26 USC Subtitle D, CHAPTER 36, Subchapter D: Tax on Use of Certain Vehicles

From Title 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODESubtitle D—Miscellaneous Excise TaxesCHAPTER 36—CERTAIN OTHER EXCISE TAXES

Subchapter D—Tax on Use of Certain Vehicles

Sec.

4481.

Imposition of tax.

4482.

Definitions.

4483.

Exemptions.

4484.

Cross references.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1983—Pub. L. 97–473, title II, §202(b)(11), Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2610, substituted "Cross references" for "Cross reference" in item 4484.

1956—Act June 29, 1956, ch. 462, title II, §206(a), 70 Stat. 389, added subchapter heading and analysis of sections.

§4481. Imposition of tax

(a) Imposition of tax

A tax is hereby imposed on the use of any highway motor vehicle which (together with the semitrailers and trailers customarily used in connection with highway motor vehicles of the same type as such highway motor vehicle) has a taxable gross weight of at least 55,000 pounds at the rate specified in the following table:


Taxable gross weight:	Rate of tax:
At least 55,000 pounds, but not over 75,000 pounds	$100 per year plus $22 for each 1,000 pounds (or fraction thereof) in excess of 55,000 pounds.
Over 75,000 pounds	$550.

(b) By whom paid

The tax imposed by this section shall be paid by the person in whose name the highway motor vehicle is, or is required to be, registered under the law of the State or contiguous foreign country in which such vehicle is, or is required to be, registered, or, in case the highway motor vehicle is owned by the United States, by the agency or instrumentality of the United States operating such vehicle.

(c) Proration of tax

(1) Where first use occurs after first month

If in any taxable period the first use of the highway motor vehicle is after the first month in such period, the tax shall be reckoned proportionately from the first day of the month in which such use occurs to and including the last day in such taxable period.

(2) Where vehicle sold, destroyed, or stolen

(A) In general

If in any taxable period a highway motor vehicle is sold, destroyed, or stolen before the first day of the last month in such period and not subsequently used during such taxable period, the tax shall be reckoned proportionately from the first day of the month in such period in which the first use of such highway motor vehicle occurs to and including the last day of the month in which such highway motor vehicle was sold, destroyed, or stolen.

(B) Destroyed

For purposes of subparagraph (A), a highway motor vehicle is destroyed if such vehicle is damaged by reason of an accident or other casualty to such an extent that it is not economic to rebuild.

(d) One tax liability per period

To the extent that the tax imposed by this section is paid with respect to any highway motor vehicle for any taxable period, no further tax shall be imposed by this section for such taxable period with respect to such vehicle.

(e) Electronic filing

Any taxpayer who files a return under this section with respect to 25 or more vehicles for any taxable period shall file such return electronically.

(f) Period tax in effect

The tax imposed by this section shall apply only to use before October 1, 2029.

(Added June 29, 1956, ch. 462, title II, §206(a), 70 Stat. 390; amended Pub. L. 87–61, title II, §203(a), (b)(1), (2)(A), (B), June 29, 1961, 75 Stat. 124; Pub. L. 91–605, title III, §303(a)(7), (8), Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1744; Pub. L. 94–280, title III, §303(a)(7), (8), May 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 456; Pub. L. 95–599, title V, §502(a)(6), (7), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2756; Pub. L. 97–424, title V, §§513(a), (d), 516(a)(4), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2177, 2179, 2182; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title VII, §734(f), title IX, §901(a), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 980, 1003; Pub. L. 100–17, title V, §§502(a)(5), 507(a), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 256, 260; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11211(c)(5), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–426; Pub. L. 102–240, title VIII, §8002(a)(5), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 2203; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1704(t)(57), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1890; Pub. L. 105–178, title IX, §9002(a)(1)(G), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 499; Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, §867(a), (c), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1622; Pub. L. 109–14, §9(c)(1), May 31, 2005, 119 Stat. 336; Pub. L. 109–59, title XI, §11101(a)(2)(A), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1944; Pub. L. 112–30, title I, §142(b)(1), Sept. 16, 2011, 125 Stat. 356; Pub. L. 112–102, title IV, §402(b)(1), Mar. 30, 2012, 126 Stat. 282; Pub. L. 112–141, div. D, title I, §40102(b)(1)(A), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 844; Pub. L. 114–94, div. C, title XXXI, §31102(b)(1), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1727; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(b)(43), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1204; Pub. L. 117–58, div. H, title I, §80102(b)(1), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1327.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 117–58 substituted "2029" for "2023".

