(a) Distilled spirits tax. 26 U.S.C. 5001 and 7652 impose a tax on all distilled spirits produced in, or imported into or brought into, the United States at the rate prescribed in section 5001 on each proof gallon and a proportionate tax at a like rate on all fractional parts of a proof gallon. For the current rate of tax see 26 U.S.C. 5001.

(b) Products containing distilled spirits. All products of distillation, by whatever name known, which contain distilled spirits, on which the tax imposed by law has not been paid, and any alcoholic ingredient added to such products, are considered and taxed as distilled spirits.

(c) Wines with high alcohol content. Wines containing more than 24 percent of alcohol by volume are taxed as distilled spirits.

(d) Attachment of the tax. Under 26 U.S.C. 5001(b), the tax attaches to distilled spirits as soon as the substance comes into existence as such, whether it be subsequently separated as pure or impure spirits, or be immediately, or at any subsequent time, transferred into any other substance, either in the process of original production, or by any subsequent process.

(e) Alcohol tax is a lien on spirits. Under 26 U.S.C. 5004, the tax becomes a first lien on the distilled spirits from the time the spirits come into existence as such. The conditions under which the first lien terminates are described in 26 U.S.C. 5004.

(f) Tax credit for eligible wines and eligible flavors. Under 26 U.S.C. 5010, a credit against the tax imposed on distilled spirits by 26 U.S.C. 5001 or 7652 on each proof gallon of alcohol derived from eligible wine, or from eligible flavors which do not exceed 2.5 percent of the finished product on a proof gallon basis is allowed at the time the tax is payable as if it constituted a reduction in the rate of tax.

(g) Effective tax rates. Where credit against the tax is desired, the proprietor liable for the tax must establish an effective tax rate in accordance with § 19.246. The effective tax rate established will be applied to each withdrawal or other taxable disposition of the distilled spirits.

(26 U.S.C. 5001, 5004, 5010, 7652)

(a) Distilling. Under 26 U.S.C. 5005, the distiller of spirits is liable for the tax and each proprietor or possessor of, and person in any manner interested in the use of, any still, distilling apparatus, or distillery, shall be jointly and severally liable for the tax on distilled spirits produced. However, a person, not an officer or director of a corporate proprietor, owning or having the right of control of not more than 10 percent of any class of stock of that proprietor, is not liable by reason of the stock ownership or control. Persons transferring spirits in bond are relieved of tax liability if:

(1) The proprietors of transferring and receiving distilled spirits plant premises are independent of each other and neither has a proprietary interest, directly or indirectly, in the business of the other, and

(2) No person liable for the tax on transferred spirits retains any interest in the spirits.

(b) Storage on bonded premises. Under 26 U.S.C. 5005(c) each person operating bonded premises will be liable for the tax on all spirits while the spirits are stored on the premises, and on all spirits that are in transit to the premises from the time of removal from the transferor's bonded premises, pursuant to an approved application. Liability for the tax continues until the spirits are transferred or withdrawn from bonded premises as authorized by law, or until the liability for tax is relieved under the provisions of 26 U.S.C. 5008(a). Claims for relief from liability for spirits lost are covered in subpart J of this part. Voluntary destruction of spirits in bond is covered in subpart Q of this part.

(c) Withdrawals without payment of tax. Under 26 U.S.C. 5005(e), any person who withdraws spirits from the bonded premises of a plant without payment of tax, as provided in 26 U.S.C. 5214, will be liable for the tax on the spirits from the time of withdrawal. The person will be relieved of any liability at the time the spirits are exported, deposited in a foreign trade zone, used in production of wine, deposited in a customs bonded warehouse, laden as supplies upon or used in the maintenance or repair of certain vessels or aircraft, or used for certain research, development or testing, as provided by law.

(d) Withdrawals free of tax. Persons liable for tax under paragraph (a) of this section, are relieved of the liability on spirits withdrawn from bonded premises free of tax under this part, at the time the spirits are withdrawn.

(e) Withdrawn from customs custody without payment of tax. Under 26 U.S.C. 5232(a) when imported distilled spirits in bulk containers are withdrawn from customs custody and transferred to the bonded premises of a distilled spirits plant without payment of the tax imposed on imported distilled spirits by 26 U.S.C. 5001, the person operating the bonded premises of the distilled spirits plant to which spirits are transferred will become liable for the tax on the spirits upon their release from customs custody, and the importer will thereupon be relieved of liability for the tax.

(26 U.S.C. 5005, 5066, 5232)

This subpart covers the taxation of distilled spirits and the procedures for payment of taxes by proprietors of distilled spirits plants. Issues covered in this subpart include tax rates, liability for tax, tax determination, return periods, filing of tax returns, forms of payment, electronic fund transfers, and credits under 26 U.S.C. 5010.

