TTB Form 5000.24: Federal Excise Tax Return

In short: TTB Form 5000.24 is the Excise Tax Return for distilled spirits. A DSP files it, usually semi-monthly, to report and pay federal excise tax on proof gallons removed from bond. It is due no later than the 14th day after the return period closes, moved to the PRECEDING business day if that falls on a weekend or holiday.

What does Form 5000.24 report?

The excise return reports the proof gallons of spirits removed from bond during the return period and calculates the federal excise tax owed. Under the Craft Beverage Modernization Act (CBMA), reduced rates apply to the first tiers of production each calendar year, so the correct tax depends on cumulative volume removed across the year, not just the period in isolation.

How often do you file the excise return?

Filing frequency is set by combined annual tax liability. The default is semi-monthly (two periods per month). Producers under the relevant thresholds may qualify to file quarterly or annually. The frequency determines the return periods and therefore the due dates.

Why does the deadline move backward?

For the excise return, when the 14th-day deadline lands on a weekend or federal holiday, the due date moves to the immediately preceding business day rather than the next one. This is unusual and easy to miss, and it is set by 27 CFR 19.235 and 19.237. The second half of September also has special accelerated due dates.

How does Spirit Sight build the excise return?

Spirit Sight tracks every taxable removal and its proof gallons, applies the CBMA tiers cumulatively across the calendar year, and computes the tax and the correct observed due date for each return period, including the preceding-business-day rule and the September special case. The figures tie back to the storage and processing accounts that recorded the removals.

This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the TTB and 27 CFR.