2018—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–141 amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(1) In general.—To the extent that the tax imposed by this section is paid with respect to any highway motor vehicle for any taxable period, no further tax shall be imposed by this section for such taxable period with respect to such vehicle.

"(2) Cross reference.—For privilege of paying tax imposed by this section in installments, see section 6156."

2015—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–94 substituted "2023" for "2017".

2012—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 112–141 substituted "2017" for "2013".

Pub. L. 112–102 substituted "2013" for "2012".

2011—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 112–30 substituted "2012" for "2011".

2005—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–59 substituted "2011" for "2006".

Pub. L. 109–14 substituted "2006" for "2005".

2004—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 108–357, §867(a)(2), substituted "sold, destroyed, or stolen" for "destroyed or stolen" in heading.

Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 108–357, §867(a)(1), substituted "sold, destroyed, or stolen" for "destroyed or stolen" in two places.

Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 108–357, §867(c), added subsec. (e) and redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f).

1998—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–178 substituted "2005" for "1999".

1996—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–188 provided that section 8002(a)(5) of Pub. L. 102–240 shall be applied as if "4481(e)" appeared instead of "4481(c)". See 1991 Amendment note below.

1991—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–240, which directed the substitution of "1999" for "1995" in subsec. (c), was executed by making the substitution in subsec. (e). See 1996 Amendment note above.

1990—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–508 substituted "1995" for "1993".

1987—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–17, §507(a), inserted "or contiguous foreign country" after "State".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–17, §502(a)(5), substituted "1993" for "1988".

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–369, §901(a), in amending subsec. (a) generally, substituted "55,000" for "33,000" in provisions preceding table, struck out heading "(1) In general", substituted table provisions for former table which provided:


Taxable gross weight		Rate of tax
At least	But less than	Rate of tax
33,000 pounds	55,000	$50 a year, plus $25 for each 1,000 pounds or fraction thereof in excess of 33,000 pounds.
55,000 pounds	80,000	$600 a year, plus the applicable rate for each 1,000 pounds or fraction thereof in excess of 55,000 pounds
80,000 pounds or more		The maximum tax a year.

and struck out par. (2) which provided applicable rates and maximum taxes for taxable periods beginning July 1, 1984 through 1988 or thereafter.

Pub. L. 98–369, §734(f), struck out from subsec. (a), as subsec. (a) was in effect before the amendments made by section 513(a) of Pub. L. 97–424: "In case of the taxable period beginning on July 1, 1984, and ending on September 30, 1984, the tax shall be at the rate of 75 cents for such period for each 1,000 pounds of taxable gross weight or fraction thereof." See 1983 Amendment note below.

1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–424, §513(a), substituted "at least 33,000 pounds at the rate specified in the following table:" for "more than 26,000 pounds, at the rate of $3.00 a year for each 1,000 pounds of taxable gross weight or fraction thereof.", and added pars. (1) and (2).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–424, §513(d), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 97–424, §516(a)(4), substituted "1988" for "1984" after "October 1,".

1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–599, §502(a)(6), substituted "1984" for "1979" in two places.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 95–599, §502(a)(7), substituted "1984" for "1979".

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–280, §303(a)(7), substituted "1979" for "1977" in two places.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 94–280, §303(a)(8), substituted "1979" for "1977".

1970—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 91–605, §303(a)(7), substituted "1977" for "1972" in two places.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 91–605, §303(a)(8), substituted "1977" for "1972".

1961—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 87–61, §203(a), (b)(2)(A), increased rate of tax from $1.50 to $3.00 a year, and provided for a tax at the rate of 75 cents for each 1,000 pounds during the period beginning on July 1, 1972, and ending on September 30, 1972.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–61, §203(b)(2)(B), substituted "any taxable period" for "any year", "after the first month in such period" for "after July 31", and "the last day in such taxable period" for "the last day of June following".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 87–61, §203(b)(2)(B), made conforming changes to refer to payment of tax for a taxable period instead of payment for a year, and inserted cross reference to section 6156.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 87–61, §203(b)(1), substituted "before October 1, 1972" for "after June 30, 1956, and before July 1, 1972".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–58 effective Oct. 1, 2021, see section 80102(f) of Pub. L. 117–58, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2016, see section 31102(f) of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–141 effective July 1, 2012, see section 40102(f) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–102 effective Apr. 1, 2012, see section 402(f) of Pub. L. 112–102, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–30 effective Oct. 1, 2011, see section 142(f) of Pub. L. 112–30, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 2005 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–14, §9(d), May 31, 2005, 119 Stat. 336, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 4482, 4483, 9503, and 9504 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [May 31, 2005]."

