Last updated on March 14th, 2023 at 12:56 pm
Title 27 – Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms–Volume 2
ATF = Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. T.D. = Treasury Decision. TTB = Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
CHAPTER I – ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY (CONTINUED)
SUBCHAPTER B – TOBACCO
PART 40 – MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, CIGARETTE PAPERS AND TUBES, AND PROCESSED TOBACCO
Subpart A – Scope of Regulations
§ 40.1 Manufacture of tobacco products, cigarette papers and tubes, and processed tobacco.
This part contains regulations relating to the manufacture of tobacco products, cigarette papers and tubes, and processed tobacco; the payment by manufacturers of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes of internal revenue taxes imposed by 26 U.S.C. chapter 52; and the qualification of and operations by manufacturers of tobacco products, cigarette papers and tubes, and processed tobacco.
§ 40.2 Territorial extent.
The provisions of the regulations in this part shall apply in the several States of the United States and the District of Columbia.
Subpart B – Definitions
§ 40.11 Meaning of terms.
When used in this part and in forms prescribed under this part, the following terms shall have the meanings given in this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Words in the plural form shall include the singular, and vice versa, and words indicating the masculine gender shall include the feminine. The terms “includes” and “including” do not exclude things not listed which are in the same general class.
Administrator. The Administrator, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC.
Appropriate TTB officer. An officer or employee of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) authorized to perform any functions relating to the administration or enforcement of this part by TTB Order 1135.40, Delegation of the Administrator’s Authorities in 27 CFR Part 40, Manufacture of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes.
Bank. Any commercial bank.
Banking day. Any day during which a bank is open to the public for carrying on substantially all its banking functions.
CFR. The Code of Federal Regulations.
Chewing tobacco. Any leaf tobacco that is not intended to be smoked.
Cigar. Any roll of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco or in any substance containing tobacco (other than any roll of tobacco which is a cigarette within the meaning of paragraph (2) of the definition for cigarette).
Cigarette. (1) Any roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in any substance not containing tobacco, and
(2) Any roll of tobacco wrapped in any substance containing tobacco which, because of its appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler, or its packaging and labeling, is likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as a cigarette described in paragraph (1) of this definition.
Cigarette paper. Paper, or any other material except tobacco, prepared for use as a cigarette wrapper.
Cigarette tube. Cigarette paper made into a hollow cylinder for use in making cigarettes.
Commercial bank. A bank, whether or not a member of the Federal Reserve System, which has access to the Federal Reserve Communications System (FRCS) or Fedwire. The “FRCS” or “Fedwire” is a communications network that allows Federal Reserve System member banks to effect a transfer of funds for their customers (or other commercial banks) to the Treasury Account at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York.
Determine. To establish enough information about taxable products at the time of removal to calculate the tax, specifically the quantity (pounds or number) and kind (for example, cigarettes, snuff, paper tubes). Where the tax rate depends on additional information (such as number of cigarette papers to a set before January 1, 2000 or sale price of large cigars), that information must also be established as part of tax determination.
Director of the service center. The Director, Internal Revenue Service Center, in any of the Internal Revenue regions.
District director. A district director of internal revenue.
Electronic fund transfer or EFT. Any transfer of funds effected by a manufacturer’s commercial bank, either directly or through a correspondent banking relationship, via the Federal Reserve Communications System (FRCS) or Fedwire to the Treasury Account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Export warehouse. A bonded internal revenue warehouse for the storage of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes or any processed tobacco, upon which the internal revenue tax has not been paid for subsequent shipment to a foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, or for consumption beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States.
Export warehouse proprietor. Any person who operates an export warehouse.
Factory. The premises of a manufacturer of tobacco products or processed tobacco as described in his permit issued under 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, or the premises of a manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes on which such business is conducted.
Fiscal year. The period which begins October 1 and ends on the following September 30.
In bond. The status of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, which come within the coverage of a bond securing the payment of internal revenue taxes imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5701 or 7652, and in respect to which such taxes have not been determined as provided by regulations in this chapter, including (a) such articles in a factory, (b) such articles removed, transferred, or released, pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 5704, and with respect to which relief from the tax liability has not occurred, and (c) such articles on which the tax has been determined, or with respect to which relief from the tax liability has occurred, which have been returned to the coverage of a bond.
Large cigarettes. Cigarettes weighing more than three pounds per thousand.
Large cigars. Cigars weighing more than three pounds per thousand.
Manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes. Any person who manufactures cigarette paper, or makes up cigarette paper into tubes, except for his own personal use or consumption.
Manufacturer of processed tobacco. Any person who processes any tobacco other than tobacco products.
Manufacturer of tobacco products. (1) Any person who manufactures cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, or roll-your-own tobacco, other than:
(i) A person who produces tobacco products solely for that person’s own consumption or use; or
(ii) A proprietor of a customs bonded manufacturing warehouse with respect to the operation of such warehouse.
(2) The term “Manufacturer of tobacco products” includes any person who for commercial purposes makes available for consumer use (including such consumer’s personal consumption or use under paragraph (1)(i) of this definition) a machine capable of making cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products. A person making such a machine available for consumer use shall be deemed the person making the removal with respect to any tobacco products manufactured by such machine. A person who sells a machine directly to a consumer at retail for a consumer’s personal home use is not making a machine available for commercial purposes if such machine is not used at a retail premises and is designed to produce tobacco products only in personal use quantities.
Package. The immediate container in which tobacco products, processed tobacco, or cigarette papers or tubes are put up by the manufacturer and offered for sale or delivery to the ultimate consumer. For purposes of this definition, a container of processed tobacco, the contents of which weigh 10 pounds or less (including any added non-tobacco ingredients or constituents), that is removed within the meaning of this part, for any purpose other than destruction, export, delivery as a sample to a manufacturer of processed tobacco or tobacco products for the purpose of soliciting orders of processed tobacco, or scientific testing or testing of equipment which results in the destruction of the processed tobacco or the return of the processed tobacco to the factory premises, is deemed to be a package offered for sale or delivery to the ultimate consumer. For appropriate tax rate, see § 40.25a.
Packaging. When used in the context of an action, the act of placing processed tobacco or a tobacco product in a package.
Permit number. The identifying number and/or letters that are assigned to a TTB permit by the appropriate TTB officer.
Person. An individual, partnership, association, company, corporation, estate, or trust.
Pipe tobacco. Any tobacco which, because of its appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco to be smoked in a pipe.
Processed tobacco. Processed tobacco is any tobacco that has undergone processing, but does not include tobacco products. For purposes of this definition, the processing of tobacco does not include the farming or growing of tobacco or the handling of tobacco solely for sale, shipment, or delivery to a manufacturer of tobacco products or processed tobacco, nor does the processing of tobacco include curing, baling, or packaging activities. For purposes of this definition, the processing of tobacco includes, but is not limited to, stemming (that is, removing the stem from the tobacco leaf), fermenting, threshing, cutting, or flavoring the tobacco, or otherwise combining the tobacco with non-tobacco ingredients.
Removal or remove. The removal of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes, or any processed tobacco from the factory or release from customs custody, including the smuggling of other unlawful importation of such articles into the United States.
Roll-your-own tobacco. Any tobacco which, because of its appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco for making cigarettes or cigars, or for use as wrappers of cigars or cigarettes.
Sale price. The price for which large cigars are sold by the U.S. manufacturer, determined in accordance with § 40.22 and used for computation of the tax.
Service center. An Internal Revenue Service Center in any of the Internal Revenue regions.
Service center director. A director of an internal revenue service center.
Sets. Any collection, grouping, or packaging of cigarette papers made up by any person for delivery to the consumer as a unit.
Small cigarettes. Cigarettes weighing not more than three pounds per thousand.
Small cigars. Cigars weighing not more than three pounds per thousand.
Smokeless tobacco. Any snuff or chewing tobacco.
Snuff. Any finely cut, ground, or powdered tobacco that is not intended to be smoked.
Special tax. The special (occupational) tax on manufacturers of tobacco products, manufacturers of cigarette papers and tubes, and export warehouse proprietors, imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5731.
This chapter. Title 27, Code of Federal Regulations, chapter I (27 CFR chapter I).
Tobacco products. Cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco.
Treasury Account. The Department of the Treasury’s General Account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
TTB. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury
U.S.C. The United States Code.
Subpart C – Taxes
§ 40.21 Cigar tax rates.
(a) Cigars are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(a):
| Type and amount | Tax rate for removals during the following periods: | |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 to March 31, 2009 | April 1, 2009 and after | |
| Small cigars per thousand | $1.828 | $50.33 |
| Large cigars* | ||
| • percentage of sale price | 20.719% | 52.750% |
| • but not to exceed – | $48.75 per thousand | $0.4026 per cigar. |
* For large cigars: Until March 31, 2009, the percentage tax rate applies when the sale price is $235.294 per thousand or less, and the flat tax rate applies when the sale price is more than $235.294 per thousand. On and after April 1, 2009, the percentage tax rate applies when the sale price is $763.222 or less per thousand cigars, and the flat tax rate applies when the sale price is more than $763.222 per thousand cigars.
(b) See § 40.22 of this part for rules concerning determination of sale price of large cigars.
(c) Cigars not exempt from tax under 26 U.S.C. chapter 52 and the provisions of this part which are removed but not intended for sale shall be taxed at the same rate as similar cigars removed for sale.
§ 40.22 Determination of sale price of large cigars.
(a) General rule. The tax imposed on large cigars is computed based on the sale price (the price for which the large cigars are sold by the manufacturer). In addition to money, goods or services exchanged for cigars may be considered as part of the sale price.
(b) Special cases – (1) In general. If there is any question concerning the applicable sale price for tax purposes, the appropriate TTB officer will determine such price, applying rules similar to the constructive sale price rules in 26 U.S.C. 4216(b) and the implementing regulations in 26 CFR 48.4216(b)-1 through 48.4216(b)-4. These constructive sale price rules apply to cigars sold by a manufacturer at retail, sold on consignment, or sold (otherwise than through an arm’s length transaction) at less than the fair market price. Sales of cigars between affiliated corporations may be analyzed under the constructive sale price rules. The appropriate TTB officer may make this analysis on his or her own initiative or upon the written request of a manufacturer. If TTB decides it is necessary, we will publish constructive sale price determinations in the TTB Bulletin in accordance with § 70.701(d) of this chapter.
(2) Adjustments in sale price – (i) Reasons for adjustment. Adjustments to the sale price may occur as a result of a discount or price increase by the manufacturer or as a result of a TTB determination pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) above. In either case, the manufacturer must make conforming changes to the tax that was computed on the sale price before the adjustment.
(ii) Time of adjustment. If an adjustment is made before the end of the same tax return period as the original determination of the tax, the adjustment may be made on the same return. If the price is increased or decreased retroactively (during a later return period), either by the manufacturer or by TTB’s determination, the manufacturer must make an adjustment on the tax return for the current return period in which the price change was determined.
(iii) Amount of adjustment. The taxpayer must compute the adjustment to the tax as the difference between the tax that was paid and the tax that should have been paid, based on the newly determined sale price, together with interest thereon and any applicable penalties. The interest must be computed from the time of payment of the original tax until the time the adjustment was made. Upon request, the appropriate TTB officer will provide information regarding interest rates applicable to specific time periods and any applicable penalties.
(3) Pricing for different packaging. If different bona fide sale prices are applicable to different types of packaging (e. g., boxes of 25 and boxes of 50), then the cigars in each type of packaging are taxed on the basis of their respective sale prices.
(4) Pricing of seconds. If some of an otherwise identical cigar brand and size:
(i) Are distinctive from other such cigars because of physical imperfections, (ii) Are offered to the consumer through clear labeling as “imperfects”, “seconds”, “throw-outs”, or a comparable commonly understood term, and
(iii) The manufacturer has a separate sale price for such cigars, then they are taxed on the basis of this separate sale price.
(5) Combination packages. If a manufacturer has a sale price for a combination package containing cigars of different sizes, the cigars are taxed based on that combination sale price. If there is no sale price for the combination, then the cigars are taxed based on their individual sale prices.
(6) Removals for another person. If a manufacturer makes taxable removals of a brand and size of cigar only for distribution by others who establish the sale price, the tax is based on such sale price even though the manufacturer who makes the removals does not establish the price.
§ 40.23 Cigarette tax rates.
Cigarettes are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(b):
| Product | Tax rate per thousand for removals during the following periods: | |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 to March 31, 2009 | April 1, 2009 and after | |
| Small cigarettes | $19.50 | $50.33 |
| Large cigarettes up to 6 | $40.95 | $105.69 |
| Large cigarettes over 6 | Taxed at the rate for small cigarettes, counting each 2 | |
§ 40.24 Classification of cigarettes.
For tax purposes, small cigarettes are designated Class A and large cigarettes are designated Class B.
§ 40.25 Smokeless tobacco tax rates.
Smokeless tobacco products are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(e):
| Product | Tax rate per pound* for removals during the following periods: | |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 to March 31, 2009 | April 1, 2009 and after | |
| Snuff | $ 0.585 | $ 1.51 |
| Chewing tobacco | $ 0.195 | $ 0.5033 |
* Prorate tax for fractions of a pound.
§ 40.25a Pipe tobacco and roll-your-own tobacco tax rates and classification.
(a) Tax rates. Pipe tobacco and roll-your-own tobacco are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(f) and (g), respectively:
| Product | Tax rate per pound* for removals during the following periods: | |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 to March 31, 2009 | April 1, 2009 and after | |
| Pipe tobacco | $ 1.0969 | $ 2.8311 |
| Roll-your-own tobacco | $ 1.0969 | $ 24.78 |
* Prorate tax for fractions of a pound.
(b) Classification. (1) Pipe tobacco and roll-your-own tobacco, before removal subject to tax, must be put up in packages that conform to the requirements of §§ 40.211 and 40.212, and of § 40.216a or § 40.216b as appropriate.
(2) Any tobacco that has been processed and that is removed in a package, as that term is defined in § 40.11, that does not bear the notice for smokeless tobacco prescribed in § 40.216 or the notice for pipe tobacco prescribed in § 40.216a is deemed to be roll-your-own tobacco and subject to tax at the rate applicable to roll-your-own tobacco. A container of processed tobacco, the contents of which weigh 10 pounds or less (including any added non-tobacco ingredients or constituents), that is removed within the meaning of this part for any purpose other than destruction, export, delivery as a sample to a manufacturer of processed tobacco or tobacco products for the purpose of soliciting orders of processed tobacco, or scientific testing or testing of equipment which results in the destruction of the processed tobacco or the return of the processed tobacco to the factory premises, is deemed to be a package offered for sale or delivery to the ultimate consumer.
(3) Subject to paragraph (b)(4) of this section, any tobacco that has been processed and that is removed in a package, as that term is defined in § 40.11, is deemed to be roll-your-own tobacco and subject to tax at the rate applicable to roll-your-own tobacco, even though the package bears the notice required for pipe tobacco under § 40.216a, if:
(i) The package does not bear the declaration “pipe tobacco” in direct conjunction with, parallel to, and in substantially the same conspicuousness of type and background as the brand name each time the brand name appears on the package; or
(ii) The package or accompanying materials bear any representation that would suggest a use other than as pipe tobacco. (26 U.S.C. 5702 and 5723) The term ‘accompanying materials’ includes, but is not limited to, any point of sale advertising or other printed product communications issued by the manufacturer or importer of pipe tobacco products. In addition, the inclusion of cigarette papers or tubes in a package bearing a ‘pipe tobacco’ declaration will suggest a use other than pipe tobacco.
(4) During the period from June 22, 2009, through March 23, 2010, manufacturers may continue to remove products as pipe tobacco in packages that do not bear the declaration “pipe tobacco” in the manner prescribed in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section.
§ 40.26 Persons liable for tax.
The manufacturer of tobacco products shall be liable for the taxes imposed on tobacco products by 26 U.S.C. 5701: Provided, That when tobacco products are transferred in bond pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 5704, to the bonded premises of another such manufacturer or an export warehouse proprietor, the transferee shall become liable for the tax upon receipt by him of such products and the transferor shall thereupon be relieved of his liability for the tax. When tobacco products are released in bond from customs custody for transfer to the bonded premises of a manufacturer of tobacco products, the transferee shall become liable for the tax on such products upon release from customs custody. Any person who possesses tobacco products in violation of 26 U.S.C. 5751(a)(1) or (2), shall be liable for a tax equal to the tax on such products.
§ 40.27 Assessment.
Whenever any person required by law to pay tax on tobacco products fails to pay such tax, the tax shall be ascertained and assessed against such person, subject to the limitations prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 6501. The tax so assessed shall be in addition to the penalties imposed by law for failure to pay such tax when required. Except in cases where delay may jeopardize collection of the tax, or where the amount is nominal or the result of an evident mathematical error, no such assessment shall be made until and after notice has been afforded such person to show cause against assessment. The person will be allowed 45 days from the date of such notice to show cause, in writing, against such assessment.
Subpart Ca – Special (Occupational) Taxes
§ 40.31 Liability for special tax.
(a) Manufacturer of tobacco products. Every manufacturer of tobacco products shall pay a special (occupational) tax at a rate specified by § 40.32 of the part. The tax shall be paid on or before the date of commencing the business of manufacturing tobacco products, and thereafter every year on or before July 1. On commencing business, the tax shall be computed from the first day of the month in which liability is incurred, through the following June 30. Thereafter, the tax shall be computed for the entire year (July 1 through June 30).
(b) [Reserved]
(c) Each place of business taxable. A manufacturer of tobacco products incurs special tax liability at each place of business in which an occupation subject to special tax is conducted. A place of business means the entire office, plant or area of the business in any one location under the same proprietorship. Passageways, streets, highways, rail crossings, waterways, or partitions dividing the premises are not sufficient separation to require additional special tax, if the divisions of the premises are otherwise contiguous.
(d) Payment of tax. Special tax must be paid by return. The prescribed return is TTB Form 5630.5t, Special Tax Registration and Return – Tobacco. Special tax returns, with payment of tax, must be filed with TTB in accordance with the instructions on the form and the requirements of subpart D of part 46 of this chapter.
§ 40.32 Rates of special tax.
(a) General. Title 26 U.S.C. 5731(a)(1) imposes a special tax of $1,000 per year on every manufacturer of tobacco products.
(b) Reduced rate for small proprietors. Title 26 U.S.C. 5731(b) provides for a reduced rate of $500 per year with respect to any manufacturer of tobacco products whose gross receipts (for the most recent taxable year ending before the first day of the taxable period to which the special tax imposed by § 40.31 relates) are less than $500,000. The “taxable year” to be used for determining gross receipts is the taxpayer’s income tax year. All gross receipts of the taxpayer shall be included, not just the gross receipts of the business subject to special tax. Proprietors of new businesses that have not yet begun a taxable year, as well as proprietors of existing businesses that have not yet ended a taxable year, who commence a new activity subject to special tax, qualify for the reduced special (occupational) tax rate, unless the business is a member of a “controlled group”; in that case, the rules of paragraph (c) of this section shall apply.
(c) Controlled group. All persons treated as one taxpayer under 26 U.S.C. 5061(e)(3) shall be treated as one taxpayer for the purpose of determining gross receipts under paragraph (b) of this section. “Controlled group” means a controlled group of corporations, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 1563 and implementing regulations in 26 CFR 1.1563-1 through 1.1563-4, except that the words “at least 80 percent” shall be replaced by the words “more than 50 percent” in each place they appear in subsection (a) of 26 U.S.C. 1563, as well as in the implementing regulations. Also, the rules for a “controlled group of corporations” apply in a similar fashion to groups which include partnerships and/or sole proprietorships. If one entity maintains more than 50% control over a group consisting of corporations and one, or more, partnerships and/or sole proprietorships, all of the members of the controlled group are one taxpayer for the purpose of this section.
(d) Short taxable year. Gross receipts for any taxable year of less than 12 months shall be annualized by multiplying the gross receipts for the short period by 12 and dividing the result by the number of months in the short period as required by 26 U.S.C. 448(c)(3).
(e) Returns and allowances. Gross receipts for any taxable year shall be reduced by returns and allowances made during such year under 26 U.S.C. 448(c)(3).
§ 40.33 Cross reference.
For additional rules pertaining to liability for special tax, filing special tax returns, issuance and examination of special (occupational) tax stamps, and notification of changes to special tax stamps, see subpart D of part 46 of this chapter.
§§ 40.34-40.36 [Reserved]
Subpart D – Administrative Provisions
§ 40.41 Forms prescribed.
(a) The appropriate TTB officer is authorized to prescribe all forms required by this part. All of the information called for in each form shall be furnished as indicated by the headings on the form and the instructions on or pertaining to the form. In addition, information called for in each form shall be furnished as required by this part. When a return, form, claim, or other document called for under this part is required by this part, or by the document itself, to be executed under penalties of perjury, it shall be executed under penalties of perjury.
(b) Forms prescribed by this part are available for printing through the TTB Web site (http://www.ttb.gov) or by mailing a request to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 1516, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
§ 40.42 Authority of Appropriate TTB officers to enter premises.
Any appropriate TTB officer may enter in the daytime any premises where tobacco products are produced or kept, so far as it may be necessary for the purpose of examining such products. When such premises are open at night, any appropriate TTB officer may enter them, while so open, in the performance of his official duties. The owner of such premises, or person having the superintendence of the same, who refuses to admit any appropriate TTB officer or permit him to examine such products shall be liable to the penalties prescribed by law for the offense.
§ 40.43 Interference with administration.
Whoever, corruptly or by force or threats of force, endeavors to hinder or obstruct the administration of this part, or endeavors to intimidate or impede any TTB officer acting in his official capacity, or forcibly rescues or attempts to rescue or causes to be rescued any property, after it has been duly seized for forfeiture to the United States in connection with a violation of the internal revenue laws, shall be liable to the penalties prescribed by law.
§ 40.44 Disposal of forfeited, condemned, and abandoned tobacco products.
A Federal, State, or local officer shall not sell or cause to be sold for consumption in the United States any forfeited, condemned, or abandoned tobacco products in his custody upon which the Federal tax has not been paid, if in his opinion the sale thereof will not bring a price equal to the tax due and payable thereon and the expenses incident to the sale thereof. Where the products are not sold the officer may deliver them to a Federal or State hospital or institution (if they are fit for consumption) or cause their destruction by burning completely or by rendering them unfit for consumption. Where such products are sold they shall be released by the officer having custody thereof only after they are properly packaged and taxpaid. A receipt from the appropriate TTB officer evidencing payment of tax on such products shall be presented to the officer having custody of the products, which tax shall be considered part of the sales price. Where tobacco products which have been packaged under the provisions of part 44 or part 45 of this chapter are to be released after payment of tax, the purchaser shall appropriately mark each package “Federal Tax Paid (date)” before the officer having custody of the products releases them:
§ 40.45 Alternate methods or procedures.
A manufacturer of tobacco products, on specific approval by the appropriate TTB officer as provided in this section, may use an alternate method or procedure in lieu of a method or procedure specifically prescribed in this part. The appropriate TTB officer may approve an alternate method or procedure, subject to stated conditions, when he finds that –
(a) Good cause has been shown for the use of the alternate method or procedure,
(b) The alternate method or procedure is within the purpose of, and consistent with the effect intended by, the specifically prescribed method or procedure, and affords equivalent security to the revenue, and
(c) The alternate method or procedure will not be contrary to any provision of law, and will not result in an increase in cost to the Government or hinder the effective administration of this part.
§ 40.46 Emergency variations from requirements.
The appropriate TTB officer may approve methods of operation other than as specified in this part, where he finds that an emergency exists and the proposed variations from the specified requirements are necessary, and the proposed variations –
(a) Will afford the security and protection to the revenue intended by the prescribed specifications.
(b) Will not hinder the effective administration of this part, and
(c) Will not be contrary to any provision of law.
§ 40.47 Other businesses within factory.
(a) General. The appropriate TTB officer may authorize such other businesses within the factory of a manufacturer of tobacco products as he finds will not jeopardize the revenue, will not hinder the effective administration of this part, and will not be contrary to law. A manufacturer of tobacco products who wishes to engage in another business within the factory must submit a written application to do so to the appropriate TTB officer. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a manufacturer of tobacco products may not engage in such other business until the application is approved by the appropriate TTB officer. The manufacturer must retain as part of its records any authorization provided under this section.
(b) Processed tobacco. A manufacturer of tobacco products may engage in certain activities related to processed tobacco without an approval under paragraph (a) of this section. Section 40.72(b) specifies the activities and circumstances that do not require authorization to engage in another business as well as those activities and circumstances that do.
§ 40.48 Penalties and forfeitures.
Anyone who fails to comply with the provisions of this part becomes liable to the civil and criminal penalties, and forfeitures, provided by law.
§ 40.49 Delegations of the Administrator.
Most of the regulatory authorities of the Administrator contained in this part are delegated to appropriate TTB officers. These TTB officers are specified in TTB Order 1135.40, Delegation of the Administrator’s Authorities in 27 CFR Part 40, Manufacture of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes. You may obtain a copy of this order by accessing the TTB Web site (http://www.ttb.gov) or by mailing a request to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 1516, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Subpart E – Qualification Requirements for Manufacturers of Tobacco Products
§ 40.61 Qualification.
(a) General. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this section, every person who manufactures tobacco products must qualify for, and obtain, a permit as a manufacturer of tobacco products in accordance with the provisions of this part.
(b) Exceptions. The following persons are not considered to be engaged in the business of manufacturing tobacco products for purposes of this part:
(1) A person who produces tobacco products solely for that person’s own consumption or use;
(2) A proprietor of a customs bonded manufacturing warehouse with respect to the operation of such warehouse;
(3) A retailer of tobacco products, such as a tobacconist, who takes taxpaid tobacco products out of the package, as that term is defined in § 40.11, in front of waiting customers and places the tobacco products into a different container for immediate delivery to those customers; or
(4) A person whose operations are limited to, and who holds a permit as, a manufacturer of processed tobacco.
(c) Minimum manufacturing and activity requirements. A permit to manufacture tobacco products will only be granted to those persons whose principal business activity under such permit will be the manufacture of tobacco products. A permit will not be granted to any person whose principal business activity under such permit will be to receive or transfer tobacco products in bond. As a minimum activity requirement, in order to qualify for a permit, the quantity of tobacco products manufactured under the permit must be equivalent to, or exceed, the quantity to be transferred or received in bond under the permit. For the purposes of this section, the activity of packaging processed tobacco may be sufficient to qualify as a manufacturing activity.
§ 40.61a Transitional rule.
Any person who:
(a) On August 5, 1997, was engaged in business as a manufacturer of roll-your-own tobacco, and
(b) Before January 1, 2000, submits an application, as provided in this part, to engage in such business, may, continue to engage in such business pending final action on such application. Pending such final action, all provisions of chapter 52 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall apply to such applicant in the same manner and to the same extent as if such applicant were a holder of a permit to manufacture roll-your-own tobacco under such chapter 52.
§ 40.62 Application for permit.
Every person, before commencing business as a manufacturer of tobacco products as defined in § 40.11, shall make application for, and obtain, the permit provided in § 40.75, covering operations at each proposed factory. Such application shall be made on TTB F 5200.3, in duplicate, to the appropriate TTB officer. All documents required under this part to be furnished with such application shall be made a part thereof. Where the applicant for a permit under this section holds a permit or permits authorizing the production of any tobacco products at premises to be covered by the permit applied for, the applicant shall surrender such permit or permits for cancellation, upon the issuance of the permit applied for.
§ 40.63 Corporate documents.
Every corporation, before commencing business as a manufacturer of tobacco products, shall furnish with its application for permit, required by § 40.62, a true copy of the corporate charter or a certificate of corporate existence or incorporation executed by the appropriate officer of the State in which incorporated. The corporation shall likewise furnish duly authenticated extracts of the stockholders’ meetings, bylaws, or directors’ meetings, listing the offices the incumbents of which are authorized to sign documents or otherwise act in behalf of the corporation in matters relating to 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, and regulations issued thereunder. The corporation shall also furnish evidence, in duplicate, of the identity of the officers and directors and each person who holds more than ten percent of the stock of such corporation. Where any of the information required by this section has previously been filed with the appropriate TTB officer and such information is currently complete and accurate, a written statement to that effect, in duplicate, will be sufficient for the purpose of this section.
§ 40.64 Articles of partnership or association.
Every partnership or association, before commencing business as a manufacturer of tobacco products, shall furnish with its application for permit, required by § 40.62, a true copy of the articles of partnership or association, if any, or certificate of partnership or association where required to be filed by any State, county, or municipality. Where a partnership or association has previously filed such documents with the appropriate TTB officer and such documents are currently complete and accurate, a written statement, in duplicate, to that effect by the partnership or association will be sufficient for the purpose of this section.
§ 40.65 Trade name certificate.
Every person, before commencing business under a trade name as a manufacturer of tobacco products, shall furnish with his application for permit, required by § 40.62, a true copy of the certificate or other document, if any, issued by a State, county, or municipal authority in connection with the transaction of business under such trade name. If no such certificate or other document is so required, a written statement, in duplicate, to that effect by such person will be sufficient for the purpose of this section.
§ 40.66 Bond.
Every person, before commencing business as a manufacturer of tobacco products, shall file, in connection with his application for permit, a bond on TTB F 5200.25 or 5200.26, in duplicate, in accordance with the applicable provisions of subpart G of this part, conditioned upon compliance with the provisions of chapter 52, I.R.C., and regulations thereunder, including, but not limited to, the timely payment of taxes imposed by such chapter and penalties and interest in connection therewith for which he may become liable to the United States: Provided, That any person who, on the effective date of this part, October 1, 1961, has on file a valid and adequate bond, Form 2100, “Bond – Manufacturer of Cigars and Cigarettes,” may continue, under such bond, the operations with respect to the permit to which that bond relates, in accordance with the provisions of this part.
§ 40.67 Blanket bond.
Where a manufacturer of tobacco products operates more than one factory he may, in lieu of filing separate bonds, file a blanket bond on TTB F 5200.25 or 5200.26, in duplicate, in accordance with the provisions of § 40.134, for any or all of the factories. The total amount of any blanket bond given under this section shall be available for the satisfaction of any liability incurred at any factory covered by the bond.
§ 40.68 Power of attorney.
If the application for permit or any report, return, notice, schedule, or other document required to be executed is to be signed by an individual (including one of the partners for a partnership or one of the members of an association) as an attorney in fact for any person, or if an individual is to otherwise officially represent such person, power of attorney on TTB F 5000.8 shall be furnished to the appropriate TTB officer. (For power of attorney in connection with conference and practice requirements see 26 CFR 601.501 through 601.527.) Such power of attorney is not required for persons whose authority is furnished with the corporate documents as required by § 40.63. TTB F 5000.8 does not have to be filed again with a appropriate TTB officer where such form has previously been submitted to that appropriate TTB officer and is still in effect.
§ 40.69 Factory premises.
The premises to be used by a manufacturer of tobacco products as his factory may consist of more than one building, or portions of buildings, which need not be contiguous but must be located in the same city, town, or village: Except that, where the appropriate TTB officer determines that a building or portion of a building which is not within the city, town, or village, is so conveniently and closely situated to the general factory premises as to present no jeopardy to the revenue and as to offer no hindrance to the administration of this part, he may authorize the inclusion of such building or portion of building as part of the factory. The buildings or portions of buildings shall be described in the application for permit and the bond by number, street, and city, town, or village, and State. If any of the following conditions exist a diagram shall also be furnished, in duplicate, showing the information indicated:
(a) Where the factory is in more than one building, and each building is not identifiable by a separate street address – identify each building by a letter, number, or similar designation;
(b) Where the factory consists of a portion of a building or where portions of buildings are part of the factory – show the particular floor or floors, or room or rooms, comprising the factory;
(c) Where there is an adjoining retail store operated by the manufacturer tobacco products including any doors or other openings between the premises.
§ 40.70 Separation of and access to factory.
Where the factory consists of a portion of a building, or where portions of buildings are part of the factory, the factory shall be completely separated by walls from adjoining portions of the building. Such walls shall be securely constructed of substantial materials. The appropriate TTB officer may, wherever he finds that the revenue will not be jeopardized, authorize openings and doors in such walls or means of separation other than walls if such means adequately delineate the factory. The factory shall be accessible directly from a street, yard, common passageway, or other common means of entrance.
§ 40.71 Factories established prior to October 1, 1961.
Factories established prior to the effective date of this part, October 1, 1961, shall not be subject to the provisions of § 40.70 if, in the opinion of the appropriate TTB officer, the existing premises afford adequate protection to the revenue.
§ 40.72 Use of factory premises.
(a) General. Unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate TTB officer as provided in § 40.47, the premises used by a manufacturer of tobacco products for his factory shall be used exclusively for the purposes of manufacturing and storing tobacco products; storing materials, equipment, and supplies related thereto or used or useful in the conduct of the business; and carrying on activities in connection with business of the manufacturer of tobacco products.
(b) Processed tobacco. (1) A manufacturer of tobacco products that processes tobacco or receives processed tobacco on its factory premises solely for use in the manufacture of tobacco products under its permit, that removes processed tobacco from the factory premises only for purposes related to its business of manufacturing tobacco products as set forth in (b)(2) of this section, and that maintains records sufficient to show the final disposition of any processed tobacco removed from the factory premises may engage in such activities on the factory premises under the authority of its existing permit without prior authorization from TTB under § 40.47. If a manufacturer of tobacco products removes processed tobacco for purposes other than those specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, that manufacturer must obtain prior authorization from TTB in accordance with § 40.47 and must keep records and submit reports as prescribed in §§ 40.521 and 40.522.
