantee a payout today, but it legally preserves your right to recover those penalties if the courts uphold the broader COVID-era deadline relief.

The Paperwork Frustration

Ironically, securing this modern relief requires a rather antiquated method. Current IRS guidance demands that these protective claims be submitted via paper mail rather than electronically. Preparing and mailing physical documents is tedious, but it is a necessary step to safeguard your potential refund.

How Martinez & Shanken PLLC Can Help

Navigating emergency tax relief measures alongside standard tax laws requires a trained eye. If your Gilbert small business paid IRS penalties or interest connected to filing delays during the COVID years, we need to review your books immediately.

Every situation is unique, and your eligibility depends on exact timelines and the specific penalties assessed. Contact the CPA team at Martinez & Shanken PLLC today to determine if a protective refund claim is the right move for your financial health before the deadline passes.

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1560 W Warner Rd Suite 200
Gilbert, Arizona 85233
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