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, §867(e), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1622, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 4483 of this title and repealing section 6156 of this title] shall apply to taxable periods beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 2004]."

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–17, title V, §507(d), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 260, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and section 4483 of this title] shall take effect on July 1, 1987."

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by section 734(f) of Pub. L. 98–369 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Highway Revenue Act of 1982, title V of Pub. L. 97–424, to which such amendment relates, see section 736 of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 4051 of this title.

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IX, §901(c), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1004, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] (and the provisions of subsection (b) [set out below]) shall take effect on July 1, 1984."

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–424, title V, §513(f), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2179, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 4482 and 4483 of this title and enacting provisions set out below] shall take effect on July 1, 1984.

"(2) Special rule in the case of certain owner-operators.—

"(A) In general.—In the case of a small owner-operator, paragraph (1) of this subsection and paragraph (2) of section 4481(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954] (as added by this section) shall be applied by substituting for each date contained in such paragraphs a date which is 1 year after the date so contained.

"(B) Small owner-operator.—For purposes of this paragraph, the term "small owner-operator" means any person who owns and operates at any time during the taxable period no more than 5 highway motor vehicles with respect to which a tax is imposed by section 4481 of such Code for such taxable period.

"[No subpar. (C) has been enacted.]

"(D) Aggregation of vehicle ownerships.—For purposes of subparagraph (B), all highway motor vehicles with respect to which a tax is imposed by section 4481 of such Code which are owned by—

"(i) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is under common control with the taxpayer (within the meaning of section 52(b)), or

"(ii) any member of any controlled groups of corporations of which the taxpayer is a member, for any taxable period shall be treated as being owned by the taxpayer during such period. The Secretary shall prescribe regulations which provide attribution rules that take into account, in addition to the persons and entities described in the preceding sentence, taxpayers who own highway motor vehicles through partnerships, joint ventures, and corporations.

"(E) Controlled groups of corporations.—For purposes of this paragraph, the term 'controlled group of corporations' has the meaning given to such term by section 1563(a), except that—

"(i) 'more than 50 percent' shall be substituted for 'at least 80 percent' each place it appears in section 1563(a)(1), and

"(ii) the determination shall be made without regard to subsections (a)(4) and (e)(3)(C) of section 1563.

"(F) Highway motor vehicles.—For purposes of this paragraph, the term 'highway motor vehicle' has the meaning given to such term by section 4482(a) of such Code."

Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–61 effective July 1, 1961, see section 208 of Pub. L. 87–61, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective June 29, 1956, see section 211 of act June 29, 1956, set out as an Effective Date of 1956 Amendment note under section 4041 of this title.

Regulations

Pub. L. 100–17, title V, §507(c), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 260, provided that: "The Secretary of the Treasury or the delegate of the Secretary shall within 120 days after the date of the enactment of this section [Apr. 2, 1987] prescribe regulations governing payment of the tax imposed by section 4481 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 on any highway motor vehicle operated by a motor carrier domiciled in any contiguous foreign country or owned or controlled by persons of any contiguous foreign country. Such regulations shall include a procedure by which the operator of such motor vehicle shall evidence that such operator has paid such tax at the time such motor vehicle enters the United States. In the event of the failure to provide evidence of payment, such regulations may provide for denial of entry of such motor vehicle into the United States."

Savings Provision

For provisions that nothing in amendment by Pub. L. 115–141 be construed to affect treatment of certain transactions occurring, property acquired, or items of income, loss, deduction, or credit taken into account prior to Mar. 23, 2018, for purposes of determining liability for tax for periods ending after Mar. 23, 2018, see section 401(e) of Pub. L. 115–141, set out as a note under section 23 of this title.

