Fill out Form 720 (Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return) online
Form 720 is the Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return used to report and pay federal excise taxes on a wide range of goods, services, and activities. These include taxes on fuel, air transportation, communications, environmental taxes, manufacturers taxes, and certain indoor tanning services.
How to fill out Form 720 (Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return)
Identify taxable activities and products
Determine which excise tax categories apply to your business. Review Part I of Form 720, which lists IRS Numbers (IRSNos) for each taxable product or service, and identify the ones relevant to your operations.
Calculate excise taxes for each category
For each applicable IRS Number, enter the quantity or amount subject to tax and multiply by the tax rate specified in the instructions. Enter the tax amount on the corresponding line in Part I.
Claim any credits or adjustments
If you are entitled to credits for nontaxable uses, export sales, or prior overpayments, complete the applicable claims sections (such as Schedule C for excise tax credits) and enter the credit amounts.
Complete Part II and make payment
Total all excise taxes from Part I, subtract credits from Part II, and calculate the net tax due. If required, report semi-monthly deposit schedule information. Sign the return and submit payment with the filing.
About Form 720 (Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return)
Who needs this form
Businesses and individuals that manufacture, sell, or use goods or provide services subject to federal excise taxes. This includes fuel producers and distributors, airlines, telecommunications providers, indoor tanning salons, and manufacturers of certain products like sport fishing equipment, bows, and firearms.
Where to submit
File with the IRS quarterly by the last day of the month following the end of each calendar quarter (April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31). File electronically or mail to the IRS address in the form instructions.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing quarterly filing deadlines, which can result in penalties and interest on unpaid excise taxes
- Not making semi-monthly deposits when the excise tax liability exceeds the deposit threshold
- Incorrectly calculating the excise tax rate, which varies by product or service category
- Failing to claim applicable credits or refunds for exempt uses of taxable products such as fuel used in farming
Frequently asked questions
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How often do I need to deposit federal excise taxes?
The deposit frequency depends on your total excise tax liability. If your net excise tax liability exceeds the threshold specified in the instructions for any semi-monthly period, you must make semi-monthly deposits using the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). If your liability is below the threshold, you can pay the full amount when you file the quarterly return.
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