Maintaining Compliance in a Beverage Alcohol Related Business

As a TTB-regulated industry member, you may be responsible for paying federal excise taxes. Your obligation as a taxpayer will depend on your circumstances and business type.

• Excise Tax Rates for Beer
  See current tax rates.
   
• Annual Tax Returns (TTB F 5000.24)
  You may file annual tax returns if you were liable for $1,000 or less in beer excise taxes in the preceding calendar year; and reasonably expect to be liable for not more than $1,000 during the current calendar year filed. Brewers must calculate the amount of tax reported on Line 11 of this form using the net taxable removals during the return period (removals for consumption or sale minus beer returned to the brewery during the same return period). You may file paper returns or electronically using Pay.gov (recommended). Download TTB F 5000.24 Excise Tax Return. [PDF].
   
• Quarterly Tax Returns (TTB F 5000.24)
  You may file quarterly tax returns if you were liable for $50,000 or less in beer excise taxes in the preceding calendar year; and reasonably expect to be liable for not more than $50,000 during the current calendar year filed. Brewers must calculate the amount of tax reported on Line 11 of this form using the net taxable removals during the return period (removals for consumption or sale minus beer returned to the brewery during the same return period). You may file paper returns or electronically using Pay.gov (recommended). Download TTB F 5000.24 Excise Tax Return. [PDF].
   
• Semi-Monthly Tax Returns (TTB F 5000.24)
  Unless prepaid, beer removed for taxable purposes must be filed and paid on a semi-monthly basis on TTB F 5000.24 Excise Tax Return. Brewers must calculate the amount of tax reported on Line 11 of this form using the net taxable removals during the return period (removals for consumption or sale minus beer returned to brewery during the same return period). Do you need help in preparing TTB F 5000.24 or Preparing Form 5000.25 Puerto Rico operations (Ayuda en la Preparación de la Forma 5000.25 "Excise Tax Return - Alcohol and Tobacco (Puerto Rico)?  
   
• Tax Periods
  For Quarterly Tax Returns the periods follow calendar quarters.
  For Semi-Monthly Tax Returns the periods are from the 1st to 15th, and from the 16th to the end of the month. For September only, the second semi-monthly period is divided into two payment periods (See 25.164a). There are three tax periods in September. Taxpayers who are required to pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT) should refer to paragraph at 27 CFR 25.165 as well.
   
• Due Dates
  Generally, due dates are no later than 14 days after the close of the return period. If the 14th day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the return is due on the immediately preceding date which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Due dates for the accelerated September payment are different.
   
• Where to File
  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau 
  Excise Tax 
  P.O. Box 790353
  St. Louis, MO 63179-0353

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You can file your operational report and/or file your excise tax returns and make payments electronically using Pay.gov

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When a TTB form is not prescribed, the records will be those commercial records used in the brewer's accounting system and should contain all of the required information specified by the regulations.

Records You are Required to Maintain:

• Daily records of operations (27 CFR 25.292)
• Records of balling and alcohol content (27 CFR 25.293)
• Inventory records (27 CFR 25.294)
• Records of unsalable beer (27 CFR 25.295)
• Records of beer concentrate (27 CFR 25.296)

Records will be prepared and kept at the brewery premises and available for inspection by a TTB officer during business hours. Required records are to be preserved for a period of not less than three years from either the date of the transaction or the date of the last entry required to be made, whichever is later.

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Requirements for filing operational reports begin upon approval of your brewer's notice.

• Mandatory Quarterly Filing of Operations Report.
  You must report quarterly using either the Quarterly Brewer's Report of Operations (formerly the Brewpub Report of Operations), TTB Form 5130.26 or the Brewer's Report of Operations (TTB F 5130.9). Download TTB F 5130.26 [PDF] if needed. See instructions to the form at http://www.ttb.gov/forms/f513026i.pdf. File this form if you:
  • were liable for $50,000 or less in beer excise taxes in the preceding calendar year; and,
  • reasonably expect to be liable for not more than $50,000 during the current calendar year

Brewers who are required to file reports quarterly must also file excise tax returns quarterly unless otherwise eligible to file excise tax returns annually.

• Mandatory Monthly Filing of Brewer's Report of Operations
  You must report monthly (using only the Brewer's Report of Operations, TTB Form 5130.9). Download TTB F 5130.9 [PDF]. File this report if you:
  • were liable for more than $50,000 in beer excise taxes in the preceding calendar year; and/or
  • reasonably expect to be liable for more than $50,000 during the current calendar year

Brewers who are required to file reports monthly must file excise tax returns semi-monthly (twice per month).