(26 U.S.C. 5001)

Before withdrawing distilled spirits from bond, the proprietor must gauge the spirits and determine the tax that is due on the spirits. This requirement applies to all spirits on which the tax will be either prepaid or deferred.

(26 U.S.C. 5006, 5204, 5213)

There are several acceptable methods that a proprietor may use when gauging spirits for tax determination.

(a) Cases. If spirits are withdrawn from the bonded premises in cases, the proprietor must gauge the spirits based on the contents of the cases. The proprietor will determine the number of proof gallons of spirits in cases as provided in part 30 of this chapter. The proprietor must convert metric units of measure to U.S. units according to § 19.579.

(b) Packages. If spirits are withdrawn from the bonded premises in packages on the basis of an individual package gauge, each package must be gauged unless the tax is to be determined on the production or filling gauge. When gauging the packages, the proprietor must prepare a package gauge record as specified in § 19.619 and attach it to the record of tax determination that is required by § 19.611.

(c) Tanks. The proprietor must use weight, or an accurate mass flow meter and proof as prescribed in §§ 19.284 and 19.285, to gauge bulk spirits in tanks that are to be withdrawn on determination of tax. The proprietor must record the elements of the gauge on the record of tax determination. As an alternative, the proprietor may record gauge elements on a separate gauge record, and attach the gauge record to the record of tax determination.

(26 U.S.C. 5204, 5213)

After gauging, the proprietor must determine the tax on the spirits to be removed from the bonded premises. The proprietor must use the tax rate prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 5001 to calculate the tax, unless the product is eligible for a reduced effective tax rate as provided in 26 U.S.C. 5010. If the product is eligible for a reduced effective tax rate, the proprietor may use that rate to determine the tax. The proprietor must record the results of each tax determination in a record of tax determination as required by § 19.611.

(26 U.S.C. 5213)

There are two basic methods of paying the tax on distilled spirits withdrawn from bonded premises: Deferred payment and prepayment.

(a) Deferred payment. Under the deferred payment system, the proprietor may withdraw spirits from bond after tax determination but before payment of tax. The excise tax paid is based on the amount of spirits removed from bond during each return period. In order to pay taxes under the deferral system, the proprietor must file a withdrawal bond or unit bond unless the proprietor is exempt from furnishing such bond under § 19.151(d). For detailed information regarding return periods and filing requirements under the deferred system, see §§ 19.234, 19.235 and 19.236.

(b) Prepayment. Under the prepayment system, the proprietor must pay the distilled spirits tax after tax determination but before withdrawal of the spirits from bonded premises. See § 19.230 for conditions that require prepayment of taxes.

(26 U.S.C. 5061) [T.D. TTB-92, 76 FR 9090, Feb. 16, 2011, as amended by T.D. TTB-146, 82 FR 1121, Jan. 4, 2017]

Under certain conditions, the proprietor must prepay the distilled spirits tax required, using TTB F 5000.24, Excise Tax Return, before removing spirits from the bonded premises. Those conditions are:

(a) When the proprietor has not given TTB a withdrawal bond or a unit bond and the proprietor is not exempt from furnishing such bond under § 19.151(d);

(b) When the proprietor has posted a withdrawal or a unit bond, but has defaulted on any payment of tax under this section, and the tax payment remains in default. The proprietor must continue to prepay the tax until the appropriate TTB officer decides that allowing the proprietor to make deferred tax payments again will not jeopardize the revenue;

(c) When the proprietor receives a notice from the appropriate TTB officer that the tax must be prepaid. Such notice may be issued to the proprietor if—

(1) The proprietor fails to maintain records required by this part to substantiate the correctness of its tax returns; or

(2) The proprietor fails to comply with any other provision of this part; or

(d) When the proprietor's withdrawal bond, or the withdrawal coverage under its unit bond, is for less than the maximum penal sum. This condition does not apply to a proprietor who is exempt from furnishing a bond under § 19.151(d). The proprietor must prepay the tax to the extent that a withdrawal would cause the outstanding tax liability to exceed the limits of coverage under the bond. See also § 19.231 if the bond is for less than the maximum penal sum.

(26 U.S.C. 5213, 5555) [T.D. TTB-92, 76 FR 9090, Feb. 16, 2011, as amended by T.D. TTB-146, 82 FR 1122, Jan. 4, 2017]

In cases where a proprietor must furnish a withdrawal bond or a unit bond to cover the tax on spirits withdrawn on determination of tax, and such bond is in less than the maximum penal sum, the proprietor must maintain an account for the bond to ensure that outstanding tax liabilities do not exceed the penal sum of the bond. The account must charge the bond for the amount of liability incurred on each withdrawal on determination of tax and, credit the bond for each payment of tax made with a return and for authorized credits taken on a return. If the balance of the bond account reaches zero, the proprietor may no longer defer tax payments for taxable withdrawals. Where the bond is for less than the maximum penal sum and has been allocated among two or more plants, the proprietor must maintain an account at each plant for that part of the penal sum allocated to each plant.

