A 76-year-old Tennessee retiree, Wilson Perry Kirby, has found himself embroiled in a protracted and emotionally taxing battle with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) since May 2022, stemming from his attempt to return a $20,000 tax refund he believed was mistakenly sent to him. Mr. Kirby, a resident of Coopertown and a retired employee of the Montgomery County Highway Department, said he immediately sought to rectify the error, only to face interest charges, the withholding of his subsequent tax refund, and potential enforcement actions from the federal agency.
"I’ve tried the president, governor, mayor." — Wilson Perry Kirby, Retiree
The ordeal began when Mr. Kirby received an unexpected $20,000 payment in May 2022. Convinced it was an error on the IRS's part, he promptly engaged his accountant to notify the agency and initiate the return of the funds. Mr. Kirby maintains that neither he nor his accountant made any mistake, asserting the error originated with the IRS itself. Despite his proactive efforts to correct the perceived oversight, the dispute persisted for years, escalating into a significant personal burden.
According to Mr. Kirby, the IRS later assessed interest charges related to the $20,000 refund he had attempted to return. Compounding his frustration, the agency subsequently withheld his most recent tax refund, which he had anticipated to be approximately $1,800, applying it instead toward the disputed balance. The IRS further informed Mr. Kirby that additional funds were still owed. Documents reviewed by the Daily Mail indicate that Mr. Kirby received a notice from the IRS demanding an immediate payment of $2,575 and warning of potential enforcement actions if he failed to comply. These actions, as outlined in the notice, could include a levy against his property.
Mr. Kirby expressed significant concern that the ongoing dispute could jeopardize his assets, including his approximately $930,000 farm in Coopertown, Tennessee. Beyond the financial implications, he described the profound emotional toll the situation has taken, particularly following the death of his wife, Norma Jean, in August 2024. Mrs. Kirby had reportedly assisted him in navigating the complexities of technology and communication with the IRS, making her loss even more acutely felt during this challenging period. Mr. Kirby characterized the process of attempting to resolve the matter as deeply frustrating, noting his difficulty in securing assistance despite reaching out to various government officials. "I’ve tried the president, governor, mayor," Mr. Kirby stated, highlighting the perceived inaccessibility of effective help. He emphasized his continued pursuit of the matter, driven by his conviction that he was merely trying to correct an agency error, not evade a legitimate tax obligation.
In his search for assistance, Mr. Kirby eventually contacted local television station WTVF. Following the station's report on his case, he observed a shift in momentum, with the situation appearing to move forward. Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn (R) also reportedly contacted Mr. Kirby, informing him that the matter had been settled. However, despite these interventions, Mr. Kirby later reported that his refund remained withheld, and he subsequently received another notice concerning an outstanding balance, indicating the dispute was far from over.
The IRS, adhering to federal privacy laws, declined to comment specifically on Mr. Kirby's individual situation, stating that agency regulations prevent them from discussing particular taxpayer cases. The agency has not publicly addressed the details of the dispute. For taxpayers experiencing unresolved problems with the IRS, the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within the IRS, offers assistance in navigating tax-related disputes and working toward resolutions.
In a recent development, John Rich, identified as President Trump's American Landowner Envoy, has reportedly stepped in to assist Mr. Kirby. This intervention follows widespread attention to Mr. Kirby's case through social media and news reports detailing the potential threat to his farm. After years of persistent effort to resolve the matter, Mr. Kirby holds onto hope that the dispute will finally be concluded, allowing him to receive the refund he was expecting. He credits his unwavering persistence for sustaining his fight to correct what he firmly believes was an IRS mistake.
