For many Florida distilleries, breweries, wineries, and importers or wholesalers, the past few months have brought an unexpected and frustrating problem: delayed TTB tax refunds. Whether you file CBMA claims, drawback claims, or general excise tax refunds, the slowdown is real. And if you’re involved in buying or selling an alcohol business, these delays are more than an annoyance. They’re a compliance red flag that can affect valuation and closing timelines.
The problem: TTB ended paper check refunds on September 30th, 2025
The TTB quietly rolled out a major procedural change: as of September 30, 2025, the agency no longer issues paper check refunds. All refunds must now be paid electronically via EFT or ACH.
That shift sounds simple, but in practice, it has created a bottleneck. Here’s why: Many permittees do not have valid banking information on file with TTB. Without it, TTB cannot issue the refund, and your claim sits in limbo.
For Florida-based producers, importers, and wholesalers who rely on steady cash flow, especially those dealing with CBMA import credits, this can cause significant operational strain.
Why are refunds delayed? Missing EFT And ACH data
Even if your refund claim was filed correctly, the payment will not be released until TTB has your:
- Bank name
- Routing number
- Account number
- Authorization for EFT/ACH transactions
If any of this is missing or outdated, your refund will not process, and TTB will not send a paper check as a fallback anymore.
Right now, a large portion of delayed refunds stem from one simple issue: outdated or missing banking data.
Required fixes for Florida permitted businesses
To get refunds flowing again and to avoid future delays, permittees must take the following actions immediately:
- CBMA importers must update banking information in myTTB: If you import spirits, wine, or beer and claim CBMA import credits, you must log into the myTTB system and input your current bank account information. Without this step, your CBMA refunds will not be issued, regardless of how timely or accurately you file your claim.
- All refund forms now require banking details: Whether you’re filing:
- TTB Form 5620.8
- CBMA claim documentation
- Drawback claims
- Any other refund request
You must now include valid banking information directly on the form. If you submit the claim without this information, TTB will not process it.
Missing TTB banking info is a due diligence red flag
If you are purchasing a distillery, brewery, winery, importer, or wholesale business in Florida, missing or outdated TTB banking data should set off alarm bells. Why it matters:
- It signals poor internal controls and weak compliance practices
- It may indicate unclaimed or unresolved tax credits or refunds, affecting cash flow
- Delayed refunds can hold up closing disbursements or require holdbacks to account for regulatory risk
- It suggests the seller may have broader TTB compliance gaps, including in liquor licensing, reporting, CBMA filings or excise tax errors
In transactional deals, the presence or absence of clean, current TTB compliance, including banking information, can materially affect negotiations and timing.
We can fix delayed refunds and strengthen your compliance profile
If your TTB refund is delayed, or if you’re evaluating the compliance posture of a business you’re buying or selling, we can help. Our team provides:
- Immediate correction of TTB banking data to release pending refunds
- Full TTB and DABT compliance audits, including CBMA filings and excise tax review
- Transactional support, including due diligence and cleanup before closing
- Ongoing compliance management so issues like this never slow down your business again
Contact us for fast assistance with delayed refunds or a comprehensive compliance review that protects value in your next transaction.