Special Rules in the Case of Certain Owner-Operators

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IX, §901(b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1003, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, provided that:

"(1) Special rule for taxable period beginning on july 1, 1984.—In the case of a small owner-operator, the amount of the tax imposed by section 4481 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954] on the use of any highway motor vehicle subject to tax under section 4481(a) of such Code (as amended by subsection (a)) for the taxable period which begins on July 1, 1984, shall be the lesser of—

"(A) $3 for each 1,000 pounds of taxable gross weight (or fraction thereof), or

"(B) the amount of the tax which would be imposed under such section 4481(a) without regard to this paragraph.

"(2) Exemption for vehicles used for less than 5,000 miles (and certain other amendments) to take effect on july 1, 1984.—In the case of a small owner-operator, notwithstanding subsection (f)(2) of section 513 of the Highway Revenue Act of 1982 [section 513(f)(2) of Pub. L. 97–424, set out as an Effective Date of 1983 Amendment note above], the amendments made by subsections (b), (c), and (d) of such section [amending sections 4481 to 4483 of this title] shall take effect on July 1, 1984.

"(3) Small owner-operator defined.—For purposes of this subsection, the term 'small owner-operator' has the meaning given such term by section 513(f)(2) of the Highway Revenue Act of 1982.

"(4) Taxable gross weight.—For purposes of this subsection, the term 'taxable gross weight' has the same meaning as when used in section 4481 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986."

Studies Relating to Heavy Vehicle Use Tax

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IX, subtitle D, part I, July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1010, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, provided that the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, would conduct a study of whether highway motor vehicles with taxable gross weights of 80,000 pounds or more bear their fair share of the costs of the highway system, a study to determine the significance of the tax imposed by this section (relating to tax on use of certain vehicles) on trans-border trucking operations, and a study to evaluate the feasibility and ability of weight-distance truck taxes to provide the greatest degree of equity among highway users, to ease the costs of compliance of such taxes, and to improve the efficiency by which such taxes might be administered, and submit to Congress a report of each study, together with any recommendations, by Oct. 1, 1987.

Study of Alternatives to Tax on Use of Heavy Trucks

Pub. L. 97–424, title V, §513(g), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2180, provided that the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, conduct a study of alternatives to the tax on heavy vehicles imposed by section 4481(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, and plans for improving the collecting and enforcement of such tax and alternatives to such tax, such alternatives to include taxes based either singly or in suitable combinations on vehicle size or configuration; vehicle weight, both registered and actual operating weight; and distance traveled, and such plans for improving tax collection and enforcement to provide for Federal and State co-operation in such activities. The study was to be conducted in consultation with State officials, motor carriers, and other affected parties, and the Secretary of Transportation was to submit a report and recommendations to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate not later than Jan. 1, 1985.

§4482. Definitions

(a) Highway motor vehicle

For purposes of this subchapter, the term "highway motor vehicle" means any motor vehicle which is a highway vehicle.

(b) Taxable gross weight

For purposes of this subchapter, the term "taxable gross weight", when used with respect to any highway motor vehicle, means the sum of—

(1) the actual unloaded weight of—

(A) such highway motor vehicle fully equipped for service, and

(B) the semitrailers and trailers (fully equipped for service) customarily used in connection with highway motor vehicles of the same type as such highway motor vehicle, and

(2) the weight of the maximum load customarily carried on highway motor vehicles of the same type as such highway motor vehicle and on the semitrailers and trailers referred to in paragraph (1)(B).

Taxable gross weight shall be determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary (which regulations may include formulas or other methods for determining the taxable gross weight of vehicles by classes, specifications, or otherwise).

(c) Other definitions and special rule

For purposes of this subchapter—

(1) State

The term "State" means a State and the District of Columbia.

(2) Year

The term "year" means the one-year period beginning on July 1.

(3) Use

The term "use" means use in the United States on the public highways.

(4) Taxable period

The term "taxable period" means any year beginning before July 1, 2029, and the period which begins on July 1, 2029, and ends at the close of September 30, 2029.

(5) Customary use

A semitrailer or trailer shall be treated as customarily used in connection with a highway motor vehicle if such vehicle is equipped to tow such semitrailer or trailer.

(d) Special rule for taxable period in which termination date occurs

In the case of the taxable period which ends on September 30, 2029, the amount of the tax imposed by section 4481 with respect to any highway motor vehicle shall be determined by reducing each dollar amount in the table contained in section 4481(a) by 75 percent.

