Ohio businesses are moving quickly to access a newly opened federal portal, which opened on April 20, 2026, designed to return tariffs that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional. The refund pool is estimated at $166 billion nationwide, with hundreds of Ohio companies expected to apply, including small businesses that have been carrying the added cost for years.
The rollout did not come without issues. As the portal opened, some business owners reported technical problems while attempting to submit claims, highlighting the urgency and volume of applicants trying to access the system at once.
Small Manufacturers Feel Tariff Pressure
At EarthQuaker Devices in Akron, CEO Julie Robbins was among those trying to log in as soon as the system went live.
“I’m trying to check it out, but I get an error code whenever I try to log in,” Robbins said in an interview.
The company manufactures pedals used by musicians, relying on a wide supply chain that spans multiple countries. Around 94% of its components are sourced internationally, making it especially vulnerable to tariff-related cost increases.
“By the end of 2025 we had paid more than $60,000 in tariffs, and in 2026 we’ve already paid $42,000 in tariffs,” Robbins said. “As we continue to draw down our pre-tariff inventory and purchase at current rates, it essentially is a 30% increase to our cost of raw materials.“
Despite the potential refunds, Robbins said her company may only recover a portion of what it paid, since some of the tariffs were absorbed earlier in the supply chain by importers and wholesalers.
Refunds Could Ease Small Business Cash Flow
For many small businesses across Ohio, the refunds are not just a financial adjustment but a potential lifeline. About a hundred businesses in the state are part of the Main Street Alliance, where leaders say the impact of tariffs has been significant.
Executive director Richard Trent pointed to the financial strain many small businesses continue to face.
“Something like 50% of small businesses in this country are operating on about a month of runway in terms of working capital,” Trent said. “So if you had to pay these tariffs, it’s not just like ‘oh yeah, we got our money back.’ It’s like this could be the difference between making payroll for a lot of businesses.”
More than 40 Ohio companies are also among roughly 3,000 businesses nationwide pursuing legal action against the federal government to recover tariff costs.
While early technical issues slowed access, the portal appeared to stabilize later in the day. As applications move forward, the outcome of these refunds is expected to have a direct impact on cash flow, hiring stability, and day-to-day operations for businesses across the state.
