CHAPTER 75—CRIMES, OTHER OFFENSES, AND FORFEITURES

        

        

¹ Section numbers editorially supplied.

Subchapter A—Crimes

        

PART I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Pub. L. 105–206, title I, §1105(b), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 711, added item 7217.

1997—Pub. L. 105–35, §2(b)(2), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1105, added item 7213A.

1982—Pub. L. 97–248, title III, §357(b)(2), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 646, struck out item 7217 "Civil damages for unauthorized disclosure of returns and return information".

1976—Pub. L. 94–455, title XII, §1202(e)(2), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1687, added item 7217.

1971—Pub. L. 92–178, title III, §316(b), Dec. 10, 1971, 85 Stat. 529, added item 7216.

1958—Pub. L. 85–321, §3(b), Feb. 11, 1958, 72 Stat. 6, added item 7215.

§7201. Attempt to evade or defeat tax

Any person who willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat any tax imposed by this title or the payment thereof shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100,000 ($500,000 in the case of a corporation), or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 851; Pub. L. 97–248, title III, §329(a), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 618.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1982—Pub. L. 97–248 substituted "$100,000 ($500,000 in the case of a corporation)" for "$10,000".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–248, title III, §329(e), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 619, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 7203, 7206, and 7207 of this title] shall apply to offenses committed after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 3, 1982]."

§7202. Willful failure to collect or pay over tax

Any person required under this title to collect, account for, and pay over any tax imposed by this title who willfully fails to collect or truthfully account for and pay over such tax shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 851.)

§7203. Willful failure to file return, supply information, or pay tax

Any person required under this title to pay any estimated tax or tax, or required by this title or by regulations made under authority thereof to make a return, keep any records, or supply any information, who willfully fails to pay such estimated tax or tax, make such return, keep such records, or supply such information, at the time or times required by law or regulations, shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $25,000 ($100,000 in the case of a corporation), or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both, together with the costs of prosecution. In the case of any person with respect to whom there is a failure to pay any estimated tax, this section shall not apply to such person with respect to such failure if there is no addition to tax under section 6654 or 6655 with respect to such failure. In the case of a willful violation of any provision of section 6050I, the first sentence of this section shall be applied by substituting "felony" for "misdemeanor" and "5 years" for "1 year".

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 851; Pub. L. 90–364, title I, §103(e)(5), June 28, 1968, 82 Stat. 264; Pub. L. 97–248, title III, §§327, 329(b), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 617, 618; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, §412(b)(9), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 792; Pub. L. 100–690, title VII, §7601(a)(2)(B), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4504; Pub. L. 101–647, title XXXIII, §3303(a), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4918.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1990—Pub. L. 101–647 substituted "substituting 'felony' for 'misdemeanor' and" for "substituting".

1988—Pub. L. 100–690 inserted at end "In the case of a willful violation of any provision of section 6050I, the first sentence of this section shall be applied by substituting '5 years' for '1 year'."

1984—Pub. L. 98–369 struck out "(other than a return required under the authority of section 6015)" after "to make a return".

1982—Pub. L. 97–248, §329(b), substituted "$25,000 ($100,000 in the case of a corporation)" for "$10,000".

Pub. L. 97–248, §327, inserted last sentence providing that, in the case of any person with respect to whom there is a failure to pay any estimated tax, this section shall not apply to such person with respect to such failure if there is no addition to tax under section 6654 or 6655 with respect to such failure.

1968—Pub. L. 90–364 struck out reference to section 6016.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–647, title XXXIII, §3303(c), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4918, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to actions, and failures to act, occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990]."

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–690 applicable to actions after Nov. 18, 1988, see section 7601(a)(3) of Pub. L. 100–690, set out as a note under section 6050I of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 applicable with respect to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1984, see section 414(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 6654 of this title.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by section 329(b) of Pub. L. 97–248 applicable to offenses committed after Sept. 3, 1982, see section 329(e) of Pub. L. 97–248, set out as a note under section 7201 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–364 applicable with respect to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1967, except as provided by section 104 of Pub. L. 90–364, see section 103(f) of Pub. L. 90–364, set out as a note under section 243 of this title.

§7204. Fraudulent statement or failure to make statement to employees

In lieu of any other penalty provided by law (except the penalty provided by section 6674) any person required under the provisions of section 6051 to furnish a statement who willfully furnishes a false or fraudulent statement or who willfully fails to furnish a statement in the manner, at the time, and showing the information required under section 6051, or regulations prescribed thereunder, shall, for each such offense, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 852.)

§7205. Fraudulent withholding exemption certificate or failure to supply information

(a) Withholding on wages

Any individual required to supply information to his employer under section 3402 who willfully supplies false or fraudulent information, or who willfully fails to supply information thereunder which would require an increase in the tax to be withheld under section 3402, shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

(b) Backup withholding on interest and dividends

If any individual willfully makes a false certification under paragraph (1) or (2)(C) of section 3406(d), then such individual shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 852; Pub. L. 89–368, title I, §101(e)(5), Mar. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 62; Pub. L. 97–34, title VII, §721(b), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 341; Pub. L. 97–248, title III, §§306(b), 308(a), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 588, 591; Pub. L. 98–67, title I, §§102(a), 107(b), Aug. 5, 1983, 97 Stat. 369, 382; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, §159(a), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 696; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7711(b)(2), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2393.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1989—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–239 amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "If any individual willfully makes—

"(1) any false certification or affirmation on any statement required by a payor in order to meet the due diligence requirements of section 6676(b), or

"(2) a false certification under paragraph (1) or (2)(C) of section 3406(d),

then such individual shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both."

1984—Pub. L. 98–369 in subsecs. (a) and (b) substituted "in addition to" for "in lieu of" and struck out reference to penalty under section 6682 after "penalty provided by law".

1983—Pub. L. 98–67 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), added subsec. (b), and repealed amendments made by Pub. L. 97–248. See 1982 Amendment note below.

1982—Pub. L. 97–248 provided that, applicable to payments of interest, dividends, and patronage dividends paid or credited after June 30, 1983, this section is amended by designating the existing provisions as subsec. (a) with a heading of "Withholding on wages", and by adding a new subsec. (b). Section 102(a), (b) of Pub. L. 98–67, title I, Aug. 5, 1983, 97 Stat. 369, repealed subtitle A (§§301–308) of title III of Pub. L. 97–248 as of the close of June 30, 1983, and provided that the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [now 1986] [this title] shall be applied and administered (subject to certain exceptions) as if such subtitle A (and the amendments made by such subtitle A) had not been enacted. Subsec. (b), referred to above, read as follows:

 "(b) Withholding of interest and dividends

"Any person who—

"(1) willfully files an exemption certificate with any payor under section 3452(f)(1)(A), which is known by him to be fraudulent or to be false as to any material matter, or

"(2) is required to furnish notice under section 3452(f)(1)(B), and willfully fails to furnish such notice in the manner and at the time required pursuant to section 3452(f)(1)(B) or the regulations prescribed thereunder,

shall, in lieu of any penalty otherwise provided, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $500, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both."

1981—Pub. L. 97–34 substituted "$1,000" for "$500".

1966—Pub. L. 89–368 substituted "section 3402" and "any other penalty provided by law (except the penalty provided by section 6682)" for "section 3402(f)" and "any penalty otherwise provided" respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–239 applicable to returns and statements the due date for which (determined without regard to extensions) is after Dec. 31, 1989, see section 7711(c) of Pub. L. 101–239, set out as a note under section 6721 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, §159(b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 696, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to actions and failures to act occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 18, 1984]."

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by section 107(b) of Pub. L. 98–67 effective Aug. 5, 1983, see section 110(c) of Pub. L. 98–67, set out as a note under section 31 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–34 applicable to acts and failures to act after Dec. 31, 1981, see section 721(d) of Pub. L. 97–34, set out as a note under section 6682 of this title.

§7206. Fraud and false statements

Any person who—

(1) Declaration under penalties of perjury

Willfully makes and subscribes any return, statement, or other document, which contains or is verified by a written declaration that it is made under the penalties of perjury, and which he does not believe to be true and correct as to every material matter; or

(2) Aid or assistance

Willfully aids or assists in, or procures, counsels, or advises the preparation or presentation under, or in connection with any matter arising under, the internal revenue laws, of a return, affidavit, claim, or other document, which is fraudulent or is false as to any material matter, whether or not such falsity or fraud is with the knowledge or consent of the person authorized or required to present such return, affidavit, claim, or document; or

(3) Fraudulent bonds, permits, and entries

Simulates or falsely or fraudulently executes or signs any bond, permit, entry, or other document required by the provisions of the internal revenue laws, or by any regulation made in pursuance thereof, or procures the same to be falsely or fraudulently executed, or advises, aids in, or connives at such execution thereof; or

(4) Removal or concealment with intent to defraud

Removes, deposits, or conceals, or is concerned in removing, depositing, or concealing, any goods or commodities for or in respect whereof any tax is or shall be imposed, or any property upon which levy is authorized by section 6331, with intent to evade or defeat the assessment or collection of any tax imposed by this title; or

(5) Compromises and closing agreements

In connection with any compromise under section 7122, or offer of such compromise, or in connection with any closing agreement under section 7121, or offer to enter into any such agreement, willfully—

(A) Concealment of property

Conceals from any officer or employee of the United States any property belonging to the estate of a taxpayer or other person liable in respect of the tax, or

(B) Withholding, falsifying, and destroying records

Receives, withholds, destroys, mutilates, or falsifies any book, document, or record, or makes any false statement, relating to the estate or financial condition of the taxpayer or other person liable in respect of the tax;

shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100,000 ($500,000 in the case of a corporation), or imprisoned not more than 3 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 852; Pub. L. 97–248, title III, §329(c), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 618.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1982—Pub. L. 97–248 substituted "$100,000 ($500,000 in the case of a corporation)" for "$5,000".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–248 applicable to offenses committed after Sept. 3, 1982, see section 329(e) of Pub. L. 97–248, set out as a note under section 7201 of this title.

§7207. Fraudulent returns, statements, or other documents

Any person who willfully delivers or discloses to the Secretary any list, return, account, statement, or other document, known by him to be fraudulent or to be false as to any material matter, shall be fined not more than $10,000 ($50,000 in the case of a corporation), or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both. Any person required pursuant to section 6047(b), section 6104(d), or subsection (i) or (j) of section 527 to furnish any information to the Secretary or any other person who willfully furnishes to the Secretary or such other person any information known by him to be fraudulent or to be false as to any material matter shall be fined not more than $10,000 ($50,000 in the case of a corporation), or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 853; Pub. L. 87–792, §7(m)(3), Oct. 10, 1962, 76 Stat. 831; Pub. L. 91–172, title I, §101(e)(5), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 524; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 96–603, §1(d)(5), Dec. 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 3505; Pub. L. 97–248, title III, §329(d), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 619; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, §491(d)(51), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 852; Pub. L. 100–203, title X, §10704(c), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–463; Pub. L. 105–277, div. J, title I, §1004(b)(2)(E), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–890; Pub. L. 107–276, §6(d), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1933.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Pub. L. 107–276 substituted "pursuant to section 6047(b), section 6104(d), or subsection (i) or (j) of section 527" for "pursuant to subsection (b) of section 6047 or pursuant to subsection (d) of section 6104".

1998—Pub. L. 105–277 struck out "or (e)" after "subsection (d)".