(2) The following activities are considered to be activities related to the manufacture of tobacco products: Removal of samples of processed tobacco for the purpose of soliciting orders of tobacco products; removal of processed tobacco for destruction; removal of processed tobacco for scientific testing or testing of equipment which results in the destruction of the processed tobacco or the return of the processed tobacco to the factory premises; and transfer of processed tobacco between permitted premises of the same manufacturer. Any removal of processed tobacco other than those listed above requires the manufacturer to first obtain authorization to engage in another business within the factory under § 40.47 and to keep records and submit reports under §§ 40.521 and 40.522, unless the manufacturer can show to the satisfaction of the appropriate TTB officer that the removal is connected with the business of a manufacturer of tobacco products rather than with the business of a manufacturer of processed tobacco.
§ 40.73 Additional information.
The appropriate TTB officer may require such additional information as he may deem necessary to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a permit under the provisions of this part. The applicant shall, when required by the appropriate TTB officer, furnish as a part of his application for such permit such additional information as may be necessary for the appropriate TTB officer to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a permit.
§ 40.74 Investigation of applicant.
(a) Investigation. The appropriate TTB officer may cause inquiry or investigation to be made to verify the information furnished in connection with an application for permit and to ascertain whether the applicant is eligible for a permit. Any of the following conditions may be grounds for denial of a permit:
(1) The premises on which it is proposed to conduct the business are not adequate to protect the revenue;
(2) The activity proposed to be carried out at such premises does not meet the minimum manufacturing or activity requirements of § 40.61(b); or
(3) The applicant (including, in the case of a corporation, any officer, director, or principal stockholder and, in the case of a partnership, a partner) –
(i) Is, by reason of his business experience, financial standing, or trade connections or by reason of previous or current legal proceedings involving a felony violation of any other provision of Federal criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, not likely to maintain operations in compliance with this chapter;
(ii) Has been convicted of a felony violation of any provision of Federal or State criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes; or
(iii) Has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application therefor.
(b) TTB action. The appropriate TTB officer, if there is reason to believe that the applicant is not entitled to a permit, shall promptly give the applicant notice of the contemplated disapproval of the application and opportunity for hearing thereon in accordance with part 71 of this chapter, which part (including the provisions relating to the recommended decision and to appeals) is applicable to such proceedings. If, after such notice and opportunity for hearing, the appropriate TTB officer finds that the applicant is not entitled to a permit, he shall, by order stating the findings on which his decision is based, deny the permit.
§ 40.75 Issuance of permit.
If the application for permit, together with the bond and supporting documents, required under this part is approved by him, the appropriate TTB officer shall issue a permit on TTB F 5200.10 to the applicant as a manufacturer of tobacco products.
§ 40.76 Retention of permit and supporting documents.
The manufacturer shall retain his permit, together with the copy of the application and supporting documents returned to him with the permit, at the same place where the records required by this part are kept and they shall be made available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon his request.
Subpart F – Changes After Original Qualification of Manufacturers of Tobacco Products
Changes in Name
§ 40.91 Change in individual name.
Where there is a change in the name of an individual operating as a manufacturer of tobacco products he shall, within 30 days of such change, make application on Form 2098 for an amended permit.
§ 40.92 Change in trade name.
Where there is a change in, or an addition or discontinuance of, a trade name used by a manufacturer of tobacco products in connection with operations authorized by his permit the manufacturer shall, within 30 days of such change, addition or discontinuance, make application on TTB F 5200.16 for an amended permit to reflect such change. The manufacturer shall also furnish a true copy of any new trade name certificate or document issued to him, or statement in lieu thereof, required by § 40.65.
§ 40.93 Change in corporate name.
Where there is a change in the name of a corporate manufacturer of tobacco products, the manufacturer shall, within 30 days of such change, make application on TTB F 5200.16 for an amended permit. The manufacturer shall also furnish such documents as may be necessary to establish that the corporate name has been changed.
Changes in Ownership and Control
§ 40.101 Fiduciary successor.
If an administrator, executor, receiver, trustee, assignee, or other fiduciary, is to take over the business of a manufacturer of tobacco products, as a continuing operation, such fiduciary shall, before commencing operations, make application for permit and file bond as required by subpart E, of this part, furnish certified copies, in duplicate, of the order of the court, or other pertinent documents, showing his appointment and qualification as such fiduciary, and make a commencing inventory, in accordance with the provisions of § 40.201: Provided, That where a diagram has been furnished by the predecessor, in accordance with the provisions of § 40.69, the successor may adopt such diagram if it is currently complete and accurate. However, where a fiduciary intends only to liquidate the business, qualification as a manufacturer of tobacco products will not be required if he promptly files with the appropriate TTB officer a written statement to that effect, in duplicate, together with an extension of coverage of the predecessor’s bond, executed by the fiduciary and the surety on such bond, in accordance with the provisions of § 40.137.
§ 40.102 Transfer of ownership.
If a transfer is to be made in ownership of the business of a manufacturer of tobacco products (including a change of any member of a partnership or association), such manufacturer shall give notice, in writing, to the appropriate TTB officer, naming the proposed successor and the desired effective date of such transfer. The proposed successor shall, before commencing operations, qualify as a manufacturer of tobacco products, in accordance with the applicable provisions of subpart E of this part: Provided, That where a diagram has been furnished by the manufacturer in accordance with the provisions of § 40.69, the proposed successor may adopt such diagram if it is currently complete and accurate. The manufacturer shall give such notice of transfer, and the proposed successor shall make application for permit and file bond, as required, in ample time for examination and approval thereof before the desired date of such change. The predecessor shall make a concluding inventory and concluding report, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 40.201 and 40.202, respectively, and surrender his permit with such inventory and report. The successor shall make a commencing inventory and commencing report, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 40.201 and 40.202, respectively.
§ 40.103 Change in officers, directors, or stockholders of a corporation.
Upon election or appointment (excluding successive reelection or reappointment) of any officer or director of a corporation operating the business of a manufacturer of tobacco products, or upon any occurrence which results in a person acquiring ownership or control of more than ten percent in aggregate of the outstanding stock of such corporation, the manufacturer shall, within 30 days of such action, so notify the appropriate TTB officer in writing, giving the identity of such person. When there is any change in the authority furnished under § 40.63 for officers to act in behalf of the corporation the manufacturer shall immediately so notify the appropriate TTB officer in writing.
§ 40.104 Change in control of a corporation.
Where the issuance, sale, or transfer of the stock of a corporation, operating as a manufacturer of tobacco products, results in a change in the identity of the principal stockholders exercising actual or legal control of the operations of the corporation, the corporate manufacturer shall, within 30 days after the change occurs, make application on TTB F 5200.3 for a new permit. Otherwise, the present permit shall be automatically terminated at the expiration of such 30-day period, and the manufacturer shall dispose of all tobacco products on hand, in accordance with this part, make a concluding inventory and concluding report, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 40.201 and 40.202, respectively, and surrender his permit with such inventory and report. If the application for a new permit is timely made, the present permit shall continue in effect pending final action with respect to such application.
Changes in Location of Factory
§ 40.111 Change in location.
Whenever a manufacturer of tobacco products intends to relocate its factory, the manufacturer shall, before commencing operations at the new location, make application on TTB F 5200.16 for, and obtain, an amended permit. The application shall be supported by bond coverage in accordance with the provisions of subpart G of this part.
§ 40.112 Change in address.
Whenever any change occurs in the address, but not the location, of the factory of a manufacturer of tobacco products, as a result of action of local authorities, the manufacturer shall, within 30 days of such change, make application on TTB F 5200.16 for an amended permit.
§ 40.114 Extension or curtailment of factory.
Where a tobacco products factory is to be changed to an extent which will make inaccurate the description of the factory as set forth in the last application by the manufacturer for permit, on the diagram, if any, furnished with such application, the manufacturer shall first make an application on TTB F 5200.16 for, and obtain, an amended permit. Such application shall describe the proposed change in the factory and shall be accompanied by a new diagram if required under the provisions of § 40.69.
Subpart G – Bonds and Extensions of Coverage of Bonds
§ 40.131 Corporate surety.
(a) Surety bonds required under the provisions of this part may be given only with corporate sureties holding certificates of authority from the Secretary of the Treasury as acceptable sureties on Federal bonds. Each bond and each extension of coverage of bond shall at the time of filing be accompanied by a power of attorney authorizing the agent or officer who executed the bond to so act on behalf of the surety. The appropriate TTB officer who is authorized to approve the bond may, whenever he deems it necessary, require additional evidence of the authority of the agent or officer to execute the bond or extension of coverage of bond. The power of attorney shall be prepared on a form provided by the surety company and executed under the corporate seal of the company. If the power of attorney submitted is other than a manually signed document it shall be accompanied by a certificate of its validity. Limitations concerning corporate sureties are prescribed by the Secretary in Treasury Department Circular No. 570, as revised. The surety shall have no interest whatever in the business covered by the bond.
(b) Treasury Department Circular No. 570 (Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Sureties on Federal Bonds and as Acceptable Reinsuring Companies) is published in the
§ 40.132 Deposit of securities in lieu of corporate surety.
In lieu of corporate surety the manufacturer of tobacco products may pledge and deposit, as security for his bond, securities which are transferable and are guaranteed as to both interest and principal by the United States, in accordance with the provisions of 31 CFR part 225.
§ 40.133 Amount of individual bond.
The amount of the bond of a manufacturer of tobacco products shall be not less than the total amount of tax liability on all tobacco products manufactured in his factory, received in bond from other factories and from export warehouses, and released to him in bond from customs custody, during any calendar month. Where the amount of any bond is no longer sufficient and the bond is in less than the maximum amount, the manufacturer shall immediately file a strengthening or superseding bond as required by this subpart. The amount of any such bond (or the total amount including strengthening bonds, if any) need not exceed $250,000 for a manufacturer producing or receiving cigarettes in bond; need not exceed $150,000 for a manufacturer producing or receiving cigars, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, or roll-your-own tobacco in bond; and need not exceed $250,000 for a manufacturer producing or receiving any combination of tobacco products in bond. The bond of a manufacturer of tobacco products shall in no case be less than $1,000.
§ 40.134 Amount of blanket bond.
In the case of a blanket bond filed under the provisions of § 40.67, where the total amount of individual bonds otherwise required for the factories under § 40.133 does not exceed $250,000, such blanket bond shall be not less than the total amount of such individual bonds. Where the total amount of such individual bonds required is in excess of $250,000 but not in excess of $500,000, the amount of the blanket bond shall be not less than $250,000 plus 50 percent of such total amount which is in excess of $250,000. Where the total amount of such individual bonds required is in excess of $500,000 the amount of the blanket bond shall be not less than $375,000 plus 25 percent of such total amount which is in excess of $500,000.
§ 40.135 Strengthening bond.
Where the amount of any bond is no longer sufficient under the provisions of § 40.133 or § 40.134, the manufacturer shall immediately file a strengthening bond in an appropriate amount with the same surety as that on the bond already in effect, unless a superseding bond is filed pursuant to § 40.136. Strengthening bonds will not be approved where any notation is made thereon which is intended, or which may be construed, as a release of any former bond, or as limiting the amount of either bond to less than its full amount.
§ 40.136 Superseding bond.
A manufacturer of tobacco products shall immediately file a new bond to supersede his current bond when
(a) The corporate surety on the current bond becomes insolvent,
(b) The appropriate TTB officer approves a request from the surety on the current bond to terminate his liability under the bond,
(c) Payment of any liability under a bond is made by the surety thereon,
(d) The amount of the bond is no longer sufficient under the provisions of § 40.133 or § 40.134 and a strengthening bond has not been filed, or
(e) The appropriate TTB officer considers such a superseding bond necessary for the protection of the revenue.
§ 40.137 Extension of coverage of bond.
An extension of coverage of bond shall be manifested on TTB F 5200.18 by the manufacturer of tobacco products and by the surety on the bond with the same formality and proof of authority as required for the execution of the bond.
§ 40.138 Approval of bond and extension of coverage of bond.
No person shall commence operations under any bond, nor extend his operations, until he receives from the appropriate TTB officer notice of his approval of the bond or of an appropriate extension of coverage of the bond required under this part.
§ 40.139 Termination of bond.
Any bond required by this part may be terminated by the appropriate TTB officer as to liability for future operations (a) pursuant to application by the surety as provided in the bond, (b) on approval of a superseding bond, or (c) when operations by the manufacturer are permanently discontinued in accordance with subpart J. After a bond is terminated the surety shall remain bound with respect to any liability for unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest, not in excess of the amount of the bond, incurred by the manufacturer prior to the termination date.
§ 40.140 Release of pledged securities.
Securities of the United States pledged and deposited as provided in § 40.132 shall be released only in accordance with the provisions of 31 CFR part 225. Such securities will not be released by the appropriate TTB officer until liability under the bond for which they were pledged has been terminated. When the appropriate TTB officer is satisfied that they may be released, he shall fix the date or dates on which a part or all of such securities may be released. At any time prior to the release of such securities, the appropriate TTB officer may extend the date of release for such additional length of time as he deems necessary.
Subpart H – Operations by Manufacturers of Tobacco Products
Determination and Payment of Taxes on Tobacco Products
§ 40.161 Determination of tax and method of payment.
Except for removals in bond and transfers in bond, as authorized by law, the taxes imposed on tobacco products by section 5701, I.R.C., shall be determined at the time of removal of such products and paid on the basis of a return, in accordance with the provisions of this part.
§ 40.162 Semimonthly tax return.
Every manufacturer of tobacco products shall file, for each of his factories, a semimonthly tax return on Form 5000.24 for each return period, including any period during which a manufacturer begins or discontinues business. The return shall be filed with TTB in accordance with the instructions on the form. The manufacturer shall file the return at the time specified in § 40.165 regardless of whether tobacco products are removed or whether tax is due for that particular return period. However, when the manufacturer requests by letter and the appropriate TTB officer grants specific authorization, the manufacturer need not during the term of such authorization file a tax return for which tax is not due or payable.
§ 40.163 Semimonthly tax return periods.
Except as otherwise provided in § 40.164, the periods to be covered by semimonthly tax returns are from the 1st day of each month through the 15th day of that month and from the 16th day of each month through the last day of that month.
§ 40.164 Special rule for taxes due for the month of September.
(a) Division of second semimonthly period. (1) General. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the second semimonthly period for the month of September is divided into two payment periods, from the 16th day through the 26th day, and from the 27th day through the 30th day. The manufacturer shall file a return on TTB F 5000.24, and make remittance, for the period September 16-26, no later than September 29. The manufacturer shall file a return on TTB F 5000.24, and make remittance, for the period September 27-30, no later than October 14.
(2) Taxpayment not by electronic fund transfer. In the case of taxes for which remittance by electronic fund transfer (EFT) is not required by § 40.165a, the second semimonthly period of September is divided into two payment periods, from the 16th day through the 25th day, and from the 26th day through the 30th day. The manufacturer shall file a return on TTB F 5000.24, and make remittance, for the period September 16-25, no later than September 28. The manufacturer shall file a return on TTB F 5000.24, and make remittance, for the period September 26-30, no later than October 14.
(b) Amount of payment – Safe harbor rule. (1) General. Taxpayers are considered to have met the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section if the amount paid no later than September 29 is not less than 11/15ths (73.3 percent) of the tax liability incurred for the semimonthly period beginning on September 1 and ending on September 15, and if any underpayment of tax is paid by October 14.
(2) Taxpayment not by EFT. Taxpayers are considered to have met the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) of this section if the amount paid no later than September 28 is not less than 2/3rds (66.7 percent) of the tax liability incurred for the semimonthly period beginning on September 1 and ending on September 15, and if any underpayment of tax is paid by October 14.
(c) Weekends and holidays. If the required taxpayment due date for the period September 16-25 or September 16-26, as applicable, falls on a Saturday or legal holiday, the return and remittance are due on the immediately preceding day. If the required due date falls on a Sunday, the return and remittance are due on the immediately following day.
(d) Example: Payment of tax for the month of September. (1) Facts. X, a manufacturer of tobacco products required to pay taxes by electronic fund transfer, incurred tax liability in the amount of $30,000 for the first semimonthly period of September. For the period September 16-26, X incurred tax liability in the amount of $45,000, and for the period September 27-30, X incurred tax liability in the amount of $2,000.
(2) Payment requirement. X’s payment of tax in the amount of $30,000 for the first semimonthly period of September is due no later than September 29 (§ 40.165(a)). X’s payment of tax for the period September 16-26 is also due no later than September 29 (§ 40.164(a)(1)). X may use the safe harbor rule to determine the amount of payment due for the period of September 16-26 (§ 40.164(b)). Under the safe harbor rule, X’s payment of tax must not be less than $21,990.00, that is, 11/15ths of the tax liability incurred during the first semimonthly period of September. Additionally, X must pay the tax in the amount of $2,000 for the period September 27-30 no later than October 14 (§ 40.164(a)(1)). X must also pay the underpayment of tax, $23,010.00, for the period September 16-26, no later than October 14 (§ 40.164(b)).
§ 40.165 Times for filing semimonthly return.
(a) General. Except as otherwise provided in § 40.164 and in paragraph (b) of this section, semimonthly returns on TTB F 5000.24 must be filed, for each return period, not later than the 14th day after the last day of the return period. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the return and remittance are due on the immediately preceding day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, except as otherwise provided in § 40.164(c).
(b) Postmark. The official postmark of the U.S. Postal Service stamped on the cover in which the return was mailed shall be considered the date of delivery of the tax return and, if the return was accompanied by a remittance, the date of delivery of the remittance. When the postmark is illegible, the manufacturer shall prove when the postmark was made. When the proprietor sends the tax return with or without remittance by registered mail or by certified mail, the date of registry or the date of the postmark on the sender’s receipt of certified mail, as the case may be, shall be treated as the date of delivery of the tax return and, if accompanied, of the remittance.
§ 40.165a Payment of tax by electronic fund transfer.
(a) General. (1) Each taxpayer who was liable, during a calendar year, for a gross amount equal to or exceeding five million dollars in taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and part 41 of this chapter, shall use a commercial bank in making payment by electronic fund transfer (EFT) of taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes during the succeeding calendar year. Payment of taxes on tobacco products by cash, check, or money order, as described in § 40.168, is not authorized for a taxpayer who is required, by this section, to make remittances by EFT. For purposes of this section, the dollar amount of tax liability is defined as the gross tax liability on all taxable withdrawals and importations (including tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes brought into the United States from Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands) during the calendar year, without regard to any drawbacks, credits, or refunds, for all premises from which such activities are conducted by the taxpayer. Overpayments are not taken into account in summarizing the gross tax liability.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a taxpayer includes a controlled group of corporations, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 1563, and implementing regulations in 26 CFR 1.1563-1 through 1.1563-4, except that the words “at least 80 percent” shall be replaced by the words “more than 50 percent” in each place it appears in subsection (a) of 26 U.S.C. 1563, as well as in the implementing regulations. Also, the rules for a “controlled group of corporations” apply in a similar fashion to groups which include partnerships and/or sole proprietorships. If one entity maintains more than 50% control over a group consisting of corporations and one, or more, partnerships and/or sole proprietorships, all of the members of the controlled group are one taxpayer for the purpose of determining who is required to make remittances by EFT.
(3) A taxpayer who is required by this section to make remittances by EFT, shall make a separate EFT remittance and file a separate return, Form 5000.24, for each factory from which tobacco products are withdrawn upon determination of tax.
(b) Requirements. (1) On or before January 10 of each calendar year, except for a taxpayer already remitting the tax by EFT, each taxpayer who was liable for a gross amount equal to or exceeding five million dollars in taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and part 41 of this chapter, during the previous calendar year, shall notify, in writing, the appropriate TTB officer. The notice shall be an agreement to make remittances by EFT.
(2) For each return filed in accordance with this part, the taxpayer shall direct the taxpayer’s bank to make an electronic fund transfer in the amount of the tax payment to the Treasury Account as provided in paragraph (e) of this section. The request shall be made to the bank early enough for the transfer to be made to the Treasury Account by no later than the close of business on the last day for filing the return, prescribed in § 40.165 or § 40.167. The request shall take into account any time limit established by the bank.
(3) If a taxpayer was liable for less than five million dollars in taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and part 41 of this chapter during the preceding calendar year, the taxpayer may choose either to continue remitting the tax as provided in this section or to remit the tax with the return on as prescribed by § 40.168. Upon filing the first return which the taxpayer chooses to discontinue remitting the tax by EFT and to begin remitting the tax with the tax return, the taxpayer shall notify the appropriate TTB officer by attaching a written notification to Form 5000.24, stating that no taxes are due by EFT, because the tax liability during the preceding calendar year was less than five million dollars, and that the remittance shall be filed with the tax return.
(c) Remittance. (1) Each taxpayer shall show on the return, Form 5000.24, information about remitting the tax for that return period by EFT and shall file the return with the TTB, in accordance with the instructions on Form 5000.24.
(2) Remittances shall be considered as made when the taxpayment by electronic fund transfer is received by the Treasury Account. For purposes of this section, a taxpayment by electronic fund transfer shall be considered as received by the Treasury Account when it is paid to a Federal Reserve Bank.
(3) When the taxpayer directs the bank to effect an electronic fund transfer message as required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section, any transfer data record furnished to the taxpayer, through normal banking procedures, will serve as the record of payment, and shall be retained as part of required records.
(d) Failure to make a taxpayment by EFT. The taxpayer is subject to a penalty imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5761, 6651, or 6656, as applicable, for failure to make a tax payment by EFT on or before the close of business on the prescribed last day for filing.
(e) Procedure. Upon the notification required under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the appropriate TTB officer will issue to the taxpayer a TTB procedure entitled, Payment of Tax by Electronic Fund Transfer. This publication outlines the procedure a taxpayer is to follow when preparing returns and EFT remittances in accordance with this part. The U.S. Customs Service will provide the taxpayer with instructions for preparing EFT remittances for payments to be made to the U.S. Customs Service.
§ 40.166 Default, prepayment of tax required.
Where a check or money order tendered with any return, whether semi-monthly or prepayment, for payment of tax on tobacco products is not paid on presentment, where a manufacturer fails to remit with the return the full amount of tax due thereunder, or where a manufacturer is otherwise in default in payment of tax on tobacco products under the internal revenue laws or this chapter, during the period of such default and until the appropriate TTB officer finds that the revenue will not be jeopardized by the deferred payment of tax pursuant to the provisions of this part, no tobacco products shall be removed subject to tax until the tax thereon has first been paid as provided in § 40.167. Any remittance made during the period of a default shall be in cash, or in the form of a certified, cashier’s, or treasurer’s check drawn on any bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of the United States, or under the laws of any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or in the form of a U.S. postal money order or other money order, and defined in § 70.61 of this chapter (payment by check or money order), or shall be delivered in the form of an electronic fund transfer message as provided in § 40.165a.
§ 40.167 Prepayment tax return.
(a) To prepay the tax on tobacco products a manufacturer shall file a prepayment tax return on Form 5000.24 showing the tax to be paid on the tobacco products prior to removal. The return shall be executed and filed, prior to the removal of such products, with TTB, in accordance with the instructions on the form. A manufacturer prepaying the taxes on tobacco products under the provisions of this section shall continue to file semimonthly returns as required by § 40.162.
(b) However, if a manufacturer is required by § 40.165a to pay the tax by electronic fund transfer, the manufacturer shall prepay the tax before any tobacco products can be removed for consumption or sale by completing the return and filing it with TTB, in accordance with the instructions on the form. At the same time, the manufacturer shall direct his bank to effect an EFT.
§ 40.168 Remittance with return.
Except when an electronic fund transfer has been made under § 40.165a for the full amount of tax due, the tax on tobacco products shown to be due and payable on any return shall be paid by remittance in full with the tax return. The remittance may be in the form which the appropriate TTB officer is authorized to accept under § 70.61 of this chapter (Payment by check or money order) and which is acceptable to him, except as otherwise specified in § 40.166. Checks and money orders shall be made payable to the “Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau”. In paying the tax, a fractional part of a cent shall be disregarded unless it amounts to one-half cent or more, in which case it shall be increased to one cent.
§ 40.169 Employer identification number.
The employer identification number (defined at 26 CFR 301.7701-12) of a manufacturer of tobacco products who has been assigned such a number shall be shown on each tax return, Form 5000.24. Failure of the manufacturer to include his employer identification number on Form 5000.24 may result in assertion and collection of the penalty specified in § 70.113 of this chapter.
§ 40.170 Application for employer identification number.
Every manufacturer of tobacco products who has neither secured an employer identification number nor made application therefor shall file an application on Form SS-4. Form SS-4 may be obtained from any service center director or from any district director. Such application shall be filed on or before the seventh day after the date on which any tax return under this part is filed. Each manufacturer shall make application for and shall be assigned only one employer identification number for all internal revenue tax purposes.
§ 40.171 Execution and filing of Form SS-4.
The application on Form SS-4, together with any supplementary statement, shall be prepared in accordance with the form, instructions, and regulations applicable thereto, and shall set forth fully and clearly the data therein called for. The application shall be filed with the service center director serving any internal revenue district where the applicant is required to file returns under this part, except that hand-carried applications may be filed with the district director of any such district as provided for in 26 CFR 301.6091-1. The application shall be signed by (a) the individual if the person is an individual; (b) the president, vice president, or other principal officer if the person is a corporation; (c) a responsible and duly authorized member or officer having knowledge of its affairs if the person is a partnership or other unincorporated organization; or (d) the fiduciary if the person is a trust or estate.
Records
§ 40.181 General.
Every manufacturer of tobacco products must keep records of his operations and transactions which shall reflect, for each day, the information specified in §§ 40.182 and 40.183. For this purpose day shall mean calendar day, except that the appropriate TTB officer may, upon application of the manufacturer by letter, in duplicate, authorize as such day for a factory a 24-hour cycle of operation other than the calendar day. A day once so established as other than the calendar day may be changed only by another application approved by the appropriate TTB officer. No specific form is required. The manufacturer may use commercial records from which the required information may be readily ascertained for this purpose. The manufacturer shall keep the auxiliary and supplemental records from which such records are compiled and shall keep supporting records, as specified in §§ 40.184 and 40.186, of tobacco products removed subject to tax and transferred in bond. Except as provided in §§ 40.184 and 40.186, the entries in the commercial records so maintained or kept shall be made not later than the close of the next business day following the day on which the transaction(s) occurred. As used in this section the term business day shall mean any day other than Saturday, Sunday, a legal holiday in the District of Columbia, or a statewide legal holiday in the State wherein the factory to which the records relate is located.
§ 40.182 Record of tobacco and processed tobacco.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a manufacturer of tobacco products must maintain a record that shows the total quantity in pounds of all:
(1) Processed tobacco on hand at the beginning of each month;
(2) Processed tobacco received, together with the name and address of the person from whom received and the date of receipt;
(3) Processed tobacco used in the manufacture of tobacco products, together with the date of use;
(4) Processed tobacco lost, together with the date and other circumstances of the loss;
(5) Processed tobacco destroyed, together with the date and other circumstances of the destruction;
(6) Processed tobacco removed, together with the date of the removal and reason for the removal; and
(7) Tobacco (unprocessed) on hand at the beginning of each month and used in the manufacture of tobacco products, lost, destroyed, or removed during each month.
(b) A manufacturer of tobacco products that is required to obtain authorization to engage in another business within the factory under §§ 40.47(b) and 40.72(b) must keep records as prescribed in § 40.521, in addition to those required elsewhere in this part.
§ 40.183 Record of tobacco products.
The record of a manufacturer of tobacco products must show the date and total quantities of all tobacco products by kind (small cigars; large cigars; small cigarettes; large cigarettes; chewing tobacco; snuff; pipe tobacco; roll-your-own tobacco) that are:
(a) Manufactured;
(b) Received in bond by –
(1) Transfer from other factories,
(2) Release from customs custody,
(3) Transfer from export warehouses, and
(4) Transfer from foreign trade zones;
(c) Received by return to bond;
(d) Disclosed as an overage by inventory;
(e) Removed subject to tax (itemize large cigars by sale price in accordance with § 40.22, except that before April 1, 2009, cigars that cost more than $235.294 may optionally be shown as if the price were $236 per thousand, and on and after April 1, 2009, cigars that cost more than $763.222 may optionally be shown as if the price were $764 per thousand);
(f) Removed, in bond, for –
(1) Export,
(2) Transfer to export warehouses,
(3) Transfer to other factories,
(4) Transfer to foreign trade zones,
(5) Use of the United States, and
(6) Experimental purposes off factory premises;
(g) Otherwise disposed of, without determination of tax, by –
(1) Consumption by employees on factory premises,
(2) Consumption by employees off factory premises, together with the number of employees to whom furnished,
(3) Use for experimental purposes on factory premises,
(4) Loss,
(5) Destruction, and
(6) Reduction to materials;
(h) Disclosed as a shortage by inventory; and
(i) On which the tax has been determined and which are –
(1) Received, and
(2) Disposed of.
§ 40.184 Record of removals subject to tax.
(a) Requirement. Every manufacturer of tobacco products must keep a record of tobacco products removed from the factory subject to tax. The manufacturer must make entries in this record at the time of removal. The record for each removal must show:
(1) The date of removal,
(2) The name and address of the person to whom shipped or delivered,
(3) The kind and quantity of tobacco products removed, and
(4) For large cigars, show the sale price (if the sale price is more than $235.294 per thousand before April 1, 2009, or more than $763.222 per thousand on and after April 1, 2009, you may place a note to that effect in the record instead of the actual price).
(b) Exceptions. (1) The record of removal may consist of the manufacturer’s commercial documents, such as copies of invoices, rather than records prepared expressly to meet the requirements of this section. If commercial documents are used, they must be kept at the factory, contain all the details required by this section, and be clear and accurate. Commercial documents that do not show specifically the tax classification of tobacco products (including sale price of large cigars) are still acceptable if they contain adequate information for an appropriate TTB officer to readily ascertain the applicable tax.
(2) Where tobacco products are delivered within the factory directly to the consumer, the record need not show the name and address of the consumer.
§ 40.185 Retention of records.
All records required to be kept under this part, including copies of authorizations, claims, inventories, notices, reports, returns and schedules, shall be retained by the manufacturer for three years following the close of the calendar year in which filed or made, or in the case of an authorization, for three years following the close of the calendar year in which the operation under such authorization is concluded. Such records shall be kept in the factory or a place convenient thereto, and shall be made available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon his request.
§ 40.186 Record in support of transfers in bond.
Every manufacturer of tobacco products shall keep a supporting record of tobacco products transferred in bond to or received in bond from other factories, and shall make the entries therein at the time of each receipt or removal of such products. Such supporting records shall show the date of receipt or removal, the name of the manufacturer and address of the factory from which received or to which removed or the permit number of such factory, and the kind and quantity of tobacco products. Where the manufacturer keeps, at the factory, copies of invoices or other commercial records containing the information required as to each receipt and removal, in such orderly manner that the information may be readily ascertained therefrom, such copies will be considered the supporting record required by this section.
§ 40.187 Record of sales prices of large cigars.
Every manufacturer of tobacco products who removes large cigars from the factory shall keep such records as are necessary to establish and verify the price for which the cigars are sold, in accordance with § 40.22. The record shall be a continuing one of each brand and size of cigar so that the sale price on which the tax is based may be readily ascertained.
Inventories and Reports
§ 40.201 Inventories.
Every manufacturer of tobacco products shall make true and accurate inventories on Form 5210.9, which inventories shall include all tobacco products and processed tobacco on hand required to be accounted for in the records kept under this part. The manufacturer shall make such an inventory at the time of commencing business, which shall be the effective date of the permit issued upon original qualification under this part; at the time of transferring ownership; at the time of changing the location of his factory; at the time of concluding business; and at such other time as any appropriate TTB officer may require. Each inventory shall be prepared in duplicate, and shall be subject to verification by an appropriate TTB officer. The original of each such inventory shall be submitted to the appropriate TTB officer, and the duplicate shall be retained by the manufacturer.
§ 40.202 Reports.
(a) Monthly report. Every manufacturer of tobacco products shall make a report on Form 5210.5, in duplicate, for each month and for any portion of a month during which he engages in such business. Such report shall be made regardless of whether any operations or transactions occurred during the month or portion of a month covered therein. The report for a month or portion of a month in which business is commenced or is concluded shall be conspicuously marked “Commencing Report” or “Concluding Report,” respectively. The original of the report shall be submitted to the appropriate TTB officer not later than the 20th day of the month succeeding the month covered therein, and the duplicate shall be retained by the manufacturer. Each report shall show, for the period covered, the total quantity of tobacco products:
(1) Manufactured,
(2) Received in bond,
(3) Received by return to bond,
(4) Disclosed by inventory as an overage,
(5) Removed subject to tax,
(6) Removed in bond,
(7) Otherwise disposed of without determination of tax,
(8) Disclosed by inventory as a shortage, and
(9) On hand, in bond, beginning of and end of month.
(b) Report of processed tobacco. In addition to complying with the requirements set forth in this part relating to the reporting of tobacco products, a manufacturer of tobacco products that is required to obtain authorization to engage in another business within the factory under §§ 40.47(b) and 40.72(b) must also make and submit reports as prescribed in § 40.522.
Packages
§ 40.211 Package.
All tobacco products shall, before removal subject to tax, be put up by the manufacturer in packages which shall be of such construction as will securely contain the products therein and maintain the mark and the notice thereon as required by this part. No package of tobacco products shall have contained therein, attached thereto, or stamped, marked, written, or printed thereon (a) any certificate, coupon, or other device purporting to be or to represent a ticket, chance, share, or an interest in, or dependent on, the event of a lottery, (b) any indecent or immoral picture, print, or representation, or (c) any statement or indication that United States tax has been paid. No person may purchase, receive, possess (except for personal consumption), offer for sale, or sell or otherwise dispose of, after removal, any tobacco products that are not put up in packages bearing the marks, labels, and notices, as required under this part.
§ 40.212 Mark.
