TITLE 26 - US CODE - CHAPTER 52 - TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND CIGARETTE PAPERS AND TUBES

Subchapter A - Definitions; Rate and Payment of Tax; Exemption From Tax; and Refund and Drawback of Tax

26 USC 5701 - Rate of tax

(a) Cigars
On cigars, manufactured in or imported into the United States, there shall be imposed the following taxes:

(1) Small cigars
On cigars, weighing not more than 3 pounds per thousand, $1.828 cents per thousand ($1.594 cents per thousand on cigars removed during 2000 or 2001);

(2) Large cigars
On cigars weighing more than 3 pounds per thousand, a tax equal to 20.719 percent (18.063 percent on cigars removed during 2000 or 2001) of the price for which sold but not more than $48.75 per thousand ($42.50 per thousand on cigars removed during 2000 or 2001).

Cigars not exempt from tax under this chapter which are removed but not intended for sale shall be taxed at the same rate as similar cigars removed for sale.

(b) Cigarettes
On cigarettes, manufactured in or imported into the United States, there shall be imposed the following taxes:

(1) Small cigarettes
On cigarettes, weighing not more than 3 pounds per thousand, $19.50 per thousand ($17 per thousand on cigarettes removed during 2000 or 2001);

(2) Large cigarettes
On cigarettes, weighing more than 3 pounds per thousand, $40.95 per thousand ($35.70 per thousand on cigarettes removed during 2000 or 2001); except that, if more than 61/2 inches in length, they shall be taxable at the rate prescribed for cigarettes weighing not more than 3 pounds per thousand, counting each 23/4 inches, or fraction thereof, of the length of each as one cigarette.

(c) Cigarette papers
On cigarette papers, manufactured in or imported into the United States, there shall be imposed a tax of 1.22 cents (1.06 cents on cigarette papers removed during 2000 or 2001) for each 50 papers or fractional part thereof; except that, if cigarette papers measure more than 61/2 inches in length, they shall be taxable at the rate prescribed, counting each 23/4 inches, or fraction thereof, of the length of each as one cigarette paper.

(d) Cigarette tubes
On cigarette tubes, manufactured in or imported into the United States, there shall be imposed a tax of 2.44 cents (2.13 cents on cigarette tubes removed during 2000 or 2001) for each 50 tubes or fractional part thereof, except that if cigarette tubes measure more than 61/2 inches in length, they shall be taxable at the rate prescribed, counting each 23/4 inches, or fraction thereof, of the length of each as one cigarette tube.

(e) Smokeless tobacco
On smokeless tobacco, manufacturered^[1] in or imported into the United States, there shall be imposed the following taxes:

(1) Snuff
On snuff, 58.5 cents (51 cents on snuff removed during 2000 or 2001) per pound and a proportionate tax at the like rate on all fractional parts of a pound.

(2) Chewing tobacco
On chewing tobacco, 19.5 cents (17 cents on chewing tobacco removed during 2000 or 2001) per pound and a proportionate tax at the like rate on all fractional parts of a pound.

(f) Pipe tobacco
On pipe tobacco, manufactured in or imported into the United States, there shall be imposed a tax of $1.0969 cents (95.67 cents on pipe tobacco removed during 2000 or 2001) per pound (and a proportionate tax at the like rate on all fractional parts of a pound).

(g) Roll-your-own tobacco
On roll-your-own tobacco, manufactured in or imported into the United States, there shall be imposed a tax of $1.0969 cents (95.67 cents on roll-your-own tobacco removed during 2000 or 2001) per pound (and a proportionate tax at the like rate on all fractional parts of a pound).

(h) Imported tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes
The taxes imposed by this section on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes imported into the United States shall be in addition to any import duties imposed on such articles, unless such import duties are imposed in lieu of internal revenue tax.

[1] So in original. Probably should be “manufactured”.

26 USC 5702 - Definitions

When used in this chapter

(a) Cigar
Cigar means any roll of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco or in any substance containing tobacco (other than any roll of tobacco which is a cigarette within the meaning of subsection (b)(2)).

(b) Cigarette
Cigarette means

(1) any roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in any substance not containing tobacco, and

(2) any roll of tobacco wrapped in any substance containing tobacco which, because of its appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler, or its packaging and labeling, is likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as a cigarette described in paragraph (1).