1987—Pub. L. 100–203 inserted reference to subsec. (e) of section 6104.

1984—Pub. L. 98–369 struck out "or (c)" after "subsection (b)".

1982—Pub. L. 97–248 substituted "$10,000 ($50,000 in the case of a corporation)" for "$1,000" wherever appearing.

1980—Pub. L. 96–603 substituted "subsection (b) or (c) of section 6047 or pursuant to subsection (d) of section 6104" for "sections 6047(b) or (c), 6056, or 6104(d)".

1976—Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

1969—Pub. L. 91–172 substituted "sections 6047(b) or (c), 6056, or 6104(d)" for "section 6047(b) or (c)".

1962—Pub. L. 87–792 inserted sentence providing that any person required pursuant to section 6047(b) or (c) to furnish any information to the Secretary or any other person who willfully furnishes to the Secretary or such other person any information known by him to be fraudulent or to be false as to any material matter shall be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–276, §6(h)(3), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1934, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (d) [amending this section] shall apply to reports and notices required to be filed on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 2, 2002]."

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–277 applicable to requests made after the later of Dec. 31, 1998, or the 60th day after the Secretary of the Treasury first issues the regulations referred to in section 6104(d)(4) of this title, see section 1004(b)(3) of Pub. L. 105–277, set out as a note under section 6104 of this title.

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–203 applicable to returns for years beginning after Dec. 31, 1986, and on and after Dec. 22, 1987, in case of applications submitted after July 15, 1987, or on or before July 15, 1987, if the organization has a copy of the application on July 15, 1987, see section 10704(d) of Pub. L. 100–203, set out as a note under section 6652 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 applicable to obligations issued after Dec. 31, 1983, see section 491(f)(1) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 62 of this title.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–248 applicable to offenses committed after Sept. 3, 1982, see section 329(e) of Pub. L. 97–248, set out as a note under section 7201 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–603 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1980, see section 1(f) of Pub. L. 96–603, set out as a note under section 6033 of this title.

Effective Date of 1969 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–172 effective Jan. 1, 1970, see section 101(k)(1) of Pub. L. 91–172, set out as an Effective Date note under section 4940 of this title.

Effective Date of 1962 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 87–792 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1962, see section 8 of Pub. L. 87–792, set out as a note under section 22 of this title.

Annual Reports

Pub. L. 110–428, §2(e), Oct. 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 4840, provided that: "The Secretary of the Treasury shall annually submit to Congress and make publicly available a report on the filing of false and fraudulent returns by individuals incarcerated in Federal and State prisons. Such report shall include statistics on the number of false and fraudulent returns associated with each Federal and State prison."

§7208. Offenses relating to stamps

Any person who—

(1) Counterfeiting

With intent to defraud, alters, forges, makes, or counterfeits any stamp, coupon, ticket, book, or other device prescribed under authority of this title for the collection or payment of any tax imposed by this title, or sells, lends, or has in his possession any such altered, forged, or counterfeited stamp, coupon, ticket, book, or other device, or makes, uses, sells, or has in his possession any material in imitation of the material used in the manufacture of such stamp, coupon, ticket, book, or other device; or

(2) Mutilation or removal

Fraudulently cuts, tears, or removes from any vellum, parchment, paper, instrument, writing, package, or article, upon which any tax is imposed by this title, any adhesive stamp or the impression of any stamp, die, plate, or other article provided, made, or used in pursuance of this title; or

(3) Use of mutilated, insufficient, or counterfeited stamps

Fraudulently uses, joins, fixes, or places to, with, or upon any vellum, parchment, paper, instrument, writing, package, or article, upon which any tax is imposed by this title,

(A) any adhesive stamp, or the impression of any stamp, die, plate, or other article, which has been cut, torn, or removed from any other vellum, parchment, paper, instrument, writing, package, or article, upon which any tax is imposed by this title; or

(B) any adhesive stamp or the impression of any stamp, die, plate, or other article of insufficient value; or

(C) any forged or counterfeited stamp, or the impression of any forged or counterfeited stamp, die, plate, or other article; or

(4) Reuse of stamps

(A) Preparation for reuse

Willfully removes, or alters the cancellation or defacing marks of, or otherwise prepares, any adhesive stamp, with intent to use, or cause the same to be used, after it has already been used; or

(B) Trafficking

Knowingly or willfully buys, sells, offers for sale, or gives away, any such washed or restored stamp to any person for use, or knowingly uses the same; or

(C) Possession

Knowingly and without lawful excuse (the burden of proof of such excuse being on the accused) has in possession any washed, restored, altered stamp, which has been removed from any vellum, parchment, paper, instrument, writing, package, or article; or

(5) Emptied stamped packages

Commits the offense described in section 7271 (relating to disposal and receipt of stamped packages) with intent to defraud the revenue, or to defraud any person;

shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 853.)

§7209. Unauthorized use or sale of stamps

Any person who buys, sells, offers for sale, uses, transfers, takes or gives in exchange, or pledges or gives in pledge, except as authorized in this title or in regulations made pursuant thereto, any stamp, coupon, ticket, book, or other device prescribed by the Secretary under this title for the collection or payment of any tax imposed by this title, shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 6 months, or both.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 854; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1976—Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

§7210. Failure to obey summons

Any person who, being duly summoned to appear to testify, or to appear and produce books, accounts, records, memoranda, or other papers, as required under sections 6420(e)(2), 6421(g)(2), 6427(j)(2), 7602, 7603, and 7604(b), neglects to appear or to produce such books, accounts, records, memoranda, or other papers, shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both, together with costs of prosecution.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 854; Apr. 2, 1956, ch. 160, §4(h), 70 Stat. 91; June 29, 1956, ch. 462, title II, §208(d)(3), 70 Stat. 396; Pub. L. 89–44, title II, §202(c)(4), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 139; Pub. L. 91–258, title II, §207(d)(9), May 21, 1970, 84 Stat. 249; Pub. L. 94–530, §1(c)(6), Oct. 17, 1976, 90 Stat. 2488; Pub. L. 95–599, title V, §505(c)(5), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2760; Pub. L. 96–223, title II, §232(d)(4)(E), Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 278; Pub. L. 97–424, title V, §515(b)(12), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2182; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IX, §911(d)(2)(G), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1007; Pub. L. 99–514, title XVII, §1703(e)(2)(G), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2778; Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §1017(c)(9), (12), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3576, 3577.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1988—Pub. L. 100–647, §1017(c)(12), made technical correction to language of Pub. L. 99–514, §1703(e)(2)(G), see 1986 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 100–647, §1017(c)(9), substituted "6421(g)(2)" for "6421(f)(2)".

1986—Pub. L. 99–514, as amended by Pub. L. 100–647, §1017(c)(12), substituted "6427(j)(2)" for "6427(i)(2)".

1984—Pub. L. 98–369 substituted "6427(i)(2)" for "6427(h)(2)".

1983—Pub. L. 97–424 struck out "6424(d)(2)," after "6421(f)(2),".

1980—Pub. L. 96–223 substituted "6427(h)(2)" for "6427(g)(2)".

1978—Pub. L. 95–599 substituted "6427(g)(2)" for "6427(f)(2)".

1976—Pub. L. 94–530 substituted "6427(f)(2)" for "6427(e)(2)".

1970—Pub. L. 91–258 inserted reference to section 6427(e)(2).

1965—Pub. L. 89–44 inserted reference to section 6424(d)(2) of this title.

1956—Act June 29, 1956, inserted reference to section 6421(f)(2) of this title.

Act Apr. 2, 1956, inserted reference to section 6420(e)(2) of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–647 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 1019(a) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to gasoline removed (as defined in section 4082 of this title as amended by section 1703 of Pub. L. 99–514) after Dec. 31, 1987, see section 1703(h) of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 4081 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective Aug. 1, 1984, see section 911(e) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 6427 of this title.

Effective Date of 1983 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–424 applicable with respect to articles sold after Jan. 6, 1983, see section 515(c) of Pub. L. 97–424, set out as a note under section 34 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–223 effective Jan. 1, 1979, see section 232(h)(2) of Pub. L. 96–223, set out as a note under section 6427 of this title.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–599 effective Jan. 1, 1979, see section 505(d) of Pub. L. 95–599, set out as a note under section 6427 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–530 effective Oct. 1, 1976, see section 1(d) of Pub. L. 94–530, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–258 effective July 1, 1970, see section 211(a) of Pub. L. 91–258, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1965 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–44 effective Jan. 1, 1966, see section 701(a)(1), (2), of Pub. L. 89–44, set out as a note under section 4161 of this title.

Effective Date of 1956 Amendment

Amendment by act June 29, 1956, effective June 29, 1956, see section 211 of act June 29, 1956, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

§7211. False statements to purchasers or lessees relating to tax

Whoever in connection with the sale or lease, or offer for sale or lease, of any article, or for the purpose of making such sale or lease, makes any statement, written or oral—

(1) intended or calculated to lead any person to believe that any part of the price at which such article is sold or leased, or offered for sale or lease, consists of a tax imposed under the authority of the United States, or

(2) ascribing a particular part of such price to a tax imposed under the authority of the United States,

knowing that such statement is false or that the tax is not so great as the portion of such price ascribed to such tax, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 854.)

§7212. Attempts to interfere with administration of internal revenue laws

(a) Corrupt or forcible interference

Whoever corruptly or by force or threats of force (including any threatening letter or communication) endeavors to intimidate or impede any officer or employee of the United States acting in an official capacity under this title, or in any other way corruptly or by force or threats of force (including any threatening letter or communication) obstructs or impedes, or endeavors to obstruct or impede, the due administration of this title, shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than 3 years, or both, except that if the offense is committed only by threats of force, the person convicted thereof shall be fined not more than $3,000, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both. The term "threats of force", as used in this subsection, means threats of bodily harm to the officer or employee of the United States or to a member of his family.

(b) Forcible rescue of seized property

Any person who forcibly rescues or causes to be rescued any property after it shall have been seized under this title, or shall attempt or endeavor so to do, shall, excepting in cases otherwise provided for, for every such offense, be fined not more than $500, or not more than double the value of the property so rescued, whichever is the greater, or be imprisoned not more than 2 years.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 855.)

§7213. Unauthorized disclosure of information

(a) Returns and return information

(1) Federal employees and other persons

It shall be unlawful for any officer or employee of the United States or any person described in section 6103(n) (or an officer or employee of any such person), or any former officer or employee, willfully to disclose to any person, except as authorized in this title, any return or return information (as defined in section 6103(b)). Any violation of this paragraph shall be a felony punishable upon conviction by a fine in any amount not exceeding $5,000, or imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution, and if such offense is committed by any officer or employee of the United States, he shall, in addition to any other punishment, be dismissed from office or discharged from employment upon conviction for such offense.