Every package of tobacco products packaged in a domestic factory shall, before removal subject to tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, a mark as specified in this section. The mark may consist of the name of the manufacturer removing the product subject to tax and the location (by city and State) of the factory from which the products are to be so removed, or may consist of the permit number of the factory from which the products are to be so removed. (Any trade name of the manufacturer approved as provided in § 40.65 may be used in the mark as the name of the manufacturer.) As an alternative, where tobacco products are packaged and removed subject to tax by the same manufacturer, either at the same or different factories, the mark may consist of the name of such manufacturer if the factory where packaged is identified on or in the package by a means approved by the appropriate TTB officer. Before using the alternative, the manufacturer shall notify the appropriate TTB officer in writing of the name to be used as the name of the manufacturer and the means to be used for identifying the factory where packaged. If approved by him the appropriate TTB officer shall return approved copies of the notice to the manufacturer. A copy of the approved notice shall be retained as part of the factory records at each of the factories operated by the manufacturer.
§ 40.213 Tobacco products labeled for export.
Tobacco products labeled for export are ineligible for removal from the factory for distribution into the U.S. domestic market. Tobacco products labeled for export may not be sold, transferred, or delivered into the U.S. domestic market by a manufacturer of tobacco products unless the manufacturer repackages the tobacco product by removing it from its original package bearing the export marks and placing it into a new package. The new package, mark, and notice must conform to the requirements of this subpart.
§ 40.214 Notice for cigars.
Before removal subject to tax, every package of cigars shall have adequately imprinted on it, or on a label securely affixed to it –
(a) The designation “cigars”;
(b) The quantity of cigars contained in the package; and
(c) For small cigars, the classification of the product for tax purposes (i.e., either “small” or “little”).
§ 40.215 Notice for cigarettes.
Every package of cigarettes shall, before removal subject to tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, the designation “cigarettes”, the quantity of such product contained therein, and the classification for tax purposes, i.e., for small cigarettes, either “small” or “Class A”, and for large cigarettes, either “large” or “Class B”.
§ 40.216 Notice for smokeless tobacco.
(a) Product designation. Every package of chewing tobacco or snuff shall, before removal subject to tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, the designation “chewing tobacco” or “snuff.” As an alternative, packages of chewing tobacco may be designated “Tax Class C”, and packages of snuff may be designated “Tax Class M”.
(b) Product weight. Every package of chewing tobacco or snuff shall, before removal subject to tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, a clear statement of the actual pounds and ounces of the product contained therein. As an alternative, the shipping cases containing packages of chewing tobacco or snuff may, before removal, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, a clear statement, in pounds and ounces, of the total weight of the product, the tax class of the product, and the total number of the packages of product contained therein.
§ 40.216a Notice for pipe tobacco.
(a) Product designation. Every package of pipe tobacco shall, before removal subject to tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, the designation “pipe tobacco.”
(b) Product weight. Every package of pipe tobacco shall, before removal subject to tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, a clear statement of the actual pounds and ounces of the product contained therein.
§ 40.216b Notice for roll-your-own tobacco.
(a) Product designation. Every package of roll-your-own tobacco, before removal subject to tax, must have adequately imprinted on it, or on a label securely affixed to it, the applicable designation “roll-your-own tobacco”, “cigarette tobacco”, “cigar tobacco”, “cigarette wrapper”, or “cigar wrapper”.
(b) Product weight. Before removal subject to tax, roll-your-own tobacco must have a clear statement of the actual weight in pounds and ounces of the product in the package. This statement must be adequately imprinted on, or on a label securely affixed to, the package.
§ 40.216c Package use-up rule.
(a) During the period from June 22, 2009, through March 23, 2010, a manufacturer of tobacco products may remove packages of pipe tobacco or roll-your-own tobacco that do not meet the requirements of § 40.216a(a) or § 40.216b(a), provided that such packages bear the designation “Tax Class L” (to designate pipe tobacco) or “Tax Class J” (to designate roll-your-own tobacco) and were in use prior to June 22, 2009.
(b) During the period from June 22, 2009, through March 23, 2010, a manufacturer may remove roll-your-own tobacco for which the applicable designation is “cigar tobacco,” “cigarette wrapper,” or “cigar wrapper” even if the packages of such products do not meet the requirements of § 40.216b.
§ 40.217 Repackaging.
Where a manufacturer of tobacco products desires to repackage, outside the factory, tobacco products on which the tax has been determined or which were removed for a tax-exempt purpose or transferred in bond to an export warehouse, or to repackage tax determined tobacco products in the factory, he shall make application for authorization to do so, in duplicate, to the appropriate TTB officer. The application shall set forth the location and the number of packages, a description of the contents, the tax status of the tobacco products the reason for wanting to repackage the products (e.g., packages soiled, damaged, or otherwise in a condition making the product unsalable), and a description of the package to be used for repackaging. The packages to be used must comply with the package, mark, and notice provisions of this chapter applicable to the tobacco products being repackaged. The operations authorized under this section are limited solely to repackaging for good cause by a manufacturer, pursuant to an approved application, of the specified tobacco products in the described packages, and do not include any manufacturing processes. If the appropriate TTB officer approves the application, he may assign an appropriate TTB officer to supervise the repackaging or he may authorize the manufacturer to repackage the products without supervision by so stating on a copy of the application returned to the manufacturer. Where the manufacturer is authorized to repackage he shall record the date of repackaging on the approved application and retain it as part of his records.
Exemption From Taxes on Tobacco Products
§ 40.231 Consumption by employees.
A manufacturer of tobacco products may gratuitously furnish tobacco products, without determination and payment of tax, for personal consumption by employees in the factory in such quantities as desired. Each employee may also be gratuitously furnished by the manufacturer, for off-factory personal consumption, not more than 5 large cigars or cigarettes, 20 small cigars or cigarettes, or one retail package of chewing tobacco, snuff, pipe tobacco or roll-your-own tobacco, or a proportionate quantity of each, without determination and payment of tax, on each day the employee is at work. For the purposes of this section, the term “employee” shall mean those persons whose duties require their presence in the factory or whose duties relate to the manufacture, distribution, or sale of tobacco products and who receive compensation from the manufacturer, or a parent, subsidiary, or auxiliary company or corporation of the manufacturer. Such product furnished for off-factory consumption shall be furnished to the employee within the factory and taken from the factory by the employee on the day for which furnished. Employees shall not sell, offer for sale, or give away products so furnished.
§ 40.232 Experimental purposes.
A manufacturer of tobacco products may use tobacco products for experimental purposes without determination and payment of tax as set forth in this section.
(a) What are experimental purposes? Experimental purposes are operations or tests carried out under controlled conditions to discover an unknown scientific principle or fact, to gather or confirm data about a known scientific principle or fact, or to test manufacturing, packaging, or other such equipment. Examples of uses for experimental purposes are:
(1) Use by manufacturers to determine scientific facts relating to tobacco products, such as their chemical content;
(2) Use by producers of packaging machines to test the operation of such machines; and
(3) Use by laboratories, hospitals, medical centers, institutes, colleges, or universities, for scientific, technical, or medical research.
(b) What purposes are not experimental? The uses of tobacco products outside the factory premises for advertising or consumer testing or as salespersons’ or customers’ samples are not experimental purposes.
(c) Use in factory. A manufacturer of tobacco products may use tobacco products without determination and payment of tax for experimental purposes in a factory.
(d) Use outside factory. A manufacturer may remove tobacco products in bond for experimental purposes outside a factory. When tobacco products are shipped for experimental purposes outside the factory, the proprietor of the factory remains liable for the taxes imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5701 until the occurrence of one of the following events:
(1) The tobacco products are returned to the premises of the factory from which they were shipped; or
(2) The tobacco products are destroyed during or after their use for experimental purposes.
(e) Record of use. In addition to the records prescribed by § 40.183, a manufacturer who removes tobacco products in bond for experimental purposes outside a factory must prepare and maintain a record containing the following information:
(1) Name and address of the consignee;
(2) Kind and quantity of tobacco products removed;
(3) Description of packaging, if any, of the tobacco products removed;
(4) Description of how and when the consignee will use the tobacco products; and
(5) Disposition of any remaining tobacco products after the consignee’s use.
§ 40.233 Transfer in bond.
A manufacturer of tobacco products may transfer tobacco products in bond, to the factory of any manufacturer of tobacco products. The transfer of tobacco products in bond to the premises of an export warehouse proprietor shall be in accordance with the provisions of part 44 of this chapter. However, tobacco products are eligible for transfer in bond to a manufacturer of tobacco products or to an export warehouse only if they bear the required marks, labels, and notices.
§ 40.234 Removal for use of the United States.
The removal of tobacco products in bond, for use of the United States, shall be in accordance with the provisions of part 45 of this chapter.
§ 40.235 Removal for export purposes.
The removal of tobacco products in bond, for shipment to a foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, or for consumption beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States, shall be in accordance with the provisions of part 44 of this chapter.
§ 40.236 Release from customs custody.
The release of tobacco products from customs custody, in bond, for transfer to the premises of a tobacco products factory, shall be in accordance with the provisions of part 41 of this chapter.
Other Provisions Relating to Operations
§ 40.251 Emergency storage.
In cases of emergency, the appropriate TTB officer may authorize, for a stated period, the temporary storage of tobacco products at a place outside the factory without the application for amended permit required under § 40.114, where such action will not hinder the effective administration of this part, is not contrary to law, and will not jeopardize the revenue. Application for authorization to so store tobacco products shall be submitted to the appropriate TTB officer by letter, in duplicate. All tobacco products so stored outside the factory shall be accounted for in the records and reports required under §§ 40.183 and 40.202 the same as products within the factory.
§ 40.252 Reduction of tobacco products to materials.
A manufacturer may reduce tobacco products to materials without supervision. If the tobacco products have been entered in the factory record as manufactured or received, an entry shall be made in such record of the quantity of pipe tobacco or roll-your-own tobacco and the kind and quantity of cigars, cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco reduced to materials and of the quantity of tobacco resulting from the reduction. Where the manufacturer intends to file claims for credit allowance, or refund of tax on such tobacco products, he shall comply with the provisions of §§ 40.311 and 40.313.
§ 40.253 Destruction.
When a manufacturer of tobacco products desires to destroy tobacco products which have been entered in the factory record as manufactured or received, without salvaging the tobacco, he shall notify the appropriate TTB officer by letter, in duplicate, of the kind and quantity of tobacco products to be destroyed, the intended method of destruction, and the date on which he desires to destroy such products. The appropriate TTB officer may assign an appropriate TTB officer to supervise destruction of the tobacco products or he may authorize the manufacturer to destroy such products without supervision by so stating on a copy of the manufacturer’s notice returned to the manufacturer. When so authorized by the appropriate TTB officer, the manufacturer shall destroy the tobacco products by burning completely or by rendering them unfit for consumption. Upon completion of the destruction, the manufacturer shall make an entry of such destruction in his factory record, and where destruction without supervision is authorized, shall record the date and method of destruction on the notice returned to him by the appropriate TTB officer, which notice the manufacturer shall retain. Where the manufacturer intends to file claim for credit, allowance, or refund of tax on such products he shall comply with the provisions of §§ 40.311 and 40.313.
§ 40.254 Receipt into factory.
A manufacturer of tobacco products may receive in bond into his factory tobacco products and may also receive into his factory tobacco products on which the tax has been determined (including products on which the tax has been paid). Cigars and cigarettes on which the tax has been determined which are so received shall be segregated and identified as products on which the tax has been determined. If tax determined products received into the factory are so handled that they cannot be identified both physically and in the records as tax determined products they shall be accounted for as returned to bond and upon subsequent removal shall be tax determined. Where returned tax determined tobacco products are to be repackaged without being returned to bond the manufacturer shall make application for authorization to do so to the appropriate TTB officer in accordance with § 40.217. Where the manufacturer intends to file claim for credit, allowance, or refund of tax on tax determined products he shall comply with the provisions of §§ 40.311 and 40.313.
§ 40.255 Shortages and overages in inventory.
Whenever a manufacturer of tobacco products makes a physical inventory of packaged tobacco products in bond, either as part of normal operations or when required by an appropriate TTB officer, and such inventory discloses a shortage or overage in such products by kind as recorded and reported (i.e., small cigars, large cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipe tobacco, or roll-your-own tobacco), the manufacturer shall enter such shortage or overage in the records required by § 40.183. Shortages or overages in inventories made at different times may not be used to offset each other, but shall be recorded and reported separately. Unless the manufacturer establishes that a shortage was not caused by a removal subject to the tax the manufacturer shall determine the tax on any shortage, make an adjustment in Schedule A of his next semimonthly tax return and pay the tax thereon. If, after paying the tax on a shortage, the manufacturer satisfactorily establishes that the shortage was not caused by a removal subject to tax, then such payment would be an overpayment of tax which the manufacturer may recover as provided in § 40.286. Where the manufacturer can establish prior to paying the tax on a shortage, that the shortage was not the result of a removal subject to tax he shall submit an explanation of such shortage with his report for the month in which the shortage was disclosed and, if appropriate, he may file claim for remission of tax liability as provided in § 40.287. When an overage is disclosed which the manufacturer can explain, he shall include such explanation in his monthly report and refund of any overpayment may be recovered as provided in § 40.286. Whenever a physical inventory discloses a shortage or overage of tobacco products which have not been packaged the manufacturer shall appropriately enter such shortage or overage in his records and shall, at the time required by the appropriate TTB officer, furnish an explanation in the form of a claim for remission of tax liability as provided in § 40.287. The manufacturer shall pay the tax on any shortage or portion thereof for which he is unable to furnish an explanation acceptable to the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 40.256 Minimum manufacturing and activity requirements.
The minimum manufacturing and activity requirement prescribed in § 40.61(c) of this part is a continuing condition of a manufacturer’s permit, that is, a permit to manufacture tobacco products is conditioned upon a person’s principal business activity being the manufacture of tobacco products. A permit may be suspended, and subsequently revoked, if the person’s principal business activity under such permit is to receive or transfer tobacco products in bond, or if the person has no activity under such permit for a period of one year. As a minimum activity requirement, the quantity of tobacco products manufactured under the permit must be equivalent to, or exceed, the quantity transferred or received in bond under the permit.
§ 40.257 Processed tobacco.
A manufacturer of tobacco products may be required to obtain authorization from the appropriate TTB officer with regard to the activities involving processed tobacco. See § 40.72. Such manufacturers also must maintain records and may be required to submit reports regarding such activities. See §§ 40.182 and 40.202.
Subpart I – Claims by Manufacturers
General
§ 40.281 Abatement of assessment.
A claim for abatement of the unpaid portion of the assessment of any tax on tobacco products or any liability in respect thereof, may be allowed to the extent that such assessment is excessive in amount, is assessed after expiration of the applicable period of limitation, or is erroneously or illegally assessed. Any claim under this section shall be prepared on TTB F 5620.8, in duplicate, and shall set forth the particulars under which the claim is filed. The original of the claim, accompanied by such evidence as is necessary to establish to the satisfaction of the appropriate TTB officer that the claim is valid, shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer, and the duplicate of the claim shall be retained by the manufacturer.
§ 40.282 Allowance of tax.
Relief from the payment of tax on tobacco products may be extended to a manufacturer by allowance of the tax where the tobacco products after removal from the factory upon determination of tax and prior to the payment of such tax, are lost (otherwise than by theft) or destroyed, by fire, casualty, or act of God, while in the possession or ownership of the manufacturer who removed such products, or are withdrawn by him from the market. Any claim for allowance under this section shall be filed on TTB F 5620.8, in duplicate, with the appropriate TTB officer, and shall show the date the tobacco products were removed from the factory. A claim relating to products lost or destroyed shall be supported as prescribed in § 40.301. In the case of a claim relating to tobacco products withdrawn from the market the schedule prescribed in § 40.311 shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer. The manufacturer may not anticipate allowance of his claim by making the adjusting entry in a tax return pending consideration and action on the claim. Tobacco products to which such a claim relates must be shown as removed on determination of tax in the return covering the period during which such products were so removed. Upon action on the claim by the appropriate TTB officer he will return the copy of TTB F 5620.8 to the manufacturer as notice of such action, which copy, with the copy of any verified supporting schedules, shall be retained by the manufacturer. When such notification of allowance of the claim or any part thereof is received prior to the time the return covering the tax on the tobacco products to which the claim relates is to be filed, the manufacturer may make an adjusting entry and explanatory statement in that tax return. Where the notice of allowance is received after the filing of the return and taxpayment of the tobacco products to which the claim relates, the manufacturer may make an adjusting entry and explanatory statement in the next tax return(s) to the extent necessary to take credit in the amount of the allowance.
§ 40.283 Credit or refund of tax.
The taxes paid on tobacco products may be credited or refunded (without interest) to a manufacturer on proof satisfactory to the appropriate TTB officer that the claimant manufacturer paid the tax on tobacco products lost (otherwise than by theft) or destroyed, by fire, casualty, or act of God, while in the possession or ownership of such manufacturer, or withdrawn by him from the market. Any claim for credit or refund under this section shall be prepared on TTB F 5620.8, in duplicate. Claims shall include a statement that the tax imposed on tobacco products by 26 U.S.C. 7652 or chapter 52, was paid in respect to the tobacco products covered by the claim, and that the products were lost, destroyed, or withdrawn from the market within 6 months preceding the date the claim is filed. A claim for credit or refund relating to products lost or destroyed shall be supported as prescribed in § 40.301, and a claim relating to products withdrawn from the market shall be accompanied by a schedule prepared and verified as prescribed in §§ 40.311 and 40.313. The original and one copy of TTB F 5620.8, claim for credit, or the original of TTB F 5620.8, claim for refund, shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer. Upon action by the appropriate TTB officer on a claim for credit he will return the copy of TTB F 5620.8 to the manufacturer as notification of allowance or disallowance of the claim or any part thereof, which copy, with the copy of any verified supporting schedules, shall be retained by the manufacturer. When the manufacturer is notified of allowance of the claim for credit or any part thereof he shall make an adjusting entry and explanatory statement in the next tax return(s) to the extent necessary to take credit in the amount of the allowance. Prior to consideration and action on his claim the manufacturer may not anticipate allowance of his claim by taking credit in his tax return. The duplicate of a claim for refund, with the copy of any verified supporting schedules, shall be retained by the manufacturer.
§ 40.284 Remission of tax liability.
Remission of the tax liability on tobacco products may be extended to the manufacturer liable for the tax where tobacco products in bond are lost (otherwise than by theft) or destroyed, by fire, casualty, or act of God, while in the possession or ownership of such manufacturer. Where tobacco products are so lost or destroyed the manufacturer shall report promptly such fact, and the circumstances, to the appropriate TTB officer. If the manufacturer wishes to be relieved of the tax liability thereon he shall also prepare a claim on TTB F 5620.8, in duplicate, setting forth the nature, date, place, and extent of the loss or destruction. Both copies of the claim, accompanied by such evidence as is necessary to establish to the satisfaction of the appropriate TTB officer that the claim is valid, shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer. Upon action on the claim by the appropriate TTB officer he will return the copy of TTB F 5620.8 to the manufacturer as notice of such action, which copy shall be retained by the manufacturer.
§ 40.285 [Reserved]
§ 40.286 Refund of overpayment.
Where an error in computation of the quantity of tobacco products or in computation of the amount of tax due results in an overpayment and such error is specifically identified and supported by records, the manufacturer may file claim for refund or may make an adjustment in his semimonthly tax return as provided in § 40.164. (Section 6511, 26 U.S.C., provides that, in most cases, any adjustment of claim for refund of an overpayment of tax on tobacco products must be made or filed within three years after the tax is paid.) If the manufacturer elects to file a claim for refund of an overpayment resulting from such a computational error, he shall do so on TTB F 5620.8, in duplicate. The original shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer, and the duplicate retained by the manufacturer. Where an overpayment of tax on tobacco products results from other than a computational error any claim for refund or credit shall be made in accordance with subpart A of part 46 of this chapter.
§ 40.287 Remission of tax liability on shortage.
Whenever a manufacturer of tobacco products desires to submit a claim for remission of tax liability on shortages of tobacco products in bond, disclosed by physical inventory as set forth in § 40.255, he shall prepare such claim on TTB F 5620.8, in duplicate. Both copies of the claim shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer. The claim shall specify the quantities of tobacco products on which claim is made and the tax liability in respect thereof, and shall set forth the circumstances surrounding the shortage and the reason the manufacturer believes tax is not due or payable. The appropriate TTB officer will, after such investigation as he deems appropriate, allow the claim to the extent he is satisfied the shortage was due to operating losses such as damage during grading, sorting, or packaging, and was not caused by theft or other unlawful or improper removal. Upon action on the claim by the appropriate TTB officer he will return the copy of TTB F 5620.8 to the manufacturer as notice of such action, which copy shall be retained by the manufacturer.
Tobacco Products Lost or Destroyed
§ 40.301 Action by claimant.
Where tobacco products are lost (otherwise than by theft) or destroyed, by fire, casualty, or act of God, and the manufacturer desires to file a claim for the tax on such products under the provisions of § 40.282 or § 40.283, he shall indicate on the claim the nature, date, place, and extent of such loss or destruction. The claim shall be accompanied by such evidence as is necessary to establish to the satisfaction of the appropriate TTB officer that the claim is valid.
Tobacco Products Withdrawn From the Market
§ 40.311 Action by claimant.
(a) General. Where tobacco products are withdrawn from the market and the manufacturer desires to file claim under the provisions of § 40.282 or § 40.283, he shall assemble the products in or adjacent to a factory if they are to be returned to bond or at any suitable place if they are to be destroyed or reduced to materials. The manufacturer shall group the products according to the rates of tax applicable to the products, and shall prepare a schedule of the products, on TTB Form 5200.7, in triplicate. All copies of the schedule shall be forwarded to the appropriate TTB officer.
(b) Large cigars. Refund or credit of tax on large cigars withdrawn from the market is limited to the lowest tax paid on that brand and size of cigar during the required record retention period (see § 40.185), except where the manufacturer establishes that a greater amount was actually paid. For each claim involving large cigars withdrawn from the market, the manufacturer must include a certification on either Form 5200.7 or TTB F 5620.8 to read as follows:
The amounts claimed relating to large cigars are based on the lowest sale price applicable to the cigars during the required record retention period, except where specific documentation is submitted with the claim to establish that any greater amount of tax claimed was actually paid.
§ 40.312 Action by the appropriate TTB officer.
Upon receipt of a schedule of tobacco products withdrawn from the market, the appropriate TTB officer may assign a TTB officer to verify the schedule and supervise disposition of the tobacco products (and destruction of the stamps, if any), or he may authorize the manufacturer to dispose of the products (and destroy the stamps, if any) without supervision by so stating on the original and one copy of the schedule returned to the manufacturer.
§ 40.313 Disposition of tobacco products and schedule.
When so authorized, as evidenced by the appropriate TTB officer’s statement on the schedule, the manufacturer shall dispose of the tobacco products (and destroy the stamps, if any) as specified in the schedule. After the manufacturer has disposed of the products (and destroyed the stamps, if any), he shall execute a certificate on both copies of the schedule returned to him by the appropriate TTB officer, to show the disposition and the date of disposition of the products (and stamps, if any). In connection with a claim for allowance the manufacturer then shall return the original of the schedule to the appropriate TTB officer who authorized such disposition, who will cause such schedule to be associated with the claim, TTB F 5620.8, filed under § 40.282. In connection with a claim for credit or refund the manufacturer shall attach the original of the schedule to his claim for credit, TTB F 5620.8, or claim for refund, TTB F 5620.8, filed under § 40.283. When an appropriate TTB officer is assigned to verify the schedule and supervise disposition of the tobacco products, such officer shall, upon completion of his assignment, execute a certificate on all copies of the schedule to show the disposition and the date of disposition of the products. In connection with a claim for allowance the officer shall return one copy of the schedule to be included in the manufacturers records, and in connection with a claim for credit or refund, the officer shall return the original and one copy of the schedule to the manufacturer, the original of which the manufacturer shall attach to the claim, TTB F 5620.8, filed under § 40.283.
Subpart J – Suspension and Discontinuance of Operations by Manufacturers
§ 40.331 Discontinuance of operations.
Every manufacturer of tobacco products who desires to discontinue operations under this part shall dispose of all tobacco products on hand, in accordance with this part, and make a concluding inventory and concluding report in accordance with the provisions of § 40.201 and § 40.202, respectively. The manufacturer shall surrender his permit, with such inventory and report, to the appropriate TTB officer as notice of such discontinuance. The appropriate TTB officer may then terminate the liability of the surety on the bond of the manufacturer.
§ 40.332 Suspension and revocation of permit.
Where the appropriate TTB officer has reason to believe that a manufacturer of tobacco products has not in good faith complied with the provisions of 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, and regulations thereunder, or with any other provision of 26 U.S.C. with intent to defraud, or has violated any condition of his permit, or has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application for the permit, or has failed to maintain his premises in such manner as to protect the revenue, or is, by reason of previous or current legal proceedings involving a felony violation of any other provision of Federal criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, not likely to maintain operations in compliance with 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, or has been convicted of a felony violation of any provision of Federal or State criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, the appropriate TTB officer shall issue an order, stating the facts charged, citing such person to show cause why his permit should not be suspended or revoked. Such citation shall be issued and opportunity for hearing afforded in accordance with part 71 of this chapter, which part is applicable to such proceedings. If, after hearing, the hearing examiner, or on appeal, the Administrator, finds that such person has not shown cause why his permit should not be suspended or revoked, such permit shall be suspended for such period as the appropriate TTB officer deems proper or shall be revoked.
Subpart K – Manufacture of Cigarette Papers and Tubes
Taxes
§ 40.351 Cigarette papers.
Cigarette papers are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(c):
| Product | Tax rate for each 50 papers* for removals during the following periods: | |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 to March 31, 2009 | April 1, 2009 and after | |
| Cigarette papers up to 6 | $ 0.0122 | $ 0.0315 |
| Cigarette papers over 6 | Use rates above, but count each 2 | |
* Tax rate for less than 50 papers is the same. The tax is not prorated.
§ 40.352 Cigarette tubes.
Cigarette tubes are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(d):
| Product | Tax rate for each 50 tubes* for removals during the years: | |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 to March 31, 2009 | April 1, 2009 and after | |
| Cigarette tubes up to 6 | $ 0.0244 | $ 0.0630 |
| Cigarette tubes over 6 | Use rates above, but count each 2 | |
* Tax rate for less than 50 tubes is the same. The tax is not prorated.
§ 40.353 Persons liable for tax.
The manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes shall be liable for the taxes imposed on such articles by 26 U.S.C. 5701. When a manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes transfers such papers and tubes without payment of tax, pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 5704 to the bonded premises of another such manufacturer, a manufacturer of tobacco products, or an export warehouse proprietor, the transferee shall become liable for the tax upon receipt of such papers and tubes and the transferor shall thereupon be relieved of liability for the tax. When cigarette papers and tubes are released in bond from customs custody for transfer to the bonded premises of a manufacturer of such papers and tubes or a manufacturer of tobacco products, the transferee shall become liable for the tax on the papers and tubes upon release from customs custody. Any person who possesses cigarette papers and tubes in violation of 26 U.S.C. 5751(a) (1) or (2), shall be liable for a tax equal to the rate of tax applicable to such articles.
§ 40.354 Determination of tax and method of payment.
Except for removals without payment of tax and transfers in bond, as authorized by law, no cigarette papers and tubes shall be removed until the taxes imposed by section 5701, I.R.C., have been determined. The payment of taxes on cigarette papers and tubes which are removed on determination of tax shall be made by return in accordance with the provisions of this subpart.
§ 40.355 Return of manufacturer.
(a) Requirement for filing. A manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes shall file, for each factory, a semimonthly tax return on TTB Form 5000.24. A return shall be filed for each semimonthly return period regardless of whether cigarette papers and tubes were removed subject to tax or whether tax is due for that particular return period.
(b) Waiver from filing. The manufacturer need not file a return for each semimonthly return period if cigarette papers and tubes were not removed subject to tax during the period and the appropriate TTB officer has granted a waiver from filing in response to a written request from the manufacturer.
(c) Semimonthly return periods. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (g) of this section, semimonthly return periods run from the 1st day of the month through the 15th day of that month, and from the 16th day of the month through the last day of that month.
(d) Preparation and filing. The return shall be executed and filed with TTB in accordance with the instructions on the form.
(e) Remittance of tax. Except as provided in § 40.357, remittance of the tax, if any, shall accompany the return.
(f) Time for filing. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (g) of this section, for each semimonthly return period, the return shall be filed not later than the 14th day after the last day of the return period. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the return and remittance are due on the immediately preceding day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.
(g) Special rule for taxes due for the month of September. (1) Division of second semimonthly period. (i) General. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, the second semimonthly period for the month of September is divided into two payment periods, from the 16th day through the 26th day, and from the 27th day through the 30th day. The manufacturer shall file a return on TTB F 5000.24, and make remittance, for the period September 16-26, no later than September 29. The manufacturer shall file a return on TTB F 5000.24, and make remittance, for the period September 27-30, no later than October 14.
(ii) Taxpayment not by electronic fund transfer. In the case of taxes for which remittance by electronic fund transfer (EFT) is not required by § 40.357, the second semimonthly period of September is divided into two payment periods, from the 16th day through the 25th day, and from the 26th day through the 30th day. The manufacturer shall file a return on TTB F 5000.24, and make remittance, for the period September 16-25, no later than September 28. The manufacturer shall file a return on TTB F 5000.24, and make remittance, for the period September 26-30, no later than October 14.
(2) Amount of payment – Safe harbor rule. (i) General. Taxpayers are considered to have met the requirements of paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section if the amount paid no later than September 29 is not less than 11/15ths (73.3 percent) of the tax liability incurred for the semimonthly period beginning on September 1 and ending on September 15th, and if any underpayment of tax is paid by October 14th.
(ii) Taxpayment not by EFT. Taxpayers are considered to have met the requirements of paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section if the amount paid no later than September 28 is not less than 2/3rds (66.7 percent) of the tax liability incurred for the semimonthly period beginning on September 1 and ending on September 15, and if any underpayment of tax is paid by October 14.
(3) Weekends and holidays. If the required taxpayment due date for the period September 16-25 or September 16-26, as applicable, falls on a Saturday, or legal holiday, the return and remittance are due on the immediately preceding day. If the required due date falls on a Sunday, the return and remittance are due on the immediately following day.
§ 40.356 Adjustments in the return of manufacturer.
Adjustments may be made in Schedules A and B of the manufacturer’s semimonthly tax return, TTB Form 5000.24, as provided in this section. Schedule A of the return will be used where an unintentional error in a previous return resulted in an underpayment of tax. Schedule B of the return will be used where an unintentional error in a previous return resulted in an overpayment of tax, or where notice has been received from the appropriate TTB officer that a claim for allowance of tax has been approved. In the case of an overpayment, the manufacturer shall have the option of filing a claim on TTB TTB F 5620.8 for refund or taking credit in Schedule B of the return, both subject to the period of limitations prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 6511. Any adjustment made in a return must be fully explained in the appropriate schedule or in a statement attached to and made a part of the return in which such adjustment is made.
§ 40.357 Payment of tax by electronic fund transfer.
(a) General. (1) Each taxpayer who was liable, during a calendar year, for a gross amount equal to or exceeding five million dollars in taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and part 41 of this chapter, shall use a commercial bank in making payment by electronic fund transfer (EFT) of taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes during the succeeding calendar year. Payment of taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes in any other form of remittance, as authorized in § 40.355, is not authorized for a taxpayer who is required, by this section, to make remittances by EFT. For purposes of this section, the dollar amount of tax liability is defined as the gross tax liability on all taxable withdrawals and importations (including tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes brought into the United States from Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands) during the calendar year, without regard to any drawbacks, credits, or refunds, for all premises from which such activities are conducted by the taxpayer. Overpayments are not taken into account in summarizing the gross tax liability.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a taxpayer includes a controlled group of corporations, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 1563, and implementing regulations in 26 CFR §§ 1.563-1 through 1.1563-4. Also, the rules for a “controlled group of corporations” apply in a similar fashion to groups which include partnerships and/or sole proprietorships. If one entity maintains more than 50% control over a group consisting of corporations and one, or more, partnerships and/or sole proprietorships, all of the members of the controlled group are one taxpayer for the purpose of determining who is required to make remittances by EFT.
(3) A taxpayer who is required by this section to make remittances by EFT shall make a separate EFT remittance and file a separate return, TTB Form 5000.24, for each factory from which cigarette papers or cigarette tubes are withdrawn upon determination of tax.
(b) Requirements. (1) On or before January 10 of each calendar year, except for a taxpayer already remitting the tax by EFT, each taxpayer who was liable for a gross amount equal to or exceeding five million dollars in taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and part 41 of this chapter during the previous calendar year, shall notify, in writing, the appropriate TTB officer. The notice shall be an agreement to make remittances by EFT.
(2) For each return filed in accordance with this part, the taxpayer shall direct the taxpayer’s bank to make an electronic fund transfer in the amount of the taxpayment to the Department of the Treasury’s General Account or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as provided in paragraph (e) of this section. The request shall be made to the bank early enough for the transfer to be made to the Treasury Account by no later than the close of business on the last day for filing the return, prescribed in § 40.355. The request shall take into account any time limit established by the bank.
(3) If a taxpayer was liable for less than five million dollars in taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and part 41 of this chapter during the preceding calendar year, the taxpayer may choose either to continue remitting the tax as provided in this section or to remit the tax with the return as prescribed by § 40.355. Upon filing the first return on which the taxpayer chooses to discontinue remitting the tax by EFT and to begin remitting the tax with the tax return, the taxpayer shall notify the appropriate TTB officer by attaching a written notification to TTB Form 5000.24, stating that no taxes are due by EFT, because the tax liability during the preceding calendar year was less than five million dollars, and that the remittance shall be filed with the tax return.
(c) Remittance. (1) Each taxpayer shall show on the return, TTB Form 5000.24, information about remitting the tax for that return period by EFT and shall file the return with TTB, in accordance with the instructions of TTB Form 5000.24.
