H.R. 9768: Tariff Refund Act of 2026

This bill would create a new federal tax rule saying that some people will be treated as if they already made a tax payment for the prior year, based on tariff revenue collected by the government. In practice, this would function like a refund or rebate program for eligible individuals.

Who would get the payment

The bill would make a person eligible if they:

• Are a U.S. citizen;
• Are not incarcerated for a criminal conviction at the time eligibility is determined;
• Had adjusted gross income in the relevant prior tax year below certain limits;
• Are not claimed as a dependent for the following tax year; and
• Are not an estate or trust.

The income limits would be:

• $400,000 for married couples filing jointly;
• $300,000 for heads of household; and
• $200,000 for all other individuals.

How much the payment would be

The bill sets fixed amounts, depending on filing status:

• $1,700 for a joint return;
• $1,275 for a head of household; and
• $850 for other individuals.

The money would be treated as an overpayment of federal income tax for the prior tax year, which means it would be handled like a tax refund or credit.

How and when it would be paid

The Treasury Department would be required to send the refund or credit as quickly as possible. The bill would also allow the government to send payments electronically to certain bank accounts or Treasury-sponsored accounts, including accounts that a person has already used for tax refunds or tax payments since January 1, 2024.

Other rules

• No interest would be paid on these refunds.
• The Treasury Secretary would have to issue regulations or guidance to administer the program.
• The government would be directed to avoid giving the same person more than one payment, including in situations involving different taxpayers, joint-return changes, or dependent-status changes.
• The bill also directs the Treasury to use death records to prevent payments to deceased individuals.
• If needed, the Treasury could create procedures so eligible citizens can provide missing information needed to receive the payment.
• The bill includes a provision allowing dependents of incarcerated people to receive payments if the incarceration rule would otherwise block access.

Effective date

The bill would apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Relevant Companies

None found