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The COVID tax refund deadline is July 10. How to file a claim online with the IRS
By Maura Hohman | TODAY at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC)
· July 9, 2026
· 4 min read
Thanks to a recent federal court decision, tens of millions of Americans may be able to receive a tax refund or abatement of penalties accrued during the first few years of the COVID-19 pandemic from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
But the deadline to apply for the refund or abatement (a re...
Key takeaway It’s July 10, or this Friday, according to a post published earlier this year on the IRS National Taxpayer Advocate blog.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
For San Francisco residents who may be eligible for a COVID tax refund, the looming July 10 deadline is a critical reminder to take action. Given the city's high cost of living, any potential refund or abatement of penalties could provide significant financial relief. The fact that the IRS now allows online submission of Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement, should make it easier for locals to file their claims. This is particularly important for individuals and small businesses in San Francisco who may have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. With tens of millions of Americans potentially eligible, it's likely that many San Francisco residents will be among those who can benefit from this refund or abatement, making it worth their while to review their tax payments and file a claim before the deadline.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Thanks to a recent federal court decision, tens of millions of Americans may be able to receive a tax refund or abatement of penalties accrued during the first few years of the COVID-19 pandemic from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
But the deadline to apply for the refund or abatement (a re...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Maura Hohman | TODAY at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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