Importers can file CBP protests manually, but the process requires understanding 19 CFR 174 regulations and strict formatting. A single error can delay your refund by months or result in denial. RefundAssist automates the entire process from entry parsing to document generation.
| Feature | RefundAssist | Manual CBP Filing |
|---|---|---|
| Automated entry parsing | Yes — upload CBP 7501 | No — manually extract data |
| Pre-filled documents | Yes — auto-populated from entries | No — fill forms by hand |
| Deadline alerts | Automatic 180-day tracking | Manual calendar tracking |
| Refund calculation | Instant per-entry calculation | Manual spreadsheet math |
| Error checking | Automated validation | No validation — self-review only |
| 19 CFR 174 compliance | Built into templates | Must research requirements |
| Multi-entry management | Dashboard for all entries | Separate files per entry |
| Filing status tracking | Real-time status updates | Track via CBP portal manually |
| Document storage | Cloud-based evidence vault | Local files or email |
| Cost | $49–99/month | Free (your time only) |
| Best for | Importers with multiple entries | Single entry, experienced filers |
Yes. Any importer can file a protest with CBP under 19 USC 1514. You need to submit within 180 days of liquidation, include the correct entry information, cite the legal basis (the Supreme Court ruling on IEEPA tariffs), and follow the formatting requirements in 19 CFR 174. It is free to file but requires significant time and knowledge of customs regulations.
Common risks include missing the 180-day deadline, incorrect entry classification data, improper legal citations, and formatting errors that cause CBP to reject the protest. A rejected protest can be re-filed but costs additional time. RefundAssist validates all entries and generates compliant documents automatically to minimize these risks.
The Starter plan ($49/month) handles up to 10 entries with 5 filing documents. The Pro plan ($99/month) supports unlimited entries and filings with AI document parsing. Manual filing has no technical limit but becomes increasingly difficult to manage as entry count grows.
Calculate your IEEPA tariff refund and generate CBP protest documents automatically. Free estimate, no credit card required.