How do I get a tariff refund?
Quick answer
Upload your ACE ES-003 entry-summary CSV to Tariffi. Our platform analyzes your entries for IEEPA and Section 301 overpayments, prepares the CAPE declaration data, and routes it to a CBP-licensed customs broker partner who files under their own license. No advance fees — you pay a contingency only when CBP approves your refund.
Detailed Answer
Getting a tariff refund through Tariffi follows a streamlined four-step process designed to minimize friction and maximize your recovery.
Step 1: Upload your ES-003. The ES-003 entry-summary CSV is the universal export every U.S. importer of record or customs broker can pull from the ACE portal. Upload it at tariffi.io/intake/start — our platform parses it automatically and identifies qualifying entries.
Step 2: Review your eligibility. Tariffi's analysis engine scans each entry for IEEPA and Section 301 tariff overpayments, calculates estimated recovery amounts per entry, and flags entries that need additional documentation or fall outside the CAPE lookback window.
Step 3: Sign the engagement. You execute a Contingency Fee Agreement (no advance fees per 16 CFR § 310.4(a)(2)) and a Limited Power of Attorney (LPOA) directly with our licensed customs broker partner, who becomes your Filer of Record under 19 CFR Part 111. Tariffi is the data-preparation platform — we never file with CBP directly per 19 U.S.C. § 1641.
Step 4: Broker files, you get paid. The broker reviews Tariffi's prepared CAPE declaration, transmits it via ACE, and CBP processes the claim. When approved, Treasury ACHs the refund to our dedicated client-funds account at JPMorgan Chase, where the fee split happens automatically. Your net refund ACHs to your bank within 3-5 business days of CBP's allow-decision.
The entire intake process takes about 15 minutes. CBP's processing timeline varies by entry complexity, but most Phase 1 cases resolve faster than the statutory two-year ceiling.
Related Questions
What is the CAPE program?
CAPE (Customs Automated Protest and Entry) is CBP's electronic program for processing tariff refund declarations. Importers who overpaid IEEPA or Section 301 tariffs submit CAPE declarations through the ACE portal. Tariffi automates the data preparation; your licensed customs broker partner transmits the declaration under their ABI filer code.
What documents do I need to file a CAPE declaration?
You need your ES-003 entry-summary CSV from the ACE portal — the universal export every U.S. broker and importer of record can produce. Tariffi extracts all required data (entry numbers, HTS codes, duty amounts, liquidation dates) from this single file. No additional paperwork is required to start the process.
How long does a tariff refund take?
Refund timing is governed by federal statute, not by Tariffi. CBP has up to two years to decide a protest under 19 U.S.C. § 1515, though most CAPE Phase 1 claims process faster. After CBP allows your claim, Treasury ACHs the refund within 3-5 business days. CIT filings for older entries add court calendar time.
How much does Tariffi charge?
Tariffi charges a contingency-only fee with three tiers: 10% on unliquidated entries, 15% on recently liquidated entries (within 180 days), and 25% on entries requiring CIT protective filing. No retainer, no advance fees, no deposits. If CBP denies your claim, you owe nothing on the denied portion.
Need help?
Upload your ES-003 to see how much you could recover, or talk to our team.