Form 720 Q4 e-Filing Opens Soon: January 2026 Deadline

As the year comes to a close, it’s time to prepare for the Form 720 excise tax filing for the quarter 4. For those unfamiliar, Form 720 is a federal tax form used to report and pay various excise taxes imposed by the IRS, including those on fuel, air transportation, and more. The filing periods for Form 720 are divided into four quarters:

• Q1: January 1 – March 31

• Q2: April 1 – June 30

• Q3: July 1 – September 30

• Q4: October 1 – December 31

At Simple720, we provide an IRS-authorized online portal that makes filing your federal excise tax easy, secure, and quick. The filing window for Q4 Form 720 will open soon, once the IRS resumes processing after its annual shutdown.

Now is the time to prepare! While the window is not open yet, you can begin organizing your documents and details for a smooth filing process once the portal is live. Don’t wait until the last minute – get ahead of the deadline and submit your excise tax return online through Simple720. You get your IRS confirmation as soon as the IRS resumes around week 3 of January.

When it comes to filing Form 720, there are two methods:

1. Manual Filing – This involves downloading the form, filling it out by hand, and submitting it by mail. While manual filing is possible, it can be slow and prone to delays, especially if the IRS is temporarily offline or experiencing high volumes of paperwork.

2. Online Filing (E-Filing) – E-filing is faster, easier, and more secure. With Simple720, you can file your Form 720 directly with the IRS, ensuring that your information is accurate and submitted on time. E-filing eliminates the risks associated with lost forms and provides instant confirmation of your submission. The IRS requires every business to file their Form 720 excise taxes online.

• Speed: Submitting electronically ensures your filing reaches the IRS promptly.

• Accuracy: Simple720’s system automatically checks for common errors, helping you avoid mistakes that could result in delays or penalties.

• Security: Your personal and financial data is protected with top-tier security measures.

• Confirmation: Receive instant confirmation of your submission, so you know your filing has been accepted.

IRS Shutdown 2025
As mentioned in our previous blog post on the IRS Annual Shutdown 2025: Key Mistakes to Avoid, the IRS undergoes an annual shut down for maintenance, which can delay the processing of filings and refunds. This year, the shutdown is expected to begin on December 26, 2025, with the end date confirmed to be January 12, 2026.

While manual filing is still possible during the shutdown, it comes with significant delays, particularly as the IRS processing system will be offline for maintenance. Filing electronically before the shutdown resumes ensures your Form 720 is processed quickly and accurately.

Conclusion