How do I check if I'm owed a tariff refund?
Quick answer
For consumers: there is nothing to file today. Consumer distributions are merchant-initiated — participating retailers identify eligible customers from their own purchase records and notify them directly as programs launch, so watch for emails from brands you shop with. For businesses: if you are a U.S. importer of record, upload your ES-003 at tariffi.io/intake/start for a free eligibility analysis.
Detailed Answer
How you check depends on whether you are a consumer or a business importer.
For consumers:
Consumer refund distributions are merchant-initiated. There is no form to fill out and nothing to claim directly with Tariffi or CBP today. Here is how it works as programs launch:
- The merchant recovers their refund. An importer or retailer recovers overpaid IEEPA duties through CBP's CAPE program.
- The merchant launches a distribution program. Participating merchants partner with Tariffi to pass a share of the recovery to their customers.
- You get notified. The merchant identifies eligible customers from their own transaction records — you do not need receipts — and notifies you by email or through their app with your estimated refund and a claim link.
- You claim in minutes. Verify your identity, confirm the listed purchases, and pick a payout method.
What you can do now: keep your contact information current with the brands and retailers you shop with, and watch for their notifications. Be wary of anyone claiming they can get consumers a CBP tariff refund directly today — see how to spot IEEPA refund scams.
For importers (business):
If you are a U.S. importer of record, the process is live today:
- Upload your ES-003 entry-summary CSV at tariffi.io/intake/start.
- Tariffi analyzes every entry for IEEPA and Section 301 eligibility.
- You see a per-entry breakdown of qualifying amounts and applicable fee tiers.
- The analysis is free and non-binding.
What you will need as a consumer when a program launches:
- No government documents or customs paperwork
- No ACE portal access
- The email or account you used with the merchant (so their records match you)
- A U.S. bank account or digital wallet for receiving your payout
Related Questions
Can consumers get tariff refunds?
Potentially, yes — through merchant-run distribution programs. When importers and retailers recover tariff overpayments, they can partner with Tariffi to pass a share of those savings to consumers who purchased affected products. Distributions launch merchant by merchant as refunds arrive: participating merchants notify their eligible customers directly, so watch for emails from brands you shop with.
How much did tariffs cost me as a consumer?
IEEPA and Section 301 tariffs added 7.5% to 25% to the cost of affected imported goods, primarily from China. On a $100 purchase, that means $7.50 to $25 in embedded tariff costs passed through as higher retail prices. Your actual exposure depends on what you bought, when, and from which retailers.
What is tariff passthrough?
Tariff passthrough is when importers pass the cost of tariffs through to downstream buyers via higher wholesale and retail prices. Studies show that Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs are largely passed through to U.S. consumers, meaning the economic burden falls on end purchasers, not the foreign exporters the tariffs target.
How is this different from a class action?
Tariffi's consumer refund distribution is a voluntary program, not litigation. Participating retailers and importers opt in to distribute refunds as their programs launch. There are no legal fees, no court proceedings, no settlement timelines, and no attorney contingency. Once a merchant's program is live and you claim, payouts typically arrive within days — not years.
Need help?
Upload your ES-003 to see how much you could recover, or talk to our team.