(26 U.S.C. 5173) [T.D. TTB-92, 76 FR 9090, Feb. 16, 2011, as amended by T.D. TTB-146, 82 FR 1122, Jan. 4, 2017]

When the proprietor is required to prepay the tax prior to withdrawal of spirits from the bonded premises, the proprietor must prepay the tax with a return on form TTB F 5000.24, Excise Tax Return, and include the remittance with the return. The proprietor may prepay tax for one or more withdrawals with a single prepayment return on TTB F 5000.24. The proprietor will note the serial number of the TTB F 5000.24, and the date and time of the prepayment on the individual record of tax determination. The proprietor may not remove spirits from the bonded premises until the tax has been paid.

(26 U.S.C. 5061)

A proprietor must pay the tax on spirits withdrawn from bond for deferred payment of tax by filing a return on form TTB F 5000.24, Excise Tax Return. The proprietor must execute and file TTB F 5000.24 for each return period, even when no tax is due for a particular return period. The proprietor of each bonded premises must pay the full amount of distilled spirits tax determined for all spirits released for withdrawal from the bonded premises on determination of tax during the period covered by the return (except spirits on which tax has been prepaid).

(26 U.S.C. 5061)

(a) Three types of return periods. The IRC provides for three different return periods for those taxpayers who pay their taxes on a deferred basis: Annual, quarterly, and semimonthly. Taxpayers who meet certain criteria are eligible to use annual or quarterly return periods and pay their taxes on an annual or quarterly basis as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, respectively. Other taxpayers must use semimonthly return periods and pay their taxes on a semimonthly basis as provided in paragraph (e) of this section.

(b) Annual return period. Subject to paragraph (d) of this section, a taxpayer who reasonably expects to be liable for not more than $1,000 in taxes with respect to distilled spirits imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5001 and 7652 for the current calendar year, and that was liable for not more than $1,000 in such taxes in the preceding calendar year, may choose to use an annual return period. However, the taxpayer may not use the annual return period procedure for any portion of the calendar year following the first date on which the aggregate amount of tax due from the taxpayer during the calendar year exceeds $1,000, and any tax which has not been paid on that date will be due on the 14th day after the last day of the quarterly or semimonthly period in which that date occurs. A taxpayer may choose to use either quarterly or semimonthly return periods as authorized under paragraph (c) or (e) of this section.

(c) Quarterly return period. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section and subject to paragraph (d) of this section, a taxpayer who reasonably expects to be liable for not more than $50,000 in taxes with respect to distilled spirits imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5001 and 7652 for the current calendar year, and that was liable for not more than $50,000 in such taxes in the preceding calendar year, may choose to use a quarterly return period. However, the taxpayer may not use the quarterly return period procedure for any portion of the calendar year following the first date on which the aggregate amount of tax due from the taxpayer during the calendar year exceeds $50,000, and any tax which has not been paid on that date will be due on the 14th day after the last day of the semimonthly period in which that date occurs.

(d) Additional rules for annual and quarterly return periods. The following additional rules apply to the annual and quarterly return period procedures under paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section:

(1) A taxpayer with multiple locations must combine the distilled spirits tax liability for all locations to determine eligibility for the return procedures;

(2) A taxpayer who has both domestic operations and import transactions must combine the distilled spirits tax liability on the domestic operations and the imports to determine eligibility for the return procedures;

(3) The controlled group rules of 26 U.S.C. 5061(e), which concern treatment of controlled groups as one taxpayer, do not apply for purposes of determining eligibility for the return procedures. However, a taxpayer who is eligible for the return procedures, and that is a member of a controlled group that owes $5 million or more in distilled spirits excise taxes per year, is required to pay taxes by electronic fund transfer (EFT). Quarterly payments via EFT must be transmitted in accordance with section 5061(e);

(4) A new taxpayer is eligible to use the return procedures the first year of business simply if the taxpayer reasonably expects to be liable for not more than $1,000, in the case of the annual return procedure, or $50,000, in the case of the quarterly return procedure, in distilled spirits taxes during that calendar year; and

(5) If a taxpayer becomes ineligible to use a return procedure described in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section because the taxpayer's liability exceeds $1,000 or $50,000, respectively, during a taxable year, that taxpayer may resume using that return procedure only after a full calendar year has passed during which the taxpayer's liability did not exceed $1,000 or $50,000 as the case may be. A taxpayer may not use an annual or quarterly return procedure during any calendar year in which the taxpayer reasonably expects to be liable for more than $1,000, in the case of the annual return procedure, or $50,000, in the case of the quarterly return procedure, in distilled spirits taxes.

(e) Semimonthly return period. Except in the case of a taxpayer who qualifies for, and chooses to use, annual or quarterly return periods as provided in paragraphs (b) or (c) of this section, all other taxpayers must use semimonthly return periods for deferred payment of tax. The semimonthly return periods will run from the 1st day through the 15th day of each month, and from the 16th day through the last day of each month, except as otherwise provided in § 19.237.