(c) Tobacco products
Tobacco products means cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco.

(d) Manufacturer of tobacco products
Manufacturer of tobacco products means any person who manufactures cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, or roll-your-own tobacco, except that such term shall not include

(1) a person who produces cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, or roll-your-own tobacco solely for the persons own personal consumption or use, and

(2) a proprietor of a customs bonded manufacturing warehouse with respect to the operation of such warehouse.

(e) Cigarette paper
Cigarette paper means paper, or any other material except tobacco, prepared for use as a cigarette wrapper.

(f) Cigarette tube
Cigarette tube means cigarette paper made into a hollow cylinder for use in making cigarettes.

(g) Manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes
Manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes means any person who manufactures cigarette paper, or makes up cigarette paper into tubes, except for his own personal use or consumption.

(h) Export warehouse
Export warehouse means a bonded internal revenue warehouse for the storage of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, upon which the internal revenue tax has not been paid, for subsequent shipment to a foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, or for consumption beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States.

(i) Export warehouse proprietor
Export warehouse proprietor means any person who operates an export warehouse.

(j) Removal or remove
Removal or remove means the removal of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes from the factory or from internal revenue bond under section 5704, as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe, or release from customs custody, and shall also include the smuggling or other unlawful importation of such articles into the United States.

(k) Importer
Importer means any person in the United States to whom nontaxpaid tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes manufactured in a foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States are shipped or consigned; any person who removes cigars or cigarettes for sale or consumption in the United States from a customs bonded manufacturing warehouse; and any person who smuggles or otherwise unlawfully brings tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes into the United States.

(l) Determination of price on cigars
In determining price for purposes of section 5701 (a)(2)

(1) there shall be included any charge incident to placing the article in condition ready for use,

(2) there shall be excluded

(A) the amount of the tax imposed by this chapter or section 7652, and

(B) if stated as a separate charge, the amount of any retail sales tax imposed by any State or political subdivision thereof or the District of Columbia, whether the liability for such tax is imposed on the vendor or vendee, and

(3) rules similar to the rules of section 4216 (b) shall apply.

(m) Definitions relating to smokeless tobacco

(1) Smokeless tobacco
The term smokeless tobacco means any snuff or chewing tobacco.

(2) Snuff
The term snuff means any finely cut, ground, or powdered tobacco that is not intended to be smoked.

(3) Chewing tobacco
The term chewing tobacco means any leaf tobacco that is not intended to be smoked.

(n) Pipe tobacco
The term pipe tobacco means any tobacco which, because of its appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco to be smoked in a pipe.

(o) Roll-your-own tobacco
The term roll-your-own tobacco means any tobacco which, because of its appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco for making cigarettes.

26 USC 5703 - Liability for tax and method of payment

(a) Liability for tax

(1) Original liability
The manufacturer or importer of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes shall be liable for the taxes imposed thereon by section 5701.

(2) Transfer of liability
When tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes are transferred, without payment of tax, pursuant to section 5704, the liability for tax shall be transferred in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph. When tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes are transferred between the bonded premises of manufacturers and export warehouse proprietors, the transferee shall become liable for the tax upon receipt by him of such articles, and the transferor shall thereupon be relieved of his liability for such tax. When tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes are released in bond from customs custody for transfer to the bonded premises of a manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes, the transferee shall become liable for the tax on such articles upon release from customs custody, and the importer shall thereupon be relieved of his liability for such tax. All provisions of this chapter applicable to tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes in bond shall be applicable to such articles returned to bond upon withdrawal from the market or returned to bond after previous removal for a tax-exempt purpose.

(b) Method of payment of tax

(1) In general
The taxes imposed by section 5701 shall be determined at the time of removal of the tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes. Such taxes shall be paid on the basis of return. The Secretary shall, by regulations, prescribe the period or the event for which such return shall be made and the information to be furnished on such return. Any postponement under this subsection of the payment of taxes determined at the time of removal shall be conditioned upon the filing of such additional bonds, and upon compliance with such requirements, as the Secretary may prescribe for the protection of the revenue. The Secretary may, by regulations, require payment of tax on the basis of a return prior to removal of the tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes where a person defaults in the postponed payment of tax on the basis of a return under this subsection or regulations prescribed thereunder. All administrative and penalty provisions of this title, insofar as applicable, shall apply to any tax imposed by section 5701.