(2) Remittances shall be considered as made when the taxpayment by EFT is received by the Treasury Account. For purposes of this section, a taxpayment by EFT shall be considered as received by the Treasury Account when it is paid to a Federal Reserve Bank.
(3) When the taxpayer directs the bank to effect an EFT message as required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section, any transfer data record furnished to the taxpayer, through normal banking procedures, will serve as the record of payment, and shall be retained as part of required records.
(d) Failure to make a taxpayment by EFT. The taxpayer is subject to a penalty imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5761, 6651, or 6656, as applicable, for failure to make a taxpayment by EFT on or before the close of business on the prescribed last day for filing.
(e) Procedure. Upon the notification required under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the appropriate TTB officer will issue to the taxpayer an TTB Procedure entitled Payment of Tax by Electronic Fund Transfer. This publication outlines the procedure a taxpayer is to follow when preparing returns and EFT remittances in accordance with this part. The U.S. Customs Service will provide the taxpayer with instructions for preparing EFT remittances for payments to be made to the U.S. Customs Service.
§ 40.358 Assessment.
Whenever any person required by law to pay tax on cigarette papers and tubes fails to pay such tax, the tax shall be ascertained and assessed against such person, subject to the limitations prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 6501. The tax so assessed shall be in addition to the penalties imposed by law for failure to pay such tax when required. Except in cases where delay may jeopardize collection of the tax, or where the amount is nominal or the result of an evident mathematical error, no such assessment shall be made until and after notice has been afforded such person to show cause against assessment. The person will be allowed 45 days from the date of such notice to show cause, in writing, against such assessment.
§ 40.359 Employer identification number.
The employer identification number (EIN) (defined at 26 CFR 301.7701-12) of a manufacturer of cigarette papers and/or tubes who has been assigned such a number shall be shown on each semimonthly tax return, TTB Form 5000.24, and special tax return (including amended returns), TTB Form 5630.5, filed under this subpart. Failure of the taxpayer to include the EIN on TTB Form 5000.24 may result in assertion and collection of the penalty specified in § 70.113 of this chapter. Failure of the taxpayer to include the EIN on TTB Form 5630.5 may result in the imposition of the penalty specified in 27 CFR 70.113 of this chapter.
§ 40.360 Application for employer identification number.
Each manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes who has neither secured an EIN nor made application therefor shall file an application on IRS Form SS-4. IRS Form SS-4 may be obtained from any service center director or from any district director. Such application shall be filed on or before the seventh day after the date on which any tax return under this subpart is filed. Each manufacturer shall make application for and shall be assigned only one EIN for all internal revenue purposes.
§ 40.361 Execution and filing of Form SS-4.
The application on IRS form SS-4, together with any supplementary statement, shall be prepared in accordance with the applicable form, instructions, and regulations, and the data called for shall be set forth fully and clearly. The application shall be filed with the service center director serving the internal revenue district where the applicant is required to file returns under this subpart, except that hand-carried applications may be filed with the district director of any such district as provided for in 26 CFR § 301.6091-1. The application shall be signed by:
(a) The individual if the person is an individual;
(b) The president, vice president, or other principal officer if the person is a corporation;
(c) A responsible and duly authorized member or officer having knowledge of its affairs if the person is a partnership or other unincorporated organization; or
(d) The fiduciary if the person is a trust or estate.
Special (Occupational) Taxes
§ 40.371 Liability for special tax.
(a) Manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes. Every manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes shall pay a special (occupational) tax at a rate specified by § 40.372 of this part. The tax shall be paid on or before July 1. On commencing business, the tax shall be computed from the first day of the month in which liability is incurred, through the following June 30. Thereafter, the tax shall be computed for the entire year (July 1 through June 30).
(b) Each place of business taxable. A manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes incurs special tax liability at each place of business in which an occupation subject to special tax is conducted. A place of business means the entire office, plant or area of the business in any one location under the same proprietorship. Passageways, streets, highways, rail crossings, waterways, or partitions dividing the premises are not sufficient separation to require additional special tax, if the divisions of the premises are otherwise contiguous.
(c) Payment of tax. Special tax must be paid by return. The prescribed return is TTB Form 5630.5t, Special Tax Registration and Return – Tobacco. Special tax returns, with payment of tax, must be filed with TTB in accordance with the instructions on the form and the requirements of subpart D of part 46 of this chapter.
§ 40.372 Rate of special tax.
(a) General. Title 26 U.S.C. 5731(a)(2) imposes a special tax of $1,000 per year on every manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes.
(b) Reduced rate for small proprietors. Title 26 U.S.C. 5731(b) provides for a reduced rate of $500 per year with respect to any manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes whose gross receipts (for the most recent taxable year ending before the first day of the taxable period to which the special tax imposed by § 40.371 relates) are less than $500,000. The “taxable year” to be used for determining gross receipts is the taxpayer’s income tax year. All gross receipts of the taxpayer shall be included, not just the gross receipts of the business subject to special tax. Proprietors of new businesses that have not yet begun a taxable year, as well as proprietors of existing businesses that have not yet ended a taxable year, who commence a new activity subject to special tax, qualify for the reduced special (occupational) tax rate, unless the business is a member of a “controlled group”; in that case the rules of paragraph (c) of this section shall apply.
(c) Controlled group. All persons treated as one taxpayer under 26 U.S.C. 5061(e)(3) shall be treated as one taxpayer for the purpose of determining gross receipts under paragraph (b) of this section. “Controlled group” means a controlled group of corporations, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 1563 and implementing regulations in 26 CFR 1.1563-1 through 1.1563-4. Also, the rules for a “controlled group of corporations” apply in a similar fashion to groups which include partnerships and/or sole proprietorships. If one entity maintains more than 50% control over a group consisting of corporations and one, or more, partnerships and/or sole proprietorships, all of the members of the controlled group are one taxpayer for the purpose of this section.
(d) Short taxable year. Gross receipts for any taxable year of less than 12 months shall be annualized by multiplying the gross receipts for the short period by 12 and dividing the result by the number of months in the short period as required by 26 U.S.C. 448(c)(3).
(e) Returns and allowances. Gross receipts for any taxable year shall be reduced by returns and allowances made during such year under 26 U.S.C. 448(c)(3).
§ 40.373 Cross reference.
For additional rules pertaining to liability for special tax, filing special tax returns, issuance and examination of special tax stamps, and notification of changes to special tax stamps, see subpart D of part 46 of this chapter.
§§ 40.374-40.375 [Reserved]
General
§ 40.382 Authority of TTB officers to enter premises.
The appropriate TTB officer may enter in the daytime any premises where cigarette papers and tubes are produced or kept, so far as it may be necessary for the purpose of examining such articles. When such premises are open at night, the appropriate TTB officer may enter them, while so open, in the performance of his or her official duties. The owner of such premises, or person having the superintendence of the same, who refuses to admit the appropriate TTB officer or permit the appropriate TTB officer to examine such cigarette papers and tubes shall be liable to the penalties prescribed by law for the offense.
§ 40.383 Interference with administration.
Whoever, corruptly or by force or threats of force, endeavors to hinder or obstruct the administration of this subpart, or endeavors to intimidate or impede any TTB officer acting in an official capacity, or forcibly rescues or attempts to rescue or causes to be rescued any property, after it has been duly seized for forfeiture to the United States in connection with a violation or intended violation of this subpart, shall be liable to the penalties prescribed by law.
§ 40.384 Disposal of forfeited, condemned, and abandoned cigarette papers and tubes.
Forfeited, condemned, or abandoned cigarette papers or tubes in the custody of a Federal, State, or local officer upon which the Federal tax has not been paid shall not be sold or caused to be sold for consumption in the United States if, in the opinion of the officer, the sale of such papers and tubes will not bring a price equal to the tax due and payable, and the expenses incident to the sale. Where the cigarette papers or tubes are not sold the officer may deliver them to a Federal or State institution (if they are fit for consumption) or cause their destruction by burning completely or by rendering them unfit for consumption. Where such papers or tubes are sold, release by the officer having custody shall be made only after such papers and tubes are properly packaged and taxpaid. A receipt from the appropriate TTB officer evidencing payment of tax on such papers or tubes shall be presented to the officer having custody of the articles, which tax shall be considered part of the sales price. Where cigarette papers or tubes which have been packaged under the provisions of part 45 of this chapter are to be released after payment of tax, the purchaser shall appropriately mark each package “Federal Tax Paid (date)” before the officer having custody of the papers or tubes releases them. However, the articles may be released without such marking of the packages if the purchaser is a qualified manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes and does not intend to place such papers or tubes on the domestic market for taxable articles but will otherwise dispose of them. A written statement of notification of disposal by destruction or return to bond through claim for refund, shall be filed, in original only, with the officer having custody of the articles. In the case of cigarette papers and tubes forfeited under the internal revenue laws, the sale shall be subject to the provisions of part 72 of this chapter.
§ 40.385 Alternate methods or procedures.
A manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes, on specific approval by the appropriate TTB officer as provided in this section, may use an alternate method or procedure in lieu of a method or procedure specifically prescribed in this subpart. The appropriate TTB officer may approve an alternate method or procedure, subject to stated conditions, when the appropriate TTB officer finds that –
(a) Good cause has been shown for the use of the alternate method or procedure,
(b) The alternate method or procedure is within the purpose of, and consistent with the effect intended by, the specifically prescribed method or procedure, and affords equivalent security to the revenue, and
(c) The alternate method or procedure will not be contrary to any provision of law, and will not result in an increase in cost to the Government or hinder the effective administration of this subpart.
No alternate method or procedure relating to the giving of any bond or to the assessment, payment, or collection of tax, shall be authorized under this section. A manufacturer who desires to employ an alternate method or procedure shall submit a written application, in triplicate, to the appropriate TTB officer. The application shall specifically describe the proposed alternate method or procedure, and shall set forth the reasons therefor. Alternate methods or procedures shall not be employed until the application has been approved by the appropriate TTB officer. The manufacturer shall, during the period of authorization of an alternate method or procedure, comply with the terms of the approved application. Authorization for any alternate method or procedure may be withdrawn whenever, in the judgment of the appropriate TTB officer, the revenue is jeopardized or the effective administration of this part is hindered. Any authorization of the appropriate TTB officer under this section shall be retained as part of the manufacturer’s record in accordance with this subpart.
§ 40.386 Emergency variations from requirements.
The appropriate TTB officer may approve methods of operation other than as specified in this subpart, where it is determined that an emergency exists and the proposed variations from the specified requirements are necessary, and the proposed variations –
(a) Will afford the security and protection to the revenue intended by the prescribed specifications;
(b) Will not hinder the effective administration of this subpart; and
(c) Will not be contrary to any provision of law. Variations from requirements granted under this section are conditioned on compliance with the procedures, conditions, and limitations set forth in the approval of the application. Failure to comply in good faith with such procedures, conditions and limitations shall automatically terminate the authority for such variations and the manufacturer thereupon shall fully comply with the prescribed requirements of regulations from which the variations were authorized. Authority for any variation may be withdrawn whenever in the judgment of the appropriate TTB officer the revenue is jeopardized or the effective administration of this subpart is hindered by the continuation of such variation. Where a manufacturer desires to employ such variation, the manufacturer shall submit a written application to do so (in triplicate) to the appropriate TTB officer. The application shall describe the proposed variations and set forth the reasons therefor. Variations shall not be employed until the application has been approved. In accordance with this subpart, any authorization of the appropriate TTB officer under this section shall be retained as part of the manufacturer’s records.
§ 40.387 Penalties and forfeitures.
Anyone who fails to comply with the provisions of this subpart becomes liable to the civil and criminal penalties, and forfeitures, provided by law.
Qualification Requirements for Manufacturers
§ 40.391 Persons required to qualify.
Every person who manufactures cigarette paper, or makes up cigarette paper into tubes, except for his own personal use or consumption, must first qualify as a manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes in accordance with the provisions of this subpart.
§ 40.392 Bond.
Every person, before commencing business as a manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes, shall file a bond on TTB F 5200.25 or 5200.26. Such bond shall be filed in accordance with the applicable provisions of §§ 40.401 through 40.410 and conditioned upon compliance with the provisions of 26 U.S.C. Chapter 52, and regulations thereunder, including, but not limited to, the timely payment of taxes imposed by such chapter and penalties and interest in connection therewith for which the manufacturer may become liable to the United States.
§ 40.393 Power of attorney.
If the bond or any other document required under this part is signed by an attorney in fact for an individual, partnership, association, company, or corporation, by one of the partners for a partnership, or by one of the members of an association, a power of attorney on TTB F 5000.8 shall be furnished to the appropriate TTB officer. If such bond or other document is signed on behalf of a corporation by an officer thereof, it must be supported by duly authenticated extracts of the stockholders’ meeting, by-laws, or directors’ meeting authorizing such officer to execute such document for the corporation. TTB F 5000.8 or support of authority does not have to be filed again with a appropriate TTB officer where such form or support has previously been submitted to that appropriate TTB officer and is still in effect.
§ 40.394 Notice of approval of bond.
If the bond required under this subpart is approved by the appropriate TTB officer, a number will be assigned to the factory of the manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes for internal revenue purposes. The appropriate TTB officer will immediately notify the manufacturer, in writing, of the bond approval, in order that the manufacturer may commence operations.
§ 40.395 Change in name.
Where there is a change in the individual, trade, or corporate name of a manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes, the manufacturer shall, within 30 days of the change, furnish the appropriate TTB officer a written notice of such change.
§ 40.396 Change in proprietorship.
Where there is to be any change in proprietorship (including a change in the identity of the members of a partnership or association, but excluding any change in stock ownership in a corporation) of the business of a manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes, the proposed successor shall, before commencing operations, qualify as a manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes, in accordance with this part. If such manufacturer promptly files the required documentation with the appropriate TTB officer, an administrator, executor, receiver, trustee, assignee, or other fiduciary successor may liquidate the business without qualifying as a manufacturer. The manufacturer must promptly file with the appropriate TTB officer a statement of the intent to liquidate and furnish a certified copy of the order of the court, or other pertinent documents. These documents must show the appointment and qualification of any administrator, executor, receiver, trustee, assignee, or other fiduciary, together with an extension of coverage of the predecessor’s bond executed by the administrator, executor, receiver, trustee, assignee, or other fiduciary and the surety, in accordance with the provisions of § 40.407. The predecessor shall make a closing inventory and closing report in accordance with the provisions of §§ 40.434 and 40.426, respectively, and the successor shall make an opening inventory and opening report, in accordance with the provision of §§ 40.432 and 40.423, respectively.
§ 40.397 Change in location.
Whenever a manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes contemplates a change in location of a factory within the same region, the manufacturer shall, before commencing operations at the new location, file an extension of coverage of bond in accordance with the provisions of § 40.407. Whenever a manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes contemplates changing the location of a factory to another region, the manufacturer shall, before commencing operations at the new location, qualify as a manufacturer in the new region, in accordance with the applicable provisions of this subpart, and make a closing inventory and closing report, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 40.434 and 40.426, respectively.
§ 40.401 Corporate surety.
(a) Surety bonds required by this subpart may be given only with corporate sureties holding certificates of authority from, and subject to any limitations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury as set forth in the current revision of Treasury Department Circular No. 570 (Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Sureties on Federal Bonds and as Acceptable Reinsuring Companies). The surety shall have no interest whatever in the business covered by the bond.
(b) Each bond and each extension of coverage of bond shall at the time of filing be accompanied by a power of attorney authorizing the agent or officer who executed the bond to so act on behalf of the surety. The appropriate TTB officer who is authorized to approve the bond may, whenever deemed necessary, require additional evidence of the authority of the agent or officer to execute the bond or extension of coverage of bond. The power of attorney shall be prepared on a form provided by the surety company and executed under the corporate seal of the company. If the power of attorney submitted is other than a manually signed document, it shall be accompanied by a certificate of its validity.
(c) Treasury Department Circular No. 570 is published in the
§ 40.402 Two or more corporate sureties.
A bond executed by two or more corporate sureties shall be the joint and several liability of the principal and the sureties. However, each corporate surety may limit its liability in terms upon the face of the bond in a definite, specific amount, which amount shall not exceed the limitations prescribed for such corporate surety by the Secretary, as set forth in the current revision of Treasury Department Circular 570 (Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Sureties on Federal Bonds and as Acceptable Reinsuring Companies). (See § 40.401(c)) When the sureties so limit their liability, the aggregate of such limited liabilities must equal the required amount of the bond.
§ 40.403 Deposit of securities in lieu of corporate surety.
In lieu of corporate surety, the manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes may pledge and deposit, as security for the bond, securities which are transferable and are guaranteed as to both interest and principal by the United States, in accordance with the provisions of 31 CFR Part 225 – Acceptance of Bonds, Notes or Other Obligations Issued or Guaranteed by the United States as Security in Lieu of Surety or Sureties on Penal Bonds.
§ 40.404 Amount of bond.
The amount of the bond of a manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes shall be not less than the maximum amount of the tax liability on the cigarette papers and tubes manufactured in the factory, received without payment of tax from other factories, and released without payment of tax from customs custody as provided in § 40.452, during any month. In the case of a manufacturer commencing business, the production, receipts from other factories, and releases from customs custody, without payment of tax, shall be estimated for the purpose of this section. The amount of any such bond (or the total amount where strengthening bonds are filed) shall not exceed $20,000, nor be less than $1,000.
§ 40.405 Strengthening bond.
Where the appropriate TTB officer determines that the amount of the bond, under which a manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes is currently carrying on such business, no longer adequately protects the revenue, the appropriate TTB officer may require the manufacturer to file a strengthening bond in an appropriate amount with the same surety as that on the bond already in effect, in lieu of a superseding bond to cover the full liability on the basis of § 40.404. The appropriate TTB officer shall refuse to approve any strengthening bond where any notation is made thereon which is intended or which may be construed as a release of any former bond, or as limiting the amount of either bond to less than its full amount.
§ 40.406 Superseding bond.
A manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes shall file a new bond to supersede the current bond immediately when:
(a) The corporate surety on the current bond becomes insolvent,
(b) The appropriate TTB officer approves a request from the surety of the current bond to terminate liability under the bond,
(c) Payment of any liability under a bond is made by the surety thereon, or
(d) The appropriate TTB officer considers such a superseding bond necessary for the protection of the revenue.
§ 40.407 Extension of coverage of bond.
An extension of the coverage of bond filed under this subpart shall be manifested on TTB F 5000.18, Extension of Coverage of Bond, by the manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes and by the surety on the bond with the same formality and proof of authority as required for the execution of the bond.
§ 40.408 Approval of bond and extension of coverage of bond.
No person shall commence operations under any bond, nor extend operations, until such person receives from the appropriate TTB officer notice of approval of the bond or an appropriate extension of coverage of the bond required under this subpart. Upon receipt of an approved bond or extension of coverage of bond from the appropriate TTB officer, such bond or extension of coverage of bond shall be retained by the manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes in factory and shall be made available for inspection by any TTB officer upon request.
§ 40.409 Termination of liability of surety under bond.
The liability of a surety on any bond required by this subpart shall be terminated only as to operations on and after the effective date of a superseding bond, or the date of approval of the discontinuance of operations by the manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes, or otherwise in accordance with the termination provisions of the bond. The surety shall remain bound in respect of any liability for unpaid taxes, penalties and interest, not in excess of the amount of the bond, incurred by the manufacturer while the bond is in force.
§ 40.410 Release of pledged securities.
Securities of the United States pledged and deposited as provided in § 40.403 shall be released only in accordance with the provisions of 31 CFR part 225. Such securities will not be released by the appropriate TTB officer until liability under the bond for which they were pledged has been terminated. When the appropriate TTB officer is satisfied that they may be released, the appropriate TTB officer shall fix the date or dates on which a part or all of such securities may be released. At any time prior to the release of such securities, the appropriate TTB officer may extend the date of release for such additional length of time as is deemed necessary.
Operations By Manufacturers
§ 40.421 General.
(a) Every manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes must keep records of daily operations and transactions. Records maintained must reflect the date and number of cigarette papers and the date and number of cigarette tubes:
(1) Manufactured;
(2) Received, without payment of tax from another factory, an export warehouse, customs custody, or by withdrawal from the market;
(3) Removed, subject to tax;
(4) Removed, without payment of tax, for export purposes, use of the United States or transfer in bond pursuant to § 40.451; or
(5) Lost or destroyed.
(b) The entries for each day in the records maintained or kept under this subpart must be made by the close of the business day following that on which the operations or transactions occur. No particular form of records is prescribed, but the information required must be readily ascertainable from the records kept.
(c) Records maintained under this section prior to January 1, 2000, must reflect the date and number of books or sets of cigarette papers of each different numerical content and the date and number of cigarette tubes.
§ 40.422 General.
Every manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes must prepare a report on TTB Form 5230.3 in accordance with instructions for the form. The report must be prepared at the times specified in this subpart and must be prepared whether or not any operations or transactions occurred during the period covered by the report. The manufacturer must retain a copy of each report in accordance with the provisions of this subpart.
(a) Reports for periods on or after January 1, 2000. Reports submitted must reflect the total number of cigarette papers and cigarette tubes manufactured, received and lost or destroyed.
(b) Reports for periods prior to January 1, 2000. Reports submitted must reflect the number of books or sets of cigarette papers of each different numerical content and the number of cigarette tubes manufactured, received, removed and lost or destroyed.
§ 40.423 Opening.
An opening report, covering the period from the date of the opening inventory to the end of the month, shall be made on or before the 10th day following the end of the month in which the business was commenced.
§ 40.424 Monthly.
A report for each calendar month shall be made on or before the 20th day of the next succeeding month.
§ 40.425 Special.
A special report, covering the unreported period to the day preceding the date of any special inventory required by an appropriate TTB officer, shall be made with such inventory. Another report, covering the period from the date of the special inventory to the end of the month, shall be made on or before the 14th day following the end of the month in which the inventory was made.
§ 40.426 Closing.
A closing report, covering the period from the first of the month to the date of the closing inventory, shall be made with such inventory.
§ 40.431 General.
Every manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes must provide a true and accurate inventory on TTB Form 5230.2 in accordance with instructions for the form. Such inventory is subject to verification by the appropriate TTB officer. The manufacturer must retain a copy of each inventory completed on TTB Form 5230.2 in accordance with this subpart.
(a) Reports of inventory for periods on or after January 1, 2000. Reports of inventory submitted must reflect the total number of cigarette papers and cigarette tubes held at the times specified in the subpart.
(b) Reports of inventory for periods prior to January 1, 2000. Reports of inventory submitted must reflect the number of books or sets of cigarette papers of each different numerical content and the number of cigarette tubes held at the times specified in this subpart.
§ 40.432 Opening.
An opening inventory shall be made by the manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes at the time of first commencing business.
§ 40.433 Special.
A special inventory shall be made by the manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes when required by the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 40.434 Closing.
A closing inventory shall be made by the manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes when a change in proprietorship occurs, or when the manufacturer changes location of the factory to another region, or concludes business. Where a change in proprietorship occurs, the closing inventory shall be made as of the day preceding the date of the opening inventory of the successor.
§ 40.435 General.
All records and reports required to be kept or maintained under this subpart, including copies of authorizations, inventories, reports, returns, and claims filed with verified supporting schedules, shall be retained by the manufacturer for three years following the close of the calendar year in which filed or made, or in the case of an authorization, for three years following the close of the calendar year in which the operation under such authorization is concluded. Such records shall be made available for inspection by the appropriate TTB officer upon request.
§ 40.441 General.
All cigarette papers and tubes shall, before removal subject to tax, be put up by the manufacturer in packages which shall be of such construction as will securely contain the papers or tubes therein. No package of cigarette papers or tubes shall have contained therein, attached thereto, or stamped, marked, written, or printed thereon:
(a) Any certificate, coupon, or other device purporting to be or to represent a ticket, chance, share, or an interest in, or dependent on, the event of a lottery,
(b) Any indecent or immoral picture, print, or representation, or
(c) Any statement or indication that United States tax has been paid.
§ 40.451 Transfer in bond.
A manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes may transfer such papers and tubes, under bond, without payment of tax, to the bonded premises of any manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes, or to the bonded premises of a manufacturer of tobacco products solely for use in the manufacture of cigarettes. The transfer of cigarette papers and tubes, without payment of tax, to the bonded premises of an export warehouse proprietor shall be in accordance with the provisions of part 44 of this chapter.
§ 40.452 Release from customs custody.
Cigarette papers and tubes which were made in the United States, exported, and subsequently returned to the United States, may be removed from customs custody for transfer to the premises of a manufacturer without payment of the internal revenue tax, upon compliance with part 41 of this chapter.
§ 40.453 Use of the United States.
A manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes may remove cigarette papers and tubes covered under bond, without payment of tax, for use of the United States. Such removal shall be in accordance with the provisions of part 45 of this chapter.
§ 40.454 Removal for export purposes.
The removal of cigarette papers and tubes, without payment of tax, for shipment to a foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, or for consumption beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States, shall be in accordance with the provisions of part 44 of this chapter.
§ 40.461 Discontinuance of operations.
Every manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes who desires to discontinue operations and close out a factory shall dispose of all cigarette papers and tubes on hand, in accordance with this subpart, and make a closing inventory and closing report, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 40.434 and 40.426, respectively.
Claims By Manufacturers
§ 40.471 Abatement.
A claim for abatement of the unpaid portion of the assessment of any tax on cigarette papers and tubes, or any liability in respect thereof, may be allowed to the extent that such assessment is excessive in amount, is assessed after the expiration of the applicable period of limitation, or is erroneously or illegally assessed. Any claim under this section shall be prepared on TTB F 5620.8, in duplicate, and shall set forth the particulars under which the claim is filed. The original of the claim, accompanied by such evidence as is necessary to establish to the satisfaction of the appropriate TTB officer that the claim is valid, shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 40.472 Allowance.
Relief from the payment of tax on cigarette papers and tubes may be extended to a manufacturer by allowance of the tax where the cigarette papers and tubes, after removal from the factory upon determination of tax and prior to the payment of such tax, are lost (otherwise than by theft) or destroyed by fire, casualty, or act of God, while in the possession or ownership of the manufacturer who removed such articles, or are withdrawn by the manufacturer from the market. Any claim for allowance under this section shall be filed on TTB F 5620.8 with the appropriate TTB officer, shall be executed under penalties and perjury and shall show the date the cigarette papers and tubes were removed from the factory. A claim relating to articles lost or destroyed shall be supported as prescribed in § 40.475. In the case of a claim relating to cigarette papers or tubes withdrawn from the market the schedule prescribed in § 40.476 shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer. The manufacturer may not anticipate allowance of a claim by making the adjusting entry in a tax return pending consideration and action on the claim. Cigarette papers and tubes to which such a claim relates must be shown as removed on determination of tax in the return covering the period during which such articles were so removed. Upon action on the claim by the appropriate TTB officer a copy of TTB F 5620.8 will be returned to the manufacturer as notice of such action. This copy of TTB F 5620.8, with the copy of any verified supporting schedules, shall be retained by the manufacturer. When such notification of allowance of the claim or any part thereof is received prior to the time the return covering the tax on the cigarette papers or tubes to which the claim relates is to be filed, the manufacturer may make an adjusting entry and explanatory statement in that tax return. Where the notice of allowance is received after the filing of the return and taxpayment of the cigarette papers or tubes to which the claim relates, the manufacturer may make an adjusting entry and explanatory statement in the next tax return(s) to the extent necessary to take credit in the amount of the allowance.
§ 40.473 Credit or refund.
The taxes paid on cigarette papers and tubes may be credited or refunded (without interest) to a manufacturer on proof satisfactory to the appropriate TTB officer that the claimant manufacturer paid the tax on cigarette papers and tubes lost (otherwise than by theft) or destroyed, by fire, casualty, or act of God, while in the possession or ownership of such manufacturer, or withdrawn by the manufacturer from the market. Any claim for credit or refund under this section shall be prepared on TTB F 5620.8, in duplicate. Claims shall include a statement that the tax imposed on cigarette papers and tubes by 26 U.S.C. 7652 or Chapter 52, was paid in respect to the cigarette papers or tubes covered by the claim, and that the articles were lost, destroyed, or withdrawn from the market within 6 months preceding the date the claim is filed. A claim for credit or refund relating to articles lost or destroyed shall be supported as prescribed in § 40.475, and a claim relating to articles withdrawn from the market shall be accompanied by a schedule prepared and verified as prescribed in §§ 40.476, and 40.477. The original and one copy of TTB F 5620.8, shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer. Upon action by the appropriate TTB officer on a claim for credit, a copy of TTB F 5620.8 will be returned to the manufacturer as notification of allowance or disallowance of the claim or any part thereof. This copy, with the copy of any verified supporting schedules, shall be retained by the manufacturer. When the manufacturer is notified of allowance of the claim for credit or any part thereof, the manufacturer shall make an adjusting entry and explanatory statement in the next tax return(s) to the extent necessary to take credit in the amount of the allowance. The manufacturer may not anticipate allowance of a claim by taking credit on a tax return prior to consideration and action on such claim. The duplicate of a claim for refund or credit, with a copy of any verified supporting schedules, shall be retained by the manufacturer.
§ 40.474 Remission.
Remission of the tax liability on cigarette papers and tubes may be extended to the manufacturer liable for the tax where cigarette papers and tubes in bond are lost (other than by theft) or destroyed, by fire, casualty, or act of God, while in the possession or ownership of such manufacturer. Where cigarette papers and tubes are so lost or destroyed the manufacturer shall report promptly such fact, and the circumstances, to the appropriate TTB officer. If the manufacturer wishes to be relieved of the tax liability, a claim on TTB F 5620.8, in duplicate, shall also be prepared, setting forth the nature, date, place, and extent of the loss or destruction. The original and one copy of the claim, accompanied by such evidence as is necessary to establish to the satisfaction of the appropriate TTB officer that the claim is valid, shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer. Upon action on the claim by the appropriate TTB officer, the copy of TTB F 5620.8 will be returned to the manufacturer as notice of such action, which copy shall be retained by the manufacturer.
§ 40.475 Action by claimant.
Where cigarette papers and tubes are lost (other than by theft) or destroyed, by fire, casualty, or act of God, and the manufacturer desires to file claim under the provisions of § 40.472 or § 40.473, the manufacturer shall indicate on the claim the nature, date, and extent of such loss or destruction. The claim shall be accompanied by such evidence as necessary to establish to the satisfaction of the appropriate TTB officer that the claim is valid.
§ 40.476 Action by claimant.
Where cigarette papers and tubes are withdrawn from the market and the manufacturer desires to file claim under the provisions of § 40.472 or § 40.473, the manufacturer shall assemble the articles in or adjacent to a factory if they are to be retained in or received into such factory, or at any suitable place if they are to be destroyed. The manufacturer shall group the articles according to the rate of tax applicable thereto, and shall prepare and submit a schedule of the articles, on TTB Form 5200.7 in accordance with the instructions, on the form. All copies of the schedule shall be forwarded to the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 40.477 Action by the appropriate TTB officer.
Upon receipt of a schedule of cigarette papers and tubes withdrawn from the market, the appropriate TTB officer may assign a TTB officer to verify the schedule and supervise disposition of the cigarette papers and tubes, or may authorize the manufacturer to dispose of the articles without supervision by so stating on the original and one copy of the schedule returned to the manufacturer.
§ 40.478 Disposition of cigarette papers and tubes and schedule.
When so authorized, as evidenced by the appropriate TTB officer’s statement on the schedule, the manufacturer shall dispose of the cigarette papers and tubes as specified in the schedule. After the articles are disposed of, the manufacturer shall execute a certificate on both copies of the schedule received from the appropriate TTB officer, to show the disposition and the date of disposition of the articles. In connection with a claim for credit or refund, the manufacturer shall attach the original of the schedule to the claim for credit or refund, TTB F 5620.8, filed under § 40.473. When an appropriate TTB officer is assigned to verify the schedule and supervise disposition of the cigarette papers and tubes, such officer shall, upon completion of the assignment, execute a certificate on all copies of the schedule to show the disposition and the date of disposition of the articles. In connection with a claim for allowance, the officer shall return one copy of the schedule to the manufacturer for the record, and in connection with a claim for credit or refund, the officer shall return the original and one copy of the schedule to the manufacturer, the original of which the manufacturer shall attach to the claim filed under § 40.473.
Subpart L – Manufacture of Processed Tobacco
Qualification Requirements for Manufacturers of Processed Tobacco
§ 40.491 Persons required to qualify.
(a) General. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this section, every person who engages in the processing of tobacco must first qualify for and receive a permit as a manufacturer of processed tobacco in accordance with the provisions of this subpart.
(b) Exceptions. (1) A person who engages in the processing of tobacco solely for his own personal use or consumption and not for sale or transfer to another person is not engaged in the manufacture of processed tobacco for purposes of this part and, accordingly, is not required to qualify as a manufacturer of processed tobacco.
(2) Any person who holds a TTB permit for the manufacture of tobacco products is thereby authorized to process tobacco solely for use in the manufacture of tobacco products under that permit, so long as the processed tobacco is not removed from the factory for any purpose other than destruction. Such a manufacturer is not required to qualify under this subpart as a manufacturer of processed tobacco.
(3) Any person that holds a TTB permit for the manufacture of tobacco products and that removes processed tobacco from the factory must apply for authorization to engage in that activity, when required to do so under § 40.47.
§ 40.492 Application for permit.
The application for a permit as a manufacturer of processed tobacco must be made on TTB F 5200.3, according to the instructions on the form. All documents required under this subpart to be furnished with the application must be included with the application.
§ 40.493 Transitional rule.
(a) Any person who:
(1) On April 1, 2009, is engaged in business as a manufacturer of processed tobacco; and
(2) On or before June 30, 2009, submits an application for a permit or authorization as provided in this part to engage in such business, may continue to engage in that business pending final action on the application.
(b) Pending final action on an application or request for authorization submitted under paragraph (a) of this section, all provisions of chapter 52 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall apply to the applicant in the same manner and to the same extent as if the applicant were a holder of a permit to manufacture processed tobacco under chapter 52.
