What Is Form 720?
Form 720, officially called the Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return, is used to report and pay certain federal excise taxes. Businesses and other taxpayers may need to use Form 720 when they are liable for, or responsible for collecting, specific excise taxes listed in Parts I and II of the form.
The IRS requires Form 720 to be filed for each applicable calendar quarter. The form is used to report tax liabilities by IRS number and to pay the excise taxes reported on the return.
Because excise taxes cover several industries and transactions, the information required can vary from one taxpayer to another. Before starting the filing process, it is important to determine which taxes apply to your business.
Can Form 720 Be Filed Electronically?
Yes. Form 720 can be filed electronically.
The IRS allows taxpayers to electronically file Form 720 through an Electronic Return Originator (ERO), transmitter, and/or intermediate service provider participating in the IRS excise tax e-file program.
Electronic filing is currently optional. The IRS continues to accept paper Forms 720, so taxpayers can choose the filing method that works for their circumstances.
For businesses that prefer an online process, an approved e-file provider can simplify the preparation and submission of the return.
How to File Form 720 Electronically
The basic e-filing process is straightforward when you have your information ready. Here are the main steps.
1. Determine Whether You Need to File Form 720
Before beginning an electronic return, determine whether your business has a Form 720 filing requirement.
According to the IRS, you generally need to file Form 720 if you were liable for, or responsible for collecting, one of the federal excise taxes reported on Parts I or II of the form during the current quarter or a prior quarter for which a final return has not been filed.
The specific tax activities that trigger a filing requirement depend on your business and transactions.
2. Gather Your Business and Tax Information
Having the necessary information available can make the electronic filing process much easier.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need:
Business name and address
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Reporting quarter
Applicable excise tax information
Amounts subject to excise tax
Applicable IRS numbers
Credits or other eligible information
Schedule information, when required
Payment information
Review your records carefully before entering the information into your e-file software. Incorrect figures or missing information can cause unnecessary filing issues.
3. Choose an Approved Form 720 E-File Provider
The next step is to select an electronic filing provider that supports Form 720.
The IRS publishes a list of approved Modernized e-File (MeF) providers for Form 720. For tax year 2026, Quickfile720.com appears on the IRS list of approved Form 720 MeF providers. The IRS also lists several other providers.
Being listed by the IRS means the provider has met the applicable IRS testing requirements for electronic Form 720 submissions. However, the IRS specifically states that being listed does not constitute an endorsement of a provider or its products. Taxpayers should confirm that the provider offers the services and features they need.
When selecting a provider, consider factors such as supported schedules, ease of use, filing fees, payment options, customer support, and recordkeeping features.
4. Enter Your Form 720 Information
Once you have selected your e-file provider, enter the required information for the applicable quarter.
Take care when entering your EIN, reporting period, tax amounts, and IRS numbers. Your return should accurately reflect your business records for the quarter.
Some taxpayers may have no liability for a particular tax category during a quarter. The IRS instructions provide specific guidance on entering zero amounts and completing Part III when applicable.
If you have adjustments relating to liabilities reported for a previous quarter, do not simply enter those adjustments on the current Form 720. The IRS directs taxpayers to use Form 720-X, Amended Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return, when applicable.
5. Review the Return Before Submission
Before clicking the final submit button, review the entire return.
Check your:
Business information
EIN
Reporting quarter
Taxable amounts
Excise tax calculations
Applicable schedules
Credits or adjustments
Payment information
A careful review can help identify simple data-entry errors before the return is transmitted.
6. Submit Form 720 Electronically
After reviewing the return, authorize your e-file provider to submit it electronically.
The IRS currently accepts electronically filed Forms 720, and its FAQ states that Forms 720 can be submitted online 24 hours a day.
The return is transmitted through the approved e-file system rather than being mailed as a paper return.
7. Keep Your Filing Acknowledgement
After submission, keep the electronic acknowledgement and a copy of the completed return with your tax records.
Do not assume that completing the online form automatically means the filing process is finished. Check the status provided by your e-file service and retain documentation showing the return was submitted and accepted, when available.
Maintaining organized records can also make future quarterly filings easier.
When Is Form 720 Due?
Form 720 is generally filed quarterly.
The IRS currently lists the following regular filing deadlines:
| Quarter | Months Covered | General Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| First quarter | January–March | April 30 |
| Second quarter | April–June | July 31 |
| Third quarter | July–September | October 31 |
| Fourth quarter | October–December | January 31 |
If a filing deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the IRS instructions generally allow the return to be filed on the next business day.
It is a good practice to prepare your return before the deadline rather than waiting until the last day.
How Do You Pay Form 720 Taxes?
Filing Form 720 and paying the tax are related but should be treated as separate steps in your compliance process.
The IRS recommends paying electronically when possible. Available options include IRS Direct Pay, debit or credit card payments, Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW), and the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), depending on the circumstances.
Your e-file provider may also offer an integrated payment option. Review the available payment methods and make sure the payment is completed by the applicable deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When E-Filing Form 720
Electronic filing can reduce paperwork, but it does not eliminate the need to review your return carefully.
Some common issues to watch for include:
Entering the Wrong Reporting Quarter
Form 720 is a quarterly return, so make sure you are preparing the return for the correct period.
Using Incorrect Tax Information
Review your business records and confirm that the amounts reported correspond with the applicable excise tax.
Forgetting Applicable Schedules
Depending on the taxes being reported, you may need to complete additional schedules or supporting information.
Making Prior-Quarter Adjustments on Form 720
The IRS specifically instructs taxpayers with adjustments relating to previous quarters to refer to Form 720-X rather than entering those adjustments directly on Form 720.
Waiting Until the Deadline
Technical problems, missing information, or questions about your tax liability can take time to resolve. Starting early gives you more time to address problems.
Why E-File Form 720?
For businesses that regularly file Form 720, electronic filing can provide a more streamlined alternative to paper filing.
Benefits can include:
Online submission
Reduced paperwork
Electronic transmission to the IRS
Electronic filing acknowledgement
Easier digital recordkeeping
Convenient access to filing information
However, the IRS does not require every taxpayer to e-file Form 720. Paper filing remains available.