For additional information on mandatory report filing frequencies see T.D. TTB-123, Small Brewers Bond Reduction and Requirement to File Tax Returns, Remit Tax Payments and Submit Reports Quarterly and TTB regulations (27 CFR 25.164 and 27 CFR 25.297(b)).

• Where to File:
  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau 
  National Revenue Center
  8002 Federal Office Building 
  550 Main Street
  Cincinnati, OH 45202

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You may want to make changes to or amend your originally approved permit or Brewer's Notice. If you filed your original application on paper, and haven't requested that your data be migrated to our Permits Online system, you should file these amendments on the TTB forms described in the applicable regulations. If you filed your original application through Permits Online, you should also electronically file your amendments in Permits Online. See the regulations at 27 CFR 25.71-85 for more information about changes.

• Change in Brewery Location (Premises)
  Select this amendment if you will be moving your business operations to another location within the same state. If moving to another state you will need to file an original application. You will need to submit a new diagram. Unless you are exempt from bond requirements, you will also need to submit either a superseding bond or consent of surety. 
  
   
• Change in Mailing Address *
  Select this amendment if there has been a change to where you will receive mail. 
  
   
• Change in Premises Address – USPS *
  Select this amendment if your address was changed by the United States Postal Service but no physical move has taken place. 
  
   
• Add/Remove Signing Authority *
  Select this amendment if you will be making any changes to the existing signing authority on file. You will be required to attach the appropriate documentation showing where the authorization is granted. 
  
   
• Add/Remove Power of Attorney *
  Select this amendment if you are adding or removing individuals from outside your company with the power to sign and/or act on behalf of the company. When adding a Power of Attorney you are required to mail TTB F 5000.8.
  
   
• Change in Business Name *
  Select this amendment if there has been a change to your legal business entity's name. You need to attach a copy of your amended Articles showing the name change. 
  
   
• Add/Remove Brewery Trade Name
  If it is required by the state or the county, a proof of trade name registration must be uploaded and attached to your application. If the state or county does not require trade name registration, a signed and dated statement of this fact should be submitted. 
  
   
• Change in Brewery Operations
  Use this amendment if you will change from a Brewpub to a Brewery or a Brewery to a Brewpub.
  
   
• Change in Control *
  A change in actual or legal control occurs when there are changes in stock ownership, LLC membership ownership, or possibly major changes in the corporate officers or directors of a corporation. In such situations, the legal business entity which operated the business in the past continues to operate the business. In other words, the same legal entity remains in existence which continues to operate the business in question.
  
  If you are adding a new person, an Owner Officer Information Application must be completed through Permits Online.
  
   
• Change in Officer, Director, Member, or Stockholder/Interest *
  Select this amendment when there is a change in the officers, directors, members and managers, as well as any stockholders/interest holders who hold 10 percent or more. An Owner Office Information Application must be completed for each new person through Permits Online. 
  
   
• Bond Superseding/Strengthening/Continuation
  Select this amendment if there are any changes to your existing bond. 
  
  Brewer's Bonds expire every four years. Unless the brewer is not required to hold a bond (see 27 CFR 25.91(e)), one of the following must be filed with original signatures and approved prior to the expiration date of the current bond or continuation certificate: 
  
   
  • Brewer's Bond Continuation Certificate - TTB F 5130.23
    
     
  • Brewer's Collateral Bond Continuation Certificate – TTB F 5130.27
    
     
  • Brewer's Bond – TTB F 5130.22
    
     
  • Brewer's Collateral Bond – TTB F 5130.25
    
     
• Add/Remove Non-Contiguous Brewery Premises
  Select this amendment if you will be adding or removing a non-contiguous premise. You will need to submit the following information in Permits Online:
  
   
  • New diagram
    
     
  • Change in Bond (Consent of Surety) TTB F 5000.18 (not required if you are exempt from bond requirements)
    
     
• Change in Brewery Bonded Premises (extended, curtailed, or modified)
  Select this amendment if you will have a change in construction or use of the building(s) of the premises including extension or curtailment of your approved premises. A new diagram is required. 
  
