Federal TTB Permits & Licensing

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of the Treasury responsible for regulating and overseeing the industries involved in the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and ammunition though a variety of TTB permits and TTC licensing. TTB’s mission is to protect consumers, ensure compliance with federal laws, and collect the federal excise taxes associated with these products.

TTB plays a critical role in maintaining industry standards and enforcing regulations to ensure safe and lawful trade practices. The agency also works to prevent illegal activities, such as tax evasion and counterfeit product distribution, while supporting fair competition across these regulated industries.

 The TTB regulates the sale of alcoholic beverages at the federal level, issuing licenses and permits necessary for businesses to sell or produce alcoholic beverages. These federal licenses are required in addition to any state or local licenses applicable to your business.

TTB’s Field Operations are structured into five specialized divisions, each playing a vital role in ensuring compliance, protecting public safety, and safeguarding federal revenue:

National Revenue Center – The National Revenue Center handles key administrative functions, including reconciling tax returns, reports, and claims. It also screens applications to issue permits efficiently and provides expert technical assistance to industry members, the public, and government agencies. This division ensures accurate revenue collection and upholds public safety.

Risk Management – This division designs, implements, and oversees monitoring programs to ensure the proper collection of federal revenue and the protection of public interests. It focuses on utilizing resources effectively to mitigate risks and maintain compliance.

Tax Audit – The Tax Audit division ensures the accurate payment of excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and ammunition. By conducting thorough audits, it enforces compliance with federal laws and regulations, safeguards revenue, protects consumers, and promotes voluntary compliance.

Trade Investigations – Comprising a team of investigators, this division is tasked with ensuring that industry members comply with the laws and regulations enforced by TTB. Their work supports a fair and lawful marketplace.

Tobacco Enforcement – This division focuses on safeguarding TTB revenue and promoting compliance within the domestic tobacco trade. It evaluates and qualifies applicants entering the tobacco industry, monitors adherence to tax laws, and facilitates enforcement actions in cases of non-compliance.

Each division contributes to TTB’s mission to maintain fair trade, public safety, and the integrity of federal revenue systems.