Small business owners across America are facing a cash flow nightmare as they wait for refunds on $166 billion in tariffs declared illegal by the Supreme Court. Keval Kantaria, owner of Tampa-based luxury retailer Endless Pens, says bankruptcy looms if he doesn't receive his $175,000 refund by July. His inventory of imported pens is dwindling as he can't afford new stock.

Thousands of companies have sued the federal government, hoping for quick resolution, but the refund process is proving to be a slow and messy fight. The Trump administration collected this record-breaking sum before the Supreme Court invalidated the levies. Now businesses of all sizes are caught in limbo, unsure when or if they'll see their money returned.

The federal government appears reluctant to return what it calls 'ill-gotten gains,' complicating an already difficult situation. For Kantaria and others, the stakes are existential. Without refunds to replenish working capital, many fear they won't survive long enough to get their money back, creating a cruel paradox where victory in court might come too late to save their businesses.