A floor tax is a one-time tax. It’s based on the inventory on hand on the date the excise tax rate increases.

Who must file an alcoholic beverage floor tax return

You must file Form MT-70, Alcoholic Beverages Floor Tax Return-Beer and Wine if you are a:

• wholesaler, retailer, or other seller of beer and wine not registered as a distributor (including, but not limited to, liquor stores, grocery stores, restaurants, bars, and taverns)
• beer and wine manufacturer and distributor (you must pay the floor tax only on any beer and wine in your possession on May 1, 2009 on which the tax was already imposed at the prior rate)

These filing requirements apply even if you have no beer or wine in your possession that is subject to the floor tax.

Return due date & mailing address

You must take inventory at the beginning of business on May 1, 2009. Your return was due by July 20, 2009. If you have not yet filed your return, do so as soon as possible to avoid additional late return charges.

Send returns and payments to:

NYS Tax Department
ABT Floor Tax
PO Box 22025
Albany, NY 12201-2025

Tax rates & calculations

To learn how to calculate the tax, see page 1 of Form MT-70 I, Instructions for Form MT-70, Alcoholic Beverages Floor Tax Return.

For more information

• FAQs
• TSB-M-09(3)M, New York State Excise Tax on Beer and Wine to Increase on May 1, 2009.
• TSB-M-09(3.1)M, Beer Eligible for the New York State Brewers’ Exemption Not Subject to the Floor Tax on Inventory Held on May 1, 2009