(2) State and other employees

It shall be unlawful for any person (not described in paragraph (1)) willfully to disclose to any person, except as authorized in this title, any return or return information (as defined in section 6103(b)) acquired by him or another person under subsection (d), (i)(1)(C), (3)(B)(i), or (7)(A)(ii), (k)(10), (13), (14), or (15), (l)(6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (12), (15), (16), (19), (20), or (21) or (m)(2), (4), (5), (6), or (7) of section 6103 or under section 6104(c). Any violation of this paragraph shall be a felony punishable by a fine in any amount not exceeding $5,000, or imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

(3) Other persons

It shall be unlawful for any person to whom any return or return information (as defined in section 6103(b)) is disclosed in a manner unauthorized by this title thereafter willfully to print or publish in any manner not provided by law any such return or return information. Any violation of this paragraph shall be a felony punishable by a fine in any amount not exceeding $5,000, or imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

(4) Solicitation

It shall be unlawful for any person willfully to offer any item of material value in exchange for any return or return information (as defined in section 6103(b)) and to receive as a result of such solicitation any such return or return information. Any violation of this paragraph shall be a felony punishable by a fine in any amount not exceeding $5,000, or imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

(5) Shareholders

It shall be unlawful for any person to whom a return or return information (as defined in section 6103(b)) is disclosed pursuant to the provisions of section 6103(e)(1)(D)(iii) willfully to disclose such return or return information in any manner not provided by law. Any violation of this paragraph shall be a felony punishable by a fine in any amount not to exceed $5,000, or imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

(b) Disclosure of operations of manufacturer or producer

Any officer or employee of the United States who divulges or makes known in any manner whatever not provided by law to any person the operations, style of work, or apparatus of any manufacturer or producer visited by him in the discharge of his official duties shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both, together with the costs of prosecution; and the offender shall be dismissed from office or discharged from employment.

(c) Disclosures by certain delegates of Secretary

All provisions of law relating to the disclosure of information, and all provisions of law relating to penalties for unauthorized disclosure of information, which are applicable in respect of any function under this title when performed by an officer or employee of the Treasury Department are likewise applicable in respect of such function when performed by any person who is a "delegate" within the meaning of section 7701(a)(12)(B).

(d) Disclosure of software

Any person who willfully divulges or makes known software (as defined in section 7612(d)(1)) to any person in violation of section 7612 shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

(e) Cross references

(1) Penalties for disclosure of information by preparers of returns

For penalty for disclosure or use of information by preparers of returns, see section 7216.

(2) Penalties for disclosure of confidential information

For penalties for disclosure of confidential information by any officer or employee of the United States or any department or agency thereof, see 18 U.S.C. 1905.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 855; Pub. L. 85–866, title I, §90(c), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1666; Pub. L. 86–778, title I, §103(s), Sept. 13, 1960, 74 Stat. 940; Pub. L. 94–455, title XII, §1202(d), (h)(3), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1686, 1688; Pub. L. 95–600, title VII, §701(bb)(1)(C), (6), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2922, 2923; Pub. L. 96–249, title I, §127(a)(2)(D), May 26, 1980, 94 Stat. 366; Pub. L. 96–265, title IV, §408(a)(2)(D), June 9, 1980, 94 Stat. 468, as amended Pub. L. 96–611, §11(a)(2)(B)(iv), Dec. 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 3574; Pub. L. 96–499, title III, §302(b), Dec. 5, 1980, 94 Stat. 2604; Pub. L. 96–611, §11(a)(4)(A), Dec. 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 3574; Pub. L. 97–248, title III, §356(b)(2), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 645; Pub. L. 97–365, §8(c)(2), Oct. 25, 1982, 96 Stat. 1754; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, §453(b)(4), div. B, title VI, §2653(b)(4), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 820, 1156; Pub. L. 98–378, §21(f)(5), Aug. 16, 1984, 98 Stat. 1326; Pub. L. 100–485, title VII, §701(b)(2)(C), Oct. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 2426; Pub. L. 100–647, title VIII, §8008(c)(2)(B), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3787; Pub. L. 101–239, title VI, §6202(a)(1)(C), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2228; Pub. L. 101–508, title V, §5111(b)(3), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–273; Pub. L. 104–168, title XII, §1206(b)(5), July 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 1473; Pub. L. 105–33, title XI, §11024(b)(8), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 722; Pub. L. 105–35, §2(b)(1), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1104; Pub. L. 105–206, title III, §3413(b), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 754; Pub. L. 107–134, title II, §201(c)(10), Jan. 23, 2002, 115 Stat. 2444; Pub. L. 108–173, title I, §105(e)(4), title VIII, §811(c)(2)(C), Dec. 8, 2003, 117 Stat. 2167, 2369; Pub. L. 109–280, title XII, §1224(b)(5), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1093; Pub. L. 111–148, title I, §1414(d), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 237; Pub. L. 112–240, title II, §209(b)(3), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2326; Pub. L. 114–184, §2(b)(2)(C), June 30, 2016, 130 Stat. 537; Pub. L. 116–25, title I, §1405(a)(2)(B), title II, §2003(c)(2)(B), July 1, 2019, 133 Stat. 998, 1003; Pub. L. 116–260, div. N, title II, §283(b)(2)(C), div. FF, title I, §102(b)(2)(C), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 1985, 3084.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2020—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 116–260, div. N, §283(b)(2)(C), and div. FF, §102(b)(2)(C), amended par. (2) identically, substituting "(k)(10), (13), (14), or (15)" for "(k)(10), (13), or (14)".

2019—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 116–25, §2003(c)(2)(B), substituted ", (13), or (14)" for "or (13)".

Pub. L. 116–25, §1405(a)(2)(B), substituted "(k)(10) or (13)" for "(k)(10)".

2016—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 114–184 substituted "(i)(1)(C), (3)(B)(i)," for "(i)(3)(B)(i)".

2013—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 112–240 inserted "(k)(10)," before "(l)(6),".

2010—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 111–148 substituted "(20), or (21)" for "or (20)".

2006—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 109–280, which directed insertion of "or under section 6104(c)" after "6103" in subsec. (a)(2) of section 7213, without specifying the act to be amended, was executed by making the insertion in subsec. (a)(2) of this section, which is section 7213 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2003—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 108–173, §811(c)(2)(C), substituted "(19), or (20)" for "or (19)".

Pub. L. 108–173, §105(e)(4), substituted "(16), or (19)" for "or (16)".

2002—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 107–134 substituted "(i)(3)(B)(i) or (7)(A)(ii)," for "(i)(3)(B)(i),".

1998—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 105–206 added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e).

1997—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 105–35 inserted "(5)," after "(m)(2), (4),".

Pub. L. 105–33 substituted "(15), or (16)" for "or (15),".

1996—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 104–168 substituted "(12), or (15)" for "or (12)".

1990—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 101–508 substituted "(6), or (7)" for "or (6)".

1989—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted "(10), or (12)" for "or (10)".

1988—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 100–647 substituted "(m)(2), (4), or (6)" for "(m)(2) or (4)".

Pub. L. 100–485 substituted "(9), or (10)" for "(9), (10), or (11)".

1984—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 98–378 substituted "(10), or (11)" for "or (10)".

Pub. L. 98–369, §2653(b)(4), substituted "(9), or (10)" for "or (9)".

Pub. L. 98–369, §453(b)(4), substituted "(7), (8), or (9)" for "(7), or (8)".

1982—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 97–365 substituted "(m)(2) or (4)" for "(m)(4)".

Pub. L. 97–248 inserted "(i)(3)(B)(i)," after "under subsection (d),".

1980—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 96–611, §11(a)(4)(A), substituted "(l)(6), (7), or (8)" for "(l)(6) or (7)".

Pub. L. 96–499 substituted "person (not described in paragraph (1))" for "officer, employee, or agent, or former officer, employee, or agent, of any State (as defined in section 6103(b)(5)), any local child support enforcement agency, any educational institution, or any State food stamp agency (as defined in section 6103(l)(7)(C)" and "(m)(4) of section 6103" for "(m)(4)(B) of section 6103".

Pub. L. 96–265, §408(a)(2)(D), as amended by Pub. L. 96–611, §11(a)(2)(B)(iv), substituted "subsection (d), (l)(6), (7), or (8), or (m)(4)(B)" for "subsection (d), (l)(6) or (7), or (m)(4)(B)".

Pub. L. 96–249 substituted "any educational institution, or any State food stamp agency (as defined in section 6103(l)(7)(C))" for "or any educational institution" and "subsection (d), (l)(6) or (7), or (m)(4)(B)" for "subsection (d), (l)(6), or (m)(4)(B)".

1978—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 95–600, §701(bb)(6)(A), inserted "willfully" before "to disclose".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 95–600, §701(bb)(1)(C), (6)(A), inserted provision relating to educational institutions, inserted "willfully" before "to disclose", and substituted "subsection (d), (l)(6), or (m)(4)(B) of section 6103" for "section 6103(d) or (l)(6)".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 95–600, §701(bb)(6)(B), substituted "thereafter willfully to" for "to thereafter".

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 95–600, §701(bb)(6)(C), inserted "willfully" before "to offer".

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 95–600, §701(bb)(6)(A), inserted "willfully" before "to disclose".

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–455, §1202(d), added pars. (3) and (4), redesignated former par. (3) as (5), and in pars. (1), (2), and (5) raised from a misdemeanor to a felony any criminal violation of the disclosure rules, increased from $1,000 to $5,000 and from one year imprisonment to five years imprisonment the maximum criminal penalties for an unauthorized disclosure of a return or return information, extended the criminal penalties to apply to unauthorized disclosures of any return or return information and not merely income returns and other financial information appearing on income returns, and extended the criminal penalties to apply to former Federal and State officers and to officers and employees of contractors having access to returns and return information in connection with the processing, storage, transmission, and reproduction of such returns and return information, and the programming, maintenance, etc., of equipment.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 94–455, §1202(d), redesignated subsec. (d) as (c). Former subsec. (c), covering offenses relating to the reproduction of documents, was struck out.

Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 94–455, §1202(d), (h)(3), redesignated subsec. (e) as (d) and, in par. (1) of subsec. (d) as so redesignated, substituted a cross reference to section 7216 as covering penalties for disclosure or use of information by preparers of returns for a cross reference to section 6106 as covering special provisions applicable to returns of tax under chapter 23 (relating to Federal Unemployment Tax). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (c).

1960—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 86–778 added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e).

1958—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 85–866 added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2020 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 116–260 applicable to disclosures made on or after Dec. 27, 2020, see section 284(a)(4) of div. N of Pub. L. 116–260 and section 102(c) of div. FF of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as notes under section 6103 of this title.

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Amendment by section 1405(a)(2)(B) of Pub. L. 116–25 applicable to disclosures made after July 1, 2019, see section 1405(c)(1) of Pub. L. 116–25, set out as a note under section 6103 of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–184 applicable to disclosures made after June 30, 2016, see section 2(c) of Pub. L. 114–184, set out as a note under section 6103 of this title.

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–280 effective Aug. 17, 2006, but not applicable to requests made before such date, see section 1224(c) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 6103 of this title.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–134 applicable to disclosures made on or after Jan. 23, 2002, see section 201(d) of Pub. L. 107–134, set out as a note under section 6103 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–206 applicable to summonses issued, and software acquired, after July 22, 1998, see section 3413(e)(1) of Pub. L. 105–206, set out as an Effective Date note under section 7612 of this title.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendments

Pub. L. 105–35, §2(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1105, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting section 7213A of this title and amending this section] shall apply to violations occurring on and after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 5, 1997]."

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–33 effective Oct. 1, 1997, except as otherwise provided in title XI of Pub. L. 105–33, see section 11721 of Pub. L. 105–33, set out as a note under section 4246 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–378 applicable with respect to refunds payable under section 6402 of this title after Dec. 31, 1985, see section 21(g) of Pub. L. 98–378, set out as a note under section 6103 of this title.

