Millions of Americans may still be eligible for an IRS refund from the COVID-19 era, thanks to recent legal developments and updated guidance. If you paid penalties or interest on taxes during the pandemic, there’s a strong chance you could reclaim that money—but many people still don’t know they qualify.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, including eligibility, deadlines, and how residents in states like Michigan can check if they are owed money.
Why COVID-19 Era Tax Refunds Are Happening
During the pandemic, the federal government declared a national emergency that lasted from early 2020 through mid-2023. Under federal tax law, deadlines for filing and paying taxes are supposed to be extended during such emergencies.
However, for years, many taxpayers were still charged:
- Late filing penalties
- Late payment penalties
- Interest on unpaid taxes
A recent court ruling clarified that these charges may not have been valid during the full emergency period. As a result, millions of taxpayers could now be entitled to refunds.
According to recent reports, tens of millions of Americans may qualify to recover money paid unnecessarily during that time.
Who Qualifies for an IRS Refund From the COVID-19 Era?
You may be eligible if you:
- Filed taxes late between January 2020 and May 2023
- Paid penalties or interest during that period
- Were affected by pandemic-related disruptions
This includes individuals, small business owners, and even freelancers who struggled to meet deadlines during lockdowns.
The key factor is whether you were charged penalties or interest tied to late filings or payments during the emergency window.
Important Deadline You Should Not Miss
There is a strict timeline to claim your refund.
- Deadline to file a claim: July 10, 2026
- Claims must be submitted using Form 843 (Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement)
- The form must be mailed (no online submission currently allowed)
Missing this deadline could mean losing your chance to recover the money permanently.
How to Check If You Are Eligible
Determining whether you qualify for a refund tied to pandemic-era tax penalties requires a careful review of your past filings and payments. Here’s a more detailed, step-by-step breakdown to help you confidently assess your eligibility and take the right action.
Review Your Tax Records Thoroughly
Start by gathering your federal tax returns and related documents from 2020 through 2023. These years fall within the COVID-19 emergency window, when many taxpayers faced disruptions that led to delayed filings or payments.
Focus specifically on identifying any extra charges added to your account. These may include:
- Late filing penalties
- Late payment penalties
- Interest charges
You can find these details in:
- IRS account transcripts
- Notices or letters sent by the IRS
- Tax software summaries or accountant records
If you see any of these charges during the pandemic timeframe, that’s a strong sign you may be eligible for a refund.
Tip: Even if you’ve already paid off your balance, you could still qualify to get those penalties and interest refunded.
Log Into Your IRS Online Account
The most accurate way to verify your eligibility is by accessing your personal IRS account online. This portal provides a full breakdown of your tax history, including payments, penalties, and balances.
Once logged in, you should:
- Go to Account Transcripts
- Select tax years 2020–2023
- Look for entries labeled “Penalty,” “Interest,” or “Failure to File/Pay”
You’ll also be able to confirm:
- Whether penalties were applied
- The exact amounts you paid
- Dates of payment and adjustments
Refund status timelines:
- Within 24 hours after e-filing
- 3–4 days for prior-year e-files
- Around 4 weeks for paper returns
Use the Where’s My Refund? Tool
After determining you may be eligible—or after submitting your claim—you can track your refund status using the IRS tracking tool.
You’ll need:
- Social Security number
- Filing status
- Exact refund amount
The tool shows three stages:
- Return Received
- Refund Approved
- Refund Sent
Tip: Enter your details exactly as they appear on your tax return to avoid errors.
Final Advice
Carefully reviewing your records is essential, as many taxpayers overlook small penalty charges that can add up to meaningful refunds. If you’re unsure about your findings, a tax professional can help confirm eligibility and ensure your claim is submitted correctly.
Special Focus: Michigan Residents
Some Michiganders may be especially impacted by this situation, particularly those who experienced job disruptions, income changes, or delays in filing during the pandemic period. Because both federal and state taxes may be involved, it’s important to check each separately to make sure you don’t miss any potential refund.
How to Check Michigan Refund Status
If you’re in Michigan, you should verify both your federal and state refund details:
- Federal refund status through the IRS
- State refund status through the Michigan Department of Treasury
Michigan provides an easy-to-use online refund tracking system that allows taxpayers to check the progress of their return at any time.
To access your refund information, you’ll typically need:
- Your Social Security number
- The tax year you’re checking
- Your adjusted gross income or total household resources
Processing Timelines
Refund timing can vary depending on how you filed your return:
- E-filed returns: عادة processed within 4–6 weeks
- Paper-filed returns: usually take 6–8 weeks or longer
Delays may occur if additional verification is required, especially for older returns or amended filings related to COVID-19 adjustments.
