Artisans distiller permit acquired!

[Stringduster]

Took some time but we just received our artisans distillers permit! I’m excited but also a little nervous about making sure everything is in order. I have some questions regarding the taxes and reports that must be submitted each month. We are in the experimental stage and do not plan on selling for another month or two. I am assuming we need to still make the reports even though none of this will hit the open market. Do spirits produced for research and experiment have to be reported and have tax paid on? It seems a lot on these forms have to do with commercial distilleries not artisan distillers. Any advice on the TTB forms 5110.11, 5110.28, and 5110.40 as well as taxation would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Stringduster

[EagleCliffs]

Congratulations. Enjoy your journey.

Up and producing in two months is aggressive. Don't be disappointed if it takes much longer, unless you have commercial equipment and the manufacturer holds your hand.

Yes, you need to develop records and make monthly reports. To begin with they are trivial.

Be aware, you must be able to track all ingredients through your process and into your bottles. That is a food safety requirement that lies mostly outside of TTB jurisdiction, so it is easy to miss. Hint, collect tails into a redistillate tank and rerun as a separate batch, otherwise your product will soon contain all of your ingredients dating back to forever. That would be a bitch if you were ever ordered to recall product with a specific ingredient.

Re TTB reports. There are commercial software packages out there that a lot of craft distilleries swear by. So far I have developed my own on excel. You must track your production and make status reports at the end of each month. Take a gander at all the record keeping you must maintain. I develop a checklist for each form tabulating all requirements, then develop my own report forms. I have one form for the floor. You want to be able to just fill in the spaces and not think about things when in the middle of a run. I have another form on PC that does the calculations. I currently keep all documentation for each batch in separate collection, then retire the collection once the batch is bottled. That is a work in progress.

I can't recall any other questions you posted. I hope this helps.

[EagleCliffs]

Oh, federal taxes. No taxes as long as your product remains within the bonded area. Once they are removed taxes are due. So, experiment to your hearts content, just don't remove any results from bond without reporting and paying taxes.
Of course, state taxes are another matter entirely. I can't help you there, I am located in Washington.

[Stringduster]

Thank you for the reply’s. It’s definitely a work in progress. What software would you recommend? Any chance you would be willing to send me a copy of an old report you sent to the TTB so I can have a reference to go by? Completely understand if not. Thanks again!

[DAD300]

So, are you in Indiana?
And you have a Federal Permit?

[Huffy2k]

Regarding software, we've been using Hoochware for a couple years. Highly recommended.

[Stringduster]

Indiana

Yes. In Indiana and have the Federal Permit.

[Stringduster]

Regarding software, we've been using Hoochware for a couple years. Highly recommended.

Thank you. I will check it out!

[Hoosier Shine9]

Congrats!
I was confused for a little bit.
About a year ago you were in the process of applying for a federal Permit.
Now you said you had an Indiana Artisan's permit......I was wondering "How the heck did he do that?....."
Then I went back to earlier posts and you said you already had a Brewery....then it was clear to me........didn't have to wait the 18 months......

I assume you are in northern Indiana?

I am in Central Indiana.