Claim Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Credits Efficiently

IRS Form 8849 Schedule 1

What Is the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Credit?

  • In addition to Schedule C (Form 720), the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Credit allows taxpayers who use or sell sustainable aviation fuels that satisfy IRS requirements and environmental standards to obtain a federal tax credit.
  • The main goal of offering this tax credit is to encourage a cleaner form of aviation by using fuels that have a significant effect in reducing greenhouse gases compared to conventional jet fuel.

Main Features

Standard Credit

$1.25 / gallon

Irrespective of fuel type.

Extra Credit

Additional $0.01 / gallon

for each percent of GHG lifecycle reduction beyond 50%.

Credit Limit

$1.75 / gallon

Maximum credit at 100% reduction.

Fuel Specification Rules for Aviation Tax Credit Claims

Fuel Qualification Requirements

  • The source should be renewable or waste feedstocks.
  • Compliant with ASTM International fuel standards.
  • At a minimum 50% lifecycle GHG emission reduction relative to petroleum jet fuel.

Certification & Documentation Requirements

  • The amount of emissions reduction has to be verified using an approved method.
  • The group claiming credits must keep corroborative records for possible IRS checks.
  • Fuel has to be traceable from production to supply via records.

Eligible Claimants

  • SAF producers who file Form 637 for registration as "K-1" entities.
  • Sellers or users providing SAF to bonded aircraft operators.
  • Importers or blenders meeting quarterly Form 720 filing requirements.

Schedule C (Form 720) Line Details for Aviation Fuel Credit Claims

Line Description Key Instructions for SAF Claims
1 Fuel mixture credits (general) Enter non-SAF mixtures if applicable; SAF goes here if blended.
4b Sustainable aviation fuel credit Core line: Report qualified SAF gallons * credit rate (base + additional). Attach certification.
4c Nontaxable aviation fuel use Cross-reference if claiming both excise and credit.
5 Total credits Auto-sum; flows to Form 720 Part I, line 4.
7 Amount to claim Net after any overclaims; refundable quarterly.

Source: IRS Instructions for Form 720 (2026 ed.). Always verify the latest at IRS.gov.

Key IRS Numbers and References for Aviation Fuel Credit Claims

IRS Reference Details Relevance to Claims
IRC §40B Sustainable Aviation Fuel Credit statute Defines base/additional rates and eligibility.
Notice 2023-6 Initial SAF guidance 50% threshold, calculation methods.
Notice 2024-47 Updated GREET pathways Approved emissions models.
Form 637 Code K-1 Producer registration Producer registrationRequired before claims.
Rev. Proc. 2024-20 Recordkeeping rules 3-year retention mandate.

How SAF Credit Is Reported (Schedule C - Form 720)

The SAF credit is reported by claiming it in Schedule C of Form 720, which ensures that fuel amounts and computed credits are properly reported.

Reporting Essentials

Declare the total amount of qualified SAF gallons.

Calculate credit using the emission reduction percentage verified.

Confirm that no claim for the same batch of fuel has been made twice.

SAF Credit Calculation Snapshot

Component Formula/Value Example (70% Reduction)
Base Credit $1.25/\$1.25 /$1.25/gallon $1.25\$1.25
Additional Credit $0.01*\$0.01 \times$0.01* (Reduction % - 50) $0.20\$0.20$0.20 (20 pts)
Total per Gallon Up to $1.75\$1.75$1.75 $1.45\$1.45$1.45
Minimum Requirement 50% lifecycle GHG cut N/A

Filing Workflow - From Fuel to Credit

01

Eligibility Verification

Compliance with IRS Notice 2024-47 and ASTM specifications.

02

Documentation Assembly

Collect GREET studies, certificates, and supplier statements.

03

Compute Credit Value

Enter data into IRS formulas.

04

E-File through MeF

Work with an IRS-approved provider to file, track, and get confirmation.

Why Choose E-Filing for Aviation Fuel Credit Claims?

Faster Processing

  • Processing in a few days, compared to weeks for paper filing.

Precision

  • Automatic calculation functions ensure that there are no errors in computation.

Regulatory Compliance

  • Instant validation ensures compliance even before filing.

Safe Data Handling

  • Encryption techniques ensure that data remains safe for auditing.

Common Errors to Avoid

Fuels with a reduction level of less than 50%.

Incomplete certification or loss of chain of custody.

Overclaim of additional credits.

Multiple claims by different parties.

Lack of documentation (10-15% of claimants audited by IRS).

Begin Your Aviation Fuel Credit Claims Soon

Apply for SAF credit on Schedule C of IRS Form 720, use reliable calculating tools, and file your claim electronically through Efile720.

File Form 720 Now

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a federal tax program that pays for each gallon of environmentally friendly aviation fuel used.

The fuel should have at least a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over its lifecycle.

The credit is calculated by adding $1.25 to $0.01 for every point of credit above 50%, up to a maximum of $1.75.

The credit is claimed on Schedule C attached to IRS Form 720.

Yes. Documentation of certification and lifecycle emissions is required for IRS audit purposes.