(c) Upon receipt of an application, the appropriate TTB officer will provide the applicant with a written acknowledgement that may be used for a limited period as confirmation of TTB authorization to engage in the business of a manufacturer of processed tobacco.
§ 40.494 Corporate documents.
Every corporation that files an application for a permit as a manufacturer of processed tobacco must furnish with its application for the permit required by § 40.492 a true copy of the corporate charter or a certificate of corporate existence or incorporation executed by the appropriate officer of the State in which incorporated. The corporation must likewise furnish duly authenticated extracts of the stockholders’ meetings, bylaws, or directors’ meetings, listing the offices the incumbents of which are authorized to sign documents or otherwise act in behalf of the corporation in matters relating to 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, and regulations issued thereunder. The corporation must also furnish evidence, in duplicate, of the identity of the officers and directors and each person who holds more than ten percent of the stock of such corporation. Where any of the information required by this section has previously been filed with the appropriate TTB officer and such information is currently complete and accurate, a written statement to that effect, in duplicate, will be sufficient for the purpose of this section.
§ 40.495 Articles of partnership or association.
Every partnership or association that files an application for a permit as a manufacturer of processed tobacco must furnish with its application for the permit required by § 40.492 a true copy of the articles of partnership or association, if any, or certificate of partnership or association where required to be filed by any State, county, or municipality. Where a partnership or association has previously filed such documents with the appropriate TTB officer and such documents are currently complete and accurate, a written statement, in duplicate, to that effect by the partnership or association will be sufficient for the purpose of this section.
§ 40.496 Trade name certificate.
Every person that files an application for a permit as a manufacturer of processed tobacco operating under a trade name must furnish with the application for the permit required by § 40.492 a true copy of the certificate or other document, if any, issued by a State, county, or municipal authority in connection with the transaction of business under such trade name. If no such certificate or other document is so required, a written statement, in duplicate, to that effect by such person will be sufficient for the purpose of this section.
§ 40.497 Additional information.
The appropriate TTB officer may require such additional information as deemed necessary to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a permit under this subpart. The applicant shall, when required by the appropriate TTB officer, furnish as a part of the application for the permit such additional information as may be necessary for the appropriate TTB officer to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a permit.
§ 40.498 Investigation of applicant.
Appropriate TTB officers may inquire or investigate to verify the information in connection with an application for a permit. The investigation will ascertain whether the applicant is eligible for a permit. A permit may be denied if the applicant (including, in the case of a corporation, any officer, director, or principal stockholder and, in the case of a partnership, a partner) –
(a) Is, by reason of his business experience, financial standing, or trade connections or by reason of previous or current legal proceedings involving a felony violation of any other provision of Federal criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, not likely to maintain operations in compliance with this chapter;
(b) Has been convicted of a felony violation of any provision of Federal or State criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes; or
(c) Has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application therefor.
§ 40.499 Notice of contemplated disapproval.
If the appropriate TTB officer has reason to believe that the applicant is not entitled to a permit, the appropriate TTB officer will promptly give to the applicant notice of the contemplated disapproval of the application and opportunity for hearing thereon in accordance with part 71 of this chapter. If, after such notice and opportunity for hearing, the appropriate TTB officer finds that the applicant is not entitled to a permit, an order will be prepared stating the findings on which the permit request is denied.
§ 40.500 Issuance of permit.
If the application for permit, together with the supporting documents, required under this part is approved, the appropriate TTB officer will issue a permit on TTB F 5200.28 to the applicant as a manufacturer of processed tobacco.
§ 40.501 Retention of permit and supporting documents.
The manufacturer must retain the permit, together with the copy of the application and supporting documents returned with the permit, at the same place where the records required by this subpart are kept. The permit and supporting documents must be made available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon request.
Qualification Requirements for Manufacturers of Processed Tobacco
§ 40.502 Factory premises.
(a) General. The premises used by a manufacturer of processed tobacco to conduct such business must be described on its permit and such premises must include any physical location or building used for: Manufacturing and storing processed tobacco; storing materials, equipment, and supplies related to or used in the manufacturing and storage of processed tobacco; and carrying on activities in connection with the manufacturing and storage of processed tobacco. The premises may consist of more than one building, or portions of buildings, which need not be contiguous or located in the same city, town, village, or State. The manufacturer must designate a central location as a repository for the records required under this subpart. The application for the permit filed under § 40.492 must describe the buildings or portions of buildings by street address (number, street, city or equivalent, and State). The permit application must include a diagram, in duplicate, showing the following information, if applicable:
(1) The identification of each building by a letter, number, or similar designation if the factory is in more than one building and each building is not identifiable by a separate street address; and
(2) The particular floor or floors, or room or rooms, comprising the factory if the factory consists of, or includes, a portion of a building or portions of buildings.
(b) Permits issued prior to June 21, 2012. A manufacturer of processed tobacco operating under a permit issued prior to June 21, 2012, must submit the information required under paragraph (a) of this section within 180 days after June 21, 2012.
(c) Extension or curtailment of factory. If a manufacturer of processed tobacco wishes to change the premises delineated by its permit to an extent that would be inconsistent with the description or diagram of the premises that was submitted with the manufacturer’s last permit application, the manufacturer must submit an application on TTB Form 5200.16 for, and obtain, an amended permit before the change in the premises occurs. The application must describe the proposed change in the premises and must be accompanied by a new diagram if required under paragraph (a) of this section.
Changes After Qualification
§ 40.511 Change in name.
(a) Change in individual name. When there is a change in the name of an individual operating under a permit as a manufacturer of processed tobacco, the manufacturer must, within 30 days of such change, make application on TTB F 5200.16 for an amended permit.
(b) Change in trade name. When there is a change in a trade name used by a manufacturer of processed tobacco in connection with operations authorized by the permit, the manufacturer must, within 30 days of such change, make application on TTB F 5200.16 for an amended permit to reflect such change. This requirement also applies to the addition or discontinuance of a trade name. The manufacturer must also furnish a true copy of any new trade name certificate or document issued to the manufacturer, or statement in lieu thereof, required by § 40.496.
(c) Change in corporate name. When there is a change in the corporate name of a manufacturer of processed tobacco, the manufacturer must, within 30 days of such change, make application on TTB F 5200.16 for an amended permit. The manufacturer must also furnish such documents as may be necessary to establish that the corporate name has been changed.
§ 40.512 Change in ownership or control.
(a) Fiduciary successor. If an administrator, executor, receiver, trustee, assignee, or other fiduciary is to take over the business of a manufacturer of processed tobacco as a continuing operation, such fiduciary shall, before commencing operations, make application for a permit in accordance with this subpart, furnish certified copies, in duplicate, of the order of the court, or other pertinent documents, showing his appointment and qualification as such fiduciary, and make a commencing inventory in accordance with § 40.523. However, where a fiduciary intends only to liquidate the business, qualification as a manufacturer of processed tobacco will not be required if such fiduciary promptly files with the appropriate TTB officer a written statement to that effect, in duplicate.
(b) Transfer of ownership. If a transfer in ownership of the business of a manufacturer of processed tobacco (including a change of any member of a partnership or association) is to be made, such manufacturer shall give notice, in writing, to the appropriate TTB officer, naming the proposed successor and the desired effective date of the transfer. The proposed successor shall, before commencing operations, qualify as a manufacturer of processed tobacco in accordance with this subpart. The manufacturer shall give notice of the transfer, and the proposed successor shall make application for permit, in ample time for examination and approval thereof before the desired date of such change. The predecessor shall make a concluding inventory and concluding report, in accordance with §§ 40.523 and 40.522, respectively, and surrender the permit with such inventory and report. The successor shall make a commencing inventory and first report, in accordance with §§ 40.523 and 40.522, respectively.
(c) Change in officers, directors, or stockholders of a corporation. Upon election or appointment (excluding successive reelection or reappointment) of any officer or director of a corporation operating the business of a manufacturer of processed tobacco, or upon any occurrence that results in a person acquiring ownership or control of more than ten percent in aggregate of the outstanding stock of such corporation, the manufacturer shall, within 30 days of such action, so notify the appropriate TTB officer in writing, giving the identity of such person. When there is any change in the authority furnished under § 40.494 for officers to act in behalf of the corporation, the manufacturer shall immediately so notify the appropriate TTB officer in writing.
(d) Change in control of corporation. When the issuance, sale, or transfer of the stock of a corporation operating as a manufacturer of processed tobacco results in a change in the identity of the principal stockholders exercising actual or legal control of the operations of the corporation, the corporate manufacturer shall, within 30 days after the change occurs, make application on TTB F 5200.3 for a new permit. Otherwise, the present permit shall be automatically terminated at the expiration of such 30-day period, and the manufacturer shall dispose of all processed tobacco on hand, make a concluding inventory and concluding report, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 40.523 and 40.522, respectively, and surrender the permit with such inventory and report. If the application for a new permit is timely made, the present permit shall continue in effect pending final action with respect to such application.
§ 40.513 Change in location or address of factory.
Whenever a manufacturer of processed tobacco intends to relocate its factory, the manufacturer shall, before commencing operations at the new location, make application on TTB F 5200.16 for, and obtain, an amended permit. Whenever any change occurs in the address, but not the location, of the factory of a manufacturer of processed tobacco as a result of action of local authorities, the manufacturer shall, within 30 days of such change, make application on TTB F 5200.16 for an amended permit.
Operations by Manufacturers of Processed Tobacco
§ 40.521 Record of tobacco and processed tobacco.
(a) Every manufacturer of processed tobacco and every manufacturer of tobacco products required to obtain authorization to engage in another business within the factory under §§ 40.47(b) and 40.72(b) of this part must keep records of operations and transactions that show the total quantity of all:
(1) Processed tobacco on hand at the beginning of each month;
(2) In the case of a manufacturer of tobacco products, processed tobacco used in the manufacture of tobacco products during each month;
(3) Processed tobacco received, together with the date of receipt and the name and address of the person from whom it was received;
(4) Processed tobacco removed from the factory for shipment to a person holding a TTB permit as a manufacturer of processed tobacco, as a manufacturer of tobacco products, as an importer of processed tobacco, or as an export warehouse proprietor, together with the date of removal and the name and address of the person to whom shipped or delivered;
(5) Processed tobacco removed from the factory for shipment, other than for export, to a person not holding a TTB permit as a manufacturer of processed tobacco, as a manufacturer of tobacco products, as an importer of processed tobacco, or as an export warehouse proprietor, together with the date of removal;
(6) Processed tobacco removed from the factory for export, together with the date of removal;
(7) Processed tobacco removed for any purpose not referred to in paragraphs (a)(4), (5), (6), and (7) of this section, together with the date of removal;
(8) Processed tobacco lost, together with the date and other circumstances of the loss;
(9) Processed tobacco destroyed (either on factory premise or removed from factory premises for destruction), together with the date and other circumstances of the destruction;
(10) Processed tobacco transferred between buildings that are covered under the same permit but that are not located in the same city, town, village, or State; and
(11) Tobacco (unprocessed) on hand at the beginning of each month and used in the manufacture of tobacco products, lost, destroyed, or removed during each month.
(b) Any manufacturer of processed tobacco and any manufacturer of tobacco products that are required to obtain authorization to engage in another business within the factory under §§ 40.47(b) and 40.72(b) and that engage in removals of processed tobacco described in paragraph (a)(5) or (a)(6) of this section must also keep records that show the following information about each such removal:
(1) The full name and business address (including city and State) of the purchaser (if there is a purchaser) and the full name and business address of the recipient, or personal address if the purchaser or recipient is not a business;
(2) The full name, business address (including city and State), and driver’s license number of the person picking up the processed tobacco for delivery;
(3) The license number of the vehicle in which the processed tobacco is removed from the manufacturer’s premises;
(4) The street address of the destination (not including any in-transit stops) of the processed tobacco; and
(5) The quantity of processed tobacco in the shipment.
(c) The entries in the records of removals required under this section must be made for each day by the close of the business day following the day on which the removal occurs. There is no particular format prescribed for the records required under this section (and commercial records may be used) although the required information must be readily ascertainable from the records kept. In the case of a removal under paragraph (a)(5) or (a)(6) of this section that involves shipment by a common carrier, the appropriate TTB officer may approve an alternate method or procedure pursuant to §§ 40.45 or 40.531 through which the manufacturer may keep records regarding the common carrier and its means of tracking (including pick up and delivery) of the shipment in lieu of the information required by paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section.
§ 40.522 Reports.
(a) General. Every manufacturer of processed tobacco must prepare a monthly report on TTB F 5250.1 in accordance with the instructions for the form. The report must be prepared at the times specified in this section and must be prepared whether or not any operations or transactions occurred during the period covered by the report. The manufacturer must retain a copy of each report in accordance with the provisions of this subpart.
(b) First report(s). The first monthly report must be submitted by the 20th day of the month following the month in which the permit or authorization is issued. If the manufacturer is operating as a manufacturer of processed tobacco under the transitional rule set forth in § 40.493, the manufacturer must submit the first report by the 20th day of the month following the month in which TTB provides written acknowledgement of the receipt of the application filed under § 40.492. In the transitional case, the manufacturer must also submit reports for all previous months back to April 2009. For example, a manufacturer who receives an acknowledgement, dated July 17, 2009, must submit by August 20, 2009, a total of four reports, one each for April, May, June, and July 2009.
(c) Reports of no activity. Reports with the notation “No Activity” must be made for those months in which no activity occurs.
(d) Reports of removals. (1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (d)(2) or (d)(3) of this section, a manufacturer who removes processed tobacco for export or for shipment to someone other than a person holding a TTB permit as a manufacturer of processed tobacco, as a manufacturer of tobacco products, as an importer of processed tobacco, or as an export warehouse proprietor must report each such removal on TTB F 5250.2 by the close of the next business day following the day of removal, in accordance with the instructions on the form.
(2) In the case of removals for export, as an alternative to the procedure prescribed in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the manufacturer may submit to TTB a monthly summary report of such removals in a format approved by the appropriate TTB officer. Prior to the use of such an alternate procedure, the manufacturer must obtain written approval from the appropriate TTB officer.
(3) A manufacturer of tobacco products who removes processed tobacco for any of the purposes related to the manufacture of tobacco products set forth under § 40.72(b)(2) is not required to report such removals on TTB F 5250.2. Records of such removals must still be kept pursuant to § 40.521.
(e) Concluding report. A concluding report, covering the period from the first of the month to the date of the concluding inventory, shall be made with such inventory.
§ 40.523 Inventories.
Every manufacturer of processed tobacco must provide a true and accurate inventory on TTB F 5210.9 in accordance with instructions for the form. The manufacturer must make such an inventory at the time of commencing business, at the time of transferring ownership, at the time of changing location of the factory, at the time of concluding business, and at such other time as any appropriate TTB officer may require. In the case of a manufacturer operating under the transitional rule set forth in § 40.493, that manufacturer must make an inventory within 10 days of the date of TTB’s written acknowledgement of the receipt of the application filed under § 40.492. Each such inventory is subject to verification by the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 40.524 Retention of documents.
Every manufacturer of processed tobacco must retain all records and reports required under this subpart, including copies of permits, authorizations, inventories, and reports, for three years following the close of the calendar year in which filed or made, or in the case of an authorization, for three years following the close of the calendar year in which the operation under such authorization is concluded. Such records shall be made available for inspection by the appropriate TTB officer upon request.
§ 40.525 Discontinuance of operations.
Every manufacturer of processed tobacco who desires to discontinue operations and close a factory must dispose of all processed tobacco on hand, make a concluding inventory and concluding report, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 40.523 and 40.522, respectively, and surrender the permit to the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 40.526 Minimum manufacturing and activity requirements.
A permit to manufacture processed tobacco will only be granted to those persons engaged in the processing of tobacco. A permit may be suspended, and subsequently revoked, if the person has no activity under such permit for a period of one year. A person whose permit as a manufacturer of processed tobacco has been revoked for non-use, who wishes to engage in such business, must re-apply for such permit.
§ 40.527 Authorization to package processed tobacco.
A permit to manufacture processed tobacco does not authorize packaging of processed tobacco. Packaging of processed tobacco may only occur on the bonded premises of a manufacturer of tobacco products.
§ 40.528 Suspension and revocation of permit.
Where the appropriate TTB officer has reason to believe that a manufacturer of processed tobacco has not in good faith complied with the provisions of 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, and regulations thereunder, or with any other provision of 26 U.S.C. with intent to defraud, or has violated any condition of his permit, or has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application for the permit, or is, by reason of previous or current legal proceedings involving a felony violation of any other provision of Federal criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, not likely to maintain operations in compliance with 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, or has been convicted of a felony violation of any provision of Federal or State criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, the appropriate TTB officer shall issue an order, stating the facts charged, citing such person to show cause why his permit should not be suspended or revoked. Such citation shall be issued and opportunity for hearing afforded in accordance with part 71 of this chapter, which part is applicable to such proceedings. If, after hearing, the hearing examiner, or on appeal, the Administrator, finds that such person has not shown cause why his permit should not be suspended or revoked, such permit shall be suspended for such period as the appropriate TTB officer deems proper or shall be revoked.
Other Provisions Relating to Manufacturers of Processed Tobacco
§ 40.531 Alternate methods or procedures.
(a) General. A manufacturer of processed tobacco, on specific approval by the appropriate TTB officer as provided in this section, may use an alternate method or procedure in lieu of a method or procedure specifically prescribed in this subpart. The appropriate TTB officer may approve an alternate method or procedure, subject to stated conditions, when the appropriate TTB officer finds that –
(1) Good cause has been shown for the use of the alternate method or procedure;
(2) The alternate method or procedure is within the purpose of, and consistent with the effect intended by, the specifically prescribed method or procedure, and
(3) The alternate method or procedure will not be contrary to any provision of law, and will not result in an increase in cost to the Government or hinder the effective administration of this subpart.
(b) Application. A manufacturer of processed tobacco who desires to employ an alternate method or procedure must submit a written application to the appropriate TTB officer. The application shall specifically describe the proposed alternate method or procedure, and shall set forth the reasons therefor. An alternate method or procedure shall not be employed until the application has been approved by the appropriate TTB officer. The manufacturer shall, during the period of authorization of an alternate method or procedure, comply with the terms of the approved application. Authorization for any alternate method or procedure may be withdrawn whenever, in the judgment of the appropriate TTB officer, the effective administration of this part is hindered. Any authorization of the appropriate TTB officer under this section shall be retained as part of the manufacturer’s records in accordance with this subpart.
§ 40.532 Emergency variations from requirements.
The appropriate TTB officer may approve methods of operation other than as specified in this subpart, where it is determined that an emergency exists and the proposed variations from the specified requirements are necessary, and provided that the proposed variations will not hinder the effective administration of this subpart and will not be contrary to any provision of law. Variations from requirements granted under this section are conditioned on compliance with the procedures, conditions, and limitations set forth in the approval of the application. Failure to comply in good faith with such procedures, conditions, and limitations will automatically terminate the authority for such variations, and the manufacturer of processed tobacco thereupon must fully comply with the prescribed requirements of the regulations from which the variations were authorized. Authority for any variation may be withdrawn whenever in the judgment of the appropriate TTB officer the effective administration of this subpart is hindered by the continuation of such variation. Where a manufacturer desires to employ such variation, the manufacturer must submit a written application to do so to the appropriate TTB officer. The application must describe the proposed variations and set forth the reasons therefor. Variations may not be employed until the application has been approved. Any authorization of the appropriate TTB officer under this section shall be retained as part of the manufacturer’s records, in accordance with this subpart.
§ 40.533 Penalties and forfeitures.
Anyone who fails to comply with the provisions of this subpart may be liable to the civil and criminal penalties, and forfeitures, provided by law.
§ 40.534 Power of attorney.
If the application for permit or any report or other document required to be executed under this subpart is to be signed by an individual (including one of the partners for a partnership or one of the members of an association) as an attorney in fact for any person, or if an individual is to otherwise officially represent such person, power of attorney on TTB F 5000.8 shall be furnished to the appropriate TTB officer. Such power of attorney is not required for persons whose authority is furnished with the corporate documents as required by § 40.494. TTB F 5000.8 does not have to be filed again with the appropriate TTB officer where such form has previously been submitted to that appropriate TTB officer and is still in effect.
PART 41 – IMPORTATION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, CIGARETTE PAPERS AND TUBES, AND PROCESSED TOBACCO
Subpart A – Scope of Regulations
§ 41.1 Importation of tobacco products, cigarette papers and tubes, and processed tobacco.
This part contains regulations relating to tobacco products, cigarette papers and tubes, and processed tobacco imported into the United States from a foreign country or brought into the United States from Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States.
Subpart B – Definitions
§ 41.11 Meaning of terms.
When used in this part and in forms prescribed under this part, the following terms shall have the meanings given in this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Words in the plural form shall include the singular, and vice versa, and words indicating the masculine gender shall include the feminine. The terms “includes” and “including” do not exclude things not listed which are in the same general class.
Administrator. The Administrator, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC.
Appropriate TTB officer. An officer or employee of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) authorized to perform any functions relating to the administration or enforcement of this part by TTB Order 1135.41, Delegation of the Administrator’s Authorities in 27 CFR Part 41, Importation of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes.
Bank. Any commercial bank.
Banking day. Any day during which a bank is open to the public for carrying on substantially all its banking functions.
Business day. Any day, other than a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday. (The term legal holiday includes all holidays in the District of Columbia and, in the case of bonded manufacturers in Puerto Rico, all legal holidays in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.)
Bonded manufacturer. A manufacturer of tobacco products in Puerto Rico who has an approved bond, in accordance with the provisions of this part, authorizing him to defer the payment in Puerto Rico on the internal revenue tax imposed on such products by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a) as provided in this part.
CFR. The Code of Federal Regulations.
Chewing Tobacco. Any leaf tobacco that is not intended to be smoked.
Cigar. Any roll of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco or in any substance containing tobacco (other than any roll of tobacco which is a cigarette within the meaning of paragraph (2) of the definition for cigarette).
Cigarette. (1) Any roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in any substance not containing tobacco, and
(2) Any roll of tobacco wrapped in any substance containing tobacco which, because of its appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler, or its packaging and labeling, is likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as a cigarette described in paragraph (1) of this definition.
Cigarette paper. Paper, or any other material except tobacco, prepared for use as a cigarette wrapper.
Cigarette tube. Cigarette paper made into a hollow cylinder for use in making cigarettes.
Commercial bank. A bank, whether or not a member of the Federal Reserve System, which has access to the Federal Reserve Communications System (FRCS) or Fedwire. The “FRCS” or “Fedwire” is a communications network that allows Federal Reserve System member banks to effect a transfer of funds for their customers (or other commercial banks) to the Treasury Account at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York.
Computation or computed. When used with respect to the tax on tobacco products of Puerto Rican manufacture, computation or computed shall mean that the bonded manufacturer has ascertained the quantity and kind (small cigars, large cigars, small cigarettes, large cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipe tobacco, or roll-your-own tobacco) of tobacco products and the sale price of large cigars being shipped to the United States; that adequate bond has been posted to cover the payment, in Puerto Rico, of the tax on such products to be deferred under subpart G of this part; that the tax imposed on such products by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a) has been calculated; that the bonded manufacturer has executed an agreement to pay the internal revenue tax which will become due with respect to such products, as provided in this part; and that a TTB officer has verified and executed a certification of such calculation.
Customs officer. An officer of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or any agent or other person authorized by law to perform the duties of such an officer.
Determine. To establish enough information about taxable products at the time of removal to calculate the tax, specifically the quantity (pounds or number) and kind (for example, cigarettes, snuff, paper tubes). Where the tax rate depends on additional information (such as number of cigarette papers to a set before 1/1/2000 or sale price of large cigars), that information must also be established as part of tax determination.
Electronic fund transfer or EFT. Any transfer of funds effected by a bonded manufacturer’s commercial bank, either directly or through a correspondent banking relationship, via the Federal Reserve Communications System (FRCS) or Fedwire to the Treasury Account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Export warehouse. A bonded internal revenue warehouse for the storage of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, upon which the internal revenue tax has not been paid or for the storage of processed tobacco, for subsequent shipment to a foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, or for consumption beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States.
Export warehouse proprietor. Any person who operates an export warehouse.
Factory. The premises of a manufacturer of tobacco products, cigarette papers or tubes, or processed tobacco in which he carries on such business.
Fiscal year. The period which begins October 1 and ends on the following September 30.
HTS. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, as published by the United States International Trade Commission.
Importer. Any person in the United States to whom non-taxpaid tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes, or any processed tobacco manufactured in a foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States are shipped or consigned; any person who removes cigars for sale or consumption in the United States from a Customs bonded manufacturing warehouse; and any person who smuggles or otherwise unlawfully brings tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes, or any processed tobacco into the United States.
Large cigarettes. Cigarettes weighing more than three pounds per thousand.
Large cigars. Cigars weighing more than three pounds per thousand.
Manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes. Any person who manufactures cigarette paper, or makes up cigarette paper into tubes, except for his own personal use or consumption.
Manufacturer of processed tobacco. Any person who processes any tobacco other than tobacco products.
Manufacturer of tobacco products. (1) Any person who manufactures cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, or roll-your-own tobacco, other than:
(i) A person who produces tobacco products solely for that person’s own consumption or use; or
(ii) A proprietor of a customs bonded manufacturing warehouse with respect to the operation of such warehouse.
(2) The term “Manufacturer of tobacco products” includes any person who for commercial purposes makes available for consumer use (including such consumer’s personal consumption or use under paragraph (1)(i) of this definition) a machine capable of making cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products. A person making such a machine available for consumer use shall be deemed the person making the removal with respect to any tobacco products manufactured by such machine. A person who sells a machine directly to a consumer at retail for a consumer’s personal home use is not making a machine available for commercial purposes if such machine is not used at a retail premises and is designed to produce tobacco products only in personal use quantities.
Package. The immediate container in which tobacco products, processed tobacco, or cigarette papers or tubes are put up by the manufacturer or the importer (prior to release from customs custody) and offered for sale or delivery to the ultimate consumer. For purposes of this definition, a container of processed tobacco, the contents of which weigh 10 pounds or less (including any added non-tobacco ingredients or constituents), that is removed within the meaning of this part for any purpose other than destruction, export, delivery as a sample to a manufacturer of processed tobacco or tobacco products for the purpose of soliciting orders of processed tobacco, or for scientific testing or testing of equipment that results in the destruction of the processed tobacco or the return of the processed tobacco, is deemed to be a package offered for sale or delivery to the ultimate consumer. For appropriate tax rate, see § 41.30.
Packaging. When used in the context of an action, the act of placing processed tobacco or a tobacco product in a package.
Person. An individual, partnership, association, company, corporation, estate, or trust.
Pipe tobacco. Any tobacco which because of its appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco to be smoked in a pipe.
Port Director of Customs. The director of any port or port of entry as defined in 19 CFR 101.1. A list of customs service ports and ports of entry is set forth in 19 CFR 101.3.
Processed tobacco. Processed tobacco is any tobacco that has undergone processing, but does not include tobacco products. For purposes of this definition, the processing of tobacco does not include the farming or growing of tobacco or the handling of tobacco solely for sale, shipment, or delivery to a manufacturer of tobacco products or processed tobacco, nor does the processing of tobacco include curing, baling, or packaging activities. For purposes of this definition, the processing of tobacco includes, but is not limited to, stemming (that is, removing the stem from the tobacco leaf), fermenting, threshing, cutting, or flavoring the tobacco, or otherwise combining the tobacco with non-tobacco ingredients.
Records. The accounts, books, correspondence, declarations, papers, statements, technical data, electronic media and the computer programs necessary to retrieve the stored information in a usable form, and other documents that:
(1) Pertain to any importation of tobacco products, cigarette papers or tubes, or processed tobacco, to the information contained in the documents required by law or regulation under the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, in connection with the importation or shipment of merchandise into the United States from Puerto Rico; and
(2) Are of the type normally kept in the ordinary course of business; and
(3) Are sufficiently detailed to:
(i) Establish the right to make the importation or shipment into the United States from Puerto Rico;
(ii) Establish the correctness of any importation or shipment into the United States from Puerto Rico;
(iii) Determine the liability of any person for duties and taxes due, or which may be due, to the United States;
(iv) Determine the liability of any person for fines, penalties, and forfeitures; and
(v) Determine whether the person has complied with the laws and regulations administered by TTB and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and with any other documents required under laws or regulations administered by TTB and CBP.
Relanding. When used with reference to tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, the term “relanding” means importing, bringing, or returning into the jurisdiction of the United States any tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes that were manufactured in the United States, labeled or shipped for export (including to Puerto Rico) as prescribed in this chapter, and previously exported from the United States.
Removal or remove. When used with reference to tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes or any processed tobacco, the term “removal” or “removed” means removal from the factory, release from internal revenue bond under 26 U.S.C. 5704, release from customs custody (including conditional release as defined in 19 CFR 141.0a(i)), and also includes the smuggling or other unlawful importation of such articles into the United States.
Roll-your-own tobacco. Any tobacco which, because of its appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco for making cigarettes or cigars, or for use as wrappers thereof.
Sale price. The price for which large cigars are sold by the importer or United States manufacturer, determined in accordance with § 41.39 and used for computation of the excise tax.
Small cigarettes. Cigarettes weighing not more than three pounds per thousand.
Small cigars. Cigars weighing not more than three pounds per thousand.
Smokeless tobacco. Any chewing tobacco or snuff.
Snuff. Any finely cut, ground, or powdered tobacco that is not intended to be smoked.
This chapter. Chapter I, title 27, Code of Federal Regulations.
Tobacco products. Cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco.
Treasury Account. The Department of the Treasury’s General Account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
United States. When used in a geographical sense shall include only the States and the District of Columbia.
U.S.C. The United States Code.
Subpart C – General
§ 41.21 Forms prescribed.
(a) The Administrator is authorized to prescribe all forms required by this part. All of the information called for in each form shall be furnished as indicated by the headings on the form and the instructions on or pertaining to the form. In addition, information called for in each form shall be furnished as required by this part. When a return, form, claim, or other document called for under this part is required by this part, or by the document itself, to be executed under penalties of perjury, it shall be executed under penalties of perjury.
(b) Forms prescribed by this part are available for printing through the TTB Web site (http://www.ttb.gov) or by mailing a request to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 1516, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
§ 41.22 Retention of records.
All records required to be kept under this part, including copies of claims and schedules, authorizations, notices of release, reports, and returns, shall be retained for three years following the close of the year in which filed or made, or in the case of an authorization, for three years following the close of the calendar year in which the operation under such authorization is concluded. Such records shall be made available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon his request.
§ 41.23 Authority of TTB officers to enter premises.
Any appropriate TTB officer may enter in the daytime any premises where tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes are produced or kept so far as it may be necessary for the purpose of examining such articles. When such premises are open at night, any appropriate TTB officer may enter them, while so open, in the performance of his official duties. The owner of such premises, or person having the superintendence of the same, who refuses to admit any appropriate TTB officer or permit him to examine such articles shall be liable to the penalties prescribed by law for the offense.
§ 41.24 Interference with administration.
Whoever, corruptly or by force or threats of force, endeavors to hinder or obstruct the administration of this part, or endeavors to intimidate or impede any appropriate TTB officer acting in his official capacity, or forcibly rescues or attempts to rescue or causes to be rescued any property, after it has been duly seized for forfeiture to the United States in connection with a violation of the internal revenue laws, shall be liable to the penalties prescribed by law.
§ 41.25 Disposal of forfeited, condemned, and abandoned tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes.
When any Federal, State, or local officer having custody of forfeited, condemned, or abandoned tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes, upon which the Federal tax has not been paid, is of the opinion that the sale thereof will not bring a price equal to the tax due and payable thereon, and the expenses incident to the sale thereof, he shall not sell, nor cause to be sold, such articles for consumption in the United States. Where the articles are not sold, the officer may deliver them to a Federal or State hospital or institution (if they are fit for consumption) or cause their destruction by burning completely or by rendering them unfit for consumption. Where such articles are sold, they shall not be released by the officer having custody thereof until they are properly packaged and taxpaid, which tax shall be considered as a portion of the sales price. Except when the tax is to be paid to the Port Director of Customs or other authorized customs officer in accordance with customs regulations (19 CFR part 127) on sales of articles by customs officers, the payment of tax on those articles must be evidenced by presentation, to the officer having custody of the articles, of a receipt from the appropriate TTB officer showing such payment. In the case of such articles held by or for the Federal Government, the sale thereof shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the Regulations of the General Services Administration, Title 1, Personal Property Management.
§ 41.26 Alternate methods or procedures.
An importer, on specific approval by the appropriate TTB officer as provided in this section, may use an alternate method or procedure in lieu of a method or procedure specifically prescribed in this part. The appropriate TTB officer may approve an alternate method or procedure, subject to stated conditions, when he finds that –
(a) Good cause has been shown for the use of the alternate method or procedure,
(b) The alternate method or procedure is within the purpose of, and consistent with the effect intended by, the specifically prescribed method or procedure, and affords equivalent security to the revenue, and
(c) The alternate method of procedure will not be contrary to any provision of law, and will not result in an increase in cost to the Government or hinder the effective administration of this part.
§ 41.27 Emergency variations from requirements.
The appropriate TTB officer may approve methods of operation other than as specified in this part, where he finds that an emergency exists and the proposed variations from the specified requirements are necessary, and the proposed variations –
(a) Will afford the security and protection to the revenue intended by the prescribed specifications,
(b) Will not hinder the effective administration of this part, and
(c) Will not be contrary to any provision of law.
§ 41.28 Penalties and forfeitures.
Anyone who fails to comply with the provisions of this part becomes liable to the civil and criminal penalties, and forfeitures, provided by law.
§ 41.29 Delegations of the Administrator.
