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COVID-Era Tax Penalty Refunds: Could the IRS Owe You?

The pandemic disrupted nearly every aspect of running a business, from shifting supply chains to upending IRS processing and filing deadlines. Now, years after the dust has settled, a federal court case is reopening a critical question for many taxpayers: Did the IRS improperly assess certain penalties and interest during the COVID era?

For millions of dual-income professionals and service-based entrepreneurs—including contractors, dental practices, and real estate firms—the answer might be yes. If you paid fees for late filings or late payments between 2020 and 2023, you could be entitled to get that money back.

The Ruling That Changes the Math

A recent federal court decision interpreted disaster relief rules in a way that dramatically expands deadline relief. Because the federal COVID disaster declaration remained active from January 2020 through May 2023, the court concluded that many filing and payment deadlines during that window should have been postponed much longer than originally understood.

The practical takeaway is straightforward: specific penalties and related interest charges assessed during those pandemic years may not have been legally owed. Taxpayers who paid them could qualify for a refund.

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Why Time Is of the Essence

While the prospect of recovering lost funds is appealing, the clock is ticking. For many, the statute of limitations to preserve refund rights expires on July 10, 2026. Here is where the situation requires careful tax optimization strategy.

The federal government is expected to challenge the court’s decision via the appeals process. However, if you wait for the final legal resolution and miss the 2026 filing deadline, you permanently lose your ability to claim those funds—even if the courts eventually rule in the taxpayer's favor.

Filing a Protective Refund Claim

To prevent this, we advise affected clients to file a protective refund claim. Think of it as reserving your place in line. While it does not guarantee immediate payment, it secures your right to a refund later if the courts uphold the broader interpretation of the relief rules.

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Who Should Be Paying Attention?

This opportunity spans multiple tax years and return types. You may be affected if you fall into any of these categories:

  • Service-based businesses and individuals who filed returns late during the pandemic
  • Companies assessed late payment penalties
  • Taxpayers who entered into installment agreements after penalties had accrued
  • Medical offices, attorneys, or contractors who paid significant IRS interest charges between 2020 and 2023

One notable frustration is that the IRS currently requires these claims to be submitted on paper. It is an outdated requirement, but one we must navigate to protect your financial interests.

Let Get Balanced CPA Guide You

Led by Sam Faulkner, our team at Get Balanced CPA specializes in bringing clarity to complex tax problems. We understand how demanding it is to run a medical practice, law firm, or contracting business. You do not have the time to decipher IRS guidance, but we do.

If you suspect your business paid unfair IRS penalties during the COVID years, let us help. We leverage a modern, tech-forward approach to review your history and determine if a protective refund claim makes sense. Reach out to our team at our Cumming, GA office at 2100 Westshore Drive, and let us minimize your tax burden with professional, straightforward advice.

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