(Added June 29, 1956, ch. 462, title II, §206(a), 70 Stat. 390; amended Pub. L. 87–61, title II, §203(b)(2)(C), June 29, 1961, 75 Stat. 125; Pub. L. 91–605, title III, §303(a)(9), Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1744; Pub. L. 94–280, title III, §303(a)(9), May 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 456; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §§1904(c), 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1818, 1834; Pub. L. 95–599, title V, §502(a)(8), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2756; Pub. L. 97–424, title V, §§513(c), (e), 516(a)(4), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2179, 2182; Pub. L. 100–17, title V, §502(a)(5), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 256; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11211(c)(5), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–426; Pub. L. 102–240, title VIII, §8002(a)(5), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 2203; Pub. L. 105–178, title IX, §9002(a)(1)(H), (I), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 499; Pub. L. 109–14, §9(c)(2), (3), May 31, 2005, 119 Stat. 336; Pub. L. 109–59, title XI, §11101(a)(2)(B), (C), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1944; Pub. L. 112–30, title I, §142(b)(2), Sept. 16, 2011, 125 Stat. 356; Pub. L. 112–102, title IV, §402(b)(2), Mar. 30, 2012, 126 Stat. 282; Pub. L. 112–140, title IV, §402(e), June 29, 2012, 126 Stat. 403; Pub. L. 112–141, div. D, title I, §40102(b)(1)(B), (2)(A), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 845; Pub. L. 114–94, div. C, title XXXI, §31102(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1727; Pub. L. 117–58, div. H, title I, §80102(b)(2), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1327.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsecs. (c)(4), (d). Pub. L. 117–58 substituted "2029" for "2023" wherever appearing.

2015—Subsecs. (c)(4), (d). Pub. L. 114–94 substituted "2023" for "2017" wherever appearing.

2012—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 112–141, §40102(b)(2)(A), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The term 'taxable period' means any year beginning before July 1, 2013, and the period which begins on July 1, 2013, and ends at the close of September 30, 2013."

Pub. L. 112–140, §§1(c), 402(e), temporarily amended par. (4) generally, resulting in text identical to that after amendment by Pub. L. 112–102. See Amendment and Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment notes below.

Pub. L. 112–102 substituted "2013" for "2012" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–141, §40102(b)(1)(B), substituted "2017" for "2013".

Pub. L. 112–102 substituted "2013" for "2012".

2011—Subsecs. (c)(4), (d). Pub. L. 112–30 substituted "2012" for "2011" wherever appearing.

2005—Subsecs. (c)(4), (d). Pub. L. 109–59 substituted "2011" for "2006" wherever appearing.

Pub. L. 109–14 substituted "2006" for "2005" wherever appearing.

1998—Subsecs. (c)(4), (d). Pub. L. 105–178 substituted "2005" for "1999" wherever appearing.

1991—Subsecs. (c)(4), (d). Pub. L. 102–240 substituted "1999" for "1995" wherever appearing.

1990—Subsecs. (c)(4), (d). Pub. L. 101–508 substituted "1995" for "1993" wherever appearing.

1987—Subsecs. (c)(4), (d). Pub. L. 100–17 substituted "1993" for "1988" wherever appearing.

1983—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–424, §513(c)(2), inserted "and special rule" in heading.

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 97–424, §516(a)(4), substituted "1988" for "1984" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 97–424, §513(c)(1), added par. (5).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–424, §513(e), added subsec. (d).

1978—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 95–599 substituted "1984" for "1979" wherever appearing.

1976—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(b)(13)(A), struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 94–455, §1904(c), substituted "State and the District of Columbia" for "State, a Territory of the United States, and the District of Columbia".

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 94–280 substituted "1979" for "1977" wherever appearing.

1970—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 91–605 substituted "1977" for "1972" wherever appearing.

1961—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 87–61 added par. (4).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–58 effective Oct. 1, 2021, see section 80102(f) of Pub. L. 117–58, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2016, see section 31102(f) of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–141, div. D, title I, §40102(b)(2)(B), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 845, provided that: "The amendment made by this paragraph [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the amendments made by section 142 of the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011, Part II [Pub. L. 112–30]."