   
• Add/Remove/Change in Alternation of Brewery Premises
  Select this amendment type if you are an already established brewery and wish to add/remove a contiguous bonded winery, tax paid bottling house, or distilled spirits plant. You will need to submit:
  
   
  • Updated diagram showing which areas will be alternating
    
     
  • Variance Request: Application to use Brewery for Other Purposes 
    
     
  • A letterhead notice requesting a variance from the requirement to submit notification of each alternation should be filed 
    
     
  • Change in Bond (Consent of Surety) TTB F 5000.18 (not required if you are exempt from bond requirements)
    
    You will need to submit a new application for the commodity that you are adding. 
    
     
• Add/Remove Brewery Alternation of Proprietor 
  Select this amendment type if you are an established brewery and will be having another brewery, winery, or distilled plant of different ownership; share your premises and/or equipment. You will need to submit in Permits Online: 
  
   
  • Updated diagram showing which areas will be alternating
    
     
  • Variance Requests: Application to use Brewery for Other Purposes and Request for Alternate Method of Operations – Change in Premises
    
     
  • Change in Bond (Consent of Surety) TTB F 5000.18 (not required if you are exempt from bond requirements)
    
     
  • Alternating Agreement Contract
    
     
• Add/Remove Variance or Alternate Method *
  Selecting this amendment is a request to vary from the regulations. You will need a letterhead notice stating the regulations you wish to vary from along with a reason why this variance is needed.

Termination of Business * 
Select this amendment if you are discontinuing business. 

A final Brewery Report of Operations TTB F 5130.9, or Brewpub Report of Operations TTB F 5130.26, must be filed showing all beer on hand as paid or transferred to the new owner before termination. The report must be marked "FINAL REPORT" and have 0.0 "on hand" amount end-of-period. 

A final Excise Tax Return TTB F 5000.24 covering the last period of liability marked "FINAL RETURN". The period should cover up to the last day of business as a brewery (including all removals).

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• What is a Brewer's Bond?
  A brewer's bond is formal guarantee (which may be issued by a surety company) to pay tax obligations. It guarantees payment of taxes in the event the brewer does not pay those taxes. Some brewers are exempt from bond requirements under 27 CFR 25.91(e).
• Continuation Certificate
  Your brewer's bond expires four years from the effective date which is the expiration date listed at the bottom of your approved bond form. To ensure continuity of operations, all conditions and/or requirements of Federal laws and regulations must be met; therefore, it is imperative that an acceptable superseding bond or a continuation certificate (TTB F 5130.23) be filed in duplicate, and approved well in advance of the expiration effective date. In other words, once every four years, every brewer intending to continue business as a brewer must file a new bond, or a continuation certificate, before the current bond expires.
  
  If a new bond or continuation certificate is not filed and approved by the expiration effective date of your current bond, you will no longer be permitted to conduct brewery operations, including the brewing production, or removal of beer. The filing of a new bond after the expiration date will no longer be sufficient to allow you to continue brewery operations, and you will have to re-qualify and submit a new Brewer's Notice, a new bond, and all related qualifying documents. Refer to 27 CFR Part 25 Subpart H for further information.
  
  Where to File
  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
  National Revenue Center
  8002 Federal Office Building
  550 Main Street
  Cincinnati, OH 45202

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For laws and regulations that pertain to the brewery industry operations select the "Beer" tab from the TTB.gov website. See other guidance below.

• Beer Laws and Regulations
  For easy access, you can read the Code of Federal Regulations and public laws relating to beer.

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You must obtain label approval prior to bottling if you are shipping out of state. You may file electronically by accessing the COLAs Online system. You must first register for COLAs Online to get access to the Online System. You may also submit your application and other information via postal mail.

• COLAs Online - Electronic Labeling Approval
  This online system gives registered industry members the ability to apply and track the status of label submissions (COLAs) electronically. Please note that a Permit Number is required before you can register for this system. Learn more about using COLAs Online.
• Applying for Approval by Mail 
  If you do not file electronically, you must send TTB F 5100.31 - Application for and Certificate/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval, in duplicate form, to the following address:
  
  Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division
  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
  1310 G Street, NW, Box 12
  Washington, DC 20005
• More Information
  To learn more about what is required with your label please see our Labeling Resources page or contact the Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division at 202-453-2250, or toll free 866-927-AFLD (2533) or at Submit an Online Inquiry. Representatives are available 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Monday - Friday (except for Federal holidays). For more ways to contact us see the ALFD Contacts page.

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We sometimes require you to submit your formula for approval before you may submit your COLA application. Formula approval, which you can do using Formulas Online, includes a review of your product's ingredients and your production process. We may also require a product sample for lab analysis. Learn which products require formula approval.

