Form 720 filing illinois
form 720 filing illinois
Illinois businesses in industries like fuel distribution, transportation, manufacturing, and certain healthcare benefits often deal with federal excise taxes. If your business has federal excise tax liability, you may need to file IRS Form 720, even though you operate in Illinois and pay Illinois state taxes.
This page explains what “form 720 filing illinois” means in practice, who must file, what information you need to file correctly, and how Illinois-based businesses can e-file accurately using eFileExcise720.
What “form 720 filing illinois” means
“Form 720 filing Illinois” typically refers to an Illinois-based business or taxpayer filing the IRS Form 720 (Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return). Form 720 is a federal return filed with the IRS, not the Illinois Department of Revenue.
If you searched for an “illinois tax form” or “illinois federal tax form,” it helps to separate the two:
- Illinois state taxes are handled through the State of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Revenue.
- Form 720 is an IRS return used to report specific federal excise taxes.
So while your company may be headquartered in Chicago, Peoria, Springfield, Rockford, Naperville, or anywhere else in Illinois, the filing requirement depends on whether you have federal excise tax activity, not your city or county.
For background on the return itself, see this guide to Form 720.
Who is required to file IRS Form 720 in Illinois?
Illinois-based entities generally must file Form 720 if they are responsible for collecting, reporting, or paying certain federal excise taxes during a quarter. This can apply to corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and other business types, and in some cases plan sponsors responsible for the PCORI fee.
Common Illinois business profiles that may need Form 720 include:
- Fuel-related businesses (distributors, blenders, certain retailers, or others in the fuel supply chain)
- Transportation-related businesses subject to specific federal excise taxes
- Manufacturers, importers, or sellers of certain taxed goods
- Service providers tied to taxable communications or air transportation charges
- Employers or plan sponsors that owe the PCORI fee (reported on Form 720, typically filed for the second quarter)
The IRS publishes the official form and instructions, which define the taxable activities and categories: IRS Form 720 page.
Quick examples: Illinois industries and common Form 720 touchpoints
| Illinois business type (examples) | Why Form 720 may apply | What you’ll typically need to track |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel distribution and logistics | Certain fuel-related excise taxes may be reportable | Product type, gallons, removals/sales, and any required deposit history |
| Transportation and travel-related businesses | Some federal excise taxes relate to transportation charges | Taxable receipts/charges by period and category |
| Manufacturers and importers | Some product categories are subject to federal excise tax | Units sold/used, taxable sales, and product classification |
| Employers/plan sponsors | PCORI fee may be due for applicable health plans | Covered lives count method and plan year details |
If you are unsure whether your activity triggers filing, a tax professional can help interpret the rules for your facts, especially for fuel categories and credit/refund situations.
Is Form 720 an Illinois IRS tax form?
It can feel like you are looking for “illinois irs tax forms,” but Form 720 is the same nationwide. The IRS does not issue a different Form 720 for Illinois. What changes is your business activity and records, and sometimes where you would mail a paper return. Many Illinois filers choose e-filing to avoid mailing delays and to keep electronic submission records.
If you prefer to understand e-file versus paper, the IRS generally encourages e-filing where available, and many businesses use it for faster acknowledgement and fewer manual errors.
Form 720 due dates and timing (important for Illinois filers)
Form 720 is generally filed quarterly. Due dates are typically:
- 1st quarter (Jan–Mar): due April 30
- 2nd quarter (Apr–Jun): due July 31
- 3rd quarter (Jul–Sep): due October 31
- 4th quarter (Oct–Dec): due January 31
If a due date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the IRS deadline usually shifts to the next business day.
Also note that some excise taxes can involve deposit requirements depending on the type and amount of liability. Many deposits are made electronically through EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System). For payment system details, see EFTPS.
What you need to file Form 720 accurately
Accurate Form 720 filing starts with having the right data for the quarter. Illinois-based businesses often run into issues when taxable activity is spread across locations, fleets, terminals, or multiple product lines.
Before you file, gather:
- Your legal business name and EIN
- The tax period (which quarter you are filing)
- The specific Form 720 tax categories that apply to you
- Your taxable quantities or amounts (for example units, gallons, or taxable charges, depending on category)
- Any deposits already made (if your situation requires deposits)
- Any credits, prior period adjustments, or other items supported by records
If you plan to claim a credit or refund, confirm the correct method and documentation first, since excise tax credits and refunds are closely rule-driven.
How to file 720 online in Illinois with eFileExcise720
If you want a straightforward way to handle “irs form filing illinois” for excise taxes, eFileExcise720 provides an IRS-authorized online option designed specifically for Form 720.
Here is a typical e-filing flow:
- Create your account (no software download required).
- Select the quarter and enter your business details.
- Choose the Form 720 categories that apply and input your amounts.
- Review for common errors and confirm totals.
- Submit electronically and keep your confirmation for your records.
To get started, you can file 720 online through the platform.
Why Illinois businesses choose to e-file Form 720
E-filing can be a practical choice for Illinois filers who want clearer recordkeeping and fewer paper-handling issues. Depending on your situation, electronic filing may help you:
- Receive an electronic acknowledgement from the IRS
- Reduce math and completeness errors through structured data entry
- Keep a cleaner audit trail compared to paper copies and mail tracking
- Get help from dedicated customer support when you have process questions
eFileExcise720 also supports all Form 720 categories, and the system is designed to be navigable for business owners and tax professionals who file multiple quarters.
Amendments and refund claims for Illinois filers
Mistakes happen, and sometimes facts change after a quarter is filed. If you need to correct a previously filed Form 720, the IRS generally uses Form 720-X for amendments.
If your goal is a claim related to excise taxes paid, you may also need Form 8849 in eligible situations.
- Amendments: If you need to fix figures from a prior quarter, ensure you use the correct amendment process and keep supporting documents.
- Claims: Refund and credit claims have specific eligibility rules and documentation expectations.
If you are looking for help with claim filing support, see form 8849 options through eFileExcise720.
Cost and planning: know your filing fees upfront
Many Illinois businesses file quarterly, which makes predictable compliance costs important. If you want to review filing costs before you start, visit Pricing to understand what to expect.
File Form 720 online in Illinois with IRS-authorized eFileExcise720
If you are an Illinois-based business and need Irs form 720 filing illinois done accurately and in line with IRS requirements, eFileExcise720 provides an IRS-authorized way to submit Form 720 online with secure data handling and supportive guidance.
Start your return today and file Form 720 online through eFileExcise720 to stay accurate, organized, and IRS-compliant.