(f) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings indicated:

Reasonably expects. When used with reference to a taxpayer, reasonably expects means that there is no existing or anticipated circumstances known to the taxpayer (such as an increase in production capacity) that would cause the taxpayer's tax liability to exceed the prescribed limit.

Taxpayer. A taxpayer is an individual, corporation, partnership, or other entity that is assigned a single Employer Identification Number (EIN) as defined in 26 CFR 301.7702.12.

(26 U.S.C. 5061) [T.D. TTB-146, 82 FR 1122, Jan. 4, 2017]

(a) Semimonthly returns. Except when payment is pursuant to an annual or quarterly return as provided in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, where the proprietor of bonded premises has withdrawn spirits from such premises on determination and before payment of tax, the proprietor must file a semimonthly tax return covering such spirits on form TTB F 5000.24, Excise Tax Return, and remittance, as required by § 19.238, § 19.239 or § 19.240, not later than the 14th day after the last day of the return period, except for returns filed for September as provided in § 19.237. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the return and payment are due on the immediately preceding day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, except as provided in § 19.237(c).

(b) Quarterly returns. Where the proprietor of bonded premises has withdrawn spirits from such premises on determination and before payment of tax, and the proprietor uses quarterly return periods as provided in § 19.235(c), the proprietor must file a quarterly return covering such spirits on TTB F 5000.24, and remittance, as required by § 19.238, § 19.239, or § 19.240, not later than the 14th day after the last day of the quarterly return period. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the return and remittance will be due on the immediately preceding day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

(c) Annual returns. Where the proprietor of bonded premises has withdrawn spirits from such premises on determination and before payment of tax, and the proprietor uses annual return periods as provided in § 19.235(b), the proprietor must file an annual return covering such spirits on TTB F 5000.24, and remittance, as required by § 19.238, § 19.239, or § 19.240, not later than the 14th day after the last day of the annual return period. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the return and remittance will be due on the immediately preceding day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

(26 U.S.C. 5061) [T.D. TTB-92, 76 FR 9090, Feb. 16, 2011, as amended by T.D. TTB-146, 82 FR 1122, Jan. 4, 2017]

(a) Returns required for September. If the proprietor is required to file semimonthly returns as provided in § 19.235(c), there are three return periods during the month of September. The first semimonthly return period is from the 1st day through the 15th day of the month and the return with remittance is due by the 29th of September. The second semimonthly return period for the month of September is divided into two payment periods. The exact dates of these periods depend upon whether the proprietor remits tax payments by EFT.

(1) Taxpayments by EFT. If the proprietor remits tax payments by EFT, the two payment periods for the second half of September are from the 16th through the 26th, and from the 27th through the 30th. The return on form TTB F 5000.24 and remittance for the period September 16-26 is due on or before September 29. The return on TTB F 5000.24 and remittance for the period September 27-30 is due no later than October 14.

(2) Taxpayment other than by EFT. If the proprietor is not required to pay the distilled spirits tax by EFT, the two payment periods for the second half of September are from the 16th through the 25th and from the 26th through the 30th. The return on TTB F 5000.24 and remittance for the period September 16-25 is due on or before September 28. The return on TTB F5000.24 and remittance for the period September 26-30 is due no later than October 14.

(b) Amount of payment: Safe harbor rule.— (1) EFT Taxpayers. The proprietor satisfies the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section if by September 29 the amount paid is at least eleven-fifteenths (73.3 percent) of the tax liability incurred in the semimonthly return period for September 1-15, and the proprietor also pays any underpayment of tax resulting from the use of the safe harbor rule on or before October 14.

(2) Other than EFT taxpayers. The proprietor satisfies the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section if the amount paid by September 28 is at least two-thirds (66.7 percent) of the tax liability incurred in the semimonthly return period for September 1-15, and the proprietor also pays any underpayment of tax resulting from the use of the safe harbor rule on or before October 14.

(c) Weekends and holidays. If the required tax payment due date for the return period September 16-25 (non-EFT taxpayers) or September 16-26 (EFT taxpayers), falls on a Saturday or legal holiday, the proprietor's return and remittance are due on the immediately preceding day. If the required tax payment due date falls on a Sunday, the proprietor's return and payment are due on the immediately following day.

(d)

Example.Payment of tax for the month of September:

(1) Facts. X, a proprietor required to pay taxes by electronic fund transfer, incurred tax liability in the amount of $30,000 for the first semimonthly period of September. For the period September 16-26, X incurred tax liability in the amount of $45,000, and for the period September 27-30, X incurred tax liability in the amount of $2,000.

