COOPERTOWN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Wilson Perry Kirby just wanted to do the right thing.
The 76-year-old Coopertown farmer and retired Montgomery County Highway Department worker received a $20,000 tax refund from the IRS on May 10, 2022 — money he says was sent to him by mistake. He tried to give it back immediately, even enlisting his accountant's help. Years later, he's still fighting the consequences.
"She didn't make a mistake, I didn't make a mistake, they made a mistake," Kirby said.
Instead of resolving the issue, Kirby says the IRS charged him interest on the money he had tried to return and ultimately kept his entire 2025 tax refund.
"Oh, I cried. It hurt me," Kirby said.
The IRS has not publicly addressed the specifics of Kirby's case, citing federal privacy law.
Kirby says he reached out to anyone who might be able to help.
"I've tried the president, governor, mayor. They don't mind asking you to vote for them, but when you need help you can't get ahold of nobody," Kirby said.
Kirby thought the fight was over when he heard from U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn's office back in May right before our first story aired.
"Well, they called me right before I went on television this last time and said it was settled, from Marsha Blackburn's office," Kirby said.
But the letters from the IRS kept coming. A notice sent in early July demanded he pay up to $4,300 in interest on money he says he never spent — or risk having his property seized. The agency had already kept his $1,800 refund earlier this year.
"One said it came from Utah. They're like AT&T; they come from all over the United States," Kirby said.
Kirby met with the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service in downtown Nashville in mid-July, though he says the visit did not move his case forward. The service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers navigate disputes — and for many, it can be a valuable first step.
Kirby says his wish is straightforward.
"I wish they would get it straightened out. And get one person to work on it, instead of sending these letters from all over the United States," Kirby said.
The emotional toll has been significant.
"I've cried, I'm 'bout to cry right now, I don't know what I'm going to do," Kirby said.
The IRS has agreed to contact Kirby directly after I pressed the agency for a response on his behalf.
Additionally, I have connected Kirby with a Nashville tax attorney who handles disputes with the IRS. The attorney has offered to speak with him about what legal options may still be available.
Taxpayer Advocate Service Locator
Find help with IRS disputes and unresolved tax issues.
The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers facing financial hardship, delays or disputes.
Enter your ZIP code below to find your nearest TAS office.
This tool connects readers to official IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service resources. The TAS is independent within the IRS and provides free assistance to eligible taxpayers.
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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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