- 09 Apr 2026 by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
There are practical steps importers can take now to prepare for potential IEEPA tariff refunds. Use this guide to understand eligibility and navigate the refund process.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision striking down the tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) has opened the door for many U.S. small businesses and importers to seek refunds. However, determining whether your business qualifies—and understanding what steps to take next—can be challenging.
As the refund process is constructed, this guide provides information to help businesses identify whether they paid IEEPA based tariffs, understand what types of duties may be eligible for refunds, and prepare for the emerging refund process.
In this article:
- The latest updates on the IEEPA refund process
- Step-by-step guide for importers to receive refunds and what to do right now
- Questions to discuss with your customs broker or trade counsel
The Latest: Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has started to release details for a refund process. This agency—which collects all U.S. tariffs and will be responsible for refunding all the IEEPA tariffs collected—expects to launch the system on or around April 20, 2026. Refunds are only available for tariffs applied under IEEPA.
The tariff refund system will distribute refunds to importers through a CBP online, automated system. Importers can take practical steps now to be ready if refunds become available.
4 Things Importers Can Do Now to Prepare for Potential Tariff Refunds
1. Update Importer Record Info
Make sure your CBP importer record (Form 5106) for your company is up-to-date and includes an email address that is not your broker’s email (required for authentication).
Note: Licensed custom brokers have access to the ACE Secure Data Portal and can update Form 5106.
2. Create an ACE Portal Account
Create an account in CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal). This will enable your company to run reports and download entry data to show IEEPA tariff payments for which your company may seek refunds.
Note: Some importers have reported new ACE account setup takes 3-4 weeks.
3. Enroll in ACH Refund
Sign up for Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) Refund. CBP requires ACH enrollment to receive duty refunds electronically. After enrolling for ACH refunds, any refund you receive will automatically be deposited directly into your bank account. Companies may wish to consult with their customs broker or trade counsel.
4. Identify Exceptions
Determine whether all of your IEEPA entries will be covered in the system's initial rollout, or whether you have entries that are within the two exceptions identified below. If you have entries that fall within the two exceptions, you should consult with your customs broker and lawyer to evaluate whether further action is needed to preserve your right to a refund.
Enroll Now - Refunds Are Fully Electronic
Importers need to sign up for Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) Refund. ACH enrollment is required to receive refunds electronically and automatically deposited into your bank account. Reports indicate few importers have taken this step: Act now to be ready when the refund process is formally launched.
Refund Process Updates
- After the Supreme Court’s Feb. 20 decision on IEEPA, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) ordered the government to take immediate action on refunds.
- On March 6, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) submitted a plan for an expedited and simplified tariff refund system to the CIT. CBP indicated it would be able to create and launch the tariff refund system within 45 days (by around April 20).
- On March 12, CBP released new details of a 4-step refund system. Those steps are detailed above.
The U.S. Chamber welcomed the CBP proposal, and we expect to learn more from the administration in the days ahead.
Two Exceptions to IEEPA Tariff Refunds
The system will not immediately apply to all IEEPA entries. There are two exceptions:
1. Liquidated Entries
When the system first launches, it will only apply to unliquidated entries and entries within the 90-day voluntary reliquidation period. CBP plans to expand the system to cover entries for which liquidation has become final, but it has not specified a date by which it will do so.
2. Other Exceptions
CBP has stated that the following categories of entries subject to IEEPA duties will not be processed through this system, at least initially:
- Entries that have been flagged for reconciliation, as well as Entry Type 09;
- Entries designated on a drawback claim;
- Entries covered by an open protest;
- Entries not filed in ACE, and entries without a liquidation status is ACE; and
- Entries subject to AD/CVD, for which DOC has issued liquidation instructions, that are pending liquidation.
Bottom Line: Your customs broker can help you evaluate the liquidation status of your entries and whether any of your entries fall into these categories.
Watch: What the Supreme Court Decision Means for Small Business
- 06 Apr 2026 by Koegle Law Group, APC
As workplace conversations around DEI continue to shift, many employers are asking what those changes mean for their day-to-day operations.
One important point remains clear: California’s anti-discrimination laws have not changed.
For business owners, HR professionals, and managers, this creates a nuanced moment. While internal initiatives and external messaging may evolve, the underlying legal obligations around discrimination, harassment, and retaliation still require consistent attention.
At Koegle Law Group, we often work with employers navigating these kinds of transitions—where workplace practices are evolving, but compliance expectations remain steady. Taking time to understand that distinction can help organizations move forward thoughtfully while supporting a stable, well-managed workplace.
In our latest blog, we explore these developments in more detail, and in a video featuring Brian Koegle, he shares additional perspective on what employers should be thinking about right now.
Read the full article here:
https://www.koeglelaw.com/2026/03/24/dei-conversations-may-shift-but-your-anti-discrimination-obligations-have-not/DISCLAIMER: This client alert is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein may not reflect the most current legal developments. You should consult with qualified legal counsel before taking any action based on the information in this alert. Receipt of this alert does not create an attorney-client relationship.
This article was originally published by Koegle Law Group, proudly serving businesses in Santa Clarita and beyond. This communication may be considered advertising material under the rules of professional conduct governing lawyers in California.
- 06 Apr 2026 by SchlickArt
Ever wonder what’s actually happening behind the scenes of a marketing team?
Not the polished posts. Not the final photos.
But the conversations. The ideas. The moments where strategy and creativity start to click.