(2) Payment requirement. X's payment of tax in the amount of $30,000 for the first semimonthly period of September is due no later than September 29. X's payment of tax for the period September 16-26 is also due no later than September 29. X may use the safe harbor rule to determine the amount of payment due for the period of September 16-26. Under the safe harbor rule, X's payment of tax must equal $22,000.00, eleven-fifteenths of the tax liability incurred during the first semimonthly period of September. Additionally, X's payment of tax in the amount of $2,000 for the period September 27-30 must be paid no later than October 14. X must also pay the underpayment of tax, $23,000.00, for the period September 16-26, no later than October 14.

(26 U.S.C. 5061)

(a) Payment by mail. The proprietor must file each return on form TTBF 5000.24 in accordance with the instructions printed on the form. If the proprietor submits the return by U.S. mail, the official postmark of the U.S. Postal Service stamped on the cover in which the return is mailed will be considered to be the date of delivery of the return and also the remittance, if included. If the postmark on the cover is illegible, the proprietor will bear the burden of proving when the postmark was made. If the proprietor sends the return with or without remittance by registered mail or certified mail, the date of registry, or the date of the postmark on the sender's postal receipt for certified mail, will be treated as the date of delivery of the return and also of the remittance, if included.

(b) Payment by courier or other private delivery service. A proprietor may send a return, with or without remittance, by courier or other private delivery service. If the proprietor sends the return with or without remittance with a courier or private delivery service that is available to the general public and that is at least as timely and reliable as the U.S. mail, and the delivery service has tracking and tracing procedures for its deliveries, TTB will consider the date of tender to the delivery service as recorded in the tracking and tracing record for the parcel as the date of delivery. If the proprietor sends the return, with or without remittance, by courier or other private delivery service that does not meet the above requirements, the actual date of delivery to TTB will be treated as the date of delivery of the return and also of the remittance, if included.

(26 U.S.C. 6302)

(a) General. The proprietor must pay the tax due on spirits when filing a return on form TTB F 5000.24, Excise Tax Return. The remittance for the tax must accompany the return and may be in any form that is authorized by § 70.61 of this chapter and acceptable to the appropriate TTB officer. Exception: This does not apply to payments that must be made by EFT. For EFT payments see § 19.240.

(b) Consequences of default. If a check or money order tendered in payment of taxes is not paid on presentment, or if the taxpayer is otherwise in default in payment, then any remittance made during the period of default must be either in cash or by an acceptable certified instrument. The proprietor must continue to pay in cash or by certified instrument as long as the proprietor remains in default, and until the appropriate TTB officer finds that accepting a check will not jeopardize the revenue.

(c) Certified instruments. Acceptable certified instruments include certified checks, cashier's checks or treasurer's checks drawn on any bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of the United States, or under the laws of any State, Territory or possession of the United States, or a money order, as provided in § 70.61 of this chapter.

(d) Payment of taxes. The proprietor must make checks or money orders payable to “Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau”.

(26 U.S.C. 5061, 6311)

(a) General. —(1) Criteria requiring ETF payment. Under certain conditions, a proprietor may not make payments by cash, check, or money order. Instead, the proprietor must use the services of a commercial bank to pay tax on distilled spirits tax by EFT. Payments must be made by EFT in the current calendar year if the proprietor, as a taxpayer, was liable for $5 million or more in taxes on distilled spirits during the prior calendar year. For the purpose of determining whether the proprietor is subject to this requirement, the proprietor must use the total amount of tax liability on distilled spirits incurred under this part and parts 26 and 27 of this chapter (gross tax liability). Gross tax liability includes the distilled spirits tax on all taxable withdrawals of spirits and taxable importations of spirits, as well as tax on spirits brought into the United States from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands during the calendar year. This figure includes taxes incurred at any and all premises at which the proprietor conducts regulated activities. The proprietor may not net out or adjust for any drawback, credits or refunds of tax that are allowed. Overpayments made in excess of actual tax liability will not be included in the gross tax liability figure.

(2) Controlled group. If the taxpayer is a member of a controlled group, the controlled group is treated as a single taxpayer when calculating liability of $5 million or more in distilled spirits taxes during the prior calendar year. A controlled group is a related group of taxpayers and is defined in subpart D of part 70 of this chapter.

(3) Separate return and payment for each DSP. When the proprietor makes payments by EFT, the proprietor must file a separate return on form TTB F 5000.24 and make a separate EFT payment for each DSP from which spirits are withdrawn upon determination of tax.

(b) Requirements—(1) Notice to TTB. If the proprietor's gross distilled spirits tax liability is $5 million or more in one calendar year, the proprietor must notify the appropriate TTB officer of this fact not later than January 10 of the following year. The proprietor must use the total amount of tax liability incurred under this part and parts 26 and 27 of this chapter to determine whether it must make this notification. Exception: this notice requirement does not apply if the proprietor already pays tax on distilled spirits by EFT. The notice shall be an agreement to make payments by EFT.

