If you are weighing whether to e-file IRS Form 720 or put a paper return in the mail, speed and certainty usually decide the winner. For most businesses, e-filing is faster to submit, faster to acknowledge, and less likely to be delayed by avoidable errors. Paper mailing still works, but postal transit, manual intake, and check processing add time and risk that can push you close to quarterly deadlines.
Below is a practical comparison so you can choose confidently for the current quarter and beyond.
What “faster” really means for Form 720
Speed for Form 720 covers several checkpoints:
- How quickly your return is received and acknowledged by the IRS
- How quickly you can fix a rejected return or correct data before it becomes a penalty problem
- How quickly payments are made and recorded
- How reliably you can prove timely filing if questioned later
The IRS consistently encourages businesses to e-file because electronic submissions are validated on receipt and move through systems faster than paper.
- IRS About Form 720: Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-720
- Instructions for Form 720: https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i720
- E-file options for businesses: https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options-for-businesses
E-file vs mail, speed at each step
| Step | E-file Form 720 | Mail Form 720 |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Online submission from an IRS-authorized provider, no postal lag | Postal or private carrier transit adds days, plus IRS intake time |
| IRS acknowledgment | Electronic acceptance or rejection notice, often same day or shortly after | No real-time status; proof relies on postmark or carrier records |
| Error handling | System validations catch issues early, quick resubmission possible | Errors found later, corrections may require IRS correspondence |
| Payment timing | Electronic options such as EFTPS or direct debit | Checks add mailing and bank clearing delays |
| Proof of timely filing | Electronic acknowledgment with date and time stamp | Postmark rule applies; records must be retained |
For timely mailed, timely filed rules and approved private delivery services, see: https://www.irs.gov/filing/private-delivery-services-pds.
Why e-file is generally faster for Form 720
- Immediate IRS feedback with acceptance or rejection codes
- Fewer manual processing delays
- Streamlined payments when combined with EFTPS
- Clear electronic audit trail
Learn more about EFTPS: https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system.
When is mailing still reasonable?
- When responding to a specific IRS notice requiring mailed documents
- When an uncommon attachment is not supported electronically
- When internal policies require paper originals
If mailing, use certified mail or an approved private delivery service and keep proof of mailing.
Quarterly deadlines you cannot miss
Form 720 is due on the last day of the month following the end of each quarter.
| Quarter Covered | Due Date |
|---|---|
| January – March | April 30 |
| April – June | July 31 |
| July – September | October 31 |
| October – December | January 31 |
Some filers, such as those paying the PCORI fee, typically file in Q2. E-filing helps avoid last-minute delays.
Accuracy and rejections, the hidden speed factor
- E-file validations prevent common data entry errors
- Rejected returns can often be corrected and resubmitted the same day
- Paper errors may take weeks to surface through IRS correspondence
Payments and credits
- Schedule payments through EFTPS or other IRS-approved electronic methods
- Refund claims are often filed using Form 8849
Amending or fixing prior returns
Use Form 720-X to amend previously filed quarters.
How eFileExcise720 speeds things up in practice
- IRS-authorized e-filing for Form 720
- No software installation required
- Guided dashboard for schedules and quarters
- Support for amendments and Form 8849 claims
- Secure handling of sensitive data
A quick decision guide
- Close to deadline: choose e-file
- Need proof of filing: choose e-file
- Coordinating EFTPS payments: choose e-file
- Responding to IRS correspondence: mail as instructed
Steps to e-file Form 720
- Create an account with an IRS-authorized provider
- Enter business and EIN details
- Select the quarter and applicable schedules
- Review taxes, credits, and excise categories
- Schedule payment using an IRS-approved method
- Transmit the return and save the acknowledgment
- Correct and retransmit promptly if needed
Bottom line
If speed, certainty, and fewer delays matter, e-filing is the better option for Form 720. Paper filing remains valid, but added transit and processing time introduce avoidable risk, especially near deadlines.