The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) has issued a revised industry circular regarding the alternate procedure for wineries to claim the excise tax credit on wines that are stored at a bonded wine cellar or bonded winery. Per Industry Circular 2018-1A, that alternate procedure is now available through December 31, 2019, rather than expiring on June 30^th as originally determined. Thus, the alternate procedure is available for the entire term of the federal excise tax revisions, which are set to expire on December 31, 2019, although industry groups are working to get the excise tax revisions extended. Furthermore, the alternate procedure is available for wines stored untaxpaid at a bonded winery as well as at a bonded wine cellar. The prior industry circular had only specified bonded wine cellars. For more information on the excise tax changes, production requirements, and the alternate procedure relating to claiming the excise tax credit, we have previously blogged on these subjects here and here.

Those following our blog will be aware that the tax changes that took effect in January apply to beverage alcohol products produced outside of the United States, as well as domestic production. Having said that, it is still not possible to claim the tax credit for wine, or the reduced beer and distilled spirits tax rates, for products coming into the US from overseas. The TTB issued preliminary guidance through its FAQ page back in February that it was working with Customs and Border Protection to establish procedures and issue guidance for importers. Based on recent public statements from TTB, we expect those procedures and guidance to issue in June. Until then, imported products continue to be subject to tax payment at the full excise tax rates for each product category. Once the new procedures take effect, importers will be eligible to claim retroactive credits and lower tax rates for products brought in since January 1^st of this year.

If you have any questions about how the recent excise tax changes may affect your business, contact one of the attorneys at Strike Kerr & Johns.

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