Amendment by section 40102(b)(1)(B) of Pub. L. 112–141 effective July 1, 2012, see section 40102(f) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–140 to cease to be effective on July 6, 2012, with text as amended by Pub. L. 112–140 to revert back to read as it did on the day before June 29, 2012, and amendments by Pub. L. 112–141 to be executed as if Pub. L. 112–140 had not been enacted, see section 1(c) of Pub. L. 112–140, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 23, Highways.

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–140 effective as if included in section 402 of Pub. L. 112–102, see section 402(f)(2) of Pub. L. 112–140, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–102 effective Apr. 1, 2012, see section 402(f) of Pub. L. 112–102, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–30 effective Oct. 1, 2011, see section 142(f) of Pub. L. 112–30, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by section 513(c), (e) of Pub. L. 97–424 effective July 1, 1984, see section 513(f) of Pub. L. 97–424, set out as a note under section 4481 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by section 1904(c) of Pub. L. 94–455 effective on first day of first month which begins more than 90 days after Oct. 4, 1976, see section 1904(d) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1961 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–61 effective July 1, 1961, see section 208 of Pub. L. 87–61, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Special Rules in the Case of Small Owner-Operators

Amendment by section 513(c) of Pub. L. 97–424 effective July 1, 1984, in the case of a small owner-operator, notwithstanding section 513(f)(2) of Pub. L. 97–424, see section 901(b)(2) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 4481 of this title.

§4483. Exemptions

(a) State and local governmental exemption

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, no tax shall be imposed by section 4481 on the use of any highway motor vehicle by any State or any political subdivision of a State.

(b) Exemption for United States

The Secretary of the Treasury may authorize exemption from the tax imposed by section 4481 as to the use by the United States of any particular highway motor vehicle, or class of highway motor vehicles, if he determines that the imposition of such tax with respect to such use will cause substantial burden or expense which can be avoided by granting tax exemption and that full benefit of such exemption, if granted, will accrue to the United States.

(c) Certain transit-type buses

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, no tax shall be imposed by section 4481 on the use of any bus which is of the transit type (rather than of the intercity type) by a person who, for the last 3 months of the preceding year (or for such other period as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe for purposes of this subsection), met the 60-percent passenger fare revenue test set forth in section 6421(b)(2) (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Energy Tax Act of 1978) as applied to the period prescribed for purposes of this subsection.

(d) Exemption for trucks used for less than 5,000 miles on public highways

(1) Suspension of tax

(A) In general

If—

(i) it is reasonable to expect that the use of any highway motor vehicle on public highways during any taxable period will be less than 5,000 miles, and

(ii) the owner of such vehicle furnishes such information as the Secretary may by forms or regulations require with respect to the expected use of such vehicle,

then the collection of the tax imposed by section 4481 with respect to the use of such vehicle shall be suspended during the taxable period.

(B) Suspension ceases to apply where use exceeds 5,000 miles

Subparagraph (A) shall cease to apply with respect to any highway motor vehicle whenever the use of such vehicle on public highways during the taxable period exceeds 5,000 miles.

(2) Exemption

If—

(A) the collection of the tax imposed by section 4481 with respect to any highway motor vehicle is suspended under paragraph (1),

(B) such vehicle is not used during the taxable period on public highways for more than 5,000 miles, and

(C) except as otherwise provided in regulations, the owner of such vehicle furnishes such information as the Secretary may require with respect to the use of such vehicle during the taxable period,

then no tax shall be imposed by section 4481 on the use of such vehicle for the taxable period.

(3) Refund where tax paid and vehicle not used for more than 5,000 miles

If—

(A) the tax imposed by section 4481 is paid with respect to any highway motor vehicle for any taxable period, and

(B) the requirements of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (2) are met with respect to such taxable period,

the amount of such tax shall be credited or refunded (without interest) to the person who paid such tax.

(4) Relief from liability for tax under certain circumstances where truck is transferred

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the owner of a highway motor vehicle with respect to which the collection of the tax imposed by section 4481 is suspended under paragraph (1) shall not be liable for the tax imposed by section 4481 (and the new owner shall be liable for such tax) with respect to such vehicle if—

(A) such vehicle is transferred to a new owner,

(B) such suspension is in effect at the time of such transfer, and

(C) the old owner furnishes such information as the Secretary by forms and regulations requires with respect to the transfer of such vehicle.

(5) 7,500-miles exemption for agricultural vehicles

(A) In general

In the case of an agricultural vehicle, paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be applied by substituting "7,500" for "5,000" each place it appears.