(2) Separate EFT for each return. For each return filed in accordance with this part, the proprietor will direct the bank to make an EFT to the Treasury Account for the amount of the tax reported due on the return. The proprietor must give instructions to the bank early enough for the EFT to be made to the Treasury Account by no later than close of business on the last day for filing the return as prescribed in §§ 19.236 or 19.237, as appropriate.

(3) Discontinuing EFT payments. If the proprietor pays tax by EFT and has a gross tax liability of less than $5 million in distilled spirits taxes during a calendar year, combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and parts 26 and 27 of this chapter, payment by EFT will be optional in the following year. The proprietor may continue to remit tax payment by EFT as provided in this section, or the proprietor may remit taxpayment using any acceptable method as set forth in § 19.239. If the proprietor decides to stop paying tax by EFT, the proprietor must give the appropriate TTB officer written notice of that decision. The proprietor must attach a written notice to the first return on form TTB F 5000.24 filed using a method of payment other than EFT. Such notice must state that tax is not due by EFT because the proprietor's tax liability during the preceding calendar year was less than $5 million. The proprietor must further state that future tax payments will be filed with the returns on TTB F 5000.24.

(c) Remittance—(1) Identifying EFT payments. When the proprietor completes the return on TTB F 5000.24, the proprietor must indicate on the form that the tax was paid by EFT. The proprietor must file the completed TTB F 5000.24 with TTB as directed by the instructions on the form.

(2) Credit for payment. TTB will credit the proprietor as having made a tax payment when the Treasury Account receives the EFT. TTB considers the EFT to be received by the Treasury Account when the EFT is paid to a Federal Reserve Bank.

(3) Record of payment. When a proprietor directs a bank to make an EFT as required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section, any transfer data record furnished to the proprietor as part of normal banking procedures will serve as the record of payment. The proprietor will retain this document as part of the required records.

(d) Failure to make a tax payment by EFT. The proprietor will be subject to a penalty imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5684, 6651, or 6656 for failure to make a required EFT tax payment before close of business on the last day for filing.

(e) Procedure. Upon receipt of a notice filed pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the appropriate TTB officer will provide the proprietor with a copy of the TTB Procedure entitled “Payment of Tax by Electronic Fund Transfer”. This publication outlines the procedure that the proprietor must follow when preparing returns and payments by EFT as required by this part. The proprietor must follow instructions provided by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for submitting the EFT payments that must be made to CBP.

(26 U.S.C. 5061, 6302)

The proprietor must enter the employer identification number (EIN) assigned to it by the Internal Revenue Service on each form TTB F 5000.24, Excise Tax Return, filed with TTB. Failure to enter the assigned EIN on TTB F 5000.24, may result in a $50.00 penalty for each occurrence as specified in § 70.113 of this chapter.

(26 U.S.C. 6109, 6723)

(a) Use Form SS-4. The proprietor must obtain an employer identification number (EIN) by filing an application with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on Form SS-4. Form SS-4 is available from Internal Revenue Service Centers, from IRS District Directors, the IRS Web site at http://www.irs.gov, or from TTB's National Revenue Center. The proprietor may file this form with IRS by mail, telephone, or fax by following the instructions on the form.

(b) Time limit. If the proprietor has not already received, or applied for, an EIN at the time that the first return on form TTB F 5000.24, Excise Tax Return, is filed, the proprietor must file such application for an EIN not later than seven days from the date of filing the TTB F 5000.24.

(c) One EIN only. Each proprietor must obtain and use only one EIN, regardless of the number of places of business for which the proprietor is required to file a tax return under this subpart.

(26 U.S.C. 6109)

(a) The distilled spirits tax. Sections 5001 and 7652 of the IRC impose a tax on all distilled spirits produced in, or imported into, or brought into the United States at the rate prescribed in section 5001 of the IRC.

(b) Tax credits. Section 5010 of the IRC provides a credit for the wine and flavors content in distilled spirits products. These credits effectively reduce the rate of excise tax paid on distilled spirits products that contain eligible wines and eligible flavors. As a result, the alcohol derived from eligible wine is taxed at the rates specified for wine in 26 U.S.C. 5041, and the alcohol derived from eligible flavors is not taxed to the extent that it does not exceed 2.5 percent of the alcohol in the product. This results in an effective tax rate on the distilled spirits product that is lower than the rate prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 5001.

(c) Eligible wine and eligible flavor. The credit for the wine and flavor content of a distilled spirits product is allowable only if the wine or flavor contained in the product is an “eligible wine” or an “eligible flavor”. To determine whether a wine or flavor is eligible, refer to the definitions in § 19.1 and 26 U.S.C. 5010.

(d) Application of effective tax rates. Section 19.246 describes how the proprietor should compute the effective tax rate for each distilled spirits product containing eligible wine or eligible flavor. Sections 19.247 through 19.250 set forth several different methods that the proprietor may use in applying the effective tax rates to taxable removals of products from the proprietor's bonded premises.

