How is Tariffi different from other tariff refund services?
Quick answer
Tariffi is a data-preparation platform with a contingency-only fee (10/15/25%), no advance fees, and broker-compliant architecture per CBP Ruling HQ H326926. We never file with CBP directly — your licensed broker partner is always the Filer of Record. The ES-003-only intake keeps preparation deterministic and auditable under 19 CFR Part 163.
Detailed Answer
The tariff refund space has several players with different models. Here is how Tariffi compares.
Tariffi's model:
- Data-preparation platform, not a broker. We prepare CAPE declaration data; a licensed broker partner files under their own license. This complies with 19 U.S.C. § 1641 and protects both you and the broker.
- Contingency-only. 10/15/25% tiered by entry liquidation status. No advance fees, no retainer, no hourly billing. If CBP denies, you owe $0.
- ES-003-only intake. One standardized data format keeps the process deterministic and auditable. No manual data entry, no PDF processing, no guesswork.
- Broker-compliant compensation. Flat per-filing filer integration fee per 19 CFR § 111.36(c) — never a percentage that could violate § 111.36(b).
Compared to AmLaw trade firms:
- Lower fees (10-25% vs. hourly + 15-40% contingency)
- Faster preparation (automated vs. manual)
- No hourly billing component
- Limited to CAPE refunds (trade firms handle broader litigation)
Compared to other technology platforms:
- Broker-first architecture (some competitors file directly, creating § 1641 risk)
- ES-003 data fidelity (some accept manual input or PDF, introducing errors)
- Transparent fee tiers (some use opaque or negotiated pricing)
- Consumer distribution program (extending refunds to end consumers, not just importers)
What Tariffi does NOT do:
- Classification disputes (beyond CAPE refund scope)
- Drawback claims (separate CBP program)
- CIT litigation beyond protective filings
- General trade compliance consulting
Our focus is narrow by design. CAPE tariff refund data preparation, done well, at scale. If you need broader trade services, your customs broker or trade counsel handles those. Tariffi handles the high-volume, automatable refund recovery that most brokers do not have the software infrastructure to process efficiently.
Related Questions
How is Tariffi different from a law firm?
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.
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 do I get a tariff refund?
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.
Need help?
Upload your ES-003 to see how much you could recover, or talk to our team.