Deadline Approaching

Last-Minute Form 720 Filing — Before the Quarterly Deadline

Form 720 is due April 30 · July 31 · October 31 · January 31. File online in minutes and get IRS confirmation the same day.

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Form 720 Quarterly Deadlines

QuarterDue DateWhat's Included
Q1 (Jan–Mar)April 30Fuel, environmental, communications, and other Q1 excise taxes
Q2 (Apr–Jun)July 31Fuel, environmental, communications, and other Q2 excise taxes
Q3 (Jul–Sep)October 31Fuel, environmental, communications, and other Q3 excise taxes
Q4 (Oct–Dec)January 31Fuel, environmental, communications, and other Q4 excise taxes

If the deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it moves to the next business day.

How to File Form 720 Online in Minutes

1

Create Your Account

Sign up for free in under a minute. No subscription required — you only pay when you file.

2

Enter Your Tax Data

Select the excise tax categories that apply to your business. Our guided interface walks you through each schedule.

3

Review and Submit

Review your return, pay the service fee, and submit directly to the IRS through our authorized e-file channel.

4

Receive IRS Confirmation

The IRS processes e-filed returns quickly. You receive an acceptance confirmation — your proof of filing — within minutes.

What Happens If You Miss the Form 720 Deadline?

The IRS does not offer extensions for Form 720. Missing a quarterly deadline triggers automatic penalties that compound every month you delay:

5%
Failure-to-File Penalty
Per month, up to 25% of unpaid tax
0.5%
Failure-to-Pay Penalty
Per month on unpaid balance
+3%
Interest
Federal short-term rate plus 3%

The sooner you file, the less you owe. Even if you cannot pay the full balance, filing the return stops the failure-to-file penalty from accruing. File now and pay what you can — then address any remaining balance.

Who Must File Form 720?

Form 720 covers federal excise taxes on a wide range of goods and services. You must file if your business collects or is liable for any of the following:

  • ✓Gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, or other taxable fuels
  • ✓Environmental taxes (petroleum oil spill, Superfund chemicals)
  • ✓Communications services (phone, VoIP, prepaid wireless)
  • ✓Air transportation (domestic and international flights)
  • ✓Indoor tanning services (10% excise tax)
  • ✓Manufacturers' taxes (archery equipment, sport fishing tackle)
  • ✓Gas guzzler tax on fuel-inefficient vehicles
  • ✓Coal mined in the United States

Not sure if you need to file? See our complete Form 720 guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Form 720 quarterly filing deadlines?
Form 720 is due quarterly: April 30 (Q1), July 31 (Q2), October 31 (Q3), and January 31 (Q4). If the deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it moves to the next business day. Some excise taxpayers also have semi-monthly deposit requirements — check IRS Publication 510 for your specific obligations.
Can I file Form 720 online on the day it is due?
Yes. File720Online processes returns in real time. As long as you complete and submit your return before midnight on the due date, your return is considered timely filed. The IRS accepts e-filed returns 24/7.
What happens if I miss the Form 720 deadline?
Late filing of Form 720 triggers an IRS penalty of 5% of the unpaid tax per month (up to 25%), plus a separate 0.5% per month late payment penalty and interest at the federal short-term rate plus 3%. File as soon as possible — the longer you wait, the higher the penalties. You may also be able to request penalty abatement for reasonable cause.
Can I file Form 720 after the deadline to avoid penalties?
Filing after the deadline does not eliminate the penalty, but it stops it from continuing to accrue. The sooner you file a late return and pay any balance due, the less you owe in penalties and interest. In some cases, first-time penalty abatement or reasonable cause relief may apply — consult a tax professional.
Does the IRS offer extensions for Form 720?
The IRS does not grant extensions for Form 720 quarterly filing. Unlike income tax returns, there is no Form 4868 equivalent for excise taxes. If you cannot pay the full amount due, file the return anyway — filing on time reduces the failure-to-file penalty even if payment is incomplete.
How quickly will the IRS accept my Form 720?
E-filed Form 720 returns are typically accepted by the IRS within minutes to a few hours during business hours. File720Online sends you an IRS acceptance confirmation as soon as the return is processed. This confirmation serves as your proof of timely filing.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, tax, or professional advice. Tax laws and regulations are subject to change, and their application can vary based on individual circumstances. Consult a qualified tax professional or attorney for advice specific to your situation. File720Online is an IRS-authorized e-file provider and does not provide legal or tax advice.