Amendment by section 453(b)(4) of Pub. L. 98–369 effective on the first day of the first calendar month which begins more than 90 days after July 18, 1984, see section 456(a) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as an Effective Date note under section 5101 of this title.

Amendment by section 2653(b)(4) of Pub. L. 98–369 applicable to refunds payable under section 6402 of this title after Dec. 31, 1985, see section 2653(c) of Pub. L. 98–369, as amended, set out as a note under section 6402 of this title.

Effective Date of 1982 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–365 effective Oct. 25, 1982, see section 8(d) of Pub. L. 97–365, set out as a note under section 6103 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–248 effective on the day after Sept. 3, 1982, see section 356(c) of Pub. L. 97–248, set out as a note under section 6103 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendments

Pub. L. 96–611, §11(a)(4)(B), Dec. 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 3574, provided that: "The amendment made by subparagraph (A) [amending this section] shall take effect on December 5, 1980."

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–499 effective Dec. 5, 1980, see section 302(c) of Pub. L. 96–499, set out as a note under section 6103 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–265, as amended by section 11(a)(2)(B)(iv) of Pub. L. 96–611, effective June 9, 1980, see section 11(a)(3) of Pub. L. 96–611 and section 408(a)(3) of Pub. L. 96–265, set out as notes under section 6103 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–249 effective May 26, 1980, see section 127(a)(3) of Pub. L. 96–249, set out as a note under section 6103 of this title.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–600 effective Jan. 1, 1977, see section 701(bb)(8) of Pub. L. 95–600, set out as a note under section 6103 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–455 effective Jan. 1, 1977, see section 1202(i) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 6103 of this title.

Effective Date of 1960 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 86–778 effective Sept. 13, 1960, see section 103(v)(1) of Pub. L. 86–778, set out as a note under section 402 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1958 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 85–866 effective Aug. 17, 1954, see section 1(c)(2) of Pub. L. 85–866, set out as a note under section 165 of this title.

Clarification of Congressional Intent as to Scope of Amendments by Section 2653 of Pub. L. 98–369

For provisions that nothing in amendments by section 2653 of Pub. L. 98–369 be construed as exempting debts of corporations or any other category of persons from application of such amendments, with such amendments to extend to all Federal agencies (as defined in such amendments), see section 9402(b) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 6402 of this title.

§7213A. Unauthorized inspection of returns or return information

(a) Prohibitions

(1) Federal employees and other persons

It shall be unlawful for—

(A) any officer or employee of the United States, or

(B) any person described in subsection (l)(18) or (n) of section 6103 or an officer or employee of any such person,

willfully to inspect, except as authorized in this title, any return or return information.

(2) State and other employees

It shall be unlawful for any person (not described in paragraph (1)) willfully to inspect, except as authorized in this title, any return or return information acquired by such person or another person under a provision of section 6103 referred to in section 7213(a)(2) or under section 6104(c).

(b) Penalty

(1) In general

Any violation of subsection (a) shall be punishable upon conviction by a fine in any amount not exceeding $1,000, or imprisonment of not more than 1 year, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

(2) Federal officers or employees

An officer or employee of the United States who is convicted of any violation of subsection (a) shall, in addition to any other punishment, be dismissed from office or discharged from employment.

(c) Definitions

For purposes of this section, the terms "inspect", "return", and "return information" have the respective meanings given such terms by section 6103(b).

(Added Pub. L. 105–35, §2(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1104; amended Pub. L. 107–210, div. A, title II, §202(b)(3), Aug. 6, 2002, 116 Stat. 961; Pub. L. 109–280, title XII, §1224(b)(6), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1093.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 109–280, which directed insertion of "or under section 6104(c)" after "7213(a)(2)" in subsec. (a)(2) of section 7213A, without specifying the act to be amended, was executed by making the insertion in subsec. (a)(2) of this section, which is section 7213A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2002—Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 107–210 substituted "subsection (l)(18) or (n) of section 6103" for "section 6103(n)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–280 effective Aug. 17, 2006, but not applicable to requests made before such date, see section 1224(c) of Pub. L. 109–280, set out as a note under section 6103 of this title.

Effective Date

Section applicable to violations occurring on and after Aug. 5, 1997, see section 2(c) of Pub. L. 105–35, set out as an Effective Date of 1997 Amendment note under section 7213 of this title.

Construction of 2002 Amendment

Nothing in amendment by Pub. L. 107–210, other than provisions relating to COBRA continuation coverage and reporting requirements, to be construed as creating new mandate on any party regarding health insurance coverage, see section 203(f) of Pub. L. 107–210, set out as a Construction note under section 35 of this title.

§7214. Offenses by officers and employees of the United States

(a) Unlawful acts of revenue officers or agents

Any officer or employee of the United States acting in connection with any revenue law of the United States—

(1) who is guilty of any extortion or willful oppression under color of law; or

(2) who knowingly demands other or greater sums than are authorized by law, or receives any fee, compensation, or reward, except as by law prescribed, for the performance of any duty; or

(3) who with intent to defeat the application of any provision of this title fails to perform any of the duties of his office or employment; or

(4) who conspires or colludes with any other person to defraud the United States; or

(5) who knowingly makes opportunity for any person to defraud the United States; or

(6) who does or omits to do any act with intent to enable any other person to defraud the United States; or

(7) who makes or signs any fraudulent entry in any book, or makes or signs any fraudulent certificate, return, or statement; or

(8) who, having knowledge or information of the violation of any revenue law by any person, or of fraud committed by any person against the United States under any revenue law, fails to report, in writing, such knowledge or information to the Secretary; or

(9) who demands, or accepts, or attempts to collect, directly or indirectly as payment or gift, or otherwise, any sum of money or other thing of value for the compromise, adjustment, or settlement of any charge or complaint for any violation or alleged violation of law, except as expressly authorized by law so to do;

shall be dismissed from office or discharged from employment and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. The court may in its discretion award out of the fine so imposed an amount, not in excess of one-half thereof, for the use of the informer, if any, who shall be ascertained by the judgment of the court. The court also shall render judgment against the said officer or employee for the amount of damages sustained in favor of the party injured, to be collected by execution.

(b) Interest of internal revenue officer or employee in tobacco or liquor production

Any internal revenue officer or employee interested, directly or indirectly, in the manufacture of tobacco, snuff, or cigarettes, or in the production, rectification, or redistillation of distilled spirits, shall be dismissed from office; and each such officer or employee so interested in any such manufacture or production, rectification, or redistillation or production of fermented liquors shall be fined not more than $5,000.

(c) Cross reference

For penalty on collecting or disbursing officers trading in public funds or debts or property, see 18 U.S.C. 1901.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 856; Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §204(5), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1429; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1976—Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

1958—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 85–859 struck out a cross reference that related to penalty imposed for unlawfully removing or permitting to be removed distilled spirits from a bonded warehouse.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1958 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 85–859 effective Sept. 3, 1958, see section 210(a)(1) of Pub. L. 85–859, set out as Effective Date note under section 5001 of this title.

§7215. Offenses with respect to collected taxes

(a) Penalty

Any person who fails to comply with any provision of section 7512(b) shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

(b) Exceptions

This section shall not apply—

(1) to any person, if such person shows that there was reasonable doubt as to (A) whether the law required collection of tax, or (B) who was required by law to collect tax, and

(2) to any person, if such person shows that the failure to comply with the provisions of section 7512(b) was due to circumstances beyond his control.

For purposes of paragraph (2), a lack of funds existing immediately after the payment of wages (whether or not created by the payment of such wages) shall not be considered to be circumstances beyond the control of a person.

(Added Pub. L. 85–321, §2, Feb. 11, 1958, 72 Stat. 6; amended Pub. L. 97–248, title III, §§307(a)(15), 308(a), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 590, 591; Pub. L. 98–67, title I, §102(a), Aug. 5, 1983, 97 Stat. 369.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1983—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–67 repealed amendments made by Pub. L. 97–248. See 1982 Amendment note below.

1982—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–248 provided that, applicable to payments of interest, dividends, and patronage dividends paid or credited after June 30, 1983, last sentence of subsec. (b) is amended to read as follows: "For purposes of paragraph (2), a lack of funds existing immediately after the payment of wages or amounts subject to withholding under subchapter B of chapter 24 (whether or not created by the payment of such wages or amounts) shall not be considered to be circumstances beyond the control of a person." Section 102(a), (b) of Pub. L. 98–67, title I, Aug. 5, 1983, 97 Stat. 369, repealed subtitle A (§§301–308) of title III of Pub. L. 97–248 as of the close of June 30, 1983, and provided that the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [now 1986] [this title] shall be applied and administered (subject to certain exceptions) as if such subtitle A (and the amendments made by such subtitle A) had not been enacted.

§7216. Disclosure or use of information by preparers of returns

(a) General rule

Any person who is engaged in the business of preparing, or providing services in connection with the preparation of, returns of the tax imposed by chapter 1, or any person who for compensation prepares any such return for any other person, and who knowingly or recklessly—

(1) discloses any information furnished to him for, or in connection with, the preparation of any such return, or

(2) uses any such information for any purpose other than to prepare, or assist in preparing, any such return,

shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $1,000 ($100,000 in the case of a disclosure or use to which section 6713(b) applies), or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

(b) Exceptions

(1) Disclosure

Subsection (a) shall not apply to a disclosure of information if such disclosure is made—

(A) pursuant to any other provision of this title, or

(B) pursuant to an order of a court.

(2) Use

Subsection (a) shall not apply to the use of information in the preparation of, or in connection with the preparation of, State and local tax returns and declarations of estimated tax of the person to whom the information relates.

(3) Regulations

Subsection (a) shall not apply to a disclosure or use of information which is permitted by regulations prescribed by the Secretary under this section. Such regulations shall permit (subject to such conditions as such regulations shall provide) the disclosure or use of information for quality or peer reviews.

(Added Pub. L. 92–178, title III, §316(a), Dec. 10, 1971, 85 Stat. 529; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, §412(b)(10), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 792; Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, §6242(b), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3749; Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7739(a), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2404; Pub. L. 116–25, title II, §2009(b), July 1, 2019, 133 Stat. 1007.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–25 substituted "$1,000 ($100,000 in the case of a disclosure or use to which section 6713(b) applies)" for "$1,000" in concluding provisions.

1989—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 101–239 inserted at end "Such regulations shall permit (subject to such conditions as such regulations shall provide) the disclosure or use of information for quality or peer reviews."

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–647 substituted "and who knowingly or recklessly" for "and who".

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–369 struck out from introductory text "or declarations or amended declarations of estimated tax under section 6015," after "chapter 1," and struck out "or declaration" after "such return" in three places.

1976—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–239, title VII, §7739(b), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2404, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 19, 1989]."

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–647 applicable to disclosures or uses after Dec. 31, 1988, see section 6242(d) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as an Effective Date note under section 6712 of this title.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 applicable with respect to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1984, see section 414(a)(1) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 6654 of this title.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 92–178, title III, §316(c), Dec. 10, 1971, 85 Stat. 530, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting this section] shall take effect on the first day of the first month which begins after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 10, 1971]."

§7217. Prohibition on executive branch influence over taxpayer audits and other investigations

(a) Prohibition

It shall be unlawful for any applicable person to request, directly or indirectly, any officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service to conduct or terminate an audit or other investigation of any particular taxpayer with respect to the tax liability of such taxpayer.