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There are additional responsibilities and requirements that you may have to meet including state laws.

• TTB personnel have the right of entry into your premises (under 27 CFR 24.35).
• If you intend to sell your products in any other State (other than the State in which you are applying), you must contact each State individually because they all have different shipping laws.
• Please ensure you are in compliance with your State and local authorities before commencing operations (including building/use permits and zoning requirements).

If you have any questions, please contact the Call Center at the National Revenue Center at 1-877-882-3277 or at National Revenue Center.

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Trade Practices

Taxes are paid to TTB when finished spirits are removed from bonded premises. Your obligation as a taxpayer will depend on your circumstances and business type.

You may file your excise tax return electronically using Pay.gov (recommended) or submit TTB F 5000.24sm (smart form version) by mail. If you use Pay.gov you need to retain copies of your reports and returns as Pay.gov is limited on space for saving these documents. Previously filed returns and reports will be purged off the Pay.gov system.

• Excise Tax Rates for Distilled Spirits
  See current tax rates.
  
   
• Where to file Tax Returns 
  File in accordance with the instructions on the form. 
  
   
• Due Dates
  Generally, due dates (postmark or receipt dates) for semi-monthly returns are no later than 14 days after the close of the return period. If, however, the 14th day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the return is due on the immediately preceding day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. If you file semi-monthly tax returns (see below), note that due dates for the accelerated September payments are different; please pay particular attention to the requirements in 27 CFR 19.236 and 19.237 to ensure timely filing. See the schedule of excise tax due dates. 
  
   
• Semi-monthly Tax Returns
  Tax periods: From the 1st – 15th, and from the 16th – end of the month. For September only, the second semi-monthly period is divided into two payment periods (see 19.237). Taxpayers required to pay by Electronic Funds Transfer should refer to 19.237(a)(1) as well. 
  
   
• Quarterly Tax Return
  You must meet certain conditions to file quarterly. A calendar quarter means the three-month period ending on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31. Refer to our Taxes and Filing Web page for further details as well as for the schedule of due dates. Please note that penalties and interest will be assessed if a tax return is not filed on time. 
  
   
• Annual Tax Return
  You must meet certain conditions to file annually. The return period for annual filing is the calendar year ending December 31. Refer to our Taxes and Filing Web page for further details as well as for the schedule of due dates. Please note that penalties and interest will be assessed if a tax return is not filed on time.

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Requirements for filing operational reports begin upon approval of your permit even if there is no activity. Monthly reports are due 15 days after the end of the reporting period. Only file the reports that apply to the operations authorized by your permit. You may file these reports electronically through Pay.gov (recommended) or by mail. If you use Pay.gov you need to retain copies of your reports and returns as Pay.gov is limited on space for saving these documents. Previously filed returns and reports will be purged off the Pay.gov system.

• Monthly Report of Storage Operations (TTB F 5110.11)
  Download TTB F 5110.11 [PDF]. Need Help with Form 5110.11? Try our helpful tutorial!
• Monthly Report of Processing Operations (TTB F 5110.28)
  Download TTB F 5110.28 [PDF]. Need Help with Form 5110.28? Try our helpful tutorial!
• Monthly Report of Production Operations (TTB F 5110.40)
  Download TTB F 5110.40 [PDF]. Need Help with Form 5110.40? Try our helpful tutorial!
• Where to file Reports
  Reports should be submitted to the address on the form or in the instructions for filing.

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You can file your operational report and/or file your excise tax returns and make payments electronically using Pay.gov. If you use Pay.gov you need to retain copies of your reports and returns as Pay.gov is limited on space for saving these documents. Previously filed returns and reports will be purged off the Pay.gov system.

• Electronic Funds Transfer
  An EFT is a non-paper, computer-to-computer transfer of funds from a taxpayer's financial institution account to Treasury's account at a Federal Reserve Bank. Such transfers are initiated through an electronic terminal and not by check, money order, or other paper instrument.
• Payments
  TTB accepts electronic payments through the Federal Reserve Communications System and through Automated Clearing House (ACH) credit transfers.
  • Fedwire Transfers
    EFT payments through the Federal Reserve Communications System (using Fedwire) to Treasury's main account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York are completed on the day they are initiated, generally in a matter of minutes. The Federal Reserve (Fed) guarantees the payment is final as soon as the receiving institution is notified. The Fed debits the taxpayer's bank account and credits the account of Treasury for TTB.
  • ACH Credit Transfers
    The ACH system is an electronic network for financial transactions in the United States. ACH credit transfers are completed on the following business day. Payments must be submitted before 4 p.m. EST to be posted in a timely manner.
    