The regulatory authorities of the Administrator contained in this part are delegated to appropriate TTB officers. These TTB officers are specified in TTB Order 1135.41, Delegation of the Administrator’s Authorities in 27 CFR Part 41, Importation of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes. You may obtain a copy of this order by accessing the TTB Web site (http://www.ttb.gov) or by mailing a request to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 1516, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Subpart D – Taxes
Tax Rates
§ 41.30 Pipe tobacco and roll-your-own tobacco tax rates.
(a) Tax rates. Pipe tobacco and roll-your-own tobacco are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(f) and (g), respectively:
| Product | Tax rate per pound* for removals during the following periods: | |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 to March 31, 2009 | April 1, 2009 and after | |
| Pipe tobacco | $ 1.0969 | $ 2.8311 |
| Roll-your-own tobacco | $ 1.0969 | $ 24.78 |
* Prorate tax for fractions of a pound.
(b) Classification. (1) Pipe tobacco and roll-your-own tobacco, before removal subject to tax, must be put up in packages that conform to the requirements of § 41.71 and of § 41.72a or § 41.72b as appropriate.
(2) Any tobacco that has been processed and that is removed in a package, as that term is defined in § 41.11, that does not bear the notice for smokeless tobacco prescribed in § 41.72 or the notice for pipe tobacco prescribed in § 41.72a is deemed to be roll-your-own tobacco and subject to tax at the rate applicable to roll-your-own tobacco. A container of processed tobacco, the contents of which weigh 10 pounds or less (including any added non-tobacco ingredients or constituents), that is removed within the meaning of this part for any purpose other than destruction, export, delivery as a sample to a manufacturer of processed tobacco or tobacco products for the purpose of soliciting orders of processed tobacco, or for scientific testing or testing of equipment that results in the destruction of the processed tobacco or the return of the processed tobacco, is deemed to be a package offered for sale or delivery to the ultimate consumer.
(3) Subject to paragraph (b)(4) of this section, any tobacco that has been processed and that is removed in a package, as that term is defined in § 41.11, is deemed to be roll-your-own tobacco and subject to tax at the rate applicable to roll-your-own tobacco, even though the package bears the notice required for pipe tobacco under § 41.72a, if:
(i) The package does not bear the declaration “pipe tobacco” in direct conjunction with, parallel to, and in substantially the same conspicuousness of type and background as the brand name each time the brand name appears on the package; or
(ii) The package or accompanying materials bear any representation that would suggest a use other than as pipe tobacco. The term ‘accompanying materials’ includes, but is not limited to, any point of sale advertising or other printed product communications issued by the manufacturer or importer of pipe tobacco products. In addition, the inclusion of cigarette papers or tubes in a package bearing a ‘pipe tobacco’ declaration will suggest a use other than pipe tobacco.
(4) During the period from June 22, 2009, through March 23, 2010, importers may continue to remove products as pipe tobacco in packages that do not bear the declaration “pipe tobacco” in the manner prescribed in paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section.
§ 41.31 Cigar tax rates.
(a) Cigars are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(a):
| Type and amount | Tax rate for removals during the following periods: | |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 to March 31, 2009 | April 1, 2009 and after | |
| Small cigars per thousand | $1.828 | $50.33 |
| Large cigars* | ||
| • percentage of sale price | 20.719% | 52.750% |
| • but not to exceed – | $48.75 per thousand | $0.4026 per cigar. |
* For large cigars: Until March 31, 2009, the percentage tax rate applies when the sale price is $235.294 per thousand or less, and the flat tax rate applies when the sale price is more than $235.294 per thousand. On and after April 1, 2009, the percentage tax rate applies when the sale price is $763.222 or less per thousand cigars, and the flat tax rate applies when the sale price is more than $763.222 per thousand cigars.
(b) See § 41.39 of this part for rules concerning determination of sale price of large cigars.
(c) Cigars not exempt from tax under 26 U.S.C. chapter 52 and the provisions of this part which are removed but not intended for sale shall be taxed at the same rate as similar cigars removed for sale.
§ 41.32 Cigarette tax rates.
Cigarettes are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(b):
| Product | Tax rate per thousand for removals during the following periods: | |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 to March 31, 2009 | April 1, 2009 and after | |
| Small cigarettes | $19.50 | $50.33 |
| Large cigarettes up to 6 | $40.95 | $105.69 |
| Large cigarettes over 6 | Taxed at the rate for small cigarettes, counting each 2 | |
§ 41.33 Smokeless tobacco tax rates.
Smokeless tobacco products are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(e):
| Product | Tax rate per pound* for removals during the following periods: | |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 to March 31, 2009 | April 1, 2009 and after | |
| Snuff | $0.585 | $1.51 |
| Chewing tobacco | $0.195 | $0.5033 |
* Prorate tax for fractions of a pound.
§ 41.34 Cigarette papers.
Cigarette papers are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(c):
| Product | Tax rate for each 50 papers* for removals during the following periods: | |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 to March 31, 2009 | April 1, 2009 and after | |
| Cigarette papers up to 6 | $0.0122 | $0.0315 |
| Cigarette papers over 6 | Use rates above, but count each 2 | |
* Tax rate for less than 50 papers is the same. The tax is not prorated.
§ 41.35 Cigarette tubes.
Cigarette tubes are taxed at the following rates under 26 U.S.C. 5701(d):
| Product | Tax rate for each 50 tubes* for removals during the following periods: | |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 to March 31, 2009 | April 1, 2009 and after | |
| Cigarette tubes up to 6 | $0.0244 | $ 0.0630 |
| Cigarette tubes over 6 | Use rates above, but count each 2 | |
* Tax rate for less than 50 tubes is the same. The tax is not prorated.
Classification of Large Cigars and Cigarettes
§ 41.37 [Reserved]
§ 41.38 Cigarettes.
For internal revenue tax purposes, small cigarettes are designated Class A and large cigarettes are designated Class B.
§ 41.39 Determination of sale price of large cigars.
The tax imposed on large cigars is computed based on the sale price (the price for which the large cigars are sold by the importer or United States manufacturer). In addition to money, goods or services exchanged for cigars may be considered as part of the sale price. See § 40.22(b) of this chapter for information on determining the sale price in special cases. See § 41.40 of this chapter regarding liability for tax on large cigars, not put up in packages, released from customs custody without payment of tax for delivery to a domestic manufacturer of tobacco products.
Liability for and Payment of Taxes
§ 41.40 Persons liable for tax.
The importer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes is liable for the internal revenue taxes imposed thereon by 26 U.S.C. 5701 or 7652, except when tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes imported or brought into the United States (other than those previously exported and returned) are released from customs custody, without payment of tax as provided under 26 U.S.C. 5704(c). Under section 5704(c), tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, imported or brought into the United States, may be released from customs custody, without payment of tax, for delivery to the proprietor of an export warehouse, or to a manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes if such articles are not put up in packages. Under these circumstances the transferee will become liable for the internal revenue tax on these articles upon release from customs custody, and the importer will thereupon be relieved from the liability for the tax. However, if the transferee is also the importer, the importer will not be relieved from the liability for the tax.
§ 41.41 Determination and payment of tax.
Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes imported or brought into the United States, on which internal revenue taxes are due and payable, are not eligible for release from customs custody until those taxes have been determined.
Exemptions From Taxes and Permits
§ 41.50 Exemptions.
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (19 U.S.C. 1202) and Customs Regulations, 19 CFR, chapter I, provide for certain exemptions from internal revenue taxes with respect to tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes imported into the United States. These exemptions include, but are not limited to, certain importations in passengers’ baggage, for use of crew members, and by foreign officials. Persons importing tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes as described in this section are not required to obtain a permit.
Assessment of Taxes
§ 41.60 Assessment.
Whenever any person required by law to pay internal revenue tax on tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes fails to pay such tax, the tax shall be ascertained and assessed against such person, subject to the limitations prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 6501. The tax so assessed shall be in addition to the penalties imposed by law for failure to pay such tax when required. Except in cases where delay may jeopardize collection of the tax, or where the amount is nominal or the result of an evident mathematical error, no such assessment shall be made until and after notice has been afforded such person to show cause against assessment. The person will be allowed 45 days from the date of such notice to show cause, in writing, against such assessment.
Customs’ Collection of Taxes
§ 41.62 Customs collection of internal revenue taxes on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes imported or brought into the United States.
Internal revenue taxes on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes imported or brought into the United States, which are to be paid to the Port Director of Customs or other authorized customs officer, in accordance with this part, must be collected, accounted for, and deposited as internal revenue collections by the Port Director of Customs in accordance with customs procedures and regulations.
§ 41.63 Payment of tax by electronic fund transfer.
(a) Each importer who was liable, during a calendar year, for a gross amount equal to or exceeding five million dollars in taxes on cigars, cigarettes, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and part 40 of this chapter, shall use a commercial bank in making payment by electronic fund transfer (EFT) of such taxes during the succeeding calendar year. Payment of such taxes by cash, check, or money order is not authorized for an importer who is required, by this section, to make remittances by EFT. For purposes of this section, the dollar amount of tax liability is defined as the gross tax liability on all taxable withdrawals and importations (including similar products brought into the United States from Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands) during the calendar year, without regard to any drawbacks, credits, or refunds, for all premises from which such activities are conducted by the taxpayer.
(b) For the purposes of this section, a taxpayer includes a controlled group of corporations, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 1563, and implementing regulations in 26 CFR 1.1563-1 through 1.1563-4, except that the words “at least 80 percent” shall be replaced by the words “more than 50 percent” in each place it appears in subsection (a) of 26 U.S.C. 1563, as well as in the implementing regulations. Also, the rules for a “controlled group of corporations” apply in a similar fashion to groups which include partnerships and/or sole proprietorships. If one entity maintains more than 50% control over a group consisting of corporations and one, or more, partnerships and/or sole proprietorships, all of the members of the controlled group are one taxpayer for the purpose of determining who is required to make remittances by EFT.
(c) For the purposes of this section, (1) electronic fund transfer or EFT means any transfer of funds, other than a transaction originated by check, draft, or similar paper instrument, which is initiated through an electronic terminal, telephonic instrument, or computer of magnetic tape, so as to order, instruct, or authorize a financial institution to either debit or credit an account, in accordance with procedures established by the U.S. Customs Service, and (2) electronic fund transfer or EFT does not have the meaning defined in § 41.11 for use elswhere in this part.
(d) An importer who is required by this section to make remittances by EFT, shall make the EFT remittance in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Customs Service.
Subpart E – Packages
§ 41.71 Package.
All tobacco products, cigarette papers and tubes, except as provided in § 41.75, shall, before removal subject to internal revenue tax, be put up in packages which shall be of such construction as will securely contain the articles therein and maintain the notice thereon as required by this subpart. No package of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes shall have contained in, attached to, or stamped, marked, written, or printed thereon (a) any certificate, coupon, or other device purporting to be or to represent a ticket, chance, share, or an interest in, or dependent on, the event of a lottery, (b) any indecent or immoral picture, print, or representation, or (c) any statement or indication that United States tax has been paid. No person may purchase, receive, possess (except for personal consumption), offer for sale, or sell or otherwise dispose of, after removal, any tobacco products that are not put up in packages bearing the marks, labels, and notices, as required under this part.
§ 41.72 Notice for smokeless tobacco.
(a) Product designation. Every package of chewing tobacco or snuff shall, before removal subject to internal revenue tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, the designation “chewing tobacco” or “snuff.” As an alternative, packages of chewing tobacco may be designated “Tax Class C,” and packages of snuff may be designated “Tax Class M.”
(b) Product weight. Every package of chewing tobacco or snuff shall, before removal subject to internal revenue tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, a clear statement of the actual pounds and ounces of the product contained therein. As an alternative, the shipping cases containing packages of chewing tobacco or snuff may, before removal, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, a clear statement, in pounds and ounces, of the total weight of the product, the tax class of the product, and the total number of the packages of product contained therein.
§ 41.72a Notice for pipe tobacco.
(a) Product designation. Every package of pipe tobacco shall, before removal subject to internal revenue tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely fixed thereto, the designation “pipe tobacco.”
(b) Product weight. Every package of pipe tobacco shall, before removal subject to internal revenue tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, a clear statement of the actual pounds and ounces of the product contained therein.
§ 41.72b Notice for roll-your-own tobacco.
(a) Product designation. Every package of roll-your-own tobacco, before removal subject to tax, must have adequately imprinted on it, or on a label securely affixed to it, the applicable designation “roll-your-own tobacco”, “cigarette tobacco”, “cigarette wrapper”, “cigar tobacco” or “cigar wrapper”.
(b) Product weight. Before removal subject to tax, roll-your-own tobacco must have a clear statement of the actual weight in pounds and ounces of the product in the package. This statement must be adequately imprinted on, or on a label securely affixed to, the package.
§ 41.72c Package use-up rule.
(a) During the period from June 22, 2009, through March 23, 2010, an importer of tobacco products may remove packages of pipe tobacco or roll-your-own tobacco that do not meet the requirements of § 41.72a(a) or § 41.72b(a), provided that such packages bear the designation “Tax Class L” (to designate pipe tobacco) or “Tax Class J” (to designate roll-your-own tobacco) and were in use prior to June 22, 2009.
(b) During the period from June 22, 2009, through March 23, 2010, an importer may remove roll-your-own tobacco for which the applicable designation is “cigar tobacco,” “cigarette wrapper,” or “cigar wrapper” even if the packages of such products do not meet the requirements of § 41.72b.
§ 41.73 Notice for cigars.
Before removal subject to internal revenue tax, every package of cigars, except as provided in § 41.75, shall have adequately imprinted on it, or on a label securely affixed to it –
(a) The designation “cigars”;
(b) The quantity of cigars contained in the package; and
(c) For small cigars, the classification of the product for tax purposes (i.e., either “small” or “little”).
§ 41.74 Notice for cigarettes.
Every package of cigarettes, except as provided in § 41.75, shall, before removal subject to internal revenue tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, the designation “cigarettes”, the quantity of such product contained therein; and the classification for tax purposes, i.e., for small cigarettes either “small” or “Class A”, and for large cigarettes, either “large” or “Class B”.
§ 41.75 Exemptions.
The provisions of this subpart requiring that tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes be put up in packages and that proper notice be placed on such packages shall not apply to imported tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes authorized to be released from customs custody, without payment of internal revenue tax, pursuant to § 41.50, and shall not apply to tobacco products imported in passengers’ baggage, or by mail where the value does not exceed $250, where such products are solely for the personal consumption of the importer or for disposition as his bona fide gift.
Subpart F – Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes, Imported Into or Returned to the United States
§ 41.81 Taxpayment.
(a) General. This section applies to tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes upon which internal revenue tax is payable and which are imported into the United States from a foreign country or are brought into the United States from Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States. For provisions relating to restrictions on the importation of previously exported tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, see § 41.82.
(b) Method of payment. Except for articles imported or brought into the United States as provided in §§ 41.85 and 41.85a, the internal revenue tax must be determined before the tobacco products, cigarette papers, or cigarette tubes are released from customs custody. The tax must be paid on the basis of a return, and the customs form (including any electronic transmissions) by which the tobacco products, cigarette papers, or cigarette tubes are duty- and tax-paid to CBP will be treated as a return for purposes of this part.
(c) Required information. In the case of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes imported into the United States for consumption, the importer, if filing electronically, must file with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) the information specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (7) of this section at the time of filing the entry or entry summary, as appropriate, along with any other information that is required by CBP to be filed with the entry or entry summary for purposes of determining and collecting the Federal excise tax and administering the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Any information required under paragraphs (c)(1) through (7) of this section that is required by, and filed with, CBP as part of the entry or entry summary for purposes of meeting CBP requirements will also satisfy the requirements of this section. Regardless of the method of filing, the importer must retain as a record the information required by this section, any information provided to CBP to meet CBP requirements, and any supporting documentation and make such records available upon request by the appropriate TTB officer or a customs officer.
(1) All tobacco products. For all tobacco products, the following information is required:
(i) The number of the tobacco product importer permit that is issued under subpart K of this part;
(ii) The employer identification number (EIN) assigned to the importer by the Internal Revenue Service and provided by the importer on its permit application to TTB made on TTB Form 5230.4;
(iii) The name and address of the ultimate consignee;
(iv) The information specific to each tobacco product set forth in paragraphs (c)(2) through (6) of this section.
(2) Cigarettes. For cigarettes, in addition to the information required in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the importer must provide a description of the product for Internal Revenue Code purposes, including “cigarettes” and either “small” (or “class A”) or “large” (or “class B”) and must also provide the number of cigarettes.
(3) Cigars. For cigars, in addition to the information required in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the importer must provide:
(i) The number of cigars imported under each Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) code number;
(ii) The description of the cigars for Internal Revenue Code purposes, including “cigars” and either “large” or “small”;
(iii) For large cigars with a sale price of $763.222 or less per 1,000, the number and sale price (the price for which sold by the importer) per 1,000 of such cigars; and
(iv) For large cigars with a sale price of more than $763.222 per 1,000, the number of such cigars.
(4) Smokeless tobacco. For smokeless tobacco, in addition to the information required in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the importer must provide a description of the product for Internal Revenue Code purposes, as either “chewing tobacco” or “snuff” and will state the number of pounds and ounces or kilograms and grams of the product.
(5) Pipe tobacco. For pipe tobacco, in addition to the information required in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the importer must provide a description of the product under the Internal Revenue Code, as “pipe tobacco,” and will also state the number of pounds and ounces or kilograms and grams of the product.
(6) Roll-your-own tobacco. For roll-your-own tobacco, in addition to the information required in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the importer must provide a description of the product for Internal Revenue Code purposes, as “roll-your-own tobacco,” “cigarette tobacco,” “cigarette wrapper,” “cigar tobacco,” or “cigar wrapper.” The importer must also state the number of pounds and ounces or kilograms and grams of the product.
(7) Cigarette papers and cigarette tubes. For cigarette papers and cigarette tubes, the importer must provide:
(i) The classification of the product for Internal Revenue Code purposes, including either “cigarette papers” or “cigarette tubes” and an indication of whether the length of the papers or tubes is over 6
(ii) The employer identification number (EIN) assigned to the importer by the Internal Revenue Service;
(iii) The name and address of the ultimate consignee; and
(iv) The total taxable quantity of each.
(d) Exceptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
(1) Tobacco products, cigarette papers, or cigarette tubes released from customs custody and transferred in bond to a U.S. manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes (see §§ 41.85, 41.85a, or 41.135);
(2) Puerto Rican products on which the tax is prepaid or deferred (see subpart G); and
(3) Tax payments of cigars from class 6, customs bonded manufacturing warehouses (see § 41.151).
Release From Customs Custody of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes Without Payment of Tax or Certain Duty
§ 41.82 Restrictions on tobacco products labeled for export.
(a) The provisions of this section apply to tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes manufactured in the United States and labeled for exportation under parts 44 and 270 of this chapter.
(b) Articles described in paragraph (a) of this section may be transferred to or removed from the premises of a manufacturer or an export warehouse proprietor only if such articles are being transferred or removed without tax as provided in this part.
(c) Articles described in paragraph (a) of this section may only be imported or brought into the United States, after their exportation, under the provisions of 26 U.S.C. 5704(d), by release from Customs custody for delivery to the original manufacturer of such tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes or to the proprietor of an export warehouse authorized by such manufacturer to receive such articles. These products are transferred in bond and are released from Customs custody without payment of that part of the duty attributable to internal revenue tax.
(d) Articles described in paragraph (a) of this section that are not put up in packages may be imported or brought into the United States under 26 U.S.C. 5704(c) by release from Customs custody without payment of tax for delivery to the original manufacturer of such articles. However, because such articles are also eligible for release under 26 U.S.C. 5704(d), such articles will be treated as though released under section 5704(d), due to the penalty provisions in section 5761(c).
(e) Articles described in paragraph (a) of this section may not be sold or held for sale for domestic consumption in the United States unless such articles are removed from their export packaging and repackaged by the original manufacturer into new packaging that does not contain an export label. The new packages, marks and notices must conform to the requirements of 27 CFR part 270.
(f) The provisions of this section shall apply to articles labeled for export even if the packaging or the appearance of such packaging to the consumer of such articles has been modified or altered by a person other than the original manufacturer so as to remove or conceal or attempt to remove or conceal (including by placement of a sticker over) any export label.
(g) For purposes of this section, an article is labeled for export or contains an export label if it bears the mark, label, or notice required by § 44.185 of this chapter.
(h) For purposes of this section, references to exportation shall be treated as including a reference to shipment to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(i) The provisions of this section do not apply to any person who, when entering U.S. manufactured tobacco products labeled for export under parts 44 and 270 of this chapter, claims and is granted an exemption from duty and tax for such products under chapter 98 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. The quantity of tobacco products entered may not exceed the quantity limit imposed on such products under the applicable tariff provision. A traveler claiming an exemption under this subsection upon arrival at the border may voluntarily relinquish to the U. S. Customs Service at the time of entry any excess of such quantity without incurring the penalty under section § 41.83.
(j) For civil penalties and forfeiture provisions related to violations of this section, see § 41.83. For a criminal penalty applicable to any violation of this section see 26 U.S.C. 5762(b).
§ 41.83 Penalties and forfeiture for products labeled or shipped for export.
Except for the return of exported products that are specifically authorized under § 41.82(b) and (c):
(a) Every person who sells, relands, or receives within the jurisdiction of the United States any tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes which have been labeled or shipped for exportation under parts 44 and 270 of this chapter;
(b) Every person who sells or receives such relanded tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes; and,
(c) Every person who aids or abets in such selling, relanding, or receiving, shall, in addition to the tax and any other penalty provided for in title 26 U.S.C., be liable for a penalty equal to the greater of $1,000 or 5 times the amount of the tax imposed by title 26 U.S.C. All tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes relanded within the jurisdiction of the United States shall be forfeited to the United States and destroyed. All vessels, vehicles and aircraft used in such relanding or in removing such products, papers, and tubes from the place where relanded, shall be forfeited to the United States.
(d) The provisions of this section do not apply to any person who, when entering U.S. manufactured tobacco products labeled for export, claims and is granted an exemption from duty and tax for such products under chapter 98 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. The quantity of tobacco products entered may not exceed the quantity limit imposed on such products under the applicable tariff provision. A traveler claiming an exemption under this subsection upon arrival at the border may voluntarily relinquish to the U. S. Customs Service at the time of entry any excess of such quantity without incurring the penalty under this section.
(e) For purposes of this section, references to exportation shall be treated as including a reference to shipment to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
§ 41.84 Entry for warehousing.
(a) General. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, in the case of an entry for warehousing (that is, tobacco products, cigarette papers, or cigarette tubes transferred directly to a customs bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone), the last day for payment of the tax shall not be later than the 14th day after the last day of the semimonthly period during which the products are removed from the first such warehouse, even if the tobacco products, cigarette papers, or cigarette tubes are removed from that customs bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone for transfer to another customs bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone.
(b) Entry for warehousing of products destined for export. Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to tobacco products, cigarette papers, or cigarette tubes entered for warehousing and then removed for transfer to another custom bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone that are shown to the satisfaction of the Secretary to be destined for export.
§ 41.85 Release from customs custody of imported tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes.
(a) General. This section applies only to tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes that are not put up into packages in which they will be sold to consumers. Subject to the requirements of § 41.86, the Port Director of Customs or authorized customs officer may release the following articles from customs custody without payment of internal revenue tax under the internal revenue bond of the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor to whom the articles are released:
(1) Tobacco products manufactured in a foreign country, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, for transfer to the bonded premises of a manufacturer of tobacco products or to the bonded premises of an export warehouse proprietor; and
(2) Cigarette papers and tubes manufactured in a foreign country, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, for transfer to the factory of manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes, to an export warehouse proprietor, or to a manufacturer of tobacco products solely for use in the manufacture of cigarettes.
(b) Products from the Virgin Islands. In addition to the documentation required by § 41.86, in the case of products exported from the Virgin Islands the manufacturer also must file an extension of coverage of the internal revenue bond on TTB F 5000.18, and receive a notice of approval from the appropriate TTB officer, in order to obtain release under paragraph (a)(1) of this section. The extension of coverage must be executed by the principal and the surety and must be in the following form:
“Whereas the purpose of this extension is to bind the obligors for the purpose of the tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(b), on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes exported from the Virgin Islands and removed from customs custody in the United States without payment of internal revenue tax, for delivery to the principal on said bond.”
“Now, therefore, the said bond is further specifically conditioned that the principal named therein must pay all taxes imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(b) plus penalties, if any, and interest, for which he may become liable with respect to these products exported from the Virgin Islands and removed from customs custody in the United States without payment of internal revenue tax thereon, and must comply with all provisions of law and regulations with respect thereto.”
(c) Receipt by manufacturer. Articles received into the factory of a manufacturer under this section are subject to the requirements of part 40 of this chapter.
§ 41.85a Release from customs custody of returned articles.
(a) Domestically manufactured tobacco products (classifiable under item 9801.00.80 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, 19 U.S.C. 1202) exported from and returned to the United States without change to the product or the shipping container may be released from customs custody in the United States, under the bond of the original manufacturer or of the export warehouse proprietor who has been authorized by the original manufacturer (see § 41.82), without payment of that part of the duty attributable to internal revenue tax, for delivery to the bonded premises of the original tobacco products manufacturer or to the bonded premises of the export warehouse proprietor.
(b) Domestically manufactured cigarette papers and tubes (classifiable under item 9801.00.80 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, 19 U.S.C. 1202) exported from and returned to the United States without change to the product or the shipping container may be released from customs custody in the United States, without payment of that part of the duty attributable to internal revenue tax, for delivery to the bonded premises of the original manufacturer of the cigarette papers and tubes or an export warehouse proprietor authorized by the original manufacturer to receive such products.
(c) Releases under this section must be in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 41.86. Once released, the tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes are subject to the tax and other provisions of 26 U.S.C. chapter 52 and, as applicable, to the regulations in part 40 of this chapter as if they had not been exported or otherwise removed from internal revenue bond.
§ 41.86 Entry process for releases without payment of tax.
(a)(1) General. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, in order for tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes to be released from customs custody without payment of tax under internal revenue bond, as provided in 26 U.S.C. 5704(c) or (d), the information required by this paragraph must be filed electronically with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The information must be filed with CBP at the time of filing the entry or entry summary, as appropriate, and it must be filed along with any other information that is required by CBP for purposes of determining and collecting the Federal excise tax and administering the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Any information required under paragraph (a)(2) of this section that is submitted to CBP as part of the entry or entry summary for purposes of meeting CBP requirements will also satisfy the requirements of this section. Regardless of the method of filing, the importer must retain as a record the information required by this section, any information provided to CBP for CBP purposes, and any supporting documentation and such records must be available for inspection upon request by the appropriate TTB officer or a customs officer.
(2) Information required. The manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes or export warehouse proprietor who wishes to obtain the release of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes as described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section must provide the following information, as applicable:
(i) The number of the permit issued under 27 CFR part 40 to the manufacturer of tobacco products or export warehouse proprietor, or the TTB-assigned number of the manufacturer of cigarette papers or tubes, to whom the products are shipped or consigned;
(ii) The employer identification number (EIN), assigned by the Internal Revenue Service, of the manufacturer of tobacco products, the manufacturer of cigarette papers or tubes, or the export warehouse proprietor to whom the products are shipped or consigned;
(iii) The name and address of the ultimate consignee, consistent with the name and address on the permit issued under part 40 of this chapter;
(iv) For tobacco products, the number of the permit, issued under subpart K of this part, of the importer;
(v) For tobacco products, the employer identification number (EIN) assigned to the importer by the Internal Revenue Service and provided to TTB by the importer on its permit application to TTB on TTB Form 5230.4;
(vi) A description of the product consistent with the tax classification of the product under the Internal Revenue Code as described in § 41.81 (for example, “large cigars”); and
(vii) The quantity of the product for Federal excise tax purposes, by sticks or by pounds and ounces (or kilograms and grams), as applicable.
(b) Releases without payment of tax – (1) Tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes put up in packages. Tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes put up in packages, as defined at § 41.11, may be released without payment of tax only for delivery to the proprietor of an export warehouse (as provided in 26 U.S.C. 5704(c)) or, if classified under chapter 98, subchapter I of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (relating to duty on certain articles exported and returned), for delivery to the original manufacturer of such tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes or to the proprietor of an export warehouse authorized by such manufacturer to receive them (as provided in 26 U.S.C. 5704(d)). If the information required in paragraph (a)(2)(i) through (iii) of this section is not filed with the entry or entry summary, as appropriate, or, if the information required in paragraph (c) of this section is not made available to CBP upon request, the tobacco products, cigarette papers, or cigarette tubes are not eligible for release from customs custody without payment of tax, and no person may remove such products from customs custody without payment of tax.
(2) Tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes not put up in packages. Tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes not put up in packages, as defined at § 41.11, may not be released from customs custody subject to tax, and no person may obtain release of such products from customs custody. Tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes not put up on packages may be released from customs custody without payment of tax for delivery to the proprietor of an export warehouse, or to a manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes, as provided in 26 U.S.C. 5704(c). As a result, if the information required in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) through (iii) of this section is not filed with the entry or entry summary, as appropriate, or, if the information required in paragraph (c) of this section is not made available to CBP upon request, tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes not put up in packages are not eligible for release from customs custody for consumption, and no person may remove such product from customs custody.
(c) Filing on paper. A manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor who wants to obtain the release of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes from customs custody without payment of tax under its internal revenue bond, and who does not file electronically, must prepare a notice of release on TTB F 5200.11 and submit the form to the appropriate TTB officer in accordance with the instructions on the form. The appropriate TTB officer will certify on the TTB F 5200.11 that the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor has TTB authorization to receive the products. No one filing on paper may obtain release of the products under this section until they have received the TTB F 5200.11 certified by the appropriate TTB officer. The manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor must have possession of the TTB F 5200.11, bearing TTB certification, at the time the products are released from customs custody and must make the form available to a customs officer upon request at such time. After release of the products, the TTB F 5200.11 must be retained by the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor and made available to the appropriate TTB officer or a customs officer upon request.
Subpart G – Puerto Rican Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes, Brought Into the United States
§ 41.101 General.
(a) Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes manufactured in Puerto Rico which are brought into the United States and withdrawn for consumption or sale are subject to the tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a), at the rates set forth in 26 U.S.C. 5701.
(b) The excise taxes collected on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes manufactured in Puerto Rico are covered into the Treasury of Puerto Rico. Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes are considered as manufactured in Puerto Rico for purposes of 26 U.S.C. 7652(a)(3) if the sum of the cost or value of the materials produced in Puerto Rico, plus the direct costs of processing operations performed in Puerto Rico, equals or exceeds 50 percent of the value of the product when it is brought into the United States.
(c) The excise tax on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes of Puerto Rican manufacture may be prepaid in Puerto Rico prior to shipment of such articles to the United States in accordance with § 41.105. In the case of tobacco products such tax may be paid in Puerto Rico on the basis of a semi-monthly return in accordance with the applicable provisions of this subpart.
Prepayment of Tax in Puerto Rico on Tobacco products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes
§ 41.105 Prepayment of tax.
To prepay, in Puerto Rico, the internal revenue tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a) on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes of Puerto Rican manufacture to be shipped to the United States, the shipper must file, or cause to be filed, a tax return, TTB F 5000.25, with full remittance of the tax which will become due on those products.
§ 41.106 Record of shipment by taxpayer.
(a) Shipments other than noncommercial mail shipments. The taxpayer must ensure that the tax has been prepaid on the tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes in each shipment. The taxpayer must identify the tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes by including on the bill of lading or similar record accompanying the shipment the following information:
(1) The marks and numbers on the shipping containers;
(2) The number of containers to be shipped;
(3) The kind of taxable article(s) to be shipped and the rate of tax applicable to each kind of article, as specified in §§ 41.30 through 41.35;
(4) The number of small cigarettes, large cigarettes, or small cigars to be shipped;
(5) The number and total sale price of large cigars having a sale price of not more than $235.294 per thousand before April 1, 2009, or a sale price of not more than $763.222 per thousand on and after April 1, 2009, to be shipped;
(6) The number of large cigars having a sale price of more than $235.294 per thousand before April 1, 2009, or a sale price of more than $763.222 per thousand on and after April 1, 2009, to be shipped;
(7) The pounds and ounces of chewing tobacco or snuff to be shipped;
(8) The pounds and ounces of pipe tobacco or roll-your-own tobacco to be shipped;
(9) The number of cigarette papers or tubes to be shipped;
(10) The amount of the tax paid for each kind of article under this subpart;
(11) The name and address of the consignee in the United States to whom the products are to be shipped; and
(12) A notation identifying the particular TTB F 5000.25 by which the taxes were prepaid.
(b) Noncommercial mail shipments. Noncommercial mail shipments of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes to the United States are exempt from the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, except that the taxpayer must provide a copy of the TTB F 5000.25 upon the request of an appropriate TTB officer.
§§ 41.107-41.108 [Reserved]
Deferred Payment of Tax in Puerto Rico on Tobacco Products
§ 41.109 Bond required for deferred taxpayment.
Where a manufacturer of tobacco products in Puerto Rico desires to defer payment in Puerto Rico of the internal revenue tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a), on tobacco products of Puerto Rican manufacture coming into the United States, he shall file a bond, Form 2986, with the appropriate TTB officer, in accordance with the provisions of this subpart. Such bond shall be conditioned on the payment, at the time and in the manner prescribed in this subpart, of the full amount of tax computed under the provisions of this subpart with respect to tobacco products which are released for shipment to the United States on computation of tax. All taxes which are computed under the provisions of this subpart shall be chargeable against the bond, until such taxes are paid, as provided in § 41.112. The bond shall show the location of the factory from which the tobacco products to which it relates are to be shipped.
§ 41.110 Record of tax computation and shipment by bonded manufacturer under deferred taxpayment.