(b) Reporting requirement

Any officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service receiving any request prohibited by subsection (a) shall report the receipt of such request to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

(c) Exceptions

Subsection (a) shall not apply to any written request made—

(1) to an applicable person by or on behalf of the taxpayer and forwarded by such applicable person to the Internal Revenue Service;

(2) by an applicable person for disclosure of return or return information under section 6103 if such request is made in accordance with the requirements of such section; or

(3) by the Secretary of the Treasury as a consequence of the implementation of a change in tax policy.

(d) Penalty

Any person who willfully violates subsection (a) or fails to report under subsection (b) shall be punished upon conviction by a fine in any amount not exceeding $5,000, or imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

(e) Applicable person

For purposes of this section, the term "applicable person" means—

(1) the President, the Vice President, any employee of the executive office of the President, and any employee of the executive office of the Vice President; and

(2) any individual (other than the Attorney General of the United States) serving in a position specified in section 5312 of title 5, United States Code.

(Added Pub. L. 105–206, title I, §1105(a), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 711.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 7217, added Pub. L. 94–455, title XII, §1202(e)(1), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1687; amended Pub. L. 95–600, title VII, §701(bb)(7), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2923, related to civil damages for unauthorized disclosure of returns and return information, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 97–248, title III, §357(b)(1), (c), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 646, applicable with respect to disclosures made after Sept. 3, 1982.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 105–206, title I, §1105(c), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 711, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting this section] shall apply to requests made after the date of the enactment of this Act [July 22, 1998]."

PART II—PENALTIES APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN TAXES

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2005—Pub. L. 109–59, title XI, §11164(b)(4), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1976, inserted "or reregister" after "register" in item 7232.

1997—Pub. L. 105–34, title X, §1032(e)(12)(C), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 935, added item 7232 and struck out former item 7232 "Failure to register, or false statement by manufacturer or producer of gasoline, diesel fuel, or aviation fuel".

1996—Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1704(t)(20)(B), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1888, struck out "lubricating oil," after "gasoline," in item 7232.

1990—Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11801(c)(22)(D)(ii), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–528, struck out item 7240 "Officials investing or speculating in sugar".

1988—Pub. L. 100–647, title III, §3001(b)(3)(C), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3615, substituted ", lubricating oil, diesel fuel, or aviation fuel" for "or lubricating oil" in item 7232.

Pub. L. 100–418, title I, §1941(b)(3)(F), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1324, struck out item 7241 "Willful failure to furnish certain information regarding windfall profit tax on domestic crude oil".

1980—Pub. L. 96–223, title I, §101(e)(2), Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 252, added item 7241.

1976—Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §§1904(b)(7)(B)(ii), (8)(D)(ii), (9)(B)(ii), (10)(F)(ii), 1952(n)(2)(B), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1815, 1816, 1818, 1846, struck out items 7233 "Failure to pay, or attempt to evade payment of, tax on cotton futures, and other violations", 7234 "Violation of laws relating to oleomargarine or adulterated butter operations", 7235 "Violation of laws relating to adulterated butter and process or renovated butter", 7239 "Violations of laws relating to white phosphorus matches", and 7241 "Penalty for fraudulent equalization tax certificates".

1974—Pub. L. 93–490, §3(b)(2), Oct. 26, 1974, 88 Stat. 1467, struck out item 7236 "Violation of laws relating to filled cheese".

1970—Pub. L. 91–513, title III, §1101(b)(4)(B), Oct. 27, 1970, 84 Stat. 1292, struck out items 7237 "Violation of laws relating to narcotic drugs and to marihuana" and 7238 "Violation of laws relating to opium for smoking".

1965—Pub. L. 89–44, title VIII, §802(b)(6), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 159, struck out "or give bond" after "Failure to register" in item 7232.

1964—Pub. L. 88–563, §6(c)(2), Sept. 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 847, inserted item 7241.

§7231. Failure to obtain license for collection of foreign items

Any person required by section 7001 (relating to collection of certain foreign items) to obtain a license who knowingly undertakes to collect the payments described in section 7001 without having obtained a license therefor, or without complying with regulations prescribed under section 7001, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 857.)

§7232. Failure to register or reregister under section 4101, false representations of registration status, etc.

Every person who fails to register or reregister as required by section 4101, or who in connection with any purchase of any taxable fuel (as defined in section 4083) or aviation fuel falsely represents himself to be registered as provided by section 4101, or who willfully makes any false statement in an application for registration or reregistration under section 4101, shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 858; Pub. L. 89–44, title VIII, §802(b)(4), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 159; Pub. L. 100–647, title III, §3001(b)(3)(A), (B), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3614; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, §1704(t)(20)(A), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1888; Pub. L. 105–34, title X, §1032(e)(12)(A), (B), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 935; Pub. L. 105–206, title VI, §6010(h)(2), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 815; Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, §863(b), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1620; Pub. L. 109–59, title XI, §11164(b)(2), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1975.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2005—Pub. L. 109–59 inserted "or reregister" after "register" in section catchline and text and "or reregistration" after "registration" in text.

2004—Pub. L. 108–357 substituted "$10,000" for "$5,000".

1998—Pub. L. 105–206 provided that amendment made by section 1032(e)(12)(A) of Pub. L. 105–34 shall be applied as if "gasoline, diesel fuel," were the material proposed to be stricken. See 1997 Amendment note below.

1997—Pub. L. 105–34, §1032(e)(12)(B), amended section catchline generally. Prior to amendment, catchline read as follows: "Failure to register, or false statement by manufacturer or producer of gasoline, diesel fuel, or aviation fuel".

Pub. L. 105–34, §1032(e)(12)(A), which directed the substitution of "any taxable fuel (as defined in section 4083)" for "gasoline, lubricating oil, diesel fuel", was executed by making the substitution for "gasoline, diesel fuel," to reflect the probable intent of Congress. See 1998 Amendment note above.

1996—Pub. L. 104–188 struck out "lubricating oil," after "gasoline," in section catchline and text.

1988—Pub. L. 100–647 substituted ", lubricating oil, diesel fuel, or aviation fuel" for "or lubricating oil" in section catchline and in text.

1965—Pub. L. 89–44 struck out "or give bond" after "Failure to register" in section catchline and "or give bond" after "register" and "and bonded" after "registered" in text.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2005 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–59 applicable to actions, or failures to act, after Aug. 10, 2005, see section 11164(c) of Pub. L. 109–59, set out as a note under section 4101 of this title.

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 108–357 applicable to penalties imposed after Dec. 31, 2004, see section 863(e) of Pub. L. 108–357, set out as an Effective Date note under section 6719 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–206 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105–34, to which such amendment relates, see section 6024 of Pub. L. 105–206, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–34 effective July 1, 1998, see section 1032(f)(1) of Pub. L. 105–34, as amended, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–647 effective Jan. 1, 1989, see section 3001(c) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 6724 of this title.

Effective Date of 1965 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–44 applicable with respect to articles sold on or after July 1, 1965, see section 802(d)(1) of Pub. L. 89–44, set out as a note under section 4082 of this title.

[§7233. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1952(n)(2)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1846]

Section, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 858, related to failure to pay, or attempt to evade payment of, tax on cotton futures, and other violations.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective on 90th day after Oct. 4, 1976, see section 1952(o) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as an Effective Date note under section 15b of Title 7, Agriculture.

[§7234. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1904(b)(7)(B)(i), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1815]

Section, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 858, related to false branding, selling, or packing of oleomargarine, removal or defacement of stamps, marks, or brands on packages of oleomargarine or adulterated butter, failure of wholesale dealers to keep or permit inspection of books, or to render returns, and offenses involving imported oleomargarine or adulterated butter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal 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 an Effective Date of 1976 Amendment note under section 4041 of this title.

[§7235. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1904(b)(9)(B)(i), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1816]

Section, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 859, related to the false branding, sale, packing, or stamping of adulterated butter, the failure of wholesale dealers to keep or permit inspection of books or to render returns, the failure to comply with provisions relating to the manufacture, storage, and marking of process or renovated butter, fraud by manufacturers, and the failure to pay the special tax on dealers in adulterated butter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal 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 an Effective Date of 1976 Amendment note under section 4041 of this title.

[§7236. Repealed. Pub. L. 93–490, §3(b)(1), Oct. 26, 1974, 88 Stat. 1466]

Section, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 860, set out acts and penalties for violations of laws relating to filled cheese.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal applicable to filled cheese manufactured, imported, or sold after Oct. 26, 1974, see section 3(c) of Pub. L. 93–490, set out as a note under sections 4831 to 4834 of this title.

[§§7237, 7238. Repealed. Pub. L. 91–513, title III, §1101(b)(4)(A), Oct. 27, 1970, 84 Stat. 1292]

Section 7237, acts Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 860; Jan. 20, 1955, ch. 1, 69 Stat. 3; July 18, 1956, ch. 629, title I, §103, 70 Stat. 568; Nov. 8, 1966, Pub. L. 89–793, title V, §501, 80 Stat. 1449, set out acts constituting violations relating to narcotic drugs and marihuana. See section 801 et seq. of Title 21, Food and Drugs.

Section 7238, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 861, set the penalty for the violation of provisions of this title relating to opium for smoking.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective on first day of seventh calendar month that begins after Oct. 26, 1970, see section 1105(a) of Pub. L. 91–513, set out as an Effective Date note under section 951 of Title 21, Food and Drugs.

Savings Provision

Prosecutions for any violation of law occurring, and civil seizures or forfeitures and injunctive proceedings commenced, prior to the effective date of repeal of these sections by section 1101 of Pub. L. 91–513 not to be affected or abated by reason thereof, see section 1103 of Pub. L. 91–513, set out as a note under section 171 of Title 21, Food and Drugs.

[§7239. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1904(b)(8)(D)(i), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1816]

Section, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 861, related to violations regarding the selling of unstamped white phosphorus matches and the use of insufficient stamps.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal 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 an Effective Date of 1976 Amendment note under section 4041 of this title.

[§7240. Repealed. Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11801(c)(22)(D)(i), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–528]

Section, acts Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 861; Oct. 4, 1976, Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1904(b)(6)(A), 90 Stat. 1815, set forth penalties for persons who invested or speculated in sugar while acting in any official capacity in the administration of former chapter 37 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Savings Provision

For provisions that nothing in repeal by Pub. L. 101–508 be construed to affect treatment of certain transactions occurring, property acquired, or items of income, loss, deduction, or credit taken into account prior to Nov. 5, 1990, for purposes of determining liability for tax for periods ending after Nov. 5, 1990, see section 11821(b) of Pub. L. 101–508, set out as a note under section 45K of this title.

[§7241. Repealed. Pub. L. 100–418, title I, §1941(b)(1), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1323]

Section, added Pub. L. 96–223, title I, §101(e)(1), Apr. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 252, prescribed penalty for willful failure to furnish certain information regarding windfall profit tax on domestic crude oil.

A prior section 7241, Pub. L. 88–563, §6(b), Sept. 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 847, which related to penalty for fraudulent equalization tax certificates, was repealed by Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1904(b)(10)(F)(i), (iii), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1818, effective with respect to statements and certificates executed after June 30, 1974.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal applicable to crude oil removed from the premises on or after Aug. 23, 1988, see section 1941(c) of Pub. L. 100–418, set out as an Effective Date of 1988 Amendment note under section 164 of this title.

Subchapter B—Other Offenses

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2005—Pub. L. 109–59, title XI, §11164(b)(4), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1976, inserted "or reregister" after "register" in item 7272.

