IRS Pub 6038 – Excise Tax OneSheet – In the world of tax compliance, staying informed about specialized publications from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is essential for businesses, tax-exempt organizations, and tax professionals. One such resource is IRS Publication 6038, also known as the Excise Tax OneSheet. This document provides a concise summary of key statistics related to excise taxes, particularly those affecting tax-exempt entities. Revised in January 2026, it focuses on data from Calendar Year (CY) 2024, offering valuable insights into filing trends and tax collections. In this SEO-optimized article, we’ll explore what Publication 6038 covers, why it’s important, and how you can access it using trusted IRS sources.
What Are Excise Taxes? A Quick Overview
Before diving into Publication 6038, it’s helpful to understand the basics of excise taxes. According to the IRS, excise taxes are imposed on specific goods, services, and activities. These taxes can apply to importers, manufacturers, retailers, or consumers, depending on the type. They are often levied at the point of entry into the U.S., sale or use after importation, or during manufacturing, retailing, or consumption.
Common types of excise taxes include:
- Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax: Applied to highway motor vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more. Filed using Form 2290.
- Sport Fishing and Archery Equipment Tax: Imposed on manufacturers, importers, or individuals for certain equipment.
- Sports Wagering and Occupational Taxes: Related to accepting wagers, detailed in Forms 730 and 11-C.
For a full list and detailed explanations, refer to IRS Publication 510, “Excise Taxes,” which covers various categories, credits, and refunds. Excise tax liabilities are typically reported quarterly on Form 720, with electronic filing required. Some taxpayers must make semi-monthly deposits, and refunds or credits can be claimed via Form 8849.
Excise taxes play a crucial role in funding specific government programs, such as highway infrastructure or environmental initiatives. For tax-exempt organizations, certain excise taxes under Chapters 41 and 42 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) address issues like self-dealing, excess benefit transactions, and failure to meet distribution requirements.
Understanding IRS Publication 6038: The Excise Tax OneSheet
IRS Pub 6038 is a streamlined “one-sheet” publication designed to provide quick-reference statistics on excise taxes, with a focus on those reported by tax-exempt organizations. Released by the IRS Statistics of Income (SOI) division, it summarizes data from Calendar Year 2024, drawing from forms like Form 4720 (“Return of Certain Excise Taxes Under Chapters 41 and 42 of the Internal Revenue Code”).
This publication is particularly useful for:
- Tax-exempt entities such as charities, private foundations, and split-interest trusts.
- Tax advisors analyzing trends in excise tax compliance.
- Researchers studying federal tax collections.
The revision date for the latest version is January 2026, with a posted date of January 22, 2026. It falls under Catalog Number 95408C and is part of the IRS’s effort to make statistical data accessible.
Key Highlights from Publication 6038 (CY 2024 Data)
Based on official IRS data, Publication 6038 highlights excise tax statistics for tax-exempt organizations in CY 2024. Notable figures include:
- Number of Returns Filed: 3,099 returns were submitted, primarily via Form 4720.
- Total Tax Reported: $733.6 million in excise taxes were reported across these filings.
These statistics reflect excise taxes on activities such as:
- Self-dealing (IRC Section 4941).
- Failure to distribute income (IRC Section 4942).
- Excess business holdings (IRC Section 4943).
- Investments jeopardizing charitable purpose (IRC Section 4944).
- Taxable expenditures (IRC Section 4945).
- Excess benefit transactions (IRC Section 4958).
The data is sourced from SOI tax stats and provides insights into compliance levels and revenue generation. For broader federal excise tax collections (including non-exempt entities), fiscal year data shows updates incorporating new taxes like the 1% stock repurchase excise tax under IRC Section 4501. Trends indicate growing emphasis on non-commodity-based excise taxes, offering a window into corporate behaviors.
Why Is Publication 6038 Important for Tax Compliance?
For tax-exempt organizations, understanding excise tax obligations is critical to avoiding penalties. Pub 6038 serves as a snapshot of industry-wide reporting, helping entities benchmark their own filings. It also aids in:
- Trend Analysis: Identifying increases in certain tax types, such as those related to excess benefits.
- Policy Insights: Informing discussions on tax reform for nonprofits.
- Research and Education: Supporting academic and professional studies on IRS enforcement.
If you’re involved in managing a tax-exempt organization, reviewing this one-sheet alongside Form 4720 instructions can ensure timely and accurate reporting. Remember, registration with the IRS is often required before engaging in excise-taxable activities.
How to Download IRS Publication 6038?
Accessing the latest version is straightforward. You can download the PDF directly from the official IRS website:
- Download Link: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p6038.pdf
Always verify the revision date to ensure you’re using the most current edition. Prior versions, such as the November 2024 revision, are available in the IRS prior-year forms archive for historical reference.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead with IRS Resources
IRS Publication 6038, the Excise Tax OneSheet, is an invaluable tool for navigating the complexities of excise taxes, especially for tax-exempt organizations. By providing CY 2024 statistics like the 3,099 returns and $733.6 million in reported taxes, it offers a clear picture of compliance trends. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, tax professional, or researcher, incorporating this resource into your toolkit can enhance understanding and adherence to IRS rules.
For more in-depth guidance, explore related IRS publications like Pub 510 or visit the SOI Tax Stats webpage for additional data. Remember, tax laws can change, so consult a qualified tax advisor for personalized advice. Stay compliant and informed—download Pub 6038 today!