Internal Revenue Service

Excise Tax - Air Transportation: IRS Audit Techniques Guide (ATG) Internal Revenue Service

The air transportation taxes are collected excise taxes under section 4291 of the Code. The amounts collected are deposited into the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. The amounts deposited into the trust fund are primarily used to improve and maintain the nation's airport and air traffic control systems. In addition, taxes on aviation kerosene and aviation gasoline are transferred from the Highway Trust Fund to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. Generally, a reduced rate of excise tax is imposed on fuel consumed in the aircraft while flying commercial aviation flights. For flights in noncommercial aviation, a higher rate of excise fuel tax is imposed on the gallons of fuel consumed in the flight. As discussed in this field guide, there are different types and rates of excise taxes imposed on air transportation. Therefore, it is important to determine what type of service is being provided by the air transporter. This determination is to be made on a flight-by-flight basis ...