    For general information on making EFT payments to TTB and to find out if you are required to make payments by EFT, please read TTB Procedure 2011-1 or see our EFT Web page. The information above is provided as a supplement to the Procedure.

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Any change in the name, address, ownership, management or control of the business must be reported to TTB without delay. If you filed your original application on paper, and haven't requested that your data be migrated to our Permits Online system, you should file these amendments on the TTB forms described in the applicable regulations. If you filed your original application through Permits Online, you should also electronically file your amendments in Permits Online. See the regulations at 27 CFR 19.111-147 for more information about changes.

• Change in Premise Location
  Select this amendment if you will be moving your business operations to another location within the same state. If moving to another state you will need to file an original application. You will need to submit a new diagram. Unless you are exempt from bond requirements, you will also need to submit either a superseding bond or consent of surety. 
  
   
• Change in Mailing Address
  Select this amendment if there has been a change to where you will receive mail. 
  
   
• Change in Premises Address – USPS
  Select this amendment if your address was changed by the United States Postal Service but no physical move has taken place. 
  
   
• Add/Remove Signing Authority
  Select this amendment if you will be making any changes to the existing signing authority on file. You will be required to attach the appropriate documentation showing where the authorization is granted. 
  
   
• Add/Remove Power of Attorney
  Select this amendment if you are adding or removing individuals from outside your company with the power to sign and/or act on behalf of the company. When adding a Power of Attorney you must upload the form into Permits Online. Download TTB F 5000.8 [PDF].
  
   
• Change in Business Name
  Select this amendment if there has been a change to your legal business entity's name. You will need to attach a copy of your amended Articles showing the name change. 
  
   
• Change in Control
  A change in actual or legal control occurs when there are changes in stock ownership, LLC membership ownership, or possibly major changes in the corporate officers or directors of a corporation. In such situations, the legal business entity which operated the business in the past continues to operate the subject business. In other words, the same legal entity remains in existence which continues to operate the business in question.
  
  If adding a new person, an Owner Officer Information Application must be completed through Permits Online. 
  
   
• Change in Officer, Director, Member, or Stockholder/Interest 
  Select this amendment when there is a change in the officers, directors, members and managers, as well as any stockholders/interest holders who hold 10 percent or more. An Owner Office Information Application must be completed for each new person through Permits Online. 
  
   
• Add/Remove Variance or Alternate Method
  Selecting this amendment is a request to vary from the regulations. You must state the regulations you wish to vary from along with a reason why this variance is needed. 
  
   
• Termination of Business
  Select this amendment if you are discontinuing business.
  
  A final Excise Tax Return TTB F 5000.24 covering the last period of liability marked "FINAL RETURN". The period should cover up to the last day of business as a distilled spirits plant.
  
   
• Change in Security*
  Select this amendment if any changes to your premises security will take place from your current approved registration.
  
   
• Add/Remove Trade Name*
  Select this amendment if you will be adding or removing a trade name, such as labeling, operating name (doing business as (dba), or "bottling on account for." If adding a "bottling on account for," you will need both proof from the state and a letterhead from the person you will be bottling for giving you permission to use the trade name. 
  
   
• Change in DSP Operations or Procedures*
  Select this amendment if you will be changing any operations at the distillery. For example, adding processor to the operations. Unless you are exempt from bond requirements, you will be required to submit a superseding bond to cover new operations as a distiller, warehouseman, or processor if the previous bond did not cover those operations.
  
   
• Bond-Superseding /Strengthening/Adding/Terminating*
  Select this amendment if there will be any changes to Surety Company or an increase in your penal sum, or if you will be adding a new bond after previously having been bond-exempt or terminating a bond after becoming bond-exempt. Download Distilled Spirits Bond TTB F 5110.56 [PDF].
  
   
• DSP Receiving Spirits by Transfer in Bond*
  Select this amendment when you will be receiving bulk spirits in bond from another location. You will then print out a copy to supply to the appropriate company.
  