(B) Definitions

For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) Agricultural vehicle

The term "agricultural vehicle" means any highway motor vehicle—

(I) used primarily for farming purposes, and

(II) registered (under the laws of the State in which such vehicle is required to be registered) as a highway motor vehicle used for farming purposes.

(ii) Farming purposes

The term "farming purposes" means the transporting of any farm commodity to or from a farm or the use directly in agricultural production.

(iii) Farm commodity

The term "farm commodity" means any agricultural or horticultural commodity, feed, seed, fertilizer, livestock, bees, poultry, fur-bearing animals, or wildlife.

(6) Owner defined

For purposes of this subsection, the term "owner" means, with respect to any highway motor vehicle, the person described in section 4481(b).

(e) Reduction in tax for trucks used in logging

The tax imposed by section 4481 shall be reduced by 25 percent with respect to any highway motor vehicle if—

(1) the exclusive use of such vehicle during any taxable period is the transportation, to and from a point located on a forested site, of products harvested from such forested site, and

(2) such vehicle is registered (under the laws of the State in which such vehicle is required to be registered) as a highway motor vehicle used in the transportation of harvested forest products.

[(f) Repealed. Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, §867(d), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1622]

(g) Exemption for mobile machinery

No tax shall be imposed by section 4481 on the use of any vehicle described in section 4053(8).

(h) Exemption for vehicles used in blood collection

(1) In general

No tax shall be imposed by section 4481 on the use of any qualified blood collector vehicle by a qualified blood collector organization.

(2) Qualified blood collector vehicle

For purposes of this subsection, the term "qualified blood collector vehicle" means a vehicle at least 80 percent of the use of which during the prior taxable period was by a qualified blood collector organization in the collection, storage, or transportation of blood.

(3) Special rule for vehicles first placed in service in a taxable period

In the case of a vehicle first placed in service in a taxable period, a vehicle shall be treated as a qualified blood collector vehicle for such taxable period if such qualified blood collector organization certifies to the Secretary that the organization reasonably expects at least 80 percent of the use of such vehicle by the organization during such taxable period will be in the collection, storage, or transportation of blood.

(4) Qualified blood collector organization

The term "qualified blood collector organization" has the meaning given such term by section 7701(a)(49).

(i) Termination of exemptions

Subsections (a) and (c) shall not apply on and after October 1, 2029.

(Added June 29, 1956, ch. 462, title II, §206(a), 70 Stat. 391; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), (B), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 95–618, title II, §233(a)(3)(C), Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3191; Pub. L. 97–424, title V, §§513(b), 516(b)(3), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2177, 2183; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IX, §§902(a), 903(a), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1004; Pub. L. 100–17, title V, §§502(b)(5), 507(b), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 257, 260; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11211(d)(4), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–427; Pub. L. 102–240, title VIII, §8002(b)(4), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 2203; Pub. L. 105–178, title IX, §9002(b)(2), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 500; Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, §§851(b)(1), 867(d), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1607, 1622; Pub. L. 109–14, §9(c)(4), May 31, 2005, 119 Stat. 336; Pub. L. 109–59, title XI, §11101(b)(2), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1944; Pub. L. 109–280, title XII, §1207(d), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1070; Pub. L. 112–30, title I, §142(d), Sept. 16, 2011, 125 Stat. 356; Pub. L. 112–102, title IV, §402(d), Mar. 30, 2012, 126 Stat. 282; Pub. L. 112–140, title IV, §402(c), June 29, 2012, 126 Stat. 403; Pub. L. 112–141, div. D, title I, §40102(d)(2), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 845; Pub. L. 114–94, div. C, title XXXI, §31102(d)(2), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1727; Pub. L. 117–58, div. H, title I, §80102(d)(2), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1328.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of the Energy Tax Act of 1978, referred to in subsec. (c), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 95–618, which was approved Nov. 9, 1978.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 117–58 substituted "October 1, 2029" for "October 1, 2023".

2015—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 114–94 substituted "October 1, 2023" for "October 1, 2017".

2012—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 112–141 substituted "October 1, 2017" for "July 1, 2012".

Pub. L. 112–140, §§1(c), 402(c), temporarily substituted "July 7, 2012" for "July 1, 2012". See Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 112–102 substituted "July 1, 2012" for "April 1, 2012".

2011—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 112–30 substituted "April 1, 2012" for "October 1, 2011".