(2) Time for payment of taxes

(A) In general
Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, in the case of taxes on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes removed during any semimonthly period under bond for deferred payment of tax, the last day for payment of such taxes shall be the 14th day after the last day of such semimonthly period.

(B) Imported articles
In the case of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes which are imported into the United States

(i) In general The last day for payment of tax shall be the 14th day after the last day of the semimonthly period during which the article is entered into the customs territory of the United States.

(ii) Special rule for entry for warehousing Except as provided in clause (iv), in the case of an entry for warehousing, the last day for payment of tax shall not be later than the 14th day after the last day of the semimonthly period during which the article is removed from the 1st such warehouse.

(iii) Foreign trade zones Except as provided in clause (iv) and in regulations prescribed by the Secretary, articles brought into a foreign trade zone shall, notwithstanding any other provision of law, be treated for purposes of this subsection as if such zone were a single customs warehouse.

(iv) Exception for articles destined for export Clauses (ii) and (iii) shall not apply to any article which is shown to the satisfaction of the Secretary to be destined for export.

(C) Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes brought into the United States from Puerto Rico
In the case of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes which are brought into the United States from Puerto Rico, the last day for payment of tax shall be the 14th day after the last day of the semimonthly period during which the article is brought into the United States.

(D) Special rule for tax due in September

(i) In general Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this paragraph, the taxes on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes for the period beginning on September 16 and ending on September 26 shall be paid not later than September 29.

(ii) Safe harbor The requirement of clause (i) shall be treated as met if the amount paid not later than September 29 is not less than 11/15 of the taxes on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes for the period beginning on September 1 and ending on September 15.

(iii) Taxpayers not required to use electronic funds transfer In the case of payments not required to be made by electronic funds transfer, clauses (i) and (ii) shall be applied by substituting September 25 for September 26, September 28 for September 29, and 2/3 for 11/15.

(E) Special rule where due date falls on Saturday, Sunday, or holiday
Notwithstanding section 7503, if, but for this subparagraph, the due date under this paragraph would fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday (as defined in section 7503), such due date shall be the immediately preceding day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or such a holiday (or the immediately following day where the due date described in subparagraph (D) falls on a Sunday).

(3) Payment by electronic fund transfer
Any person who in any 12-month period, ending December 31, was liable for a gross amount equal to or exceeding $5,000,000 in taxes imposed on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes by section 5701 (or 7652) shall pay such taxes during the succeeding calendar year by electronic fund transfer (as defined in section 5061 (e)(2)) to a Federal Reserve Bank. Rules similar to the rules of section 5061 (e)(3) shall apply to the $5,000,000 amount specified in the preceding sentence.

(c) Use of government depositaries
The Secretary may authorize Federal Reserve banks, and incorporated banks or trust companies which are depositaries or financial agents of the United States, to receive any tax imposed by this chapter, in such manner, at such times, and under such conditions as he may prescribe; and he shall prescribe the manner, time, and condition under which the receipt of such tax by such banks and trust companies is to be treated as payment for tax purposes.

(d) Assessment
Whenever any tax required to be paid by this chapter is not paid in full at the time required for such payment, it shall be the duty of the Secretary, subject to the limitations prescribed in section 6501, on proof satisfactory to him, to determine the amount of tax which has been omitted to be paid, and to make an assessment therefor against the person liable for the tax. The tax so assessed shall be in addition to the penalties imposed by law for failure to pay such tax when required. Except in cases where delay may jeopardize collection of the tax, or where the amount is nominal or the result of an evident mathematical error, no such assessment shall be made until and after the person liable for the tax has been afforded reasonable notice and opportunity to show cause, in writing, against such assessment.

26 USC 5704 - Exemption from tax

(a) Tobacco products furnished for employee use or experimental purposes
Tobacco products may be furnished by a manufacturer of such products, without payment of tax, for use or consumption by employees or for experimental purposes, in such quantities, and in such manner as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribed.

