NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Wilson Kirby has spent years fighting the IRS over a tax refund he never wanted to keep — and now, with help from country music star John Rich, the 76-year-old Tennessee farmer may finally have a resolution.
The dispute began in 2022, when Kirby received a $20,000 tax refund by mistake. He says he tried to return the money immediately, but the IRS was not satisfied. The agency then charged him more than $4,000 in interest on the money he attempted to give back, withheld his entire tax refund last year, and threatened to seize his property.
After I reported Kirby's story, singer-songwriter John Rich reached out directly, saying the case fell under his scope of work with the White House on protecting American landowners.
"I saw the story you did on Mr. Kirby," John Rich said. "I'm now working with The White House to protect American land owners, and this falls under my scope of work. I think I can get this fixed..."
Rich connected with Kirby by phone and told him he had contacted the head of the IRS in Washington, D.C.
"So he said, 'Feel relieved, I called the head man in Washington D.C. - over at the IRS - and got him working on it," Wilson Kirby said. "I said, 'Will you call me?' He said, 'I'm overseas right now, but I will call you Monday and let you know what happens.'"
Kirby said the outpouring of attention around his story has been overwhelming — but staying out of the spotlight was never the point.
"I couldn't believe it myself... country music singer, big shot," Kirby said.
"Everybody keeps calling me saying, 'Oh, you're a movie star, you're a big deal.' I'm not trying to be a movie star. I'm trying to do what's right. You know that, Hannah," Kirby said. "God knows I've tried to do what's right."
Kirby said the ordeal has taken a serious toll, but he has remained firm that neither he nor his accountant did anything wrong.
"Well, feels like a load off me... You know, I've had a heck of a time. You know what I've went through and done and everything, and I ain't trying to beat nobody. I'm just trying to do the right thing," Kirby said. "Like I told you, my tax lady didn't do nothing wrong. The IRS made the mistake, and they should have to pay for it. Not me."
After speaking with his accountant and an IRS representative, Kirby learned the case is finally settled. In true Kirby fashion, though, he says he is waiting for a letter in the mail before he believes it is really over.
If you think Hannah Can Help you, reach out in an email hannah.mcdonald@newschannel5.com.
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