Preparing for a clean TTB period close
A short checklist for getting through your monthly Form 5110 without a multi-day scramble.
The week-of checklist
If you've ever spent three days reconciling proof gallons at the end of the month, this one's for you.
1. Reconcile barrel transfers
Make sure every transfer in your system has a matching destination. Open transfers at period close are the #1 cause of TTB variance.
2. Close out open distillation runs
Finalize the production date and entry proof for every spirit run from the period. Strong Systems flags any run still in in-progress state.
3. Account for losses
Every barrel sample, every dump-day loss, every spillage event needs a record. We'd rather see small documented losses than mystery gallons.
4. Run the preview report
Generate the Form 5110 preview before you file. If the line items don't match your gut, drill into the source records — they're one click away.
5. File and lock
Locking the period prevents accidental edits to historical operational records. You can still amend on the next form if you find an error.