Where tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes are to be shipped to the United States with deferred taxpayment, the bonded manufacturer must calculate the tax prior to shipment. The tax calculation must conform to the information on the bill of lading or a similar record accompanying the shipment, and the date of completing the bill of lading or similar record accompanying the shipment will be treated as the date of computation of the tax. Tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes may be shipped to the United States in accordance with the provisions of this section only after computation of the tax. The bill of lading or similar record accompanying the shipment must include the following information:
(a) The marks and numbers on the shipping containers;
(b) The number of containers to be shipped;
(c) The kind of taxable article(s) to be shipped and the rate of tax applicable to each kind of article, as specified in §§ 41.30 through 41.35;
(d) The number of small cigarettes, large cigarettes, or small cigars to be shipped;
(e) The number and total sale price of large cigars having a sale price of not more than $235.294 per thousand before April 1, 2009, or a sale price of not more than $763.222 per thousand on and after April 1, 2009, to be shipped;
(f) The number of large cigars having a sale price of more than $235.294 per thousand before April 1, 2009, or a sale price of more than $763.222 per thousand on and after April 1, 2009, to be shipped;
(g) The pounds and ounces of chewing tobacco or snuff to be shipped;
(h) The pounds and ounces of pipe tobacco or roll-your-own tobacco to be shipped;
(i) The number of cigarette papers or tubes to be shipped;
(j) The amount of the tax to be paid for each kind of article under this subpart; and
(k) The name and address of the consignee in the United States to whom the products are to be shipped.
§ 41.111 Verification of bond and agreement to pay tax.
(a) Verification of bond. Prior to shipment of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes to the United States, the manufacturer must verify:
(1) That there is no default in payment of tax chargeable against the manufacturer’s bond on TTB F 2986 (5210.12); and
(2) That the amount of the manufacturer’s bond is sufficient or is in the maximum penal sum to cover the tax that will become due on the shipment.
(b) Agreement to pay tax. The shipment of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes by the bonded manufacturer serves as an agreement by the manufacturer to pay the tax on that shipment.
§ 41.112 Tax return.
The internal revenue taxes imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a), with respect to tobacco products manufactured in Puerto Rico and shipped to the United States on computation of tax under the provisions of this subpart shall be paid on the basis of a semimonthly tax return. The bonded manufacturer of such products shall prepare TTB Form 5000.25 in duplicate, and file the original with the appropriate TTB officer, and maintain one copy for the file for each semimonthly return period. The bonded manufacturer shall execute the return, TTB Form 5000.25, under the penalties of perjury. He shall file a return for each return period at the time specified in § 41.114, regardless of whether tax is due for that return period. However, where the appropriate TTB officer, grants specific authorization, the bonded manufacturer need not file a tax return during the term of such authorization for any period in which tax liability was not incurred under the provisions of this subpart.
§ 41.113 Return periods.
Except as otherwise provided in § 41.114, the periods to be covered in the semimonthly tax returns run from the 1st day of the month through the 15th day of that month, and from the 16th day of the month through the last day of that month.
§ 41.114 Time for filing.
(a) General rule. Semimonthly tax returns under this subpart shall be filed by the bonded manufacturer, for each return period, not later than the 14th day after the last day of the return period, except as provided by paragraph (b) of this section. The tax shall be paid in full by remittance at the time the return is filed as prescribed in § 41.115 or § 41.115a.
(b) Special rule for taxes due for the month of September. (1) Division of second semimonthly period. (i) General. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, the second semimonthly period for the month of September is divided into two payment periods, from the 16th day through the 26th day, and from the 27th day through the 30th day. The bonded manufacturer shall file a return on TTB F 5000.25, and make remittance, for the period September 16-26, no later than September 29. The bonded manufacturer shall file a return on TTB F 5000.25, and make remittance, for the period September 27-30, no later than October 14.
(ii) Taxpayment not by electronic fund transfer. In the case of taxes for which remittance by electronic fund transfer (EFT) is not required by § 41.115a, the second semimonthly period of September is divided into two payment periods, from the 16th day through the 25th day, and from the 26th day through the 30th day. The bonded manufacturer shall file a return on TTB F 5000.25, and make remittance, for the period September 16-25, no later than September 28. The bonded manufacturer shall file a return on TTB F 5000.25, and make remittance, for the period September 26-30, no later than October 14.
(2) Amount of payment – Safe harbor rule. (i) General. Taxpayers are considered to have met the requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section if the amount paid no later than September 29 is not less than 11/15ths (73.3 percent) of the tax liability incurred for the semimonthly period beginning on September 1 and ending on September 15, and if any underpayment of tax is paid by October 14.
(ii) Taxpayment not by EFT. Taxpayers are considered to have met the requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section if the amount paid no later than September 28 is not less than 2/3rds (66.7 percent) of the tax liability incurred for the semimonthly period beginning on September 1 and ending on September 15, and if any underpayment of tax is paid by October 14.
(3) Weekend or holiday due date. If the required taxpayment due date for the period September 16-25 or September 16-26, as applicable, falls on a Saturday or legal holiday, the return and remittance are due on the immediately preceding day. If the required due date falls on a Sunday, the return and remittance are due on the immediately following day.
(c) Postmark. If the return, and remittance as the case may be, are delivered by U.S. Mail to the appropriate TTB officer, the date of the official postmark of the U.S. Postal Service stamped on the cover in which the return, and remittance as the case may be, were mailed shall be treated as the date of delivery.
(d) Weekends and holidays. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, if the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the return and remittance are due on the immediately preceding day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
§ 41.114a Qualification for extended deferral.
This section applies only to removals made before January 1, 1983.
(a) Bonded manufacturers with bonds executed before September 1, 1973. Bonded manufacturers with bonds on Form 2936 executed before September 1, 1973, who desire to file returns under this subpart with benefit of the extended deferral permitted by § 41.114 shall file with the appropriate TTB officer an extension of coverage of bond on Form 2105. Such extension of coverage shall identify the particular bond to which it applies and shall contain a statement of purpose as follows:
To continue in effect said bond (including all extensions or limitations of terms and conditions previously consented to and approved) notwithstanding that the time for payment of the tax may be deferred by the extended deferral period permitted by regulations in 27 CFR 41.114.
(b) Bonded manufacturers with bonds executed after September 1, 1973. Bonded manufacturers operating under original or superseding bonds executed after September 1, 1973, are automatically qualified for the extended deferral permitted by § 41.114 (unless found in default as provided in § 41.116). Such bonds must be executed in an amount sufficient to cover an extended deferral period, according to the requirements of § 41.121.
(c) Commencement of extended deferral. Bonded manufacturers may file returns with benefit of extended deferral only after the applicable bonds and extensions of coverage required by this section have been filed with and approved by the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 41.115 Remittance with return.
Remittance of the full amount of internal revenue tax computed during the return period shall accompany the return, except as prescribed in § 41.115a. Such remittance may be in any form the appropriate TTB officer is authorized to accept under the provisions of § 70.61 of this chapter (Payment by check or money order) and which is acceptable to that officer. In paying the tax, a fractional part of a cent shall be disregarded unless it amounts to one-half cent or more, in which case it shall be increased to one cent.
§ 41.115a Payment of tax by electronic fund transfer.
(a) General. (1) Each taxpayer who was liable, during a calendar year, for a gross amount equal to or exceeding five million dollars in taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and part 40 of this chapter, shall use a commercial bank in making payment by electronic fund transfer (EFT) of taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes during the succeeding calendar year. Payment of taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes by cash, check, or money order, as described in § 41.115, is not authorized for a taxpayer who is required, by this section, to make remittances by EFT. For purposes of this section, the dollar amount of tax liability is defined as the gross tax liability of all taxes which are paid in accordance with this subpart, taxable withdrawals from premises in the United States, and importations during the calendar year, without regard to any drawbacks, credits, or refunds, for all premises from which such activities are conducted by the taxpayer. Overpayments are not taken into account in summarizing the gross tax liability.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a taxpayer includes a controlled group of corporations, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 1563, and implementing regulations in 26 CFR 1.1563-1 through 1.1563-4, except that the words “at least 80 percent” shall be replaced by the words “more than 50 percent” in each place it appears in subsection (a) of 26 U.S.C. 1563, as well as in the implementing regulations. Also, the rules for a “controlled group of corporations” apply in a similar fashion to groups which include partnerships and/or sole proprietorships. If one entity maintains more than 50% control over a group consisting of corporations and one, or more, partnerships and/or sole proprietorships, all of the members of the controlled group are one taxpayer for the purpose of determining who is required to make remittances by EFT.
(3) A taxpayer who is required by this section to make remittances by EFT, shall make a separate EFT remittance and file a separate tax return for each factory which tobacco products, or cigarette papers, or cigarette tubes are withdrawn upon determination of tax.
(b) Requirements. (1) On or before January 10 of each calendar year, except for a taxpayer already remitting the tax by EFT, each taxpayer who was liable for a gross amount equal to or exceeding five million dollars in taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and part 40 of this chapter during the previous calendar year, shall notify, in writing, the appropriate TTB officer. The notice shall be an agreement to make remittances by EFT.
(2) For each return filed in accordance with this part, the taxpayer shall direct the taxpayer’s bank to make an electronic fund transfer in the amount of the taxpayment to the Treasury Account as provided in paragraph (e) of this section. The request shall be made to the bank early enough for the transfer to be made to the Treasury Account by no later than the close of business on the last day for filing the return, prescribed in § 41.105 or § 41.114. The request shall take into account any time limit established by the bank.
(3) If a taxpayer was liable for less than five million dollars in taxes on tobacco products, cigarette papers, and cigarette tubes during the preceding calendar year, the taxpayer may choose either to continue remitting the tax as provided in this section or to remit the tax with the return as prescribed by § 41.115. On the first return on which the taxpayer chooses to discontinue remitting the tax by EFT and to begin remitting the tax with the tax return, the taxpayer shall notify the appropriate TTB officer by attaching a written notification to the tax return, stating that no taxes are due by EFT, because the tax liability during the preceding calendar year was less than five million dollars, and that the remittance shall be filed with the tax return.
(c) Remittance. (1) Each taxpayer shall show on the tax return, information about remitting the tax for that return by EFT and shall file the return with the appropriate TTB officer.
(2) Remittances shall be considered as made when the taxpayment by electronic fund transfer is received by the Treasury Account. For purposes of this section, a taxpayment by electronic fund transfer shall be considered as received by the Treasury Account when it is paid to a Federal Reserve Bank.
(3) When the taxpayer directs the bank to effect an electronic fund transfer message as required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section, any transfer data record furnished to the taxpayer, through normal banking procedures, will serve as the record of payment, and shall be retained as part of required records.
(d) Failure to make a taxpayment by EFT. The taxpayer is subject to a penalty imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5761, 6651, or 6656, as applicable, for failure to make a taxpayment by EFT on or before the close of business on the prescribed last day for filing.
(e) Procedure. Upon the notification required under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the appropriate TTB officer will issue to the taxpayer a TTB Procedure entitled, Payment of Tax by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). This publication outlines the procedure a taxpayer must follow when preparing returns and EFT remittances under this part.
§ 41.116 Default.
Where a check or money order tendered with a semimonthly return for payment of internal revenue tax under the provisions of this subpart is not paid on presentment, where a bonded manufacturer fails to remit with the semimonthly return the full amount of tax due thereunder, or where a bonded manufacturer is otherwise in default in payment of tax under the provisions of this subpart, he shall not ship tobacco products to the United States on computation of tax, until the appropriate TTB officer finds that the revenue will not be jeopardized by deferred payment of tax under the provisions of this subpart.
§§ 41.117-41.118 [Reserved]
§ 41.119 Corporate surety.
(a) Surety bonds, required under the provisions of this subpart, may be given only with corporate sureties holding certificates of authority from the Secretary of the Treasury as acceptable sureties on Federal bonds. Limitations concerning corporate sureties are prescribed by the Secretary in the current revision of Treasury Department Circular No. 570 (Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Sureties on Federal Bonds and as Acceptable Reinsuring Companies). The surety shall have no interest whatever in the business covered by the bond.
(b) Treasury Department Circular No. 570 is published in the
§ 41.120 Deposit of securities in lieu of corporate surety.
In lieu of corporate surety, the manufacturer of tobacco products in Puerto Rico may pledge and deposit, as security for his bond, securities which are transferrable and are guaranteed both as to interest and as to principal by the United States, in accordance with the provisions of 31 CFR part 225.
§ 41.121 Amount and account of bond.
(a) Bond amount. Except for the maximum and minimum amounts stated in this paragraph, the total amount of the bond or bonds required under this subpart must be in an amount not less than the amount of unpaid tax chargeable at any one time against the bond or bonds. The maximum and minimum amounts of such bond or bonds are as follows:
| Taxable article | Bond amount maximum (in dollars) | Bond amount minimum (in dollars) |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Cigarettes | 250,000 | 1,000 |
| (2) Any combination of taxable articles | 250,000 | 1,000 |
| (3) One kind of taxable article other than cigarettes | 150,000 | 1,000 |
(b) Bond account. Where the amount of a bonded manufacturer’s bond is less than the maximum amount prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section, the bonded manufacturer must maintain an account reflecting all outstanding taxes for which the manufacturer’s bond is chargeable. A manufacturer must debit that account with the amount of tax that was agreed to be paid under § 41.111 or that is otherwise chargeable against the bond and then must credit the account for the amount paid on TTB F 5000.25 or other TTB-prescribed document, at the time it is filed. A manufacturer who will defer payment of tax for a shipment of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes under this subpart must have sufficient credit in this account to cover the taxes prior to making the shipment to the United States.
§ 41.122 Strengthening bond.
Where the amount of any bond is no longer sufficient under the provisions of § 41.121, the bonded manufacturer shall immediately file a strengthening bond in an appropriate amount with the same surety as that on the bond already in effect, unless a superseding bond is filed pursuant to § 41.123. A strengthening bond will not be approved where any notation is made thereon which is intended, or which may be construed, as a release of any former bond, or as limiting the amount of either bond to less than its full amount.
§ 41.123 Superseding bond.
A bonded manufacturer shall immediately file a new bond to supersede his current bond when (a) the corporate surety on the current bond becomes insolvent, (b) the appropriate TTB officer approves a request from the surety on the current bond to terminate his liability under the bond, (c) the payment of any liability under a bond is made by the surety thereon, (d) the amount of the bond is no longer sufficient under the provisions of § 41.121 and a strengthening bond has not been filed, or (e) the appropriate TTB officer considers a superseding bond necessary for the protection of the revenue.
§ 41.124 Extension of coverage of bond.
An extension of coverage of the bond of a bonded manufacturer shall be required (a) as provided in § 41.114a, and (b) in the case of any change in the location of the factory as set forth in the bond. Such extension of coverage of the bond shall be manifested on Form 2105 by the bonded manufacturer and by the surety on the bond with the same formality and proof of authority as required for the execution of the bond.
§ 41.125 Approval of bond and extension of coverage of bond.
The appropriate TTB officer is authorized to approve all bonds and extensions of coverage of bonds (except under § 41.136) filed under this subpart. No manufacturer of tobacco products in Puerto Rico shall defer taxes under this subpart until he receives from the appropriate TTB officer notice of approval of the bond or of an appropriate extension of coverage of the bond required under this subpart. Upon receipt of the duplicate copy of an approved bond or extension of coverage of bond from the appropriate TTB officer, such copy of the bond or extension of coverage of bond shall be retained by the bonded manufacturer and shall be made available for inspection by the appropriate TTB officer upon his request.
§ 41.126 Termination of bond.
Any bond given under the provisions of this subpart may be terminated as to future transactions, by the appropriate TTB officer, (a) pursuant to application of surety as provided in § 41.127; (b) on approval of a superseding bond; (c) on notification by the bonded manufacturer to the appropriate TTB officer that he has discontinued the deferral of taxes under the bond; or (d) on notification by the bonded manufacturer to the appropriate TTB officer that he has discontinued business. When any bond is terminated, the appropriate TTB officer shall notify both the bonded manufacturer and surety on such bond, in writing, of such action.
§ 41.127 Application of surety for relief from bond.
A surety on any bond given under the provisions of this subpart may at any time in writing notify the bonded manufacturer and the appropriate TTB officer that he desires, after a date named, to be relieved of liability under said bond. Such date shall be not less than 10 days after the date the notice is received by the appropriate TTB officer. The surety shall also file with the appropriate TTB officer an acknowledgement or other proof of service on the bonded manufacturer. If such notice is not thereafter in writing withdrawn, the rights of the bonded manufacturer as supported by said bond shall be terminated on the date named in the notice, and the surety shall be relieved from liability to the extent set forth in § 41.128.
§ 41.128 Relief of surety from bond.
Where the surety on a bond given under the provisions of this subpart has filed application for relief from liability as provided in § 41.127, the surety shall be relieved from liability for transactions occurring wholly subsequent to the date specified in the notice, or the effective date of a new bond, if one is given.
§ 41.129 Release of pledged securities.
Securities of the United States, pledged and deposited as provided in § 41.120, shall be released only in accordance with the provisions of 31 CFR part 225. Such securities will not be released by the appropriate TTB officer until the liability under the bond for which they were pledged has been terminated. When the appropriate TTB officer is satisfied that they may be released, he shall fix the date or dates on which a part or all of such securities may be released. At any time prior to the release of such securities, the appropriate TTB officer may extend the date of release for such additional length of time as he deems necessary.
§§ 41.135-41.138 [Reserved]
§ 41.139 Records.
Every manufacturer of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes in the United States who receives tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes or Puerto Rican manufacture, without payment of internal revenue tax, under his bond, shall keep separate records of all items received, removed subject to tax, removed for tax-exempt purposes, and otherwise disposed of, showing the following information:
(a) Date, quantity, kind of cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco and roll-your-own tobacco (number of small cigars – large cigars; number of small cigarettes – large cigarettes; pounds and ounces of chewing tobacco – snuff; pounds and ounces of pipe tobacco – roll-your-own tobacco).
(b) The sale price of large cigars removed subject to tax, except that if the price is more than $235.294 per thousand, it may be shown as if it were $236 per thousand.
(c) Cigarette papers:
(1) Before January 1, 2000, the date and number of books or sets of cigarette papers of each numerical content.
(2) On and after January 1, 2000, the date and number of cigarette papers.
(d) The date and number of cigarette tubes.
§ 41.140 Taxpayment in the United States.
Every manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes in the United States who receives, under its bond without payment of internal revenue tax, Puerto Rican tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes not put up in packages, and who subsequently removes such products subject to tax, must pay the tax imposed on these products by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a) at the rates prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 5701 on the basis of a return as prescribed by part 40 of this chapter. Similarly, every manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes in the United States who receives Puerto Rican cigarette papers and tubes and subsequently removes such articles, shall pay the tax imposed on such articles by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a), at the rates prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 5701, on the basis of a return under the provisions of part 40 of this chapter applicable to taxpayment of cigarette papers and tubes. Such tobacco products and cigarettes papers and tubes shall be separately listed and identified as articles of Puerto Rican manufacture on Form 5000.24. The amount of tax paid on such articles shall be separately stated on Form 5000.24.
§ 41.141 Reports.
Every manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes in the United States who receives Puerto Rican tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes under its bond without payment of internal revenue tax must report the receipt and disposition of such tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes on supplemental monthly reports. Such supplemental reports shall be made on Form 5210.5 or Form 2138 and shall have inserted thereon the heading, “Cigars and Cigarettes of Puerto Rican Manufacture” or “Cigarette Papers and Tubes of Puerto Rican Manufacture,” as the case may be. The original of such supplemental report shall be attached to the manufacturer’s regular monthly report when filed.
Subpart H [Reserved]
§§ 41.151-41.153 [Reserved]
Subpart I – Claims
General
§ 41.161 Abatement of assessment.
A claim for abatement of the unpaid portion of the assessment of any tax on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, or any liability in respect thereof, may be allowed to the extent that such assessment is excessive in amount, is assessed after expiration of the applicable period of limitation, or is erroneously or illegally assessed. Any claim under this section shall be prepared on Form 2635 (5620.8), in duplicate, and shall set forth the particulars under which the claim is filed. The original of the claim, accompanied by such evidence as is necessary to establish to the satisfaction of the appropriate TTB officer that the claim is valid, shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer, and the duplicate of the claim shall be retained by the claimant.
§ 41.162 Losses caused by disaster occurring after September 2, 1958.
Claims involving internal revenue tax paid or determined and customs duty paid on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes removed, which are lost, rendered unmarketable, or condemned by a duly authorized official by reason of a “major disaster” occurring in the United States after September 2, 1958, shall be filed in accordance with the provisions of subpart C of part 46 of this chapter.
§ 41.163 Refund of tax.
The taxes paid on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes imported or brought into the United States may be refunded (without interest) to the taxpayer on proof satisfactory to the appropriate TTB officer that the taxpayer has paid the tax on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes lost (otherwise than by theft) or destroyed, by fire, casualty, or act of God, while in the possession or ownership of such taxpayer, or withdrawn by him from the market. Any claim for refund of tax under this section shall be prepared on Form 2635 (5620.8), in duplicate, and shall include a statement that the tax imposed on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes by 26 U.S.C. 7652 or chapter 52, as applicable, has been paid in respect to the articles covered in the claim, and that the articles were lost, destroyed, or withdrawn from the market, within six months preceding the date the claim is filed and shall be executed under the penalties of perjury. A claim for refund relating to articles lost or destroyed shall be supported as prescribed in § 41.165, and a claim relating to articles withdrawn from the market shall include a schedule prepared and verified as prescribed in §§ 41.170 and 41.171 or §§ 41.172 and 41.173. The original of the claim shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer. The duplicate of the claim, with the copy of any verified supporting schedules, shall be retained by the claimant.
Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes Lost or Destroyed
§ 41.165 Action by taxpayer.
Where tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes which have been imported or brought into the United States are lost (otherwise than by theft) or destroyed, by fire, casualty, or act of God, and the taxpayer desires to file claim for refund of the tax on such articles, he shall, in addition to complying with the requirements of § 41.163, indicate on the claim the nature, date, place, and extent of such loss or destruction. The claim shall be accompanied by such evidence as is necessary to establish to the satisfaction of the appropriate TTB officer that the claim is valid.
Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes Withdrawn From the Market
§ 41.170 Reduction of tobacco products to materials; TTB action.
(a) General. Where tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes which have been imported or brought into the United States are withdrawn from the market and the taxpayer desires to file claim for refund of the tax on the articles, he shall, in addition to the requirements of § 41.163, assemble the articles at any suitable place, if they are to be destroyed or reduced to tobacco. The taxpayer shall group the articles according to the rates of tax applicable to the articles, and shall prepare a schedule of the articles on TTB Form 5200.7, in triplicate. All copies of the schedule shall be forwarded to the appropriate TTB officer.
(b) Large cigars. Refund or credit of tax on large cigars withdrawn from the market is limited to the lowest tax applicable to that brand and size of cigar during the required record retention period (see § 41.22) except where the importer establishes that a greater amount was actually paid. For each claim involving large cigars withdrawn from the market, the importer must include a certification on either TTB Form 5200.7 or TTB Form 2635 (5620.8) to read as follows:
The amounts claimed relating to large cigars are based on the lowest sale price applicable to the cigars during the required record retention period, except where specific documentation is submitted with the claim to establish that any greater amount of tax claimed was actually paid.
§ 41.171 Reduction of tobacco products to materials, action by appropriate TTB officer.
Upon receipt of a schedule of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes which have been imported or brought into the United States and which are withdrawn from the market by a taxpayer who desires to destroy such articles or, in the case of tobacco products, reduce them to tobacco, the appropriate TTB officer may verify the schedule and supervise destruction of the articles (and stamps, if any) or the reduction of tobacco products to tobacco, or the appropriate TTB officer may authorize the taxpayer to destroy the articles (and stamps, if any) or reduce tobacco products to tobacco without supervision by so stating on the original and one copy of the schedule returned to the taxpayer.
§ 41.172 Return to nontaxpaid status, action by taxpayer.
(a) General. Where tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes which have been imported or brought into the United States are withdrawn from the market and the taxpayer desires to file a claim for refund of the tax on the articles and return them to a nontaxpaid status, he shall, in addition to the requirements of § 41.163, assemble the articles in or adjacent to the factory in which the articles are to be retained or received in a nontaxpaid status. The taxpayer shall group the articles according to the rates of tax applicable to the articles, and shall prepare a schedule of the articles, on Form 5200.7, in triplicate. All copies of the schedule shall be forwarded to the appropriate TTB officer.
(b) Large cigars. Refund or credit of tax on large cigars withdrawn from the market is limited to the lowest tax applicable to that brand and size of cigar during the required record retention period (see § 41.22) except where the importer establishes that a greater amount was actually paid. For each claim involving large cigars withdrawn from the market, the importer must include a certification on either TTB Form 5200.7 or TTB Form 2635 (5620.8) to read as follows:
The amounts claimed relating to large cigars are based on the lowest sale price applicable to the cigars during the required record retention period, except where specific documentation is submitted with the claim to establish that any greater amount of tax claimed was actually paid.
§ 41.173 Return to nontaxpaid status, action by appropriate TTB officer.
Upon receipt of a schedule of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes which have been imported or brought into the United States and which are withdrawn from the market by a taxpayer who desires to return such articles to a nontaxpaid status, the appropriate TTB to officer may verify the schedule and supervise disposition of the articles (and destruction of the stamps, if any) or the appropriate TTB officer may authorize the receiving manufacturer to verify the schedule and disposition of the articles (and destruction of the stamps, if any) covered therein, without supervision, by so stating on the original and one copy of the schedule returned to the manufacturer. Where the receipt in a factory of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes has been verified, such articles shall be treated by the receiving manufacturer as nontaxpaid and shall be covered by the manufacturer’s bond.
§ 41.174 Disposition of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, and schedule.
When the appropriate TTB officer is assigned to verify the schedule and supervise destruction or other disposition of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes which have been imported or brought into the United States, such officer shall, upon completion of his assignment, execute a certificate on all copies of the schedule to show the disposition and the date of disposition of such articles. The appropriate TTB officer shall return the original and one copy of the certified schedule to the taxpayer. When a taxpayer destroys such articles (and stamps, if any) or reduces tobacco products to materials, or a receiving manufacturer verifies the schedule and disposition of such articles (and stamps, if any), he shall execute a certificate on the original and the copy of the schedule returned to him, to show the disposition and the date of disposition of the articles. The taxpayer shall attach the original of the certified schedule to his claim for refund.
Subpart J – Records and Reports
§ 41.181 Records of large cigars.
Every person who imports large cigars for sale within the United States must keep such records as are necessary to establish and verify the sale price that applies to large cigars removed (entered or withdrawn).
(a) Basic record. The importer must keep a record to show each sale price (as determined under § 41.39), which is applicable to large cigars removed. No later than the tenth business day in January of each year the importer must prepare such a record to show the sale price in effect on the first day of that year for each brand and size of large cigars. The importer must note any change in a price from that shown in the record within ten business days after such change in price. The record must be a continuing one for each brand and size of cigar (and type of packaging, if pertinent), so that the taxable price on any date may be readily ascertained. If an importer removes new types of large cigars after the beginning of the year, the importer must enter the sale price and its effective date for such large cigars in the basic record within ten business days after such removal.
(b) Copies of price announcements. The importer must keep a copy of each general announcement that is issued internally or to the trade about establishment or change of large cigar sale prices. If the copy does not show the actual date when issued it must be annotated to show this information.
(c) Copies of entry and withdrawal forms. The importer must keep a copy of each customs entry or withdrawal form on which internal revenue tax for large cigars is declared pursuant to § 41.81.
(d) Alternative record. If an importer has so few import transactions and/or brands and sizes of large cigars that retention of an appropriate copy of each entry and withdrawal form required under paragraph (c) of this section will provide an adequate record of sale prices, then the record required under paragraph (a) of this section need not be kept. In such case the entry and withdrawal forms must identify the brands and sizes of cigars covered and show the corresponding quantity and sale price for each. If such information was not originally entered on the form it may be included by annotation. Whenever the appropriate TTB officer finds that alternative records being kept pursuant to this paragraph are inadequate for the intended purpose, he or she may so notify the importer in writing, after which time the importer must keep the record required under paragraph (a) of this section.
§ 41.182 Availability of records.
The records required under § 41.181 shall be kept by the importer at his usual place of business unless otherwise authorized in writing by the appropriate TTB officer, and shall be made available for inspection by the appropriate TTB officer upon his request. (For retention period, see § 41.22.)
§ 41.183 [Reserved]
Subpart K – Tobacco Products Importers
§ 41.190 Persons required to qualify.
Any person who engages in the business as an importer of tobacco products must qualify as an importer of tobacco products in accordance with this part. Any person eligible for an exemption described in § 41.50 is not engaged in the business as an importer of tobacco products. A person importing tobacco products for personal use, in such quantities as may be allowed by Customs without payment of tax, is not required to have an importer’s permit.
§ 41.191 Application for permit.
Every person, before commencing business as an importer of tobacco products, must make application for, and obtain, the permit in accordance with this subpart. The permit application must be made on TTB F 5230.4 in accordance with the instructions for the form. All documents required under this part to be furnished with the permit application must be made a part thereof.
§ 41.192 [Reserved]
§ 41.193 Corporate documents.
Every corporation that files an application for a permit as an importer of tobacco products must furnish with its application for the permit required by § 41.191 a true copy of the corporate charter or a certificate of corporate existence or incorporation executed by the appropriate officer of the State in which incorporated. The corporation must likewise furnish duly authenticated extracts of the stockholders’ meetings, bylaws, or directors’ meetings, listing the offices that, or the officers who, are authorized to sign documents or otherwise act in behalf of the corporation in matters relating to 26 U.S.C. chapter 52 and the regulations issued thereunder. The corporation must also furnish evidence, in duplicate, of the identity of the officers and directors and each person who holds more than ten percent of the stock of the corporation. Where the corporation has previously filed with the appropriate TTB officer any information required by this section and that information is currently complete and accurate, a written statement to that effect, in duplicate, will be sufficient for purposes of this section.
§ 41.194 Articles of partnership or association.
Every partnership or association that files an application for a permit as an importer of tobacco products must furnish with its application for the permit required by § 41.191 a true copy of the articles of partnership or association, if any, or the certificate of partnership or association where required to be filed by any State, county, or municipality. Where a partnership or association has previously filed these documents with the appropriate TTB officer and the documents are currently complete and accurate, a written statement, in duplicate, to that effect by the partnership or association will be sufficient for purposes of this section.
§ 41.195 Trade name certificate.
Every person that files an application for a permit as an importer of tobacco products operating under a trade name must furnish with the application for the permit required by § 41.191 a true copy of the certificate or other document, if any, issued by a State, county, or municipal authority in connection with the transaction of business under the trade name. If no such certificate or other document is issued by the State, county, or municipal authority, a written statement, in duplicate, to that effect by the person will be sufficient for purposes of this section.
§ 41.196 Power of attorney.
If the application for a permit or any report or other document required to be executed under this part is to be signed by an individual as an attorney in fact for any person (including one of the partners for a partnership or one of the members of an association), or if an individual is otherwise to officially represent such person, a power of attorney on TTB F 5000.8 must be furnished to the appropriate TTB officer. A power of attorney is not required for individuals whose authority is furnished with the corporate documents required by § 41.193. A new TTB F 5000.8 does not have to be filed with the appropriate TTB officer if that form previously was submitted to TTB and is still in effect.
§ 41.197 Additional information.
The appropriate TTB officer may require the submission of, and the applicant must furnish, as a part of the application for a permit, such additional information the appropriate TTB officer deems necessary to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a permit under this subpart.
§ 41.198 Investigation of applicant.
Appropriate TTB officers may inquire or investigate to verify the information in connection with an application for a permit. The investigation will ascertain whether the applicant is eligible for a permit. A permit may be denied if the applicant (including, in the case of a corporation, any officer, director, or principal stockholder and, in the case of a partnership, a partner) –
(a) Is, by reason of his business experience, financial standing, or trade connections or by reason of previous or current legal proceedings involving a felony violation of any other provision of Federal criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, not likely to maintain operations in compliance with this chapter;
(b) Has been convicted of a felony violation of any provision of Federal or State criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes; or
(c) Has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application therefor.
§ 41.199 Notice of contemplated disapproval.
If the appropriate TTB officer has reason to believe that the applicant is not entitled to a permit, the appropriate TTB officer will promptly provide to the applicant a notice of the contemplated disapproval of the application and an opportunity for hearing thereon in accordance with part 71 of this chapter. If, after the notice and opportunity for hearing, the appropriate TTB officer finds that the applicant is not entitled to a permit, an order will be prepared stating the findings on which the application is denied.
§ 41.200 Issuance of permit.
If the application for the permit required under this subpart is approved, the appropriate TTB officer will issue the permit on TTB F 5200.24.
§ 41.201 Duration of permit.
(a) Permits with an effective date on or after August 26, 2013. A permit issued under § 41.200 bearing an effective date of August 26, 2013 or later will be valid for a period of five years from the effective date shown on the permit. Provided that a timely application for renewal is filed under § 41.202, the expiring permit will continue in effect until final action is taken by TTB on the application for renewal.
(b) Permits with an effective date prior to August 26, 2013. A person operating as an importer of tobacco products that holds a permit bearing an effective date that is prior to August 26, 2013 and that wishes to continue operations as an importer of tobacco products, must apply for and receive a new permit issued under § 41.200. The person must file the application under § 41.191 within 150 days after August 26, 2013, or within 30 days prior to the expiration date shown on the existing permit form, whichever is later. If a person timely files an application but that application is not complete (that is, the applicant has not submitted information or documentation sufficient for TTB to take action on the permit), and if the applicant has not provided the missing information within one year of a written request for it or within any shorter time period specified in the written request, the permit application will be deemed abandoned and the applicant will be notified in writing that no permit will be issued in response to the incomplete application. Provided that a timely application is filed, the person may continue operations under the existing permit until TTB takes final action on the application for the new permit.
§ 41.202 Renewal of permit.
