Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs: Impact on Braintree & Quincy Businesses

For business owners in Quincy and Braintree relying on international supply chains, the cost of doing business just faced a major judicial shake-up. Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision ruling that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful. The Court determined that the statute does not grant the president the authority to impose broad import tariffs without specific congressional approval. (PolitiFact)

This decision effectively invalidates the tariffs levied under that specific emergency authority. However, because the ruling was handed down today, the practical implementation—and the fallout for your bookkeeping—is still unfolding.

Understanding the Ruling

The core of the decision is constitutional. The Court held that IEEPA, a 1977 law designed for specific emergencies, does not authorize broad tariffs on imports. Since tariffs are technically taxes, the Constitution requires Congress to levy them unless that power is explicitly delegated. (PolitiFact)

Here is the immediate legal reality:

  • Tariffs strictly imposed under IEEPA are no longer valid.

  • Agencies must cease collecting these specific duties.

  • Crucially, this ruling does not automatically wipe out tariffs imposed under different trade statutes.

Business owner reviewing documents

The Administration's Counter-Move

As experienced tax preparers and IRS Enrolled Agents, we know that regulatory vacuums rarely last long. Immediately following the ruling, the administration announced it is pivoting to alternative tariff authorities.

Officials stated they intend to sign an executive order imposing a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This section permits temporary tariffs (limited to 150 days unless Congress extends them) to address balance-of-payments deficits. (AP News)

One Accounting Tax® Since 2017
Call/Text: (617) 829-0928 or email service@oneaccountingtax.com to schedule an in-person consultation or video call with our Tax Advisors (IRS Enrolled Agent, EA) today. Serving Braintree, Quincy, and Greater Boston with full-service accounting—tax preparation, payroll, bookkeeping, and year-round tax planning.
Contact Our Local Tax Advisors Today!

Furthermore, the administration is exploring other avenues, including national security and unfair trade laws, to maintain tariff measures. (AP News)

What This Means for Greater Boston Businesses

If you are managing a business in the Greater Boston area that imports goods, here is how this impacts your financial picture:

1. Immediate Changes to IEEPA Duties
Import duties assessed strictly under IEEPA authority should no longer be collected. If your cost of goods sold (COGS) has been inflated by these specific tariffs, you may see a change in billing moving forward, though new guidance is pending.

2. The Refund Question
The biggest question we are hearing is about refunds. If you paid unlawful tariffs, do you get that money back? Currently, no automatic refund process exists. It is highly likely that reclaiming these funds will require a formal filing process. As your accountant, we advise against booking these potential refunds as revenue until a clear mechanism is established.

3. Not All Tariffs Are Gone
Do not assume all import costs are dropping. Tariffs enacted under Section 301 (unfair trade practices) or Section 232 (national security) remain in effect. You must verify which specific statutes apply to your inventory.

Strategic Next Steps

While the legal battles play out in D.C., you need to protect your business here in Braintree and Quincy. We recommend the following:

  • Review Your Classifications: Work with us to review your recent import entries. Accurate bookkeeping is essential to identify exactly how much you paid under the invalidated IEEPA authority.

  • Monitor Cash Flow: With the administration proposing a new 10% global tariff under Section 122, costs could shift rapidly again. Ensure your cash flow models can handle continued volatility.

  • Wait for Guidance: Avoid making major financial decisions based on assumed refunds until U.S. Customs and Border Protection releases official procedures.

This situation is fluid. Whether you need help adjusting your sales tax filings or auditing your supply chain costs, we are here to help you navigate these changes.

One Accounting Tax® Since 2017
Call/Text: (617) 829-0928 or email service@oneaccountingtax.com to schedule an in-person consultation or video call with our Tax Advisors (IRS Enrolled Agent, EA) today. Serving Braintree, Quincy, and Greater Boston with full-service accounting—tax preparation, payroll, bookkeeping, and year-round tax planning.
Contact Our Local Tax Advisors Today!
Share this article...
Ask me anything! Our Ai Smart Bot Can Assist With Questions You May Have
If you'd prefer a call - click Contact Us Now below
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully