Small Biz Pays $16K in Tariffs, Hopes IRS Isn’t Holding A Grudge

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

KEY POINTS

•Marc Bowker, owner of Alter Ego Comics in Lima, Ohio, has paid around $16,000 in tariffs since April 2025.
•Although some importers are eligible for refunds after the Supreme Court ruling, Bowker’s shop can't apply directly due to third-party sourcing.
•Shrinking sales, fresh 10% tariffs announced by Trump, and complex refund rules have left small businesses like Bowker's wondering if their money is lost forever.

Marc Bowker, Lima Ohio’s Alter Ego Comics owner and part-time spreadsheet martyr, has shelled out a whopping $16,000 in tariff fees since April 2025. Despite the Supreme Court clearing the way for refunds to importers, Bowker’s online and brick-and-mortar shop hasn't seen a dime back because he orders from third-party distributors, not directly importing. He laments the 'never-ending whack-a-mole of tariffs'—including a fresh 10% tax thanks to Trump, turning collectible action figure sales into a sad 50% nosedive. With customers prioritizing gas over $300 plastic heroes, Marc contemplates killing tariff-hit products while local trade groups nap. In short: Big companies get refunds and lawyers; small shops get paper cuts.