(b) Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes transferred or removed in bond from domestic factories and export warehouses
A manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor may transfer tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, without payment of tax, to the bonded premises of another manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor, or remove such articles, without payment of tax, for shipment to a foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, or for consumption beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States; and manufacturers may similarly remove such articles for use of the United States; in accordance with such regulations and under such bonds as the Secretary shall prescribe. Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes may not be transferred or removed under this subsection unless such products or papers and tubes bear such marks, labels, or notices as the Secretary shall by regulations prescribe.

(c) Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes released in bond from customs custody
Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, imported or brought into the United States, may be released from customs custody, without payment of tax, for delivery to the proprietor of an export warehouse, or to a manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes if such articles are not put up in packages, in accordance with such regulations and under such bond as the Secretary shall prescribe.

(d) Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes exported and returned
Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes classifiable under item 804.00 of title I of the Tariff Act of 1930 (relating to duty on certain articles previously exported and returned) may be released from customs custody, without payment of that part of the duty attributable to the internal revenue tax for delivery to the original manufacturer of such tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes or to the proprietor of an export warehouse authorized by such manufacturer to receive such articles, in accordance with such regulations and under such bond as the Secretary shall prescribe. Upon such release such products, papers, and tubes shall be subject to this chapter as if they had not been exported or otherwise removed from internal-revenue bond.

26 USC 5705 - Credit, refund, or allowance of tax

(a) Credit or refund
Credit or refund of any tax imposed by this chapter or section 7652 shall be allowed or made (without interest) to the manufacturer, importer, or export warehouse proprietor, on proof satisfactory to the Secretary that the claimant manufacturer, importer, or export warehouse proprietor has paid the tax on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes withdrawn by him from the market; or on such articles lost (otherwise than by theft) or destroyed, by fire, casualty, or act of God, while in the possession of ownership of the claimant.

(b) Allowance
If the tax has not yet been paid on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes provided to have been withdrawn from the market or lost or destroyed as aforesaid, relief from the tax on such articles may be extended upon the filing of a claim for allowance therefor in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe.

(c) Limitation
Any claim for credit or refund of tax under this section shall be filed within 6 months after the date of the withdrawal from the market, loss, or destruction of the articles to which the claim relates, and shall be in such form and contain such information as the Secretary shall by regulations prescribe.

26 USC 5706 - Drawback of tax

There shall be an allowance of drawback of tax paid on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, when shipped from the United States, in accordance with such regulations and upon the filing of such bond as the Secretary shall prescribe.

26 USC 5707 - Repealed. Pub. L. 8944, title V, 501(g), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 150]

Section, acts Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 709; Mar. 30, 1955, ch. 18, 3(b)(3), 69 Stat. 15; Mar. 29, 1956, ch. 115, 3(b)(3), 70 Stat. 67; Mar. 29, 1957, Pub. L. 85–12, § 3(b)(3), 71 Stat. 10; June 30, 1958, Pub. L. 85–475, § 3(b)(3), 72 Stat. 259; Sept. 2, 1958, Pub. L. 85–859, title II, § 202, 72 Stat. 1419; June 30, 1959, Pub. L. 86–75, § 3(b)(2), 73 Stat. 158; June 30, 1960, Pub. L. 86–564, title II, § 202(b)(2), 74 Stat. 291; June 30, 1961, Pub. L. 87–72, § 3(b)(2), 75 Stat. 193; June 28, 1962, Pub. L. 87–508, § 3(b)(2), 76 Stat. 114; June 29, 1963, Pub. L. 88–52, § 3(b)(1)(B), 77 Stat. 72; June 30, 1964, Pub. L. 88–348, § 2(b)(1)(B), 78 Stat. 237, made provision for floor stocks refunds on cigarettes, set limitations on eligibility for credit or refunds, and made applicable existing penalty and administrative procedures.

26 USC 5708 - Losses caused by disaster

(a) Authorization
Where the President has determined under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, that a major disaster as defined in such Act has occurred in any part of the United States, the Secretary shall pay (without interest) an amount equal to the amount of the internal revenue taxes paid or determined and customs duties paid on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes removed, which were lost, rendered unmarketable, or condemned by a duly authorized official by reason of such disaster occurring in such part of the United States on and after the effective date of this section, if such tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes were held and intended for sale at the time of such disaster. The payments authorized by this section shall be made to the person holding such tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes for sale at the time of the disaster.

