Most Illinois businesses make the mistake of preparing IRS Form 720 too late, even though it requires detailed transaction-level data and careful reconciliation. The key idea is simple: start early—ideally as soon as excise activity begins—and maintain a consistent monthly or weekly workflow rather than scrambling at quarter-end. This is especially important for areas like PCORI, which follows its own annual cycle and requires coordination across departments. Early preparation helps avoid costly IRS penalties, ensures accurate reporting, and makes filing predictable. By building structured reports, reconciling liabilities in advance, and tracking changes in business activities, companies can turn Form 720 compliance from a stressful task into a routine process.