   
• Add / Remove Non-Contiguous Distilled Spirits Plant Premises*
  Select this amendment if you will be adding or removing a non-contiguous premise. You will need to submit:
  
   
  • New diagram
    
     
  • Change in Bond (Consent of Surety) TTB F 5000.18 [PDF] (not required if you are exempt from bond requirements)
    
     
• Change in Bonded Premises (extended, curtailed or modify)*
  Select this amendment if you will have a change in construction or use of the building(s) of the premises including extension or curtailment of your approved premises.
  
  Note - New diagram required
  
  This amendment type does not apply if you are exempt from bond requirements.
• Add / Remove Alternation of Distilled Spirits Premises*
  Select this amendment type if you are an already established distillery and wish to add/remove a winery, tax- paid wine bottling house, or brewery.
  • Updated diagram showing which areas will be alternating
    
     
  • Variance Request:
    
     
  • Change in Bond (Consent of Surety) TTB F 5000.18 [PDF] (not required if you are exempt from bond requirements)
    
    ** A new application or amendment for the commodity that is being added.
    
     
• Add/Remove Alternation of Proprietor*
  Select this amendment type if you are an established distillery and will be having another distillery, winery, or brewery plant of different ownership; share your premises and/or equipment. You will need to scan and submit into Permits Online the following documents:
  • Updated diagram showing which areas will be alternating
    
     
  • Change in Bond (Consent of Surety) TTB F 5000.18 [PDF] (not required if you are exempt from bond requirements)
    
     
  • Alternating Agreement Contract

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See Title 27 - Code of Federal Regulations and public laws relating to the distilled spirits industry using the links below.

• Laws
  
  Chapter 51 of the Internal Revenue Code 
  Federal Alcohol Administration Act (27 U.S.C., Chapter 8)
  Public Law 107-188 - The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002

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You must obtain label approval prior to bottling. You may file electronically by accessing the COLAs Online system. You must first register for COLAs Online to get access to the Online System. You may also submit your application and other information via postal mail.

• COLAs Online - Electronic Labeling Approval
  This online system gives registered industry members the ability to apply for and track the status of label submissions (COLAs) electronically. Please note that a Permit Number is required before you can register for this system. Learn more about using COLAs Online.
• Applying for Approval by Mail 
  If you do not file electronically, you must send TTB F 5100.51 - Application for and Certificate/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval, in duplicate, to the following address:
  Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division
  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
  1310 G Street, NW, Box 12 
  Washington, DC 20005
• More Information
  To learn more about what is required with your label please see our Labeling Resources page or contact the Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division (ALFD) at 202-453-2250 or toll free 866-927-AFLD (2533) or at Submit an Online Inquiry. Representatives are available 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Monday - Friday (except for Federal holidays). For more ways to contact us see the ALFD Contacts page.

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We sometimes require you to submit your formula for approval before you may submit your COLA application. Formula approval, which you can do using Formulas Online, includes a review of your product's ingredients and your production process. We may also require a product sample for lab analysis. Learn which products require formula approval.

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As a manufacturer and/or processor of alcohol, you must register with the FDA in accordance with the Bioterrorism Act. Under this Act, any domestic or foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for human or animal consumption in the U.S. must register. "Food" includes alcoholic beverages.

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There are additional responsibilities and requirements that you may have to meet including state laws.

• TTB personnel have the right of entry into your premises.
• All taxpaid products on the bonded premises must be clearly marked and segregated.
• Please ensure you are in compliance with your State and local authorities before commencing operations (including building/use permits and zoning requirements). If you intend to sell your products in any other State (other than the State in which you are applying), you must contact each State individually because they all have different shipping laws.

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Trade Practices

When paying your taxes to TTB, you should include sufficient information to identify your business and the nature and purpose of the payment. The following information will help you when filing your taxes with TTB:

• Federal Excise Tax Return (TTB Form 5000.24sm)
  Download TTB F 5000.24sm.
  You may file your excise tax return electronically using Pay.gov (recommended) or send TTB F 5000.24sm (smart form version) by mail.
• Where to File Tax Returns:
  Mail returns to the addresses listed in the instructions on the forms.
• Excise Tax Rates for Wine:
  See Current Tax Rates.
• Eligibility for Annual Filing of Excise Tax Returns
  As a winery you may pay taxes annually if you meet certain eligibility requirements. To be eligible to pay taxes annually, you:
  
   
  • Must not be liable for more than $1,000 in taxes with respect to wine imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5041 and 7652 in the preceding calendar year; and
    
     
  • Must reasonably expect to be liable for not more than $1,000 in such taxes during the current calendar year.
• Eligibility for Quarterly Filing of Excise Tax Returns:
  Under current law, eligible taxpayers who reasonably expect to be liable for not more than $50,000 in taxes imposed with respect to distilled spirits, wines, and beer for the calendar year (and who were liable for not more than $50,000 in such taxes in the preceding calendar year) can pay those taxes quarterly.
• Eligibility for Semi-Monthly Filing of Excise Tax Return:
  If you do not qualify for Annual, or Quarterly, you must file Semi-Monthly.