(b) Claims
No claim shall be allowed under this section unless

(1) filed within 6 months after the date on which the President makes the determination that the disaster referred to in subsection (a) has occurred; and

(2) the claimant furnishes proof to the satisfaction of the Secretary that

(A) he was not indemnified by any valid claim of insurance or otherwise in respect of the tax, or tax and duty, on the tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes covered by the claim, and

(B) he is entitled to payment under this section.

Claims under this section shall be filed under such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe.

(c) Destruction of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes
Before the Secretary makes payment under this section in respect of the tax, or tax and duty, on the tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes condemned by a duly authorized official or rendered unmarketable, such tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes shall be destroyed under such supervision as the Secretary may prescribe, unless such tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes were previously destroyed under supervision satisfactory to the Secretary.

(d) Other laws applicable
All provisions of law, including penalties, applicable in respect of internal revenue taxes on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes shall, insofar as applicable and not inconsistent with this section, be applied in respect of the payments provided for in this section to the same extent as if such payments constituted refunds of such taxes.

Subchapter B - Qualification Requirements for Manufacturers and Importers of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes, and Export Warehouse Proprietors

26 USC 5711 - Bond

(a) When required
Every person, before commencing business as a manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes, or as an export warehouse proprietor, shall file such bond, conditioned upon compliance with this chapter and regulations issued thereunder, in such form, amount, and manner as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe. A new or additional bond may be required whenever the Secretary considers such action necessary for the protection of the revenue.

(b) Approval or disapproval
No person shall engage in such business until he receives notice of approval of such bond. A bond may be disapproved, upon notice to the principal on the bond, if the Secretary determines that the bond is not adequate to protect the revenue.

(c) Cancellation
Any bond filed hereunder may be canceled, upon notice to the principal on the bond, whenever the Secretary determines that the bond no longer adequately protects the revenue.

26 USC 5712 - Application for permit

Every person, before commencing business as a manufacturer or importer of tobacco products or as an export warehouse proprietor, and at such other time as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe, shall make application for the permit provided for in section 5713. The application shall be in such form as the Secretary shall prescribe and shall set forth, truthfully and accurately, the information called for on the form. Such application may be rejected and the permit denied if the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for hearing, find that

(1) the premises on which it is proposed to conduct the business are not adequate to protect the revenue;

(2) the activity proposed to be carried out at such premises does not meet such minimum capacity or activity requirements as the Secretary may prescribe,^[1] or

(3) such person (including, in the case of a corporation, any officer, director, or principal stockholder and, in the case of a partnership, a partner) is, by reason of his business experience, financial standing, or trade connections, not likely to maintain operations in compliance with this chapter, or has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application therefor.

[1] So in original. The comma probably should be a semicolon.

26 USC 5713 - Permit

(a) Issuance
A person shall not engage in business as a manufacturer or importer of tobacco products or as an export warehouse proprietor without a permit to engage in such business. Such permit, conditioned upon compliance with this chapter and regulations issued thereunder, shall be issued in such form and in such manner as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe, to every person properly qualified under sections 5711 and 5712. A new permit may be required at such other time as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe.

(b) Revocation
If the Secretary has reason to believe that any person holding a permit has not in good faith complied with this chapter, or with any other provision of this title involving intent to defraud, or has violated the conditions of such permit, or has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application for such permit, or has failed to maintain his premises in such manner as to protect the revenue, the Secretary shall issue an order, stating the facts charged, citing such person to show cause why his permit should not be suspended or revoked. If, after hearing, the Secretary finds that such person has not in good faith complied with this chapter or with any other provision of this title involving intent to defraud, has violated the conditions of such permit, has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application therefor, or has failed to maintain his premises in such manner as to protect the revenue, such permit shall be suspended for such period as the Secretary deems proper or shall be revoked.