Important Tip
Even if your federal refund is approved, your Michigan state refund is processed separately. Make sure to track both to get a complete picture of what you may be owed.
Why Many People Haven’t Claimed Their Refund Yet
Despite the potential for significant payouts, a large number of taxpayers still haven’t claimed their refunds tied to pandemic-era penalties. The main reason is simple: awareness is low, and the process isn’t automatic.
Here’s a closer look at why so many eligible people are missing out:
- The ruling is relatively recent
The legal clarification that opened the door for these refunds hasn’t been widely publicized yet. Many taxpayers simply don’t realize that penalties charged during the COVID-19 emergency period could now be refundable. - The IRS has not automatically issued refunds in all cases
Unlike stimulus payments or standard refunds, these claims are not always processed automatically. In many situations, the IRS requires taxpayers to take action before issuing any repayment. - Filing Form 843 requires manual effort
To request a refund, taxpayers typically need to submit Form 843, which involves gathering documents, explaining the claim, and mailing the form. This extra step discourages many people from following through. - Many people assume their penalties were valid
During the pandemic, penalties and interest charges appeared routine. As a result, many taxpayers accepted them without question and never revisited their eligibility for relief.
What This Means for You
If you paid penalties or interest during the pandemic years, there’s a real possibility you’re entitled to money back—but it won’t arrive automatically in many cases. Taking the initiative to review your records and file a claim is the only way to ensure you receive what you’re owed.
How Much Money Could You Get Back?
The amount you can recover from a pandemic-era tax refund isn’t fixed—it depends entirely on your individual tax situation during those years.
Several key factors determine your refund:
- The penalties you paid
If you were charged late filing or late payment penalties, those amounts could potentially be refunded in full. - The interest charged
Interest often accumulated over time on unpaid balances. In many cases, this can significantly increase your total refund. - The number of tax years affected
If you were impacted across multiple years (such as 2020, 2021, and 2022), your refund could be much larger since each year adds to the total.
What to Expect
Refund amounts can vary widely:
- Some taxpayers may receive smaller refunds, especially if penalties were minimal or limited to one year
- Others—particularly small business owners or self-employed individuals—could recover hundreds or even thousands of dollars
Realistic Insight
Even if your penalties seemed minor at the time, they often add up when combined with interest. That’s why it’s worth reviewing every affected year carefully—what looks like a small charge could turn into a meaningful refund when fully calculated.
In short, the only way to know your exact refund amount is to review your records and total up all penalties and interest paid during the COVID-19 emergency period.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re planning to claim your refund, avoiding simple errors can make the difference between getting paid and getting rejected or delayed. Here are the most common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Missing the deadline – This is the biggest risk. If you don’t submit your claim on time, you could permanently lose your chance to recover the money.
- Not including proper documentation – Failing to attach supporting records, such as account transcripts or IRS notices, can slow down processing or lead to denial.
- Sending incomplete forms – Errors or missing information on your claim—especially on IRS Form 843—can result in delays or rejection. Double-check every section before mailing.
- Failing to track your submission – Once you send your claim, you should have proof that it was delivered. Without tracking, it’s difficult to follow up if something goes wrong.
Pro Tip
It’s strongly recommended to send your claim via certified mail with tracking. This gives you confirmation that the IRS received your documents and provides a record in case you need to follow up later.
What Happens After You File?
Once you submit your claim, the process doesn’t end there. The IRS follows a review procedure before issuing any refund, and understanding these steps can help you know what to expect.
- The IRS reviews your request
Your claim—typically filed using IRS Form 843—is examined to ensure all required information is included and properly completed. - They verify penalties and eligibility
The IRS checks your account history to confirm that the penalties and interest you paid fall within the eligible COVID-19 emergency period. They may also review supporting documents you provided. - A refund is issued if approved
If your claim is accepted, the IRS will process your refund. This may be sent via direct deposit (if applicable) or as a paper check mailed to your address.
Processing Time
Processing times can vary depending on several factors:
- The volume of claims being handled
- Whether additional review or verification is needed
- Whether your submission was complete and accurate
In some cases, it may take several weeks—or longer—for the IRS to complete the review and issue payment.
What You Should Do Next
After filing, keep copies of everything you submitted and monitor your status using IRS tools. If the IRS needs more information, they may contact you by mail, so it’s important to respond promptly to avoid delays.
Final Thoughts
The opportunity to claim an IRS refund from the COVID-19 era could be one of the most overlooked financial benefits available right now. With millions potentially eligible, it’s worth taking the time to review your tax history and file a claim if you qualify.
For many taxpayers—including those in Michigan—this could mean recovering money that was unfairly charged during one of the most disruptive periods in recent history.