H.R.9481

RETURN Act Restoring Efficiency in Taxpayer Updates, Refunds, and Notifications Act

Introduced·6/25/26

The RETURN Act mandates the IRS to respond to refund claims within 12 months, providing explanations and appeal instructions.

The RETURN Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to enhance the Internal Revenue Service's handling of refund claims. It requires the IRS to review refund claims and provide written explanations for disallowances within 12 months of receipt. If the IRS fails to meet this deadline, the interest rate on overpayments increases by one percentage point. The act also mandates that frivolous claims, defined as those deemed frivolous by a federal court or the IRS, are exempt from these requirements. The $500 cap on interest increases is subject to annual cost-of-living adjustments starting from 2027.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Ways And Means Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Jun 25

House

Introduced in House

Jun 25

House

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.