Subchapter C - Operations by Manufacturers and Importers of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes and Export Warehouse Proprietors

26 USC 5721 - Inventories

Every manufacturer or importer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes, and every export warehouse proprietor, shall make a true and accurate inventory at the time of commencing business, at the time of concluding business, and at such other times, in such manner and form, and to include such items, as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe. Such inventories shall be subject to verification by any internal revenue officer.

26 USC 5722 - Reports

Every manufacturer or importer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes, and every export warehouse proprietor, shall make reports containing such information, in such form, at such times, and for such periods as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe.

26 USC 5723 - Packages, marks, labels, and notices

(a) Packages
All tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes shall, before removal, be put up in such packages as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe.

(b) Marks, labels, and notices
Every package of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes shall, before removal, bear the marks, labels, and notices if any, that the Secretary by regulation prescribes.

(c) Lottery features
No certificate, coupon, or other device purporting to be or to represent a ticket, chance, share, or an interest in, or dependent on, the event of a lottery shall be contained in, attached to, or stamped, marked, written, or printed on any package of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes.

(d) Indecent or immoral material prohibited
No indecent or immoral picture, print, or representation shall be contained in, attached to, or stamped, marked, written, or printed on any package of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes.

(e) Exceptions
Tobacco products furnished by manufacturers of such products for use or consumption by their employees, or for experimental purposes, and tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes transferred to the bonded premises of another manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor or released in bond from customs custody for deliver to a manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes, may be exempted from subsection (a) and (b) in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe.

Subchapter D - Occupational Tax

26 USC 5731 - Imposition and rate of tax

(a) General rule
Every person engaged in business as

(1) a manufacturer of tobacco products,

(2) a manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes, or

(3) an export warehouse proprietor,

shall pay a tax of $1,000 per year in respect of each premises at which such business is carried on.

(b) Reduced rates for small proprietors

(1) In general
Subsection (a) shall be applied by substituting $500 for $1,000 with respect to any taxpayer the gross receipts of which (for the most recent taxable year ending before the 1st day of the taxable period to which the tax imposed by subsection (a) relates) are less than $500,000.

(2) Controlled group rules
All persons treated as 1 taxpayer under section 5061 (e)(3) shall be treated as 1 taxpayer for purposes of paragraph (1).

(3) Certain rules to apply
For purposes of paragraph (1), rules similar to the rules of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 448 (c)(3) shall apply.

(c) Certain occupational tax rules to apply
Rules similar to the rules of subpart G of part II of subchapter A of chapter 51 shall apply for purposes of this section.

(d) Penalty for failure to register
Any person engaged in a business referred to in subsection (a) who willfully fails to pay the tax imposed by subsection (a) shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both, for each such offense.

Subchapter E - Records of Manufacturers and Importers of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes, and Export Warehouse Proprietors

26 USC 5741 - Records to be maintained

Every manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes, every importer, and every export warehouse proprietor shall keep such records in such manner as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe. The records required under this section shall be available for inspection by any internal revenue officer during business hours.

Subchapter F - General Provisions

26 USC 5751 - Purchase, receipt, possession, or sale of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, after removal

(a) Restriction
No person shall

(1) with intent to defraud the United States, purchase, receive, possess, offer for sale, or sell or otherwise dispose of, after removal, any tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes

(A) upon which the tax has not been paid or determined in the manner and at the time prescribed by this chapter or regulations thereunder; or

(B) which, after removal without payment of tax pursuant to section 5704, have been diverted from the applicable purpose or use specified in that section; or

(2) with intent to defraud the United States, purchase, receive, possess, offer for sale, or sell or otherwise dispose of, after removal, any tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes, which are not put up in packages as required under section 5723 or which are put up in packages not bearing the marks, labels, and notices, as required under such section; or

(3) otherwise than with intent to defraud the United States, purchase, receive, possess, offer for sale, or sell or otherwise dispose of, after removal, any tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes, which are not put up in packages as required under section 5723 or which are put up in packages not bearing the marks, labels, and notices, as required under such section. This paragraph shall not prevent the sale or delivery of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes directly to consumers from proper packages, nor apply to such articles when so sold or delivered.

(b) Liability to tax
Any person who possesses tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes in violation of subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2) shall be liable for a tax equal to the tax on such articles.