(26 U.S.C. 5010)

(a) How to compute effective tax rates. In order to determine the effective tax rate for a distilled spirits product containing eligible wine or eligible flavor, the proprietor must first determine the total excise taxes due on the product from all sources including distilled spirits, eligible wine, and alcohol from eligible flavors in excess of 2.5 percent of the total proof gallons in the product. Then, the proprietor must determine the total number of proof gallons of alcohol in the product regardless of the source. By dividing the total tax (numerator) by the total number of proof gallons (denominator) the proprietor will arrive at the effective tax rate for the product in dollars per proof gallon. The proprietor will compute the effective tax rate according to the following formula:

(1) Numerator. The numerator will be the sum of:

(i) The proof gallons of all distilled spirits used in the product (exclusive of distilled spirits derived from eligible flavors), multiplied by the tax rate prescribed by 26 U.S.C. 5001;

(ii) The wine gallons of each eligible wine used in the product, multiplied by the tax rate prescribed by 26 U.S.C. 5041(b)(1), (2), or (3), that would be imposed on the wine but for its removal to bonded premises. Three different tax classes of wine are eligible for the tax credit. The proprietor will have to repeat this step for each different tax class of eligible wine used; and

(iii) The proof gallons of all distilled spirits derived from eligible flavors used in the product, multiplied by the tax rate prescribed by 26 U.S.C. 5001, but only to the extent that such distilled spirits exceed 2.5 percent of the denominator prescribed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.

(2) Denominator. The denominator will be the sum of:

(i) The proof gallons of all distilled spirits used in the product, including distilled spirits derived from eligible flavors; and

(ii) The wine gallons of each eligible wine used in the product, multiplied by twice the percentage of alcohol by volume of each, divided by 100.

(b) Rounding numbers—(1) Proof gallons. When determining the effective tax rate, the proprietor must express quantities of distilled spirits, eligible wine, and eligible flavors to the nearest tenth of a proof gallon.

(2) Tax rates. The proprietor may round the effective tax rate to as many decimal places as the proprietor deems appropriate, provided that the rate is expressed no less exactly than the rate rounded to the nearest whole cent. The proprietor must be consistent and round the effective tax rates for all products to the same number of decimal places. When rounding, if the number to the right of the last decimal place to be kept is less than five, it will be dropped, if it is five or over, a unit will be added.

(c) Example. The following is an example of the use of the formula.

1 Proof gallons by which distilled spirits derived from eligible flavors exceed 2.5% of the total proof gallons in the batch (100.9 − (2.5% × 3,371.8) = 16.6).

(26 U.S.C. 5010)

(a) Select method of applying tax rate. The proprietor may choose to apply an effective tax rate to taxable removals of distilled spirits products in accordance with § 19.248, § 19.249, or § 19.250. Any proprietor who does not elect one of these options must establish an effective tax rate for each batch of distilled spirits product on which a claim for tax credit for alcohol derived from eligible wine or eligible flavor will be made. The proprietor must compute the effective tax rates for these products in accordance with the instructions in § 19.246.

(b) Record tax rates used. The proprietor must record the effective tax rate used on the dump or batch records for the products as required by § 19.598. The proprietor must record the serial numbers of cases of product removed at each rate on the record of tax determination or other related record. The proprietor must keep these records available for inspection by TTB officers.

(26 U.S.C. 5010, 5207)

(a) Establishing a standard effective tax rate for a product. The proprietor may establish a permanent standard effective tax rate for any eligible distilled spirits product, rather than calculate a separate effective tax rate for each batch of product made. If the proprietor elects to use this option, the proprietor must determine the permanent standard effective tax rate based on the least quantity and the lowest alcohol content of eligible wine or eligible flavors used to manufacture the product. Thus, the permanent standard effective tax rate is the highest tax rate that would apply to the product because it is based on a batch with the least amount of alcohol from eligible wine and flavors that qualify for the credit under 26 U.S.C. 5010. By using this method the proprietor forgoes the possible use of a lower tax rate in exchange for the convenience of using a permanent standard effective tax rate that does not have to be recomputed for each batch of product made. The proprietor must keep a permanent record of the standard effective tax rates established for each product, in accordance with § 19.615.

(b) Batches subject to a higher tax rate. Whenever the proprietor manufactures a batch of the product with a lesser quantity or lower alcohol content of eligible wine or eligible flavor, this will result in a higher tax rate on the product since the product will have less alcohol qualifying for the credit under 26 U.S.C. 5010 and a higher percentage of alcohol taxable at the rate published in 26 U.S.C. 5001. In such instances, the proprietor must keep the cased goods segregated from other completed cases of the same product subject to the permanent standard effective tax rate for that product. The proprietor must determine the tax rate for the nonstandard batch in accordance with § 19.247.

