The Excise Tax e-File project was initiated to satisfy the IRS requirement to provide electronic filing of Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return, as directed in the American Jobs Creation Act (October 2004). At that time, Excise Tax e-File & Compliance (ETEC) Programs (Forms 720, 2290, and 8849) joined the ever-growing number of tax forms and schedules that can be electronically filed, providing taxpayers the speed and reliability that millions of taxpayers and business owners already enjoy. Processing delays for paper excise tax returns Due to the pandemic, you may experience delays in processing paper Federal Excise Tax forms, including Forms 720, 2290, and 8849. Do not file duplicate forms, but for future filings we encourage taxpayers to consider the ease, convenience and speed of electronically filing Forms 720, 2290, and 8849. Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return is also available for optional electronic filing. Simply make your selection through an IRS-approved 720 Modernized e-File (MeF) provider and join millions of taxpayers enjoying the convenience and ease of online filing, immediate acknowledgement of receipt and faster service. Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return is available for electronic filing. The electronic version of Form 2290 will improve excise tax processing, save personal resources (e.g., time & postage) and reduce preparation and processing errors. Schedule 1 will be available almost immediately (once your return is accepted by the IRS) through an IRS-approved 2290 Modernized e-File (MeF) provider. No more waiting for it to come in the mail! Taxpayers filing Form 2290 and reporting 25 or more vehicles for any taxable period are required by Congressional mandate to electronically file their Form 2290 through an IRS-approved 2290 Modernized e-File (MeF) provider. Form 8849, Claim for Refund of Excise Taxes Return is available for optional electronic filing and will satisfy the Congressional mandate to provide filers an electronic option for filing Form 8849, Schedules 2, 3, and 8. Form 8849 Schedules 1, 5, and 6 are also available for electronic filing through an IRS-approved 8849 Modernized e-File (MeF) provider. File your taxes now To file your excise forms electronically you will need to select an approved IRS Modernized e-File (MeF) business provider for the tax forms you want to file and pay the provider’s required service fee for online submission. Questions? Call the excise hotline at 866-699-4096. More information and technical guidance for software developers and transmitters is available. More information: Excise Tax Form 720 Frequently Asked Questions Form 8849 Frequently Asked Questions Current valid schemas for the Modernized e-File (MeF), Excise Tax e-Filing and Compliance (ETEC) Forms 720, 2290, and 8849