2006—Subsecs. (h), (i). Pub. L. 109–280, which directed the amendment of section 4483 by adding subsec. (h) and redesignating former subsec. (h) as (i), without specifying the act to be amended, was executed by making the amendments to this section, which is section 4483 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2005—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 109–59 substituted "2011" for "2006".

Pub. L. 109–14 substituted "2006" for "2005".

2004—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 108–357, §867(d), struck out heading and text of subsec. (f). Text read as follows: "If the base for registration purposes of any highway motor vehicle is in a contiguous foreign country for any taxable period, the tax imposed by section 4481 for such period shall be 75 percent of the tax which would (but for this subsection) be imposed by section 4481 for such period."

Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 108–357, §851(b)(1), added subsec. (g) and redesignated former subsec. (g) as (h).

1998—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 105–178 substituted "2005" for "1999".

1991—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102–240 substituted "1999" for "1995".

1990—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 101–508 substituted "1995" for "1993".

1987—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–17, §507(b), added subsec. (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (g).

Pub. L. 100–17, §502(b)(5), substituted "1993" for "1988".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 100–17, §507(b), redesignated former subsec. (f) as (g).

1984—Subsec. (d)(5), (6). Pub. L. 98–369, §903(a), added par. (5) and redesignated former par. (5) as (6).

Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 98–369, §902(a), added subsec. (e) and redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f).

1983—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–424, §513(b), added subsec. (d).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 97–424, §516(b)(3), added subsec. (e).

1978—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–618 inserted "(as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Energy Tax Act of 1978)" after "section 6421(b)(2)".

1976—Subsecs. (a), (c). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(b)(13)(A), struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(b)(13)(B), inserted "of the Treasury" after "Secretary".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–58 effective Oct. 1, 2021, see section 80102(f) of Pub. L. 117–58, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2016, see section 31102(f) of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–141 effective July 1, 2012, see section 40102(f) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–140 effective July 1, 2012, see section 402(f)(1) of Pub. L. 112–140, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–102 effective Apr. 1, 2012, see section 402(f) of Pub. L. 112–102, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–30 effective Oct. 1, 2011, see section 142(f) of Pub. L. 112–30, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–280 effective Jan. 1, 2007, and applicable to taxable periods beginning on or after July 1, 2007, see section 1207(g) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, §851(b)(2), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1608, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall take effect on the day after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 2004]."

Amendment by section 867(d) of Pub. L. 108–357 applicable to taxable periods beginning after Oct. 22, 2004, see section 867(e) of Pub. L. 108–357, set out as a note under section 4481 of this title.

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Amendment by section 507(b) of Pub. L. 100–17 effective July 1, 1987, see section 507(d) of Pub. L. 100–17, set out as a note under section 4481 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IX, §902(b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1004, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on July 1, 1984."

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IX, §903(b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1004, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the amendments made by section 513 of the Highway Revenue Act of 1982 [Pub. L. 97–424, see section 513(f) of Pub. L. 97–424, set out as an Effective Date of 1983 Amendment note under section 4481 of this title]."

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by section 513(b) of Pub. L. 97–424 effective July 1, 1984, see section 513(f) of Pub. L. 97–424, set out as a note under section 4481 of this title.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–618 effective on first day of first calendar month which begins more than 10 days after Nov. 9, 1978, see section 233(d) of Pub. L. 95–618, set out as a note under section 34 of this title.

Special Rules in the Case of Small Owner-Operators

Amendment by section 513(b) of Pub. L. 97–424 effective July 1, 1984, in the case of a small owner-operator, notwithstanding section 513(f)(2) of Pub. L. 97–424, see section 901(b)(2) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 4481 of this title.

§4484. Cross references

(1) For penalties and administrative provisions applicable to this subchapter, see subtitle F.

(2) For exemption for uses by Indian tribal governments (or their subdivisions), see section 7871.

(Added June 29, 1956, ch. 462, title II, §206(a), 70 Stat. 391; amended Pub. L. 97–473, title II, §202(b)(10), Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2610.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1983—Pub. L. 97–473 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 97–473, see section 204(5) of Pub. L. 97–473, set out as an Effective Date note under section 7871 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective June 29, 1956, see section 211 of act June 29, 1956, set out as an Effective Date of 1956 Amendment note under section 4041 of this title.