Many small business owners are still feeling the effects of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. Recent legal decisions have reopened the possibility of refunds, but many are worried they might not see any money due to the technicalities surrounding these tariffs.

Small Business Owners in a Bind

For some small retail owners, the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down certain tariffs was met with skepticism. Andy Linn, a gift shop owner in Detroit, expressed his doubt about receiving any refund from the government. He lamented losing $10,000 due to what he called “Liberation Day” tariffs. Although a court ordered refunds for the tariffs, Linn noted that he isn’t listed as the importer of record, a crucial designation needed to reclaim the extra costs incurred from tariffs.

The importer of record holds the legal right to apply for refunds, usually making them freight forwarders or brokers. As Linn pointed out, small businesses frequently rely on third parties to handle imports, and this can create complications. While larger businesses may have the resources for navigating these processes, smaller enterprises often find themselves at a disadvantage.

Financial Strain and Limited Relief

Compounding Linn’s frustration, he chose not to pass the tariff costs onto his customers, believing they would eventually receive refunds. This decision now feels like a “double whammy” as he faces mounting financial pressure without any clear path for relief.

In Michigan, state officials have begun outreach efforts to help businesses with the refund process. Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration is pushing for federal reimbursements, stating it’s time for Michiganders to recover their funds. This initiative is welcome news, but many small businesses remain skeptical about whether they will benefit.

While some larger companies like Ford and General Motors are set to receive substantial payments, small businesses fear they might be left empty-handed due to their status as non-importers.

Understanding the Impact of Tariffs

Tariffs introduced during the previous administration have had a significant ripple effect on various businesses. Some small shops, like Primi Piatti Market in Birmingham, have already closed their doors. Owner Monica Bisignano Zamler cited the immense burden of tariffs, estimating that her costs were raised by at least 30% because everything she sold was imported from Italy, which was subject to a 15% tariff.

Tariff impacts are not just financial. Most small business owners express concern that the unpredictability surrounding tariffs affects their long-term planning. A survey showed nearly 75% of Michigan retailers reported a negative impact from tariffs since April 2025, forcing them to cut jobs, change their business models, or delay expansions.

Economic experts suggest the overall impact from these tariffs will likely end soon, but the chaos they caused may resonate for years.

What Businesses Can Do Now

For businesses seeking refunds, experts recommend taking several proactive steps to improve their chances of success:

• Verify if they are listed as the importer of record.
• Prepare documentation showing all tariff payments made.
• Keep an eye on federal updates regarding the new automated refund system established by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

What this means for you

If you own a business that imported goods during the tariff period, be aware that you may be entitled to a refund, but only if you were designated as the importer of record. If you ever need to review documents related to your business transactions, legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>AI legalese decoder can translate them into plain English in seconds. Understanding your rights can make a big difference in navigating these complex situations.

Source: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2026/05/26/tariff-refunds-for-small-businesses-may-be-elusive-due-to-filing-rules/90142050007/