When most people receive $20,000 from the government, they don't try to send it back. A Coopertown, Tennessee, farmer has spent years fighting with the IRS over money that wasn't his. But country star John Rich has stepped in and may have resolved the situation.
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The IRS Made a Mistake
Back in 2022, Wilson Kirby mistakenly received a $20,000 tax refund. The 76-year-old told WTVF he tried to return the money to the IRS right away. However, when he gave it back, the agency charged him over $4,000 in interest.
In addition, the IRS also withheld Kirby's tax refund last year and threatened to seize his property. He reached out to whomever he could for 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," said Kirby.
The farmer then reached out to Hannah McDonald, who hosts the consumer segment "Hannah Can Help." Her report got things moving in the right direction because one music star just happened to be watching.
John Rich Began Looking Into It
Rich was recently appointed to the position of Special Envoy of American Landowners. He reached out to McDonald, saying that Kirby's case fell under his jurisdiction.
"I think I can get this fixed," Rich told McDonald.
The "When You Love Someone" singer then spoke with Kirby directly to tell him he had contacted the top man at the IRS about his dispute.
"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."
Throughout the whole ordeal, Kirby has remained steadfast in his belief that he and his accountant did nothing wrong. And now, thanks in large part to the efforts of McDonald and Rich, his case is finally settled. However, Kirby is still waiting for a letter in the mail to confirm his ordeal is finally over.
"Well, feels like a load off me," Kirby said. "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... My tax lady didn't do nothing wrong. The IRS made the mistake, and they should have to pay for it. Not me."