26 USC 5752 - Restrictions relating to marks, labels, notices, and packages

No person shall, with intent to defraud the United States, destroy, obliterate, or detach any mark, label, or notice prescribed or authorized, by this chapter or regulations thereunder, to appear on, or be affixed to, any package of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes, before such package is emptied.

26 USC 5753 - Disposal of forfeited, condemned, and abandoned tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes

If it appears that any forfeited, condemned, or abandoned tobacco products, or cigarette papers and tubes, when offered for sale, will not bring a price equal to the tax due and payable thereon, and the expenses incident to the sale thereof, such articles shall not be sold for consumption in the United States but shall be disposed of in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe.

26 USC 5754 - Restriction on importation of previously exported tobacco products

(a) Export-labeled tobacco products

(1) In general
Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes manufactured in the United States and labeled for exportation under this chapter

(A) may be transferred to or removed from the premises of a manufacturer or an export warehouse proprietor only if such articles are being transferred or removed without tax in accordance with section 5704;

(B) may be imported or brought into the United States, after their exportation, only if such articles either are eligible to be released from customs custody with the partial duty exemption provided in section 5704 (d) or are returned to the original manufacturer of such article as provided in section 5704 (c); and

(C) may not be sold or held for sale for domestic consumption in the United States unless such articles are removed from their export packaging and repackaged by the original manufacturer into new packaging that does not contain an export label.

(2) Alterations by persons other than original manufacturer
This section shall apply to articles labeled for export even if the packaging or the appearance of such packaging to the consumer of such articles has been modified or altered by a person other than the original manufacturer so as to remove or conceal or attempt to remove or conceal (including by the placement of a sticker over) any export label.

(3) Exports include shipments to Puerto Rico
For purposes of this section, section 5704 (d), section 5761, and such other provisions as the Secretary may specify by regulations, references to exportation shall be treated as including a reference to shipment to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

(b) Export label
For purposes of this section, an article is labeled for export or contains an export label if it bears the mark, label, or notice required under section 5704 (b).

(1) For exception to this section for personal use, see section 5761 (d).

(2) For civil penalties related to violations of this section, see section 5761 (c).

(3) For a criminal penalty applicable to any violation of this section, see section 5762 (b).

(4) For forfeiture provisions related to violations of this section, see section 5761 (c).

Subchapter G - Penalties and Forfeitures

26 USC 5761 - Civil penalties

(a) Omitting things required or doing things forbidden
Whoever willfully omits, neglects, or refuses to comply with any duty imposed upon him by this chapter, or to do, or cause to be done, any of the things required by this chapter, or does anything prohibited by this chapter, shall in addition to any other penalty provided in this title, be liable to a penalty of $1,000, to be recovered, with costs of suit, in a civil action, except where a penalty under subsection (b) or (c) or under section 6651 or 6653 or part II of subchapter A of chapter 68 may be collected from such person by assessment.

(b) Failure to pay tax
Whoever fails to pay any tax imposed by this chapter at the time prescribed by law or regulations, shall, in addition to any other penalty provided in this title, be liable to a penalty of 5 percent of the tax due but unpaid.

(c) Sale of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes for export
Except as provided in subsections (b) and (d) of section 5704

(1) every person who sells, relands, or receives within the jurisdiction of the United States any tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes which have been labeled or shipped for exportation under this chapter,

(2) every person who sells or receives such relanded tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes, and

(3) every person who aids or abets in such selling, relanding, or receiving,

shall, in addition to the tax and any other penalty provided in this title, be liable for a penalty equal to the greater of $1,000 or 5 times the amount of the tax imposed by this chapter. All tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes relanded within the jurisdiction of the United States shall be forfeited to the United States and destroyed. All vessels, vehicles, and aircraft used in such relanding or in removing such products, papers, and tubes from the place where relanded, shall be forfeited to the United States. This subsection and section 5754 shall not apply to any person who relands or receives tobacco products in the quantity allowed entry free of tax and duty under subchapter IV of chapter 98 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. No quantity of tobacco products other than the quantity referred to in the preceding sentence may be relanded or received as a personal use quantity.

(d) Personal use quantities

(1) In general
No quantity of tobacco products other than the quantity referred to in paragraph (2) may be relanded or received as a personal use quantity.

