This guide is intended to be a brief overview of the basic requirements for the proper computation and filing of wine excise tax.
The complete text of all wine tax regulations may be found at 27 CFR 24.270-.279. The tax law is 26 U.S.C. 5041-5043.
If you have questions about this guide, please contact the National Revenue Center.
General Excise Tax Information
- What is the tax on wine?
- Who pays the tax?
- When is the tax due?
- What are the tax return periods?
- Who may file annually?
- What if no taxes are due?
- How is the tax paid?
- How do I file my excise tax return electronically?
- Who must pay by Electronic Fund Transfer?
- What if the tax is filed late?
- What date is used to determine if a return was filed on time?
General Excise Tax Information
What is the tax on wine?
See the available tax rates and credits.
Last reviewed/updated: 03/14/2023
Who pays the tax?
27 CFR 24.270
The proprietor of the bonded wine premises who removes the wine from bond for domestic consumption or sale.
Last reviewed/updated: 07/27/2010
When is the tax due?
27 CFR 24.271(b)
14 days after the close of the tax period, unless filed yearly. If the 14th day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the tax must be filed on the day immediately preceding which is not a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday. Special rules apply to September returns.
Last reviewed/updated: 07/27/2010
What are the tax return periods?
27 CFR 24.271(b)(c)
See the due date information for your business situation.
Last reviewed/updated: 11/17/2022
Who may file annually?
27 CFR 24.271(b)
If the total excise taxes the previous calendar year were less than $1000, or if you are a new proprietor who expects the first year's taxes to be less than $1000, AND you expect your taxes to be less than $1000 the current year, you may file one excise tax return for the calendar year.
The deferral portion of your operating bond must be sufficient, and you may not have additional deferral coverage on file.
It is due 30 days after the close of the calendar year. The rule about Saturday, Sunday, legal holidays stated above applies.
Last reviewed/updated: 03/14/2023
What if no taxes are due?
27 CFR 24.271(a)
Do not send TTB a return if no taxes are due. Many wineries do not make taxable removals every return period. Only send a return if remittance is due.
Last reviewed/updated: 07/27/2010
How is the tax paid?
27 CFR 24.271(a)
The tax is submitted on TTB Form 5000.24 with a check or money order. The address is shown on the back of the return.
Last reviewed/updated: 07/27/2010
How do I file my excise tax return electronically?
You can file and pay your returns electronically with Pay.gov TTBGov - Epayment
Last reviewed/updated: 01/11/2021
Who must pay by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)?
27 CFR 24.272
Any proprietor who is liable for a gross amount of tax of $5 million or more annually is required to file taxes electronically. Instructions are available from the National Revenue Center.
All members of a Controlled Group are considered one taxpayer when determining if $5 million in taxes have been paid. Accordingly, all members of a controlled group required to EFT must submit their taxes by this method, regardless of the amount of taxes due by individual members of the group.
Last reviewed/updated: 07/27/2010
What if the tax is filed late?
26 U.S.C. 6651, 6656
27 CFR 24.274
The law imposes penalties for failure to file a return, failure to pay tax, and interest. Additional penalties apply for failure to timely EFT.
Last reviewed/updated: 07/27/2010
What date is used to determine if a return was filed on time?
27 CFR 24.277
The official U.S. Postal Service postmark date on the envelope, or the date of registry or date of sender's receipt, if sent by registered or certified mail.
Last reviewed/updated: 07/27/2010