How is Tariffi different from a law firm?
Quick answer
Law firms typically bill $1,000-1,200/hour plus a 15-40% contingency and take 6-18 months. Tariffi charges a tiered 10-25% contingency only, targets 8-12 weeks from filing to Treasury settlement, and never bills hourly. We prep the data; a licensed customs broker files. For CIT litigation, hire a law firm. For CAPE refund recovery, use Tariffi.
Detailed Answer
Tariffi and trade law firms serve different use cases, and understanding the distinction helps you choose the right path.
Tariffi (data-preparation platform):
- Fee: 10/15/25% contingency only, tiered by entry liquidation status. No hourly billing, no retainer, no advance fees.
- Scope: CAPE declaration data preparation for IEEPA and Section 301 tariff refunds. ES-003 analysis, eligibility determination, CAPE CSV formatting, broker routing.
- Who files: A CBP-licensed customs broker partner under their own ABI filer code per 19 CFR Part 111.
- Timeline: Intake to CBP submission in 1-2 weeks. CBP processing varies, but most Phase 1 cases are faster than the two-year statutory ceiling.
- Best for: Importers seeking straightforward CAPE Phase 1 refunds on standard entries.
Trade law firm (AmLaw practice):
- Fee: Typically $1,000-1,200/hour plus a separate 15-40% contingency. Some firms offer contingency-only but at higher rates.
- Scope: Full-spectrum trade litigation including CIT actions, CBP audits, complex classification disputes, drawback conflicts, and regulatory compliance matters.
- Who files: The firm's attorneys handle litigation directly. For CBP filings, they often coordinate with a licensed customs broker.
- Timeline: 6-18 months for CIT cases, longer for appeals.
- Best for: Complex disputes, CIT litigation, multi-million-dollar classification challenges, audit defense.
When to use which:
- Standard CAPE refund on clear-cut entries: Tariffi. Lower fees, faster timeline, automated preparation.
- CIT litigation on contested entries: A law firm. We do not litigate.
- Both: Start with Tariffi for eligible entries. If specific entries require CIT action beyond a protective filing, we recommend engaging trade counsel for those entries specifically.
Tariffi does not compete with law firms — we handle the high-volume, standardizable portion of tariff recovery that does not require litigation.
Related Questions
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.
Do I need a customs broker for a tariff refund?
Yes. Federal law (19 U.S.C. § 1641) requires a CBP-licensed customs broker to file CAPE declarations. Tariffi is a data-preparation platform, not a broker — we prepare your declaration data and route it to a licensed broker partner who reviews, approves, and transmits under their own ABI filer code at no extra cost to you.
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.
What happens if CBP denies my claim?
If CBP denies any entry in your CAPE declaration, you owe nothing on the denied portion. Your broker partner (Filer of Record) responds to any CBP Form 28 or Form 29 within the scope of the LPOA at no additional charge. For entries worth contesting, the broker may file a further protest or recommend CIT action.
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