Tariffi vs. Doing Nothing
The CAPE filing window has a statutory deadline. Every day without filing is potential refund money permanently forfeited.
Key differences at a glance
| Factor | Tariffi | Not Filing |
|---|---|---|
| Recover overpaid duties | Recover overpaid duties | leave money on the table |
| CAPE window has | CAPE window has a deadline | permanent loss after expiry |
| Zero risk (contingency | Zero risk (contingency fee) | guaranteed loss of refund |
| day processing | 60-90 day processing | never recovering the money |
Tariffi advantages
- Recover money you've already paid — it's your refund
- Zero advance fees: if CBP denies, you owe nothing
- CAPE Phase 1 window is open now but has a deadline
- Takes 15 minutes to upload your ES-003 and start
Not Filing advantages
- No effort required
- No third-party access to your customs data
The bottom line
If you paid IEEPA or Section 301 tariffs on qualifying entries, not filing means permanently forfeiting your refund after the CAPE window closes. Tariffi charges zero advance fees — there is no financial risk to filing. The only cost of doing nothing is the refund you'll never receive.
See your estimated refund
Use our free calculator or upload your ES-003 for a precise analysis.