(2) Exception for personal use quantity
Subsection (c) and section 5754 shall not apply to any person who relands or receives tobacco products in the quantity allowed entry free of tax and duty under chapter 98 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, and such person may voluntarily relinquish to the Secretary at the time of entry any excess of such quantity without incurring the penalty under subsection (c).

(3) Special rule for delivery sales

(A) In general
Paragraph (2) shall not apply to any tobacco product sold in connection with a delivery sale.

(B) Delivery sale
For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term delivery sale means any sale of a tobacco product to a consumer if

(i) the consumer submits the order for such sale by means of a telephone or other method of voice transmission, the mail, or the Internet or other online service, or the seller is otherwise not in the physical presence of the buyer when the request for purchase or order is made, or

(ii) the tobacco product is delivered by use of a common carrier, private delivery service, or the mail, or the seller is not in the physical presence of the buyer when the buyer obtains personal possession of the tobacco product.

(e) Applicability of section 6665
The penalties imposed by subsections (b) and (c) shall be assessed, collected, and paid in the same manner as taxes, as provided in section 6665 (a).

(f) Cross references
For penalty for failure to make deposits or for overstatement of deposits, see section 6656.

26 USC 5762 - Criminal penalties

(a) Fraudulent offenses
Whoever, with intent to defraud the United States

(1) Engaging in business unlawfully
Engages in business as a manufacturer or importer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes, or as an export warehouse proprietor, without filing the bond and obtaining the permit where required by this chapter or regulations thereunder; or

(2) Failing to furnish information or furnishing false information
Fails to keep or make any record, return, report, or inventory, or keeps or makes any false or fraudulent record, return, report, or inventory, required by this chapter or regulations thereunder; or

(3) Refusing to pay or evading tax
Refuses to pay any tax imposed by this chapter, or attempts in any manner to evade or defeat the tax or the payment thereof; or

(4) Removing tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes unlawfully
Removes, contrary to this chapter or regulations thereunder, any tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes subject to tax under this chapter; or

(5) Purchasing, receiving, possessing, or selling tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes unlawfully
Violates any provision of section 5751 (a)(1) or (a)(2); or

(6) Destroying, obliterating, or detaching marks, labels, or notices before packages are emptied
Violates any provision of section 5752;

shall, for each such offense, be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.

(b) Other offenses
Whoever, otherwise than as provided in subsection (a), violates any provision of this chapter, or of regulations prescribed thereunder, shall, for each such offense, be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

26 USC 5763 - Forfeitures

(a) Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes unlawfully possessed

(1) Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes possessed with intent to defraud
All tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes which, after removal, are possessed with intent to defraud the United States shall be forfeited to the United States.

(2) Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes not property packaged
All tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes not in packages as required under section 5723 or which are in packages not bearing the marks, labels, and notices, as required under such section, which, after removal, are possessed otherwise than with intent to defraud the United States, shall be forfeited to the United States. This paragraph shall not apply to tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes sold or delivered directly to consumers from proper packages.

(b) Personal property of qualified manufacturers, qualified importers, and export warehouse proprietors, acting with intent to defraud
All tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, packages, machinery, fixtures, equipment, and all other materials and personal property on the premises of any qualified manufacturer or importer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes, or export warehouse proprietor, who, with intent to defraud the United States, fails to keep or make any record, return, report, or inventory, or keeps or makes any false or fraudulent record, return, report, or inventory, required by this chapter; or refuses to pay any tax imposed by this chapter, or attempts in any manner to evade or defeat the tax or the payment thereof; or removes, contrary to any provision of this chapter, any article subject to tax under this chapter, shall be forfeited to the United States.

(c) Real and personal property of illicit operators
All tobacco products, cigarette papers and tubes, machinery, fixtures, equipment, and other materials and personal property on the premises of any person engaged in business as a manufacturer or importer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes, or export warehouse proprietor, without filing the bond or obtaining the permit, as required by this chapter, together with all his right, title, and interest in the building in which such business is conducted, and the lot or tract of ground on which the building is located, shall be forfeited to the United States.

(d) General
All property intended for use in violating the provisions of this chapter, or regulations thereunder, or which has been so used, shall be forfeited to the United States as provided in section 7302.