Excise tax is an indirect tax on specific goods, services, and activities. Federal excise tax is usually imposed on the sale of things like fuel, airline tickets, heavy trucks and highway tractors, indoor tanning, tires, tobacco, and other goods and services.

This tax is commonly included in the cost of the product. While the end consumer doesn't usually see the excise tax on their receipt, it may be charged at the time of:

  • Import
  • Sale by the manufacturer
  • Sale by the retailer
  • Use by the manufacturer or consumer

Many excise taxes go into trust funds for projects related to the taxed product or service, such as highway and airport improvements. Excise taxes are independent of income taxes. Generally, businesses subject to excise tax must file a Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return to report the tax to the IRS.

Often, the retailer, manufacturer, or importer must pay the excise tax to the IRS and file Form 720. Some excise taxes are collected by a third party. The third party then sends the tax to the IRS and files Form 720. For example, the tax on an airline ticket generally is paid by the purchaser and collected by the airline.

When to file

Businesses must file the form for each quarter of the calendar year. Here are the due dates:

  • Quarter 1 – January, February, March: deadline, April 30
  • Quarter 2 – April, May, June: deadline, July 31
  • Quarter 3 – July, August, September: deadline, October 31
  • Quarter 4 – October, November, December: deadline, January 31

If the deadline for filing a tax return falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is the next business day.

How to file

E-filing excise tax returns is safe, secure, easy, and accurate, and while the IRS does accept paper excise tax returns, electronic filing is strongly encouraged. The contact information for all approved e-file transmitters of excise forms is listed on IRS.gov. Businesses can submit forms online 24 hours a day.

When businesses e-file, they get confirmation that the IRS received their form. Also, e-filing reduces processing time and errors. To electronically file, business taxpayers will have to pay the provider's fee for online submission.

The excise tax forms available for electronic filing include:

  • Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return
  • Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax
  • Form 8849, Claim for Refund of Excise Taxes, Schedules 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8

Please call the office if you have any questions or want more information about federal or state excise taxes.