Businesses can make excise taxes easier by filing and paying electronically

IRS Tax Tip 2022-129, August 23, 2022

The IRS encourages taxpayers who file federal excise taxes to file and pay electronically. Here are the excise forms currently available for e-filing:

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

Advantages of excise e-file

  • E-filing excise tax returns is safe, secure, easy, and accurate.
  • Form 720 e-file is convenient, plus taxpayers receive faster service and an acknowledgment from the IRS that the agency accepted their e-filed Form 720.
  • Form 8849 e-file offers faster refunds than through paper filing. Form 8849 Schedules 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8 may be e-filed.
  • Form 2290 e-file provides taxpayers their Schedule 1 (Form 2290) almost immediately after the IRS receives the e-filed form.

Excise tax e-file facts

  • Only providers who have passed the IRS Assurance Testing System requirements for software developers of electronic IRS Excise returns are listed on the excise tax e-file providers’ pages.
  • IRS-approved excise tax e-file providers do charge a fee. This fee is not part of the excise tax payment.
  • Filers must have an Employer Identification Number to e-file excise tax returns. Taxpayers who don’t already have an EIN can learn how to apply for one on IRS.gov.
  • Service is available 24/7.
  • Filers reporting 25 or more trucks on Form 2290 must e-file.

Paying the excise taxes completes the filing process, and there are multiple ways to pay any excise tax due, including electronic methods.

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