Read our February 23, 2015 Public Guidance document, How Do I File Excise Tax Returns and Wine Operations Reports Annually? (TTB G 2015-1), for additional details on these eligibility requirements.

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Requirements for filing operational reports begin upon approval of your permit. See Due Dates and Instructions for Operational Reports for more information.

You may file both the Excise Tax Return (TTB F 5000.24)and Report of Wine Premises Operations (TTB F 5120.17)electronically using Pay.Gov, or you may download, complete and mail them to the addresses listed in the instructions on the on the forms.

*Where to File Reports:
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau 
National Revenue Center
8002 Federal Office Building 
550 Main Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202

*Some reports may be filed at a different address. Please see the instructions associated with each report. For more information see the regulations at 27 CFR 24.300-323.

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You can file your operational report and/or file your excise tax returns and make payments electronically using Pay.gov.

Once your permit is approved you will have ongoing recordkeeping, reporting, labeling, and tax responsibilities which vary depending on your operations. For more information see the regulations at 27 CFR 24.300-323.

• Bonded Winery Recordkeeping
  Federal wine regulations require bonded wine premises proprietors to maintain records about their operations. The records substantiate how the wine is labeled and how much excise tax must be paid. These records include, but are not limited to, records of winemaking materials received and used, bulk wine records, bottling records, transfer in bond records, and taxpaid removal records. Bonded wine premises recordkeeping requirements are primarily listed in 27 CFR 24.300-.323.

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If operating as a corporation, any changes in officers, directors, or any person holding 10% or more ownership or other interest in each of the classes of stock, must be reported to TTB. Changes to partners, sole owners, and members of LLCs must also be reported to TTB. Report these changes via email or letter and file an application within 30 days of the change.

If you filed your original application on paper, and haven't requested that your data be migrated to our Permits Online system, you should file these amendments on the TTB forms described in the applicable regulations. If you filed your original application through Permits Online, you should also electronically file your amendments in Permits Online. See the regulations at 27 CFR 24.120-141 for more information on changes.

*Commonly Filed

• Change in Premise Location
  Select this amendment if you will be moving your business operations to another location within the same state (if moving to another state you will need to file an original application). Unless you are exempt from bond requirements, you will also need to submit either a superseding bond or consent of surety.
  
   
• Change in Mailing Address *
  Select this amendment if there has been a change to where you will receive mail.
  
   
• Change in Premises Address – USPS*
  Select this amendment if your address was changed by the United States Postal Service but no physical moved has occurred.
  
   
• Add / Remove Signing Authority*
  Select this amendment if you will be making any changes to the existing signing authority on file. You will be required to submit the appropriate documentation showing where the authorization is granted.
  
   
• Add / Remove Power of Attorney*
  Select this amendment if you are adding or removing individuals from outside your company with the power to sign and/or act on behalf of the company. When adding a Power of Attorney you are required to upload it in Permits Online. Download Power of Attorney (TTB F 5000.8) [PDF].
  
   
• Change in Business Name*
  Select this amendment if there has been a change to your legal business entity's name. You will need to submit a copy of your amended Articles showing the name change.
  
   
• Change in Control*
  A change in actual or legal control occurs when there are changes in stock ownership, LLC membership ownership, or possibly major changes in the corporate officers or directors of a corporation. In such situations, the legal business entity which operated the business in the past continues to operate the subject business. In other words, the same legal entity remains in existence which continues to operate the business in question.
  
  Note: If adding a new person, an Owner Officer Information Application must be completed through Permits Online.
  
   
• Change in Officer, Director, Member, or Stockholder/Interest
  Select this amendment when there is a change in the officers, directors, members and managers, as well as any stockholders/interest holders who hold 10 percent or more. An Owner Officer Information Application must be completed for each new person being added.
  
   
• Add/ Remove Variance or Alternate Method
  Select this amendment if you are requesting to vary from the regulations. You will need to submit a letterhead notice stating the regulations you wish to vary from along with a reason why this variance is being requested. 
  
