IRS provides FAQs on the reinstated Superfund chemical excise tax

Currently, 151 substances are listed as taxable substances.

Currently, 151 substances are listed as taxable substances.

The IRS today announced the release of a set of “frequently asked questions” (FAQs) regarding the reinstated excise taxes imposed on certain chemicals and substances under sections 4661 and 4671 (often referred to as “Superfund” excise taxes).

The FAQs explain what is the Superfund chemical excise tax; what is a taxable chemical and a taxable substance; how substances are added or removed from the list; how the tax is computed and what forms to file; and who may be liable for the tax.

The Superfund chemical taxes are to be reported on Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return, and Form 6627, Environmental Taxes.

A related IRS release—IR-2022-131 (June 24, 2022)—explains that, currently, 151 substances are listed as taxable substances but that this number is expected to change as substances are added to or removed from the list of taxable substances.

In a separate release, the IRS today announced the prescribed tax rates for 121 taxable substances that are subject to the Superfund chemical excise tax imposed by section 4671(a). Read TaxNewsFlash

Background

A provision of the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” (Pub. L. No. 117-58, enacted November 15, 2021) reinstated the Superfund excise taxes and modified the applicable rates of tax and other provisions related to such taxes. Read TaxNewsFlashThese taxes expired more than 25 years ago.

The Superfund excise taxes include two separate but interrelated excise taxes applicable to crude oil and petroleum products, chemicals, and hazardous substances, which fund the Hazardous Substance Superfund for the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. The taxes are effective July 1, 2022. 

Notice 2022-15 released by the IRS in April 2022 regarding the reinstated Superfund chemical excise tax provided certain relief from penalties. Read TaxNewsFlash

KPMG observation

The FAQs largely restate the Code provisions; thus, there are many unanswered questions.

Three FAQs (FAQ5, FAQ9, and FAQ15) provide new information:

  • The answer provided in FAQ5 generally indicates that substances added to the list during calendar year 2022 will be deemed listed as of July 1, 2022, for purposes of export credits. Currently, however, there are no established procedures to petition the IRS to add a substance to the list.
  • The answer provided in FAQ9 indicates that the IRS is working on calculating tax rates for taxable substances and will release the tax rates as they become available. As noted above, importers are not required to use the IRS-prescribed tax rates for the section 4671 tax and may calculate their own rates.
  • The answer provided in FAQ15 indicates that applicants for Activity Letter G Registration may check the statue of their application by calling 859-320-4091 and selecting menu option #1.


For more information, contact a tax professional with KPMG’s Excise Tax Practice group:|

Taylor Cortright | tcortright@kpmg.com

Rachel Smith | rachelsmith1@kpmg.com

 

The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation. For more information, contact KPMG's Federal Tax Legislative and Regulatory Services Group at: + 1 202 533 3712, 1801 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20006.