At SchlickArt, our best work doesn’t come from one person; it comes from how we collaborate, challenge ideas and build on each other’s strengths.
It’s a process that brings clarity to your message—and consistency to how you show up.
If you’re curious what that really looks like (and how it impacts the businesses we work with), we’re giving you a peek inside.
Take a closer look:
👉 https://schlickart.com/blog/from-strengths-to-strategy-how-our-team-serves-you-better/Originally published by SchlickArt, a Santa Clarita–based fractional marketing team serving professional service organizations and growing businesses.
- 01 Apr 2026 by Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity
LA County Launches “Dine Local” to Strengthen and Support Food Businesses
New County Initiative Provides Technology Upgrades, Workforce Support, Compliance Resources, and Access to New Customer Channels
Los Angeles, CA –– This National Nutrition Month, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), in partnership with the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), the County Sustainability Office (CSO), and the Department of Public Works (DPW), is launching Dine Local, a new campaign and resource program designed to help more than 26,000 food businesses increase revenue and modernize operations as well as strengthen long-term sustainability across the region.
Dine Local is part of Shop Local LA County, a broader County campaign helping strengthen the local economy by driving consumers to spend with local small businesses. Dine Local specifically focuses on supporting food businesses, which play a vital role in expanding food access and strengthening Los Angeles County’s economy, workforce, cultural identity, and tourism appeal. Despite sustained growth in the sector, these businesses have faced mounting challenges in recent years, including rising food and labor costs, ongoing supply chain disruptions, and unexpected economic shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, and immigration enforcement actions. Coupled with persistently high commercial rents and cost of living, these pressures have led to business closures and have made it increasingly difficult for small and independent food establishments to remain viable.
To provide relief, Dine Local promotes independently owned restaurants and provides support to businesses through a single application, from which eligible food businesses may receive one or all of the following resources:
- Compostable foodware supply that meets County requirements under the Single-Use Plastics Ordinance—applications accepted until April 14, 2026 or while supplies last;
- A Square Card Reader device to enable contactless and chip-enabled payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay;
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) to help maintain health and safety standards, including masks and gloves;
- Connection to employee hiring, training, and employer incentive through DEO’s America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs); and
- Application support for participating in the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which expands participating businesses' customer bases and revenues by accepting Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards while increasing food access for vulnerable members of the community.
This campaign and resource program represents a coordinated public and private investment, including $150,000 from the California Ocean Protection Council, $44,250 in donated Square point-of-sale card readers, and $7,000 in PPE provided through DEO’s Safer at Work program funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Together, these resources are designed to help food businesses reduce expenses, increase operational efficiency, meet compliance requirements, modernize payment systems, and expand their customer reach. Resources will be updated as more become available.
To qualify, businesses must be consumer-facing food businesses operating in LA County. They must also be independently owned, currently in operation, have fewer than 100 employees, and generate less than $6 million in annual revenue.
Dine Local advances the Board of Supervisors’ July 15, 2025, motion, Advancing Opportunity and Nutrition: Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), authored by Supervisors Hilda L. Solis and Janice Hahn, which expands awareness and participation among both eligible residents and local restaurants. Through RMP, eligible residents can use their EBT cards linked to CalFresh to purchase hot, prepared meals, creating a reliable revenue stream for small businesses while improving access to nutritious food for those most in need. Building on this effort, the initiative also supports the Board’s July 23, 2024, motion Preparing and Planning for Los Angeles County’s Transition to EBT Chip/Tap Technology, by providing eligible businesses with no-cost, modern point-of-sale devices enabling them to accept EBT and other digital payments more efficiently. Finally, Dine Local advances the Board’s October 15, 2019, motion, Limiting Single Use Plastics in Los Angeles County Unincorporated Areas, by providing eligible businesses with compliant foodware items.
“Food is at the center of our communities, and the small businesses that provide it deserve to be supported and given the opportunity to thrive,” said LA County Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “When we invest in our neighborhood restaurants, we are investing in working families and local pride. This effort is about opening doors so more people can participate in and benefit from our local economy. It is also about making sure everyone has access to affordable, culturally relevant meals in the communities they call home.”
“Food businesses power our local economy, create jobs, and bring life to our neighborhoods,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity. “Dine Local delivers practical, revenue-focused tools from modern payment systems to workforce connections so our local food entrepreneurs can compete, grow, and thrive.”
"DPSS is proud to partner with the DEO to advance the Restaurant Meals Program—an initiative that improves access to nutritious, affordable meals for homeless, elderly, and disabled CalFresh participants. This program supports our most vulnerable residents while investing in local businesses—creating a win for our entire community," said Jackie Contreras, Director of the LA County Department of Public Social Services.
“As we work to reduce waste and protect our environment, it’s important that we support local businesses through that transition," said Mark Pestrella, Director of LA County Public Works, “Dine Local helps restaurants meet County requirements while reducing costs and maintaining high-quality service for their customers.”
“What's good for the environment is ultimately good for business,” said Rita Kampalath, Chief Sustainability Officer for LA County. “Dine Local is a win-win initiative that will help food businesses thrive while also reducing harmful waste and litter in our neighborhoods.”
Interested businesses can apply by for one or all resources by completing a single, short online application at ShopLocal.LA/DineLocal.
Upon submission and eligibility confirmation, businesses will be contacted with detailed instructions for receiving equipment and supplies, as well as guidance on next steps for learning more and enrolling in the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program and AJCCs, as applicable.
