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Form 720: Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return
IRS Form 720 is the Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return used to report and pay federal excise taxes on certain goods, services, and activities. Filers include manufacturers, retailers, and operators subject to excise tax. The form is due quarterly.
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IRS Form 720 - Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return
IRS Form 720 is the Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return used to report and pay federal excise taxes on certain goods, services, and activities. Filers include manufacturers, retailers, and operators subject to excise tax. The form is due quarterly.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Missing a quarterly filing deadline triggers penalties.
- 2Filing without calculating total tax correctly on Line 2 of Part II
- 3Omitting required excise tax categories from Part I
- 4Using an old version of Form 720 instead of the current edition
- 5Not including Form 720-V with payment when tax is due
Plain English
This form is used to report and pay federal excise taxes that apply to specific items like fuel, tobacco, or heavy vehicles. You need to file it every quarter if you are in a business or activity that triggers these taxes.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2026-04-14 10:10:43
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you need to report and pay federal excise taxes on certain goods, services, and activities as required by the IRS.
- Do not use it when reporting income taxes, payroll taxes, or other non-excise tax liabilities.
- Check Form 941 (Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return) instead when reporting employment taxes.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Filing excise taxes annually rather than quarterly
Use Form 720 for quarterly reporting only
✓ IRS publication on filing frequency
Reporting excise taxes on environmental taxes related to ozone-depleting chemicals
Form 720 includes Part II for environmental taxes
✓ IRS form instructions for Schedule 720
Paying excise taxes on fuel used in aviation or motor vehicles
Form 720 lists taxable fuels in Part I
✓ IRS form instructions for line items
Deadline or filing window
Form 720 is due on a quarterly basis. The deadlines are April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31 for the respective quarters. There is no extension of time to file Form 720; extensions only apply to payments under certain conditions.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Entity information (name, EIN, address)
Business registration details · IRS records or prior return
Part I – Tax on fuels and chemicals
Sales records, purchase invoices · Internal accounting system
Part II – Environmental taxes (e.g., ozone-depleting chemicals)
Chemical purchase or import records · Supplier invoices or customs documents
Part III – Communications and air transportation taxes
Customer billing records, ticket sales · Billing or point-of-sale system
Total tax due (line 14)
Sum of all parts, taxable quantities · Completed Parts I, II, III
Signature and date
Authorized signer (owner, officer, etc.) · Corporate resolution or authorization
Before you submit
- 1Ensure all excise tax activities are listed correctly on Schedule A.
- 2Double-check arithmetic: total tax liability must match sum of all lines.
- 3Confirm the quarter dates (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec) are correct.
- 4Verify payment method: check payable to 'United States Treasury' for paper checks.
- 5Include any required attachments, such as a separate statement for unusual items.
- 6Sign and date the return in the designated area.
- 7Keep a completed copy for your records before mailing.
- 8Mail to the correct address based on your state or territory (check instructions).
How to file this form
- 1Gather all records of excise tax liabilities for the quarter (e.g., fuel sales, environmental taxes).
- 2Complete Schedule A by listing each excise tax category and the amount owed.
- 3Transfer the total from Schedule A to Part I, Line 1 of the form.
- 4Calculate any penalties or interest if filing late (see instructions).
- 5Complete the payment voucher if paying by check.
- 6Make a copy of the completed form for your files.
- 7Mail the original form and payment (if any) to the appropriate IRS service center.
- 8Obtain proof of mailing (e.g., certified mail receipt) if desired.
Known limitations
- 1Form 720 does not replace annual returns for excise taxes reported on other schedules.
- 2Not all goods or services subject to excise tax are listed on Form 720; some may require separate forms.
- 3Form 720 does not cover taxes on heavy highway vehicles, which may require Form 2290.
- 4Form 720 does not apply to electronically filed returns for certain excise taxes that use separate electronic systems.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
General Info
2 items
Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).
Current mailing address.
Details
2 items
Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.
Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.
Certification
1 items
Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of IRS Form 720 is not specified in the official source. Verify the latest revision date on the IRS website.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm you are using the most recent version from IRS.gov.
- Fee — excise tax rates are listed on the form; verify current rates on IRS.gov.
- Mailing address — check the instructions for the correct service center based on your location.
- Signature — the return must be signed by an authorized person.
- Payment method — include a check or money order payable to 'United States Treasury' or use electronic payment.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Retain a copy of the filed form and payment records for at least 3 years.
- 2Check confirmation mail or electronic receipt within 6-8 weeks if expecting a refund.
- 3If an error is discovered after filing, file Form 720X (Amended Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return).
- 4Monitor IRS notices or letters for any inquiries about the return.
- 5Set a reminder for the next quarterly due date: April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31.
- 6Reconcile excise tax accounts with business records if audited.
Sources
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
Common confusion points
When is Form 720 due?
Quarterly deadlines vary – April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31
→ Check IRS Publication 15 or form instructions for due dates
Do I need to file Form 720 if I have no excise tax liability for the quarter?
Filing may still be required if you are registered as a taxpayer
→ Confirm with IRS guidance on nil returns
Can I amend Form 720 for a previous quarter?
Use Form 720X for adjustments
→ Obtain and complete Form 720X for the relevant period
What if I pay excise tax late or underpay?
Penalties and interest apply based on due date
→ Calculate penalty using IRS interest rates and late-payment rules
How do I know if my activity is taxable on Form 720?
The form lists specific taxable categories; not all excise taxes are included
→ Review the full form instructions or consult a tax professional
Can I file Form 720 electronically?
Yes, through the IRS e-file system for authorized providers
→ Verify e-file eligibility with IRS e-file partner list
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Form 843 (Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement) – for certain refunds or abatements.
Questions about IRS Form 720
What is IRS Form 720 used for?
This form is used to report and pay federal excise taxes that apply to specific items like fuel, tobacco, or heavy vehicles. You need to file it every quarter if you are in a business or activity that triggers these taxes.
Who must file IRS Form 720?
Any person or business that is liable for federal excise taxes on taxable goods, services, or activities must file Form 720.
What information does IRS Form 720 require?
The form collects information on the type and amount of excise tax owed, including specific line items for different taxable categories such as fuel, communications, and air transportation.
When is IRS Form 720 due?
Form 720 is due quarterly: for the first quarter (January-March) by April 30; second quarter (April-June) by July 31; third quarter (July-September) by October 31; and fourth quarter (October-December) by January 31 of the following year.
Where do I file IRS Form 720?
Mail Form 720 to the Internal Revenue Service, and check the current IRS instructions for the appropriate service center address based on your location and payment method.
How do I complete IRS Form 720?
Complete Form 720 by entering your business name, address, and EIN. Then, list all excise taxes owed in Part I, calculate the total tax in Part II, and sign and date the form. If you owe tax, you must also complete Form 720-V, Payment Voucher, and include payment.
What happens if IRS Form 720 is filed incorrectly?
Failing to file or pay the excise tax on time can result in penalties and interest charges as prescribed by the IRS.
When is Form 720 due?
Quarterly deadlines vary – April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31 Check IRS Publication 15 or form instructions for due dates
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