Wilson Perry Kirby, a 76-year-old widower in Tennessee, is facing the potential seizure of his farm after he alerted the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to an accidental $20,000 refund he received. Kirby's honesty in reporting the agency's error has led to a complex and distressing financial entanglement, with the IRS now demanding $2,575 in interest and threatening to levy his property.
The situation began in May 2022 when Kirby received the erroneous refund check. Despite not being technologically savvy and with the initial assistance of his late wife, Norma Jean, who passed away in 2024, Kirby attempted to return the funds and notify the IRS of the mistake. He has since hired an accountant to help resolve the issue.
Despite his efforts, Kirby has been informed that his current $1,800 tax refund has been withheld to cover part of the $4,300 in interest the IRS claims he owes on the wrongly issued refund. A subsequent notice from the agency warned him that his balance was due immediately and that failure to pay could result in the seizure of his property.
"You must pay your balance immediately or we may levy (seize) your property," the notice stated. "If you don't make your payment now, we'll consider your noncompliance an active choice and you could face a levy."
Kirby described the experience as a "dystopian nightmare," expressing his distress over the withheld refund and the threatening correspondence. He stated that he has contacted numerous elected officials, including the president and the governor, but has been unable to secure assistance, often finding himself directed to automated systems.
Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn's office reportedly contacted Kirby in May after he reached out to local news outlet WTVF, stating the issue was settled. However, Kirby later received the threatening letter, prompting him to again seek public attention for his plight.
His attempt to seek resolution through the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service in Nashville earlier this month reportedly did not advance his case. Kirby expressed his wish for a clear resolution and a single point of contact to help untangle the complex bureaucratic process.
The IRS declined to comment on Kirby's case, citing federal disclosure and privacy regulations. Kirby's farm, valued at $930,000, is located in Coopertown, Tennessee.