(c) TTB review of standard tax rates. If the appropriate TTB officer finds that the use of this procedure jeopardizes the revenue, or causes administrative difficulty, the proprietor upon notification from TTB must discontinue use of this procedure.

(26 U.S.C. 5010, 5207)

(a) Establishing an average tax rate. The proprietor may establish an average effective tax rate for any eligible distilled spirits product based on the total proof gallons in all batches of the same composition which have been produced during the preceding 6-month period and which have been or will be bottled or packaged, in whole or in part, for domestic consumption. At the beginning of each month, the proprietor must recompute the average effective tax rate so as to include only the immediately preceding 6-month period. The proprietor must show the average tax rate established for a product in the record of average effective tax rates as prescribed in § 19.613.

(b) TTB review of average effective tax rates. If the appropriate TTB officer finds that the use of this procedure jeopardizes the revenue, or causes administrative difficulty, the proprietor upon notification from TTB must discontinue use of this procedure.

(26 U.S.C. 5010, 5207)

(a) The proprietor may establish an inventory reserve account for any eligible distilled spirits product by maintaining an inventory reserve record as prescribed by § 19.614. The effective tax rate applied to each removal or other disposition will be the effective tax rate recorded on the inventory reserve record from which the removal or other disposition is depleted. With an inventory reserve account, the proprietor will tax pay removals on a first-in first-out basis regardless of which lot of product is actually removed.

(b) If the appropriate TTB officer finds that the use of this procedure jeopardizes the revenue, or causes administrative difficulty, the proprietor upon notification from TTB must discontinue use of this procedure.

(26 U.S.C. 5010, 5207)

The proprietor is required by law to properly account for and report all spirits that it produces. TTB will assess the proprietor for the tax on the difference between the quantity reported and the quantity actually produced.

(26 U.S.C. 5006)

(a) Lost or destroyed in bond. TTB will assess the proprietor for the tax on spirits, denatured spirits, or wines in bond that are lost or destroyed if:

(1) The proprietor is liable for the tax on spirits, denatured spirits, or wines in bond, and the proprietor fails to file a claim for remission of the tax on spirits, denatured spirits, or wines that are lost or destroyed in bond as provided in § 19.263(a), or

(2) The proprietor files a claim for such loss or destruction but the claim is denied. Exception: The provisions of this section do not apply to spirits, denatured spirits, or wines on which the tax is not collectible due to the provisions of 26 U.S.C. 5008(a) or (d), or 26 U.S.C. 5370, as applicable.

(b) Unauthorized removal from bond. (1) TTB will assess the proprietor for the tax on any spirits, denatured spirits, or wines in bond that are removed from bonded premises other than as authorized by law.

(2) TTB will assess the proprietor for tax on spirits or denatured spirits lost from casks or other packages as described in 26 U.S.C. 5006(b) if the proprietor does not pay the tax upon demand by the appropriate TTB officer.

(26 U.S.C. 5006, 5008, 5370)

(a) Imposition of tax. All wine (including imitation, substandard, or artificial wine, and compounds sold as wine) produced in or imported into or brought into the United States is subject to tax pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 5041 or 7652. The proprietor may be liable for wine taxes under 26 U.S.C. 5362(b)(3) for wine that is transferred in bond to the proprietor's distilled spirits plant. The proprietor may not remove wine from the bonded premises of a distilled spirits plant for consumption or sale as wine. (See 26 U.S.C. 5362.)

(b) Liability for tax. Except as otherwise provided by law, the proprietor is liable for the tax on wine transferred in bond to the proprietor's distilled spirits plant from a bonded wine cellar or from another distilled spirits plant until the proprietor uses the wine in the manufacture of a distilled spirits product or properly disposes of the wine as provided elsewhere in this part.

(26 U.S.C. 5041, 5362, 7652)

The proprietor will incur a tax liability greater than the internal revenue tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5001(a)(1), if spirits originally imported for nonbeverage purposes are transferred from customs custody to TTB bonded premises pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 5232, and the proprietor subsequently decides to withdraw the spirits for beverage purposes. If the spirits would have been subject to a higher duty had they been imported for beverage purpose, the proprietor must pay a tax equal to the difference between the higher duty and the duty actually paid. Proprietors will refer to this additional tax as “additional tax—less duty” and pay it at the same time and in the same manner as the distilled spirits excise tax. Proprietors must compute the amount of “additional tax—less duty” owed by applying this rate to the total quantity of proof gallons withdrawn. The proprietor must make a separate entry on the tax return labeled “additional tax—less duty” and show the amount of tax due.

(26 U.S.C. 5001)

The additional tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5001(a)(8), on imported spirits withdrawn from customs custody without payment of tax and later withdrawn from bonded premises for beverage purposes, and the related provisions of § 19.257, are not applicable to Puerto Rican or Virgin Islands spirits brought into the United States and transferred to bonded premises under the provisions of this part.

(26 U.S.C. 5201)