TTB Brewer's Bond: Brewery, Winery & Distillery Bonds
A brewer's bond is the TTB bond (Form 5130.22) a brewery files before it starts making beer. It guarantees the brewer will follow the law and pay federal excise taxes. We also quote TTB bonds for wineries and distilleries and shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers. You pay only when your bond is issued. See all alcohol and beverage bonds.
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All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov). BuySuretyBonds.com works with Treasury-listed surety carriers.
- Who requires it: The federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). A brewer may not begin business until TTB approves the bond (27 CFR 25.91).
- Amount: For a brewer's bond, 10 percent of the maximum tax you will owe in a calendar year, with a $1,000 minimum and a maximum of $150,000 if tax is prepaid or $500,000 if deferred (27 CFR 25.93). Distillery amounts depend on your plant.
- Timing: Same-day submission; most quotes within one business day.
The brewer's bond in plain terms
- Filed on TTB Form 5130.22 with your original Brewer's Notice (27 CFR 25.91).
- A brewer may not begin or continue business until TTB approves the bond (27 CFR 25.91; 26 U.S.C. 5551(a)).
- It protects the United States and is conditioned on following the law and paying taxes, interest, penalties and fines under 26 U.S.C. chapter 51.
- A new bond, or a continuation certificate on Form 5130.23, is needed every 4 years (27 CFR 25.91 and 25.97).
- Some small taxpayers are not required to furnish a bond (see the FAQ).
How much is a brewer's bond?
The bond amount, the penal sum, is set by regulation. It is not your price.
| Item | Rule (27 CFR 25.93) |
|---|---|
| Normal penal sum | 10 percent of the maximum tax you will owe in a calendar year |
| Concentrate | Add 10 percent of the tax on the maximum beer used to make concentrate in a calendar year |
| Quarterly or annual return-period brewers | $1,000 |
| Minimum bond | $1,000 |
| Maximum, tax prepaid | $150,000 |
| Maximum, tax deferred | $500,000 |
The maximums apply to the total penal sum, including any strengthening bonds.
Source: 27 CFR 25.93 (rules as of Sep 30, 2026).
Winery and distillery bonds
- Winery (27 CFR part 24): the wine bond is TTB Form 5120.36; the proprietor gives bond to cover excise tax on wine produced or received (27 CFR 24.146).
- Distillery (27 CFR part 19): the distilled spirits bond is TTB Form 5110.56; the bond rules are in 27 CFR part 19, subpart F. Penal sums depend on your plant.
- TTB Form 5110.67 is the continuing bond for distilled spirits and wines. All forms: TTB bond forms.
See also liquor tax bonds.
How to get your TTB bond
- Submit the short form above.
- We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers and send a quote.
- Complete the TTB bond form; the surety signs it.
- File the bond with TTB and wait for approval before you begin operations.
- You pay only when your bond is issued.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a brewer's bond?
Usually yes. A brewer may not begin or continue business until TTB approves the bond (27 CFR 25.91). Under 26 U.S.C. 5551(d), a taxpayer is not required to furnish a bond during a period in which 5061(d)(4)(A) applies to it (reasonably expecting, and in the prior year having, not more than $50,000 in those taxes). 27 CFR 25.91 also exempts a brewer paying tax on a deferred basis under 25.164 who is eligible for annual or quarterly returns. Confirm eligibility with TTB.
What form is the brewer's bond?
TTB Form 5130.22, filed with your Brewer’s Notice. A collateral bond alternative exists (Form 5130.25).
How long does the bond last?
Four years. Then you file a new bond or a continuation certificate (Form 5130.23) (27 CFR 25.91 and 25.97).
How much does a TTB bond cost?
The premium is typically a small percentage of the bond amount per year; the carrier sets the final price. The quote shows your exact price.
Can a brewery get a bond with weak credit?
We work with carriers that write challenged credit; the carrier decides. Approval is not guaranteed.
Do wineries and distilleries need bonds too?
In general, yes. Wineries use the wine bond (Form 5120.36) and distilleries the distilled spirits bond (Form 5110.56). Some exemptions exist.
When do I pay?
You pay only when your bond is issued.
Ready for your TTB bond?
We shop multiple Treasury-listed surety carriers. If one can't write your bond, we can take it to another.
Get My TTB Bond QuotePrefer to talk? Call 1-844-810-2663
Free quote. Pay only when your bond is issued.
Sources (rules as of Sep 30, 2026)
- 27 CFR 25.91
- 27 CFR 25.93
- 27 CFR 25.97
- 27 CFR 24.146
- 27 CFR part 19, subpart F
- TTB bond forms
- 26 U.S.C. 5551
- 26 U.S.C. 5061
Rules as of Sep 30, 2026. Requirements can change; confirm with the agency before you file. General information, not legal advice.