   
• Add / Remove Change in Alternation of Wine Premises
  Select this amendment type if you are an already established winery and wish to add/remove an alternating distilled spirits plant or brewery. You will need to submit an updated diagram showing which areas will be alternating. Unless you are exempt from bond requirements, you will also need to submit a Consent of Surety (Change in Bond) (TTB F 5000.18).
  
  Note – A new or amended application for the commodity being added.
  
   
• Add/Remove Wine Alternation of Proprietor
  Select this amendment type if you are an established winery and will be having another or different ownership, alternating premises, and/or equipment. You will need to submit an updated diagram showing which areas will be alternating and variance request, which must be uploaded in Permits Online and an alternating Agreement Contract. 
  
   
• Add/Remove Trade Name 
  Select this amendment if you will be adding or removing a trade name, such as, labeling, operating name (dba), or "bottling on account for." If adding, you will need to submit the proof of registration from the state for use of the trade name. If adding a "bottling on account for," you will need both proof from the state and a letterhead from the person you will be bottling for giving you permission to use the trade name. If the state or county does not require trade name registration, a signed and dated statement of this fact should be submitted.
  
   
• Add/Remove Non-Contiguous Extension of Wine Premises
  Select this amendment if you will be adding or removing a non-contiguous premise. You will need to submit a new diagram. Unless you are exempt from bond requirements, you will also need to submit a Change in Bond (Consent of Surety).
  
   
• Bond- Superseding/Strengthening/Adding/Terminating
  Select this amendment if there will be any changes to your existing bond (such as a new surety company or an increase in your penal sum), or if you will be adding a new bond after previously having been bond-exempt or terminating a bond after becoming bond-exempt. You must upload a Wine Bond (TTB F 5120.36) in Permits Online.
  
   
• Change in Bonded Wine Premises (extended, curtailed or modified)
  Select this amendment if you will have a change in construction or use of the building(s) of the premises including extension or curtailment of your approved premises. 
  
   
• Change in Winery Premises Location
  Select this amendment if you will be moving your business operations to another location within the same state (if moving to another state you will need to file an original application). You will need to submit a new diagram. Unless you are exempt from bond requirements, you will also need to submit either a superseding bond or consent of surety
  
   
• Termination of Business
  Select this amendment if you are discontinuing business. A final report must be filed. The report must be marked "FINAL REPORT" and have 0.0 "on hand" amounts. Submit a final Federal Excise Tax Return (TTB F 5000.24) covering the last period of liability marked "FINAL RETURN".

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For laws and regulations that pertain to the winery operations, select the "Wine" tab from the TTB.gov website or see our wine regulations page. See other guidance below.

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If you will be bottling wine, you must obtain label approval prior to bottling the wine. You may file electronically by accessing the COLAs Online system (recommended). You must first register for COLAs Online to get access to the Online System. You may also submit your application and other information via postal mail. For more information see the regulations at 27 CFR 24.255-260.

• COLAs Online - Electronic Labeling Approval
  This online system gives registered industry members the ability to apply and track the status of label submissions (COLAs) electronically. Please note that the Permit Number is required before you can register for this system. Learn more about using COLAs Online.
• Applying for Approval by Mail
  If you do not file electronically, you must send TTB F 5100.51 - Application for and Certificate/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval, in duplicate, to the following address:
  Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division
  Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
  1310 G Street, NW, Box 12
  Washington, DC 20005
• More Information
  To learn more about what is required with your label please see our Labeling Resources page or contact the Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division at 202-453-2250, or toll free 866-927-AFLD (2533) or at Submit an Online Inquiry. Representatives are available 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Monday - Friday (except for Federal holidays). For more ways to contact us see the ALFD Contacts page.

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We sometimes require you to submit your formula for approval before you may submit your COLA application. Formula approval, which you can do using Formulas Online, includes a review of your product's ingredients and your production process. We may also require a product sample for lab analysis. Learn which products require formula approval.

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There are additional responsibilities and requirements that you may have to meet including state laws.

• TTB personnel have the right of entry into your premises.
• All taxpaid products on the bonded premises must be clearly marked and segregated.
• If you intend to sell your products in any other State (other than the State in which you are applying), you must contact each State individually because they all have different shipping laws.
• Please ensure you are in compliance with your State and local authorities before commencing operations (including building/use permits and zoning requirements). 

If you have any questions, please contact the National Revenue Center at 1-877-882-3277 or at National Revenue Center.

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Trade Practices