(a) Permits with an effective date on or after August 26, 2013. A person operating as an importer of tobacco products that holds a permit required under § 41.191 and issued under § 41.200 bearing an effective date of August 26, 2013 or later, and that wishes to continue operations beyond the expiration of the permit, must apply for renewal of the permit within 30 days prior to expiration of the permit, in accordance with the instructions provided with the renewal application form. Permits will be renewed only for those persons that have engaged in the importing of tobacco products under the current permit during the one-year period immediately prior to the date of the application to renew.
(b) Permits with an effective date prior to August 26, 2013. A person may not obtain renewal of a permit bearing an effective date prior to August 26, 2013. A person operating as an importer of tobacco products that holds a permit bearing an effective date prior to August 26, 2013, and that wishes to continue in operations as an importer of tobacco products, must apply for and receive a new permit for issuance under § 41.200 and in accordance with the rules contained in § 41.201(b).
§ 41.203 Retention of permit and supporting documents.
The importer must retain the permit, together with the copy of the application and supporting documents returned with the permit, at the same place where the records required by this subpart are kept. The importer must make the permit and supporting documents available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon request.
§ 41.203a Suspension and revocation of permit.
When the appropriate TTB officer has reason to believe that an importer of tobacco products has not in good faith complied with the provisions of 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, and regulations thereunder, or with any other provision of 26 U.S.C. with intent to defraud, or has violated any condition of the permit, or has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application for the permit, or is, by reason of previous or current legal proceedings involving a felony violation of any other provision of Federal criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, not likely to maintain operations in compliance with 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, or has been convicted of a felony violation of any provision of Federal or State criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, the appropriate TTB officer shall issue an order, stating the facts charged, citing such person to show cause why the permit should not be suspended or revoked. Such citation shall be issued and opportunity for hearing afforded in accordance with part 71 of this chapter, which part is applicable to such proceedings. If, after hearing, the Administrative Law Judge, or on appeal, the Administrator, finds that such person has not shown cause why the permit should not be suspended or revoked, such permit shall be suspended for such period as the appropriate TTB officer deems proper or shall be revoked.
Required Records and Reports
§ 41.204 Records and reports in general.
Every importer of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes must keep records and, when required by this part, submit reports of all tobacco products released from customs custody under the importer’s TTB permit, including information on the release from customs custody, the receipt, and the disposition.
§ 41.205 [Reserved]
Filing and Retention of Records and Reports
§ 41.206 Reports.
(a) General. Importers must file a monthly report on TTB F 5220.6 in accordance with the instructions for the form.
(b) First report. The first monthly report must be submitted by the 15th day of the month following the month in which the permit is issued.
(c) Reports of no activity. Reports with the notation “No Activity” must be made for those months in which no activity occurs.
(d) Concluding report. When a transfer of ownership of the business of an importer of tobacco products described in § 41.224, or when a change in control of a corporation described in § 41.226 occurs, a concluding report with the notation “Concluding Report” must be made for the month or partial month during which the transfer of ownership or change in control becomes effective. A concluding report must also be made for the month or partial month during which an importer concludes operations under the permit.
§ 41.207 [Reserved]
§ 41.208 Maintenance and retention of records and reports.
(a) Maintenance. All records, reports, and other documents required under this part must be maintained separately, chronologically by transaction or reporting date, at the importer’s principal place of business. The appropriate TTB officer may, pursuant to an application by the importer for an approved alternate method or procedure under § 41.26, authorize such documents to be maintained at another business location under the control of the importer, if the conditions of § 41.26 are met and provided that the use of the alternate location does not cause undue inconvenience to TTB when attempting to examine the files and does not delay the timely transmittal of any document required to be submitted to TTB.
(b) Retention. All records and reports and documents or copies of documents supporting these records or reports required by this part to be submitted to TTB or retained by the importer must be retained for not less than three years following the close of the calendar year in which filed or made. Such records, reports, and other documents must be available for inspection by the appropriate TTB officer upon request. Furthermore, the appropriate TTB officer may require these records, reports, and other documents to be kept for an additional period of not more than three years in any case where it is necessary to protect the revenue.
Subpart L – Changes After Original Qualification of Importers
Changes in Name
§ 41.220 Change in individual name.
When there is a change in the name of an individual operating under a permit as an importer of tobacco products, the importer must, within 30 days of the change, submit an application on TTB F 5230.5 for an amended permit.
§ 41.221 Change in trade name.
When there is a change in, or an addition or discontinuance of, a trade name used by an importer of tobacco products in connection with operations authorized by the permit, the importer must, within 30 days of the change, apply for an amended permit on TTB F 5230.5 to reflect such change. The importer must also furnish a true copy of any new trade name certificate or document issued to the business, or a statement in lieu thereof, as required by § 41.195.
§ 41.222 Change in corporate name.
When there is a change in the corporate name of an importer of tobacco products, the importer must, within 30 days of such change, apply for an amended permit on TTB F 5230.5. The importer must also furnish such documents as may be necessary to establish that the corporate name has been changed.
Changes in Ownership or Control
§ 41.223 Fiduciary successor.
If an administrator, executor, receiver, trustee, assignee, or other fiduciary is to take over the business of an importer of tobacco products as a continuing operation, the fiduciary must, before commencing operations, apply for a permit in accordance with § 41.191 and furnish certified copies, in duplicate, of the order of the court or other pertinent documents, showing his or her appointment and qualification as the fiduciary. Where a fiduciary intends only to liquidate the business, qualification as an importer of tobacco products is not required if the fiduciary promptly files with the appropriate TTB officer a written statement to that effect.
§ 41.224 Transfer of ownership.
If a transfer in ownership of the business of an importer of tobacco products (including a change of any member of a partnership or association) is to be made, the importer must give written notice to the appropriate TTB officer, naming the proposed successor and the desired effective date of the transfer. Before commencing operations, the proposed successor must qualify as an importer of tobacco products in accordance with subpart K of this part. The importer must give notice of the transfer, and the proposed successor must apply for the permit, in sufficient time for examination and approval of the application before the desired date of the transfer. The predecessor importer must make a concluding report in accordance with § 41.206 and must surrender the permit with that report. The successor importer must make a first report in accordance with § 41.206.
§ 41.225 Change in officers, directors, or stockholders of a corporation.
Upon election or appointment (excluding successive reelection or reappointment) of any officer or director of a corporation operating as an importer of tobacco products, or upon any occurrence that results in a person acquiring ownership or control of more than ten percent in aggregate of the outstanding stock of such corporation, the importer must, within 30 days of that action, so notify the appropriate TTB officer in writing, giving the identity of the person. In the event that the acquisition of more than 10 percent in aggregate of the outstanding stock of the corporation results in a change of control of the corporation, the provisions of § 41.226 will apply. When there is any change in the authority furnished under § 41.196 for officers to act on behalf of the corporation, the importer must immediately so notify the appropriate TTB officer in writing.
§ 41.226 Change in control of a corporation.
When the issuance, sale, or transfer of the stock of a corporation operating as an importer of tobacco products results in a change in the identity of the principal stockholders exercising actual or legal control of the operations of the corporation, the corporate importer must, within 30 days after the change occurs, apply for a new permit on TTB F 5230.4. If the application is not timely made, the present permit will automatically terminate at the expiration of that 30-day period, and the importer must dispose of all tobacco products on hand in accordance with this part, make a concluding report in accordance with § 41.206, and surrender the permit with that report. If the application for a new permit is timely made, the present permit will continue in effect pending final action with respect to the new application.
Changes in Location or Address
§ 41.227 Change in location.
When an importer of tobacco products intends to relocate its principal business office, the importer must, before commencing operations at the new location, make application on TTB F 5230.5 for, and obtain, an amended permit.
§ 41.228 Change in address.
When any change occurs in the address, but not the location, of the principal business office of an importer of tobacco products as a result of action by local authorities, the importer must, within 30 days of such change, make application on TTB F 5230.5 for an amended permit.
Subpart M – Importation of Processed Tobacco
Qualification Requirements for Importers of Processed Tobacco
§ 41.231 Persons required to qualify.
Except as otherwise provided in § 41.233, every person, before commencing business as an importer of processed tobacco, must apply for, and obtain, either a permit as an importer of processed tobacco or, if the person holds a TTB permit as an importer of tobacco products, an amendment to the existing permit authorizing the importation of processed tobacco under such permit, in accordance with the provisions of this subpart.
§ 41.232 Application for permit or amendment of existing permit.
(a) Application for permit. Any person who intends to engage in the business of importing processed tobacco, and who is not engaged in the business of importing tobacco products, must apply for a permit by completing and submitting TTB F 5230.4 in accordance with the instructions on that form. All documents required under this subpart to be furnished with the application must be included with the application when it is submitted. If the appropriate TTB officer determines that the application is incomplete and, for that reason, does not include sufficient information for TTB to make a decision on the application, and if the applicant has not provided the missing information within one year of a written request for it or within any shorter time period specified in the written request, the application will be deemed abandoned and the applicant will be notified in writing that no permit will be issued in response to the incomplete application. In the case of an application filed in accordance with § 41.233, such notification will constitute the final action on the application and such party will no longer be able to continue as an importer of processed tobacco.
(b) Application for amendment of existing permit. Any person who holds a TTB permit as an importer of tobacco products may also qualify to engage in business as an importer of processed tobacco under the same permit by making application on TTB F 5230.5 for an amended permit and receiving TTB authorization.
§ 41.233 Transitional rule.
(a) Any person who:
(1) On April 1, 2009, had already been engaged in business as an importer of processed tobacco; and
(2) Before June 30, 2009, submits an application for a permit or an amendment of an existing permit, as provided in § 41.232, to engage in such business, may continue to engage in that business pending final action on the application.
(b) Pending final action on the application, all provisions of chapter 52 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall apply to the applicant in the same manner and to the same extent as if the applicant were a holder of a permit as an importer of processed tobacco or an amended permit authorizing the importation of processed tobacco under chapter 52 and this subpart. Upon receipt of an application, the appropriate TTB officer will provide the applicant with a written acknowledgement that may be used for a limited period as confirmation of TTB authorization to engage in such business of an importer of processed tobacco.
§ 41.234 Corporate documents.
Every corporation that files an application for a permit as an importer of processed tobacco must furnish with its application for the permit required by § 41.231 a true copy of the corporate charter or a certificate of corporate existence or incorporation executed by the appropriate officer of the State in which incorporated. The corporation must likewise furnish duly authenticated extracts of the stockholders’ meetings, bylaws, or directors’ meetings, listing the offices the incumbents of which are authorized to sign documents or otherwise act in behalf of the corporation in matters relating to 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, and regulations issued thereunder. The corporation must also furnish evidence, in duplicate, of the identity of the officers and directors and each person who holds more than ten percent of the stock of such corporation. Where any of the information required by this section has previously been filed with the appropriate TTB officer and such information is currently complete and accurate, a written statement to that effect will be sufficient for the purpose of this section.
§ 41.235 Articles of partnership or association.
Every partnership or association that files an application for a permit as an importer of processed tobacco must furnish with its application for the permit required by § 41.231 a true copy of the articles of partnership or association, if any, or certificate of partnership or association where required to be filed by any State, county, or municipality. Where a partnership or association has previously filed such documents with the appropriate TTB officer and such documents are currently complete and accurate, a written statement, in duplicate, to that effect by the partnership or association will be sufficient for the purpose of this section.
§ 41.236 Trade name certificate.
Every person that files an application for a permit as an importer of processed tobacco operating under a trade name must furnish with the application for the permit required by § 41.231 a true copy of the certificate or other document, if any, issued by a State, county, or municipal authority in connection with the transaction of business under such trade name. If no such certificate or other document is so required, a written statement, in duplicate, to that effect by such person will be sufficient for the purpose of this section.
§ 41.237 Additional information.
(a) General. The appropriate TTB officer may require such additional information as deemed necessary to determine whether the applicant is entitled to obtain either a permit as an importer of tobacco products or, if holding a permit as an importer of processed tobacco, an amended permit authorizing the importation of processed tobacco, under this subpart. The applicant must, when required by the appropriate TTB officer, furnish as a part of the application for the permit or authorization such additional information as may be necessary for the appropriate TTB officer to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a permit or an amended permit.
(b) Business premises. Every person that files an application for a permit required by § 41.231 as an importer of processed tobacco must furnish, with its application for the permit, the address to be used as the principal business office where the records and reports required by the subpart must be maintained pursuant to § 41.263. The applicant must also include the location (by physical address or other means if there is no physical address) of any premises used for the storage of processed tobacco imported or received. For permits issued prior to June 21, 2012, the permittee has 180 days from June 21, 2012, to submit the information required under this paragraph.
§ 41.238 Investigation of applicant.
Appropriate TTB officers may inquire or investigate to verify the information in connection with an application for a permit. The investigation will ascertain whether the applicant is eligible for a permit. A permit may be denied if the applicant (including, in the case of a corporation, any officer, director, or principal stockholder and, in the case of a partnership, a partner) –
(a) Is, by reason of his business experience, financial standing, or trade connections or by reason of previous or current legal proceedings involving a felony violation of any other provision of Federal criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, not likely to maintain operations in compliance with this chapter;
(b) Has been convicted of a felony violation of any provision of Federal or State criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes; or
(c) Has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application therefor.
§ 41.239 Notice of contemplated disapproval.
If the appropriate TTB officer has reason to believe that the applicant is not entitled to a permit, the appropriate TTB officer will promptly give to the applicant notice of the contemplated disapproval of the application and opportunity for hearing thereon in accordance with part 71 of this chapter. If, after such notice and opportunity for hearing, the appropriate TTB officer finds that the applicant is not entitled to a permit, an order will be prepared stating the findings on which the application is denied.
§ 41.240 Issuance of permit.
If the application for the permit required under this subpart is approved, the appropriate TTB officer will issue the permit on TTB F 5200.24.
§ 41.241 Duration of permit.
(a) Permits with an effective date on or after August 26, 2013. A permit issued under § 41.240 bearing an effective date of August 26, 2013 or later will be valid for a period of five years from the effective date shown on the permit. Provided a timely application for renewal is filed under § 41.242, the expiring permit will continue in effect until final action is taken by TTB on the application for renewal.
(b) Permits with an effective date prior to August 26, 2013. A person operating as an importer of processed tobacco that holds a permit bearing an effective date that is prior to August 26, 2013 and that wishes to continue operations as an importer of processed tobacco must apply for and receive a new permit issued under § 41.240. The person must file the application under § 41.232 within 150 days after August 26, 2013, or within 30 days prior to the expiration date shown on the existing permit form, whichever is later. If a person timely files an application but that application is not complete (that is, the applicant has not submitted information or documentation sufficient for TTB to take action on the permit), and if the applicant has not provided the missing information within one year of a written request for it or within any shorter time period specified in the written request, the permit application will be deemed abandoned and the applicant will be notified in writing that no permit will be issued in response to the incomplete application. Provided that a timely application is filed, the person may continue operations under the existing permit until TTB takes final action on the application for the new permit.
§ 41.242 Renewal of permit.
(a) Permits with an effective date on or after August 26, 2013. A person operating as an importer of processed tobacco that holds a permit issued under § 41.240 bearing an effective date of August 26, 2013 or later, and that wishes to continue operations beyond the expiration of the permit, must apply for renewal of the permit within 30 days prior to expiration of the permit, in accordance with instructions provided with the renewal application form. Permits will be renewed only for those persons that have engaged in the importing of processed tobacco under the current permit during the one year period immediately prior to the date of the application to renew.
(b) Permits with an effective date prior to August 26, 2013. A person may not obtain renewal of a permit bearing an effective date prior to August 26, 2013. A person operating as an importer of processed tobacco that holds a permit bearing an effective date prior to August 26, 2013, and that wishes to continue in operations as an importer of processed tobacco, must apply for and receive a new permit for issuance under § 41.240 and in accordance with the rules contained in § 41.241(b).
§ 41.243 Retention of permit and supporting documents.
The importer of processed tobacco must retain the permit, together with the copy of the application and supporting documents returned with the permit, at the same place where the records required by this subpart are kept. The permit and supporting documents must be made available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon request.
Changes After Original Qualification
§ 41.251 Change in name.
(a) Change in individual name. When there is a change in the name of an individual operating under a permit as an importer of processed tobacco, the importer must, within 30 days of such change, make application on TTB F 5230.5 for an amended permit.
(b) Change in trade name. When there is a change in a trade name used by an importer of processed tobacco in connection with operations authorized by the permit, the importer must, within 30 days of such change, make application on TTB F 5230.5 for an amended permit to reflect such change. This requirement also applies to the addition or discontinuance of a trade name. The importer must also furnish a true copy of any new trade name certificate or document issued to the importer, or statement in lieu thereof, required by § 41.236.
(c) Change in corporate name. When there is a change in the corporate name of an importer of processed tobacco, the importer must, within 30 days of such change, make application on TTB F 5230.5 for an amended permit. The importer must also furnish such documents as may be necessary to establish that the corporate name has been changed.
§ 41.252 Change in ownership or control.
(a) Fiduciary successor. If an administrator, executor, receiver, trustee, assignee, or other fiduciary is to take over the business of an importer of processed tobacco as a continuing operation, such fiduciary shall, before commencing operations, make application for permit in accordance with § 41.232, furnish certified copies, in duplicate, of the order of the court, or other pertinent documents, showing his appointment and qualification as such fiduciary. However, where a fiduciary intends only to liquidate the business, qualification as an importer of processed tobacco will not be required if he promptly files with the appropriate TTB officer a written statement to that effect.
(b) Transfer of ownership. If a transfer in ownership of the business of an importer of processed tobacco (including a change of any member of a partnership or association) is to be made, such importer shall give notice, in writing, to the appropriate TTB officer, naming the proposed successor and the desired effective date of the transfer. The proposed successor must, before commencing operations, qualify as an importer of processed tobacco in accordance with this subpart. The importer must give notice of the transfer, and the proposed successor must make application for permit, in ample time for examination and approval thereof before the desired date of such change. The predecessor must make a concluding report, in accordance with § 41.262, and surrender the permit with the report. The successor must make a first report, in accordance with § 41.262.
(c) Change in officers, directors, or stockholders of a corporation. Upon election or appointment (excluding successive reelection or reappointment) of any officer or director of a corporation operating as an importer of processed tobacco, or upon any occurrence that results in a person acquiring ownership or control of more than ten percent in aggregate of the outstanding stock of such corporation, the importer shall, within 30 days of such action, so notify the appropriate TTB officer in writing, giving the identity of such person. When there is any change in the authority furnished under § 41.271 for officers to act on behalf of the corporation, the importer must immediately so notify the appropriate TTB officer in writing.
(d) Change in control of corporation. When the issuance, sale, or transfer of the stock of a corporation operating as an importer of processed tobacco results in a change in the identity of the principal stockholders exercising actual or legal control of the operations of the corporation, the corporate manufacturer must, within 30 days after the change occurs, make application on TTB F 5230.4 for a new permit. Otherwise, the present permit shall be automatically terminated at the expiration of such 30-day period, and the importer must make a concluding report, in accordance with § 41.262, and surrender the permit with the report. If the application for a new permit is timely made, the present permit will continue in effect pending final action with respect to such application.
§ 41.253 Change in location or address.
Whenever an importer of processed tobacco intends to relocate the principal business office, the importer must, before commencing operations at the new location, make application on TTB F 5230.5, and obtain an amended permit. Whenever any change occurs in the address, but not the location, of the principal business office of an importer of processed tobacco, as a result of action of local authorities, the importer must, within 30 days of such change, make application on TTB F 5230.5 for an amended permit. Whenever the importer wishes to change the location of the premises used for the storage of processed tobacco imported or received by the importer to an extent that would be inconsistent with the location information submitted with the importer’s last permit application, the importer must apply for, and obtain, an amended permit before such a change in premises takes place.
Operations of Importers of Processed Tobacco
§ 41.261 Records.
(a) Any person who imports, or who knowingly causes to be imported, processed tobacco must make and keep records of operations and transactions. A person purchasing processed tobacco from the importer in a domestic transaction and who does not knowingly cause the processed tobacco to be imported is not required to make and keep records unless the terms and conditions of the importation are controlled by the person placing the order with the importer (for example, the importer is not an independent contractor but the agent of the person placing the order). Records maintained must reflect the date and quantity of processed tobacco:
(1) Imported;
(2) Received otherwise than through importation, together with the name and address of the person from whom it was received;
(3) Returned to customs custody or exported;
(4) Transferred or sold to a person who holds a TTB permit as an importer or manufacturer of tobacco products or of processed tobacco or as an export warehouse proprietor;
(5) Except in the case of returns to customs custody or exportations, transferred or sold to a person who does not hold a TTB permit as an importer or manufacturer of tobacco products or of processed tobacco or as an export warehouse proprietor; and
(6) Lost or destroyed; and
(7) Transferred between buildings that are covered under the same permit but that are not located in the same city, town, village, or State.
(b) The records of any importer who transfers or sells processed tobacco to a person who does not hold a TTB permit as an importer or manufacturer of tobacco products or of processed tobacco or as an export warehouse proprietor must include dated, commercial records that show the following information about each removal:
(1) The full name and business address (including city and State) of the purchaser (if there is a purchaser) or the full name and business address of the recipient (if there is no purchaser), or personal address if the purchaser or recipient is not a business;
(2) The full name, business address (including city and State), and driver’s license number of the person picking up the processed tobacco for delivery;
(3) The license number of the vehicle in which the processed tobacco is picked up for delivery to purchaser or transferee;
(4) The street address of the destination of the processed tobacco;
(5) The quantity of processed tobacco in the shipment.
(c) The entries in the records required under this section must be made for each day by the close of the business day following the day on which the transfer or sale occurs. There is no particular format prescribed for the records required under this section (and commercial records may be used), although the required information must be readily ascertainable from the records kept. In the case of a removal under paragraph (a)(5) of this section that involves shipment by a common carrier, the appropriate TTB officer may approve an alternate method or procedure pursuant to § 41.26 of this part through which the importer may keep records regarding the common carrier and its means of tracking (including pick up and delivery) of the shipment in lieu of the information required by paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section. No records are required to be kept under this part regarding processed tobacco within customs custody, although this will not preclude TTB review of records related to such processed tobacco as may be appropriate for purposes of the enforcement of the provisions of this part.
§ 41.262 Reports.
(a) General. Every importer of processed tobacco must prepare a monthly report on TTB F 5220.6 in accordance with the instructions for the form. The report must be prepared at the times specified in this section and must be prepared whether or not any operations or transactions occurred during the period covered by the report. The importer must retain a copy of each report in accordance with the provisions of this subpart. The importer need not include in the reports under this part information regarding processed tobacco that is in customs custody.
(b) First report(s). The first monthly report must be submitted by the 15th day of the month following the month in which the permit is issued. If the importer is operating as an importer of processed tobacco under the transitional rule in accordance with § 41.233, the importer must submit the first report by the 15th day of the month following the month in which TTB provides written acknowledgement of the receipt of the application filed under § 41.232.
(c) Reports of no activity. Reports with the notation “No Activity” must be made for those months in which no activity occurs.
(d) Reports of sales and transfers. (1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, an importer that exports processed tobacco or transfers or sells processed tobacco to someone other than a person holding a permit as an importer or manufacturer of processed tobacco or tobacco products or as an export warehouse proprietor must report each such exportation, sale, or transfer on TTB F 5250.2 by the close of the next business day following the day of exportation, sale, or transfer, in accordance with the instructions on the form.
(2) In the case of removals for export, as an alternative to the procedure prescribed in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the importer may submit to TTB monthly summary reports of such removals in a format approved by the appropriate TTB officer. Prior to the use of such an alternate procedure, the importer must obtain written approval from the appropriate TTB officer.
(3) An importer that ships or transfers processed tobacco for scientific testing or testing of equipment which results in the destruction of the processed tobacco or the return of the processed tobacco is not required to report such shipment or transfer on TTB F 5250.2.
(e) Concluding report. When a transfer of ownership of the business of an importer of processed tobacco described in § 41.252(b) occurs, or when a change in control of a corporation described in § 41.252(d) occurs, a concluding report with the notation “Concluding Report” must be made for the month or partial month during which the transfer of ownership or change in control becomes effective. A concluding report must also be made for the month or partial month during which an importer concludes operations under the permit or authorization.
§ 41.263 Maintenance of records and reports.
All records and reports required by this subpart must be maintained separately, chronologically by transaction or reporting date, at the importer’s principal place of business. The appropriate TTB officer may, pursuant to a written request, authorize files, or an individual file, to be maintained at another business location under the control of the importer, provided that the alternative location does not cause undue inconvenience to TTB when attempting to examine the files and does not delay the timely transmittal of any documents required to be submitted to TTB.
§ 41.264 Inventories.
Every importer of processed tobacco must provide a true and accurate inventory of any processed tobacco stored on premises designated pursuant to § 41.237. The importer must make such an inventory at the time of commencing business, at the time of transferring ownership, at the time of changing the location of facilities in which processed tobacco is stored, at the time of concluding business, and at such other time as the appropriate TTB officer may require. A specific format is not prescribed. For permits issued prior to June 21, 2012, the permittee has 180 days from June 21, 2012, to make an inventory as required under this paragraph.
§ 41.265 Processed tobacco importation process.
(a) General. In the case of processed tobacco imported into the United States, the importer, if filing electronically, must file with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) the information specified in paragraph (b) of this section at the time of filing the entry or entry summary, as appropriate, along with any other information that is required by CBP to be filed as part of the entry or entry summary for CBP purposes. If the information required by this section is required by, and filed with, CBP for purposes of meeting CBP requirements, such filing will also satisfy the requirements of this section. Regardless of the method of filing, the importer must retain as a record the information required by this section, any information required as part of the entry or entry summary by CBP for CBP purposes, and any supporting documentation, and must make such records available upon request by the appropriate TTB officer or a customs officer.
(b) Information required. The following information is required, as described in paragraph (a) of this section:
(1) The number of the importer’s permit issued under subpart K or M of this part;
(2) The employer identification number (EIN) assigned to the importer by the Internal Revenue Service and provided to TTB by the importer on its permit application to TTB on TTB Form 5230.4;
(3) The name and address of the ultimate consignee;
(4) A description of the product as “processed tobacco” for Internal Revenue Code purposes; and
(5) The quantity of processed tobacco.
Other Provisions Applicable to Importers of Processed Tobacco
§ 41.271 Power of attorney.
If the application for a permit or authorization or any report or other document required to be executed under this subpart is to be signed by an individual (including one of the partners for a partnership or one of the members of an association) as an attorney in fact for any person, or if an individual is otherwise to officially represent such person, power of attorney on TTB F 5000.8 shall be furnished to the appropriate TTB officer. Such power of attorney is not required for persons whose authority is furnished with the corporate documents as required by § 41.234. Form 5000.8 does not have to be filed again with an appropriate TTB officer where such form has previously been submitted to TTB and is still in effect.
§ 41.272 Cross reference.
For other applicable provisions pertaining to forms prescribed, retention of records, interference with administration, alternate methods or procedures, emergency variations from requirements, penalties and forfeitures, and delegations of the Administrator, see subpart C of this part.
§ 41.273 Suspension and revocation of permit.
Where the appropriate TTB officer has reason to believe that an importer of processed tobacco has not in good faith complied with the provisions of 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, and regulations thereunder, or with any other provision of 26 U.S.C. with intent to defraud, or has violated any condition of his permit, or has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application for the permit, or is, by reason of previous or current legal proceedings involving a felony violation of any other provision of Federal criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, not likely to maintain operations in compliance with 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, or has been convicted of a felony violation of any provision of Federal or State criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, the appropriate TTB officer shall issue an order, stating the facts charged, citing such person to show cause why his permit should not be suspended or revoked. Such citation shall be issued and opportunity for hearing afforded in accordance with part 71 of this chapter, which part is applicable to such proceedings. If, after hearing, the hearing examiner, or on appeal, the Administrator, finds that such person has not shown cause why his permit should not be suspended or revoked, such permit shall be suspended for such period as the appropriate TTB officer deems proper or shall be revoked.
PART 44 – EXPORTATION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND CIGARETTE PAPERS AND TUBES, WITHOUT PAYMENT OF TAX, OR WITH DRAWBACK OF TAX
Subpart A – Scope of Regulations
§ 44.1 Exportation of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes, without payment of tax, or with drawback of tax.
This part contains the regulations relating to the exportation (including supplies for vessels and aircraft) of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, without payment of tax; the qualification of, and operations by, export warehouse proprietors; and the allowance of drawback of tax paid on tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes exported.
§ 44.2 Forms prescribed.
(a) The appropriate TTB officer is authorized to prescribe all forms required by this part. All of the information called for in each form shall be furnished as indicated by the headings on the form and the instructions on or pertaining to the form. In addition, information called for in each form shall be furnished as required by this part. The form will be filed in accordance with the instructions for the form.
(b) Forms prescribed by this part are available for printing through the TTB Web site (http://www.ttb.gov) or by mailing a request to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 1516, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
§ 44.3 Delegations of the Administrator.
Most of the regulatory authorities of the Administrator contained in this part are delegated to appropriate TTB officers. These TTB officers are specified in TTB Order 1135.44, Delegation of the Administrator’s Authorities in 27 CFR Part 44, Exportation of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes, Without Payment of Tax, or With Drawback of Tax. You may obtain a copy of this order by accessing the TTB Web site (http://www.ttb.gov) or by mailing a request to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 1516, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Subpart B – Definitions
§ 44.11 Meaning of terms.
When used in this part and in forms prescribed under this part, the following terms shall have the meanings given in this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Words in the plural form shall include the singular, and vice versa, and words indicating the masculine gender shall include the feminine. The terms “includes” and “including” do not exclude things not listed which are in the same general class.
Administrator. The Administrator, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC.
Appropriate TTB officer. An officer or employee of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) authorized to perform any functions relating to the administration or enforcement of this part by TTB Order 1135.44, Delegation of the Administrator’s Authorities in 27 CFR Part 44, Exportation of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes, Without Payment of Tax, or With Drawback of Tax.
Chewing tobacco. Any leaf tobacco that is not intended to be smoked.
Cigar. Any roll of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco or in any substance containing tobacco (other than any roll of tobacco which is a cigarette within the definition of “cigarette” given in this section).
Cigarette. (a) Any roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in any substance not containing tobacco, and
(b) Any roll of tobacco wrapped in any substance containing tobacco which, because of its appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler, or its packaging and labeling, is likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as a cigarette described in paragraph (a) of this definition.
Cigarette paper. Paper, or other material except tobacco, prepared for use as a cigarette wrapper.
Cigarette tube. Cigarette paper made into a hollow cylinder for use in making cigarettes.
Customs warehouse. A customs bonded manufacturing warehouse, class 6, where cigars are manufactured of imported tobacco.
District director of customs. The district director of customs at a headquarters port of the district (except the district of New York, N.Y.); the area directors of customs in the district of New York, N.Y.; and the port director at a port not designated as a headquarters port.
Exportation or export. A severance of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes from the mass of things belonging to the United States with the intention of uniting them to the mass of things belonging to some foreign country. For the purposes of this part, shipment from the United States to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, shall be deemed exportation, as will the clearance from the United States of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes for consumption beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States, i.e., beyond the 3-mile limit or international boundary, as the case may be.
Export warehouse. A bonded internal revenue warehouse for the storage of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes or any processed tobacco, upon which the internal revenue tax has not been paid, for subsequent shipment to a foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, or for consumption beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States.
Export warehouse proprietor. Any person who operates an export warehouse.
Factory. The premises of a manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes in which he carries on such business.
Foreign-trade zone. A foreign-trade zone established and operated pursuant to the Act of June 18, 1934, as amended.
In bond. The status of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, which come within the coverage of a bond securing the payment of internal revenue taxes imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5701 or 7652, and in respect to which such taxes have not been determined as provided by regulations in this chapter, including (a) such articles in a factory or an export warehouse, (b) such articles removed, transferred, or released, pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 5704, and with respect to which relief from the tax liability has not occurred, and (c) such articles on which the tax has been determined, or with respect to which relief from the tax liability has occurred, which have been returned to the coverage of a bond.
Manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes. Any person who manufactures cigarette paper, or makes up cigarette paper into tubes, except for his own personal use or consumption.
Manufacturer of tobacco products. (1) Any person who manufactures cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, or roll-your-own tobacco, other than:
(i) A person who produces tobacco products solely for that person’s own consumption or use; or
(ii) A proprietor of a customs bonded manufacturing warehouse with respect to the operation of such warehouse.
(2) The term “Manufacturer of tobacco products” includes any person who for commercial purposes makes available for consumer use (including such consumer’s personal consumption or use under paragraph (1)(i) of this definition) a machine capable of making cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products. A person making such a machine available for consumer use shall be deemed the person making the removal with respect to any tobacco products manufactured by such machine. A person who sells a machine directly to a consumer at retail for a consumer’s personal home use is not making a machine available for commercial purposes if such machine is not used at a retail premises and is designed to produce tobacco products only in personal use quantities.
Package. The immediate container in which tobacco products, processed tobacco, or cigarette papers or tubes are put up by the manufacturer and offered for sale or delivery to the ultimate consumer. For purposes of this definition, a container of processed tobacco, the contents of which weigh 10 pounds or less (including any added non-tobacco ingredients or constituents), that is removed within the meaning of this part, is deemed to be a package offered for sale or delivery to the ultimate consumer.
Person. An individual, partnership, association, company, corporation, estate, or trust.
Pipe tobacco. Any tobacco which, because of its appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco to be smoked in a pipe.
Processed tobacco. Processed tobacco is any tobacco that has undergone processing, but does not include tobacco products. For purposes of this definition, the processing of tobacco does not include the farming or growing of tobacco or the handling of tobacco solely for sale, shipment, or delivery to a manufacturer of tobacco products or processed tobacco, nor does the processing of tobacco include curing, baling, or packaging activities. For purposes of this definition, the processing of tobacco includes, but is not limited to, stemming (that is, removing the stem from the tobacco leaf), fermenting, threshing, cutting, or flavoring the tobacco