Vintners DeskWine Compliance, Done for You.

TTB forms explained · Wine

TTB F 5120.25, the bonded winery application: what it takes and how long it runs

The federal application to start a winery: what TTB asks for, the bond and its exemption, and what slows it down.

Checked Oct 28, 2026Sources linked belowGeneral information, not legal advice

Form
TTB F 5120.25, Application to Establish and Operate Wine Premises
Where
TTB Permits Online
TTB fee
None
TTB median, new applications
35 days (September 2026; TTB’s service goal is 85% within 75 days)
Bond
TTB F 5120.36, unless you qualify for the exemption for taxpayers eligible to file annual or quarterly returns
Rule
27 CFR 24.105 (application)

What slows it down

TTB said in its July 10, 2026 newsletter that incomplete applications are the most common cause of delay, and TTB doesn’t act on an incomplete permit application (27 CFR 1.26). Its tips: a clear premises diagram, the same legal name, EIN and owner details everywhere, and documents gathered before you start.

If TTB finds a gap, Permits Online marks the application Correct Application or Corrections Requested. TTB’s help page says to respond within the time given, typically 15 calendar days, or the application may be abandoned.

What to gather first

  • Legal entity documents, EIN and every owner and officer with their personal details
  • Proof of the right to use the premises (deed or lease)
  • A premises diagram showing the bonded or brewery area
  • A description of the operations you’ll conduct
  • The bond, or your bond-exemption election
  • Any state or local approvals your state requires in parallel

The bond, in plain terms

The bond covers your federal excise tax. If you expect to owe $50,000 or less a year, so you’re eligible for annual or quarterly returns, you are generally exempt from the bond for that period (see the rule cited below). If your tax later goes over that limit, you need a bond.

How Vintners Desk handles this. We prepare the complete package from a short intake, check it line by line with a second reviewer, and submit it under your limited 5000.8 after you approve it. TTB’s review time is TTB’s, and nobody can promise approval. See the service and price or get started.

Related

Sources

Checked Oct 28, 2026. Rules change; always confirm with the current regulation or TTB before you rely on a date.

  1. 27 CFR 24.105 (application)
  2. 27 CFR 24.146 (wine bond; exemption in (d))
  3. 27 CFR 1.26 (incomplete applications)
  4. TTB: Correcting application errors and omissions (Permits Online)
  5. TTB newsletter, Jul 10, 2026: permit processing and incomplete applications
  6. TTB: Statistics, original applications to operate

Questions

How long does TTB take?

TTB’s September 2026 median for new winery applications was 35 days. TTB’s service goal is 85% within 75 days. Incomplete applications take longer.

Does TTB charge a fee?

No. TTB charges no application fee. You may have state and local fees and, if you aren’t exempt, the cost of a bond.

Do I need a bond?

Not if you qualify for the exemption for taxpayers eligible to file annual or quarterly returns (expected tax of $50,000 or less a year). Otherwise you file TTB F 5120.36.

Start with a short request.

Three short steps, about two minutes. We reply by email within 1 business day with a fixed price and a checklist of what we’d need. There’s no obligation and no sales call.

Get startedSee published prices

Nothing is filed and nothing is charged until you approve a written quote. Private filing service; not a government agency.