1976—Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §§1904(b)(7)(C)(ii), (8)(E)(ii), (9)(C)(ii), 1952(n)(3)(B), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1815, 1816, 1846, struck out items 7263 "Penalties relating to cotton futures", 7264 "Offenses relating to renovated or adulterated butter", 7265 "Other offenses relating to oleomargarine or adulterated butter operations", 7267 "Offenses relating to white phosphorus matches", and 7274 "Penalty for offenses relating to white phosphorus matches".

1974—Pub. L. 93–490, §3(b)(4), Oct. 26, 1974, 88 Stat. 1467, struck out item 7266 "Offenses relating to filled cheese".

1970—Pub. L. 91–258, title II, §203(c)(2), May 21, 1970, 84 Stat. 239, added item 7275.

1965—Pub. L. 89–44, title VI, §601(i), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 155, struck out item 7275 "Failure to print correct price on tickets".

§7261. Representation that retailers' excise tax is excluded from price of article

Whoever, in connection with the sale or lease, or offer for sale or lease, of any article taxable under chapter 31, makes any statement, written or oral, in advertisement or otherwise, intended or calculated to lead any person to believe that the price of the article does not include the tax imposed by chapter 31, shall on conviction thereof be fined not more than $1,000.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 862.)

§7262. Violation of occupational tax laws relating to wagering—failure to pay special tax

Any person who does any act which makes him liable for special tax under subchapter B of chapter 35 without having paid such tax, shall, besides being liable to the payment of the tax, be fined not less than $1,000 and not more than $5,000.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 862.)

[§7263. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1952(n)(3)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1846]

Section, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 862, provided penalties for violations related to cotton futures.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective on 90th day after Oct. 4, 1976, see section 1952(o) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as an Effective Date note under section 15b of Title 7, Agriculture.

[§7264. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1904(b)(9)(C)(i), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1816]

Section, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 863, provided the penalty for offenses relating to renovated or adulterated butter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal 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 an Effective Date of 1976 Amendment note under section 4041 of this title.

[§7265. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1904(b)(7)(C)(i), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1815]

Section, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 863, provided penalties for offenses relating to oleomargarine or adulterated butter operations.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal 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 an Effective Date of 1976 Amendment note under section 4041 of this title.

[§7266. Repealed. Pub. L. 93–490, §3(b)(3), Oct. 26, 1974, 88 Stat. 1467]

Section, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 863, set out offenses and penalties relating to filled cheese.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal applicable to filled cheese manufactured, imported, or sold after Oct. 26, 1974, see section 3(c) of Pub. L. 93–490, set out as a note under sections 4831 to 4834 of this title.

[§7267. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1904(b)(8)(E)(i), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1816]

Section, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 864, provided penalties for offenses relating to white phosphorus matches.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal 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 an Effective Date of 1976 Amendment note under section 4041 of this title.

§7268. Possession with intent to sell in fraud of law or to evade tax

Every person who shall have in his custody or possession any goods, wares, merchandise, articles, or objects on which taxes are imposed by law, for the purpose of selling the same in fraud of the internal revenue laws, or with design to avoid payment of the taxes imposed thereon, shall be liable to a penalty of $500 or not less than double the amount of taxes fraudulently attempted to be evaded.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 865.)

§7269. Failure to produce records

Whoever fails to comply with any duty imposed upon him by section 6018, 6036 (in the case of an executor), or 6075(a), or, having in his possession or control any record, file, or paper, containing or supposed to contain any information concerning the estate of the decedent, or, having in his possession or control any property comprised in the gross estate of the decedent, fails to exhibit the same upon request to the Secretary who desires to examine the same in the performance of his duties under chapter 11 (relating to estate taxes), shall be liable to a penalty of not exceeding $500, to be recovered, with costs of suit, in a civil action in the name of the United States.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 865; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1976—Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

§7270. Insurance policies

Any person who fails to comply with the requirements of section 4374 (relating to liability for tax on policies issued by foreign insurers), with intent to evade the tax shall, in addition to other penalties provided therefor, pay a fine of double the amount of the tax.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 865; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1904(b)(5)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1815.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1976—Pub. L. 94–455 substituted "liability for tax on policies issued by foreign insurers" for "the affixing of stamps on insurance policies, etc.".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by 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.

§7271. Penalties for offenses relating to stamps

Any person who with respect to any tax payable by stamps—

(1) Failure to attach or cancel stamps, etc.

Fails to comply with rules or regulations prescribed pursuant to section 6804 (relating to attachment, cancellation, etc., of stamps), unless such failure is shown to be due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect; or

(2) Instruments

Makes, signs, issues, or accepts, or causes to be made, signed, issued, or accepted, any instrument, document, or paper of any kind or description whatsoever without the full amount of tax thereon being duly paid; or

(3) Disposal and receipt of stamped packages

In the case of any container which is stamped, branded, or marked (whether or not under authority of law) in such manner as to show that the provisions of the internal revenue laws with respect to the contents or intended contents thereof have been complied with, and which is empty or contains any contents other than contents therein when the container was lawfully stamped, branded, or marked—

(A) Transfers or receives (whether by sale, gift, or otherwise) such container knowing it to be empty or to contain such other contents; or

(B) Stamps, brands, or marks such container, or otherwise produces such a stamped, branded, or marked container, knowing it to be empty or to contain such other contents;

shall be liable for each such offense to a penalty of $50.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 865; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(a)(41), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1830.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1976—Pars. (2) to (4). Pub. L. 94–455 redesignated pars. (3) and (4) as (2) and (3), respectively. Former par. (2), which related to persons who manufactured or imported and sold, or offered for sale, or caused to be manufactured or imported and sold, or offered for sale, any playing card, package, or other article without the full amount of tax being paid, was struck out.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–455 effective on first day of first month which begins more than 90 days after Oct. 4, 1976, see section 1906(d)(1) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 6013 of this title.

§7272. Penalty for failure to register or reregister

(a) In general

Any person (other than persons required to register under subtitle E, or persons engaging in a trade or business on which a special tax is imposed by such subtitle) who fails to register with the Secretary as required by this title or by regulations issued thereunder shall be liable to a penalty of $50 ($10,000 in the case of a failure to register or reregister under section 4101).

(b) Cross references

For provisions relating to persons required by this title to register, see sections 4101, 4412, and 7011.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 866; Pub. L. 85–475, §4(b)(8), June 30, 1958, 72 Stat. 260; Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §204(6), (7), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1429; Pub. L. 89–44, title VI, §601(h), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 155; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §§1904(b)(8)(F), 1906(a)(42), (b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1816, 1830, 1834; Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, §863(a), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1619; Pub. L. 109–59, title XI, §11164(b)(3), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1975.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2005—Pub. L. 109–59, §11164(b)(3)(B), inserted "or reregister" after "register" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–59, §11164(b)(3)(A), inserted "or reregister" after "failure to register".

2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–357 inserted "($10,000 in the case of a failure to register under section 4101)" after "$50".

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

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–455, §§1904(b)(8)(F), 1906(a)(42), struck out "4722, 4753, 4804(d)," after "4412,".

1965—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–44 struck out "4455," after "4412,".

1958—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 85–859, §204(6), excluded persons required to register under subtitle E and persons engaging in a trade or business on which a special tax is imposed by such subtitle.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 85–859, §204(7), struck out references to sections 5802 and 5841 of this title.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 85–475 struck out reference to section 4273.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2005 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–59 applicable to actions, or failures to act, after Aug. 10, 2005, see section 11164(c) of Pub. L. 109–59, set out as a note under section 4101 of this title.

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 108–357 applicable to penalties imposed after Dec. 31, 2004, see section 863(e) of Pub. L. 108–357, set out as an Effective Date note under section 6719 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by section 1904(b)(8)(F) 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.

Amendment by section 1906(a)(42), (b)(13)(A) of Pub. L. 94–455 effective on first day of first month which begins more than 90 days after Oct. 4, 1976, see section 1906(d)(1) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 6013 of this title.

Effective Date of 1965 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 89–44 to take effect in a manner consistent with effective date of change of tax provision to which related, see section 701(e) of Pub. L. 89–44, set out as a note under section 6103 of this title.

Effective Date of 1958 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 85–859 effective Sept. 3, 1958, see section 210(a)(1) of Pub. L. 85–859, set out as an Effective Date note under section 5001 of this title.

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 85–475, see section 4(c) of Pub. L. 85–475, set out as a note under section 6415 of this title.

§7273. Penalties for offenses relating to special taxes

Any person who shall fail to place and keep stamps denoting the payment of the special tax as provided in section 6806 shall be liable to a penalty (not less than $10) equal to the special tax for which his business rendered him liable, unless such failure is shown to be due to reasonable cause. If such failure to comply with section 6806 is through willful neglect or refusal, then the penalty shall be double the amount above prescribed.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 866; Pub. L. 90–618, title II, §205, Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1235.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1968—Pub. L. 90–618 redesignated former subsec. (a) as existing provisions, struck out heading "General rule", all references to subsecs. (a) or (b) of section 6806 of this title, provision that nothing in this subsec. affects the liability of any person doing any act, etc., upon which a special tax is imposed for such special tax, and struck out subsec. (b) setting forth penalties for the failure to comply with the provisions of section 6806(c) of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–618 effective Oct. 22, 1968, see section 207 of Pub. L. 90–618, set out as an Effective Date note under section 5801 of this title.

[§7274. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1904(b)(8)(E)(i), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1816]

Section, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 866, provided penalties for offenses relating to white phosphorus matches.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal 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 an Effective Date of 1976 Amendment note under section 4041 of this title.

§7275. Penalty for offenses relating to certain airline tickets and advertising

(a) Tickets

In the case of transportation by air all of which is taxable transportation (as defined in section 4262), the ticket for such transportation shall show the total of—

(1) the amount paid for such transportation, and

(2) the taxes imposed by subsections (a) and (b) of section 4261.

(b) Advertising

In the case of transportation by air all of which is taxable transportation (as defined in section 4262) or would be taxable transportation if section 4262 did not include subsection (b) thereof, any advertising made by or on behalf of any person furnishing such transportation (or offering to arrange such transportation) which states the cost of such transportation shall—

(1) state such cost as the total of (A) the amount to be paid for such transportation, and (B) the taxes imposed by sections 4261(a), (b), and (c), and

(2) if any such advertising states separately the amount to be paid for such transportation or the amount of such taxes, state such total at least as prominently as the more prominently stated of the amount to be paid for such transportation or the amount of such taxes and shall describe such taxes substantially as: "user taxes to pay for airport construction and airway safety and operations".

(c) Non-tax charges

(1) In general

In the case of transportation by air for which disclosure on the ticket or advertising for such transportation of the amounts paid for passenger taxes is required by subsection (a)(2) or (b)(1)(B), if such amounts are separately disclosed, it shall be unlawful for the disclosure of such amounts to include any amounts not attributable to such taxes.

(2) Inclusion in transportation cost

Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the inclusion of amounts not attributable to the taxes imposed by subsection (a), (b), or (c) of section 4261 in the disclosure of the amount paid for transportation as required by subsection (a)(1) or (b)(1)(A), or in a separate disclosure of amounts not attributable to such taxes.

(d) Penalty

Any person who violates any provision of subsection (a), (b), or (c) is, for each violation, guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not more than $100.

(Added Pub. L. 91–258, title II, §203(c)(1), May 21, 1970, 84 Stat. 239; amended Pub. L. 91–680, §3, Jan. 12, 1971, 84 Stat. 2064; Pub. L. 97–248, title II, §281A(b)(1), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 567; Pub. L. 112–95, title XI, §1104(a), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 151; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(a)(323), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1199.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 7275, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68 Stat. 866, related to cross references, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 89–44, title VI, §601(i), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 155.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 115–141 substituted "taxes, state" for "taxes, shall state".

2012—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 112–95 added subsec. (c), redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d), and, in subsec. (d), substituted "subsection (a), (b), or (c)" for "subsection (a) or (b)".

1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–248 redesignated former par. (1) as pars. (1) and (2) and struck out former par. (2) which provided that a ticket for transportation, if it showed amounts paid with respect to any segment of such transportation, had to comply with former par. (1) with respect to such segments as well as with respect to the sum of the segments.

1971—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 91–680, §3(a)(1), inserted "and" after "and (b),".

Subsec. (a)(2), (3). Pub. L. 91–680, §3(a)(2), (3), redesignated par. (3) as (2), and struck out reference to par. (2). Former par. (2), which prohibited airline tickets from separately stating the amount paid for the air transportation and the amount paid for taxes, was struck out.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 91–680, §3(b), struck out "only" after "state such cost".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 91–680, §3(b), substituted provisions authorizing advertising to separately state in the prescribed manner the amount paid for the air transportation and the amount paid for taxes, for provisions prohibiting advertising from separately stating the amount paid for the air transportation and the amount paid for taxes.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–95, title XI, §1104(b), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 151, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable transportation provided after March 31, 2012."

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–248, title II, §281A(b)(2), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 568, as amended by Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title VII, §714(b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 961, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to transportation beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 3, 1982]."

Effective Date of 1971 Amendment

Pub. L. 91–680, §4, Jan. 12, 1971, 84 Stat. 2065, provided that: "The amendments made by the third section of this Act [amending this section] shall apply to transportation beginning after June 30, 1970."

Effective Date

Section applicable to transportation beginning after June 30, 1970, see section 211(b) of Pub. L. 91–258, set out as Effective Date of 1970 Amendment note under section 4041 of this title.

Subchapter C—Forfeitures

        

PART I—PROPERTY SUBJECT TO FORFEITURE

        

§7301. Property subject to tax

(a) Taxable articles

Any property on which, or for or in respect whereof, any tax is imposed by this title which shall be found in the possession or custody or within the control of any person, for the purpose of being sold or removed by him in fraud of the internal revenue laws, or with design to avoid payment of such tax, or which is removed, deposited, or concealed, with intent to defraud the United States of such tax or any part thereof, may be seized, and shall be forfeited to the United States.

(b) Raw materials

All property found in the possession of any person intending to manufacture the same into property of a kind subject to tax for the purpose of selling such taxable property in fraud of the internal revenue laws, or with design to evade the payment of such tax, may also be seized, and shall be forfeited to the United States.

(c) Equipment

All property whatsoever, in the place or building, or any yard or enclosure, where the property described in subsection (a) or (b) is found, or which is intended to be used in the making of property described in subsection (a), with intent to defraud the United States of tax or any part thereof, on the property described in subsection (a) may also be seized, and shall be forfeited to the United States.

(d) Packages

All property used as a container for, or which shall have contained, property described in subsection (a) or (b) may also be seized, and shall be forfeited to the United States.

(e) Conveyances

Any property (including aircraft, vehicles, vessels, or draft animals) used to transport or for the deposit or concealment of property described in subsection (a) or (b), or any property used to transport or for the deposit or concealment of property which is intended to be used in the making or packaging of property described in subsection (a), may also be seized, and shall be forfeited to the United States.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 867; Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §204(8), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1429.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1958—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 85–859 included property used to transport or for the deposit or concealment of property which is intended to be used in the making or packaging of property described in subsec. (a).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1958 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 85–859 effective Sept. 3, 1958, see section 210(a)(1) of Pub. L. 85–859, set out as an Effective Date note under section 5001 of this title.

§7302. Property used in violation of internal revenue laws

It shall be unlawful to have or possess any property intended for use in violating the provisions of the internal revenue laws, or regulations prescribed under such laws, or which has been so used, and no property rights shall exist in any such property. A search warrant may issue as provided in chapter 205 of title 18 of the United States Code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure for the seizure of such property. Nothing in this section shall in any manner limit or affect any criminal or forfeiture provision of the internal revenue laws, or of any other law. The seizure and forfeiture of any property under the provisions of this section and the disposition of such property subsequent to seizure and forfeiture, or the disposition of the proceeds from the sale of such property, shall be in accordance with existing laws or those hereafter in existence relating to seizures, forfeitures, and disposition of property or proceeds, for violation of the internal revenue laws.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 867.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, referred to in text, are set out in the Appendix to Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.

Constitutionality

For information regarding the constitutionality of this section, see the Table of Laws Held Unconstitutional in Whole or in Part by the Supreme Court on the Constitution Annotated website, constitution.congress.gov.

§7303. Other property subject to forfeiture

There may be seized and forfeited to the United States the following:

(1) Counterfeit stamps

Every stamp involved in the offense described in section 7208 (relating to counterfeit, reused, cancelled, etc., stamps), and the vellum, parchment, document, paper, package, or article upon which such stamp was placed or impressed in connection with such offense.

(2) False stamping of packages

Any container involved in the offense described in section 7271 (relating to disposal of stamped packages), and of the contents of such container.

(3) Fraudulent bonds, permits, and entries

All property to which any false or fraudulent instrument involved in the offense described in section 7207 relates.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 868; Pub. L. 85–881, §1(c), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1704; Pub. L. 93–490, §3(b)(5), Oct. 26, 1974, 88 Stat. 1467; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1904(b)(8)(G), (9)(D), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1816.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1976—Par. (2). Pub. L. 94–455, §1904(b)(9)(D), redesignated par. (7) as (2). Former par. (2), which related to oleomargarine or filled cheese adjudged to contain deleterious ingredients, was repealed. See 1958 Amendment note below.

Par. (3). Pub. L. 94–455, §1904(b)(9)(D), redesignated par. (8) as (3). Former par. (3), relating to offenses by manufacturers or importers of or wholesale dealers in oleomargarine or adulterated butter, was struck out.

Par. (4). Pub. L. 94–455, §1904(b)(9)(D), struck out par. (4) which related to the purchase or receipt of adulterated butter.

Par. (5). Pub. L. 94–455, §1904(b)(9)(D), struck out par. (5) which related to packages of oleomargarine found without required stamps or marks.

Par. (6). Pub. L. 94–455, §1904(b)(8)(G), struck out par. (6) which related to white phosphorus matches.

Pars. (7), (8). Pub. L. 94–455, §1904(b)(9)(D), redesignated pars. (7) and (8) as (2) and (3), respectively.

1974—Par. (4). Pub. L. 93–490 substituted provisions relating to purchase or receipt of adulterated butter and payment of tax under section 4821 of this title for provisions relating to purchase or receipt of filled cheese or adulterated butter and payment of tax under section 4821 or 4841 of this title.

Par. (5). Pub. L. 93–490 substituted provisions relating to packages of oleomargarine subject to tax under subchapter F of chapter 38 of this title for provisions relating to oleomargarine or filled cheese subject to tax under subchapter F of chapter 38 or part II of subchapter C of chapter 39 of this title.

1958—Pub. L. 85–881 repealed par. (2) which related to oleomargarine or filled cheese adjudged to contain deleterious ingredients.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by 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 1974 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–490 applicable to filled cheese manufactured, imported, or sold after Oct. 26, 1974, see section 3(c) of Pub. L. 93–490, set out as an Effective Date of Repeal note under sections 4831 to 4834 of this title.

§7304. Penalty for fraudulently claiming drawback

Whenever any person fraudulently claims or seeks to obtain an allowance of drawback on goods, wares, or merchandise on which no internal tax shall have been paid, or fraudulently claims any greater allowance of drawback than the tax actually paid, he shall forfeit triple the amount wrongfully or fraudulently claimed or sought to be obtained, or the sum of $500, at the election of the Secretary.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 869; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1976—Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

PART II—PROVISIONS COMMON TO FORFEITURES

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(b)(50), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1205, struck out item 7326 "Disposal of forfeited or abandoned property in special cases".

1986—Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, §1566(d), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2763, substituted "$100,000" for "$2,500" in item 7325.

1976—Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1904(b)(8)(H)(ii), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1816, struck out item 7328 "Confiscation of matches exported" and redesignated item 7329 as 7328.

1958—Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §204(11), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1429, substituted "$2,500" for "$1,000" in item 7325.

§7321. Authority to seize property subject to forfeiture

Any property subject to forfeiture to the United States under any provision of this title may be seized by the Secretary.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 869; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1976—Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

§7322. Delivery of seized personal property to United States marshal

Any forfeitable property which may be seized under the provisions of this title may, at the option of the Secretary, be delivered to the United States marshal of the district, and remain in the care and custody and under the control of such marshal, pending disposal thereof as provided by law.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 869; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1976—Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

§7323. Judicial action to enforce forfeiture

(a) Nature and venue

The proceedings to enforce such forfeitures shall be in the nature of a proceeding in rem in the United States District Court for the district where such seizure is made.

(b) Service of process when property has been returned under bond

In case bond as provided in section 7324(3) shall have been executed and the property returned before seizure thereof by virtue of process in the proceedings in rem authorized in subsection (a) of this section, the marshal shall give notice of pendency of proceedings in court to the parties executing said bond, by personal service or publication, and in such manner and form as the court may direct, and the court shall thereupon have jurisdiction of said matter and parties in the same manner as if such property had been seized by virtue of the process aforesaid.

(c) Cost of seizure taxable

The cost of seizure made before process issues shall be taxable by the court.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 869.)

§7324. Special disposition of perishable goods

When any property which is seized under the provisions of section 7301 or section 7302 is liable to perish or become greatly reduced in price or value by keeping, or when it cannot be kept without great expense—

(1) Application for examination

The owner thereof, or the United States marshal of the district, may apply to the Secretary to examine it; and

(2) Appraisal

If, in the opinion of the Secretary, it shall be necessary that such property should be sold to prevent such waste or expense, the Secretary shall appraise the same; and thereupon

(3) Return to owner under bond

The owner shall have such property returned to him upon giving bond in an amount equal to such appraised value to abide the final order, decree, or judgment of the court having cognizance of the case, and to pay the amount of said appraised value to the Secretary, the United States marshal, or otherwise, as may be ordered and directed by the court, which bond shall be filed by the Secretary with the United States attorney for the district in which the proceedings in rem authorized in section 7323 may be commenced.

(4) Sale in absence of bond

(A) Order to sell

If such owner shall neglect or refuse to give such bond, the Secretary shall issue to any Treasury officer or employee or to the United States marshal an order to sell the same.

(B) Manner of sale

Such Treasury officer or employee or the marshal shall as soon as practicable make public sale of such property in accordance with such regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary.

(C) Disposition of proceeds

The proceeds of the sale, after deducting the reasonable costs of the seizure and sale, shall be paid to the court to abide its final order, decree, or judgment.

(5) Form of bond and sureties

For provisions relating to form and sureties on bonds, see section 7101.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 870; Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §204(9), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1429; Pub. L. 85–866, title I, §78, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1662; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1976—Pars. (1) to (4). Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary" wherever appearing.

1958—Par. (3). Pub. L. 85–866 struck out "district" before "attorney".

Pub. L. 85–859 included property seized under section 7302 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1958 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 85–866 effective Aug. 17, 1954, see section 1(c)(2) of Pub. L. 85–866, set out as a note under section 165 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 85–859 effective Sept. 3, 1958, see section 210(a)(1) of Pub. L. 85–859, set out as an Effective Date note under section 5001 of this title.

§7325. Personal property valued at $100,000 or less

In all cases of seizure of any goods, wares, or merchandise as being subject to forfeiture under any provision of this title which, in the opinion of the Secretary, are of the appraised value of $100,000 or less, the Secretary shall, except in cases otherwise provided, proceed as follows:

(1) List and appraisement

The Secretary shall cause a list containing a particular description of the goods, wares, or merchandise seized to be prepared in duplicate, and an appraisement thereof to be made by three sworn appraisers, to be selected by the Secretary who shall be respectable and disinterested citizens of the United States residing within the internal revenue district wherein the seizure was made. Such list and appraisement shall be properly attested by the Secretary and such appraisers. Each appraiser shall be allowed for his services such compensation as the Secretary shall by regulations prescribe, to be paid in the manner similar to that provided for other necessary charges incurred in collecting internal revenue.

(2) Notice of seizure

If such goods are found by such appraisers to be of the value of $100,000 or less, the Secretary shall publish a notice for 3 weeks, in some newspaper of the district where the seizure was made, describing the articles and stating the time, place, and cause of their seizure, and requiring any person claiming them to appear and make such claim within 30 days from the date of the first publication of such notice.

(3) Execution of bond by claimant

Any person claiming the goods, wares, or merchandise so seized, within the time specified in the notice, may file with the Secretary a claim, stating his interest in the articles seized, and may execute a bond to the United States in the penal sum of $2,500, conditioned that, in case of condemnation of the articles so seized, the obligors shall pay all the costs and expenses of the proceedings to obtain such condemnation; and upon the delivery of such bond to the Secretary, he shall transmit the same, with the duplicate list or description of the goods seized, to the United States attorney for the district, and such attorney shall proceed thereon in the ordinary manner prescribed by law.

(4) Sale in absence of bond

If no claim is interposed and no bond is given within the time above specified, the Secretary shall give reasonable notice of the sale of the goods, wares, or merchandise by publication, and, at the time and place specified in the notice, shall, unless otherwise provided by law, sell the articles so seized at public auction, or upon competitive bids, in accordance with such regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 870; Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §204(10), (12), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1429; Pub. L. 85–866, title I, §78, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1662; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, §1566(a), (b), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2763.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1986—Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "$100,000" for "$2,500" in section catchline, introductory provisions, and par. (2), and substituted "$2,500" for "$250" in par. (3).

1976—Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary" wherever appearing.

1958—Pub. L. 85–866 struck out "district" before "attorney" in par. (3).

Pub. L. 85–859 substituted "$2,500" for "$1,000" in section catchline, opening par., and par. (2), and inserted ", unless otherwise provided by law," before "sell the articles" in par. (4).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–514, title XV, §1566(e), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2763, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 7103 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 1986]."

Effective Date of 1958 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 85–866 effective Aug. 17, 1954, see section 1(c)(2) of Pub. L. 85–866, set out as a note under section 165 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 85–859 effective Sept. 3, 1958, see section 210(a)(1) of Pub. L. 85–859, set out as an Effective Date note under section 5001 of this title.

[§7326. Repealed. Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, §401(b)(50), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1205]

Section, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 871; Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §204(13), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1429; Pub. L. 89–44, title VI, §601(j), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 155; Pub. L. 91–513, title III, §1102(f), Oct. 27, 1970, 84 Stat. 1292; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §§1906(a)(43), (b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1830, 1834, related to disposal of certain forfeited property.

Editorial Notes

Savings Provision

For provisions that nothing in repeal 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.

§7327. Customs laws applicable

The provisions of law applicable to the remission or mitigation by the Secretary of forfeitures under the customs laws shall apply to forfeitures incurred or alleged to have been incurred under the internal revenue laws.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 871; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1976—Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary".

§7328. Cross references

(1) For the issuance of certificates of probable cause relieving officers making seizures of responsibility for damages, see 28 U. S. C. 2465.

(2) For provisions relating to forfeitures generally in connection with alcohol taxes, see chapter 51.

(3) For provisions relating to forfeitures generally in connection with tobacco taxes, see chapter 52.

(4) For provisions relating to forfeitures generally in connection with taxes on certain firearms, see chapter 53.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 871, §7329; renumbered §7328, Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1904(b)(8)(H)(i), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1816.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 7328, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 871, provided for confiscation of white phosphorus matches exported or attempted to be exported, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 94–455, §1904(b)(8)(H)(i).

A prior section 7329 was renumbered section 7328 of this title.

Subchapter D—Miscellaneous Penalty and Forfeiture Provisions

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2015—Pub. L. 114–94, div. C, title XXXII, §32101(h), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1733, added item 7345.

§7341. Penalty for sales to evade tax

(a) Nonenforceability of contract

Whenever any person who is liable to pay any tax imposed by this title upon, for, or in respect of, any property sells or causes or allows the same to be sold before such tax is paid, with intent to avoid such tax, or in fraud of the internal revenue laws, any debt contracted in such sale, and any security given therefor, unless the same shall have been bona fide transferred to an innocent holder, shall be void, and the collection thereof shall not be enforced in any court.

(b) Forfeiture of sum paid on contract

If such property has been paid for, in whole or in part, the sum so paid shall be deemed forfeited.

(c) Moiety

Any person who shall sue for the sum so paid (in an action of debt) shall recover from the seller the amount so paid, one-half to his own use and the other half to the use of the United States.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 872.)

§7342. Penalty for refusal to permit entry or examination

Any owner of any building or place, or person having the agency or superintendence of the same, who refuses to admit any officer or employee of the Treasury Department acting under the authority of section 7606 (relating to entry of premises for examination of taxable articles) or refuses to permit him to examine such article or articles, shall, for every such refusal, forfeit $500.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 872.)

§7343. Definition of term "person"

The term "person" as used in this chapter includes an officer or employee of a corporation, or a member or employee of a partnership, who as such officer, employee, or member is under a duty to perform the act in respect of which the violation occurs.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 872.)

§7344. Extended application of penalties relating to officers of the Treasury Department

All provisions of law imposing fines, penalties, or other punishment for offenses committed by an internal revenue officer or other officer of the Department of the Treasury, or under any agency or office thereof, shall apply to all persons whomsoever, employed, appointed, or acting under the authority of any internal revenue law, or any revenue provision of any law of the United States, when such persons are designated or acting as officers or employees in connection with such law, or are persons having the custody or disposition of any public money.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 872.)

§7345. Revocation or denial of passport in case of certain tax delinquencies

(a) In general

If the Secretary receives certification by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue that an individual has a seriously delinquent tax debt, the Secretary shall transmit such certification to the Secretary of State for action with respect to denial, revocation, or limitation of a passport pursuant to section 32101 of the FAST Act.

(b) Seriously delinquent tax debt

(1) In general

For purposes of this section, the term "seriously delinquent tax debt" means an unpaid, legally enforceable Federal tax liability of an individual—

(A) which has been assessed,

(B) which is greater than $50,000, and

(C) with respect to which—

(i) a notice of lien has been filed pursuant to section 6323 and the administrative rights under section 6320 with respect to such filing have been exhausted or have lapsed, or

(ii) a levy is made pursuant to section 6331.

(2) Exceptions

Such term shall not include—

(A) a debt that is being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement to which the individual is party under section 6159 or 7122, and

(B) a debt with respect to which collection is suspended with respect to the individual—

(i) because a due process hearing under section 6330 is requested or pending, or

(ii) because an election under subsection (b) or (c) of section 6015 is made or relief under subsection (f) of such section is requested.

(c) Reversal of certification

(1) In general

In the case of an individual with respect to whom the Commissioner makes a certification under subsection (a), the Commissioner shall notify the Secretary (and the Secretary shall subsequently notify the Secretary of State) if such certification is found to be erroneous or if the debt with respect to such certification is fully satisfied or ceases to be a seriously delinquent tax debt by reason of subsection (b)(2).

(2) Timing of notice

(A) Full satisfaction of debt

In the case of a debt that has been fully satisfied or has become legally unenforceable, such notification shall be made not later than the date required for issuing the certificate of release of lien with respect to such debt under section 6325(a).

(B) Innocent spouse relief

In the case of an individual who makes an election under subsection (b) or (c) of section 6015, or requests relief under subsection (f) of such section, such notification shall be made not later than 30 days after any such election or request.

(C) Installment agreement or offer-in-compromise

In the case of an installment agreement under section 6159 or an offer-in-compromise under section 7122, such notification shall be made not later than 30 days after such agreement is entered into or such offer is accepted by the Secretary.

(D) Erroneous certification

In the case of a certification found to be erroneous, such notification shall be made as soon as practicable after such finding.

(d) Contemporaneous notice to individual

The Commissioner shall contemporaneously notify an individual of any certification under subsection (a), or any reversal of certification under subsection (c), with respect to such individual. Such notice shall include a description in simple and nontechnical terms of the right to bring a civil action under subsection (e).

(e) Judicial review of certification

(1) In general

After the Commissioner notifies an individual under subsection (d), the taxpayer may bring a civil action against the United States in a district court of the United States, or against the Commissioner in the Tax Court, to determine whether the certification was erroneous or whether the Commissioner has failed to reverse the certification. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the court first acquiring jurisdiction over such an action shall have sole jurisdiction.

(2) Determination

If the court determines that such certification was erroneous, then the court may order the Secretary to notify the Secretary of State that such certification was erroneous.

(f) Adjustment for inflation

In the case of a calendar year beginning after 2016, the dollar amount in subsection (b)(1)(B) shall be increased by an amount equal to—

(1) such dollar amount, multiplied by

(2) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year, determined by substituting "calendar year 2015" for "calendar year 2016" in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof.

If any amount as adjusted under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of $1,000, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $1,000.

(g) Delegation of certification

A certification under subsection (a) or reversal of certification under subsection (c) may only be delegated by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue to the Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement, or the Commissioner of an operating division, of the Internal Revenue Service.

(Added Pub. L. 114–94, div. C, title XXXII, §32101(a), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1729; amended Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §11002(d)(1)(RR), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2061; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title I, §103(a), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1169.)

Inflation Adjusted Items for Certain Years

For inflation adjustment of certain items in this section, see Revenue Procedures listed in a table under section 1 of this title.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 32101 of the FAST Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is section 32101 of Pub. L. 114–94, which enacted this section and section 2714a of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse, and amended sections 6103, 6320, 6331, and 7508 of this title.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 115–141, §103(a)(1), substituted ", or against the Commissioner in the Tax Court," for "or the Tax Court" and inserted at end "For purposes of the preceding sentence, the court first acquiring jurisdiction over such an action shall have sole jurisdiction."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 115–141, §103(a)(2), substituted "subsection (b)(1)(B)" for "subsection (a)" in introductory provisions.

2017—Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 115–97 substituted "for 'calendar year 2016' in subparagraph (A)(ii)" for "for 'calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title I, §103(b), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1170, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in section 32101 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act [Pub. L. 114–94]."

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–97 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, see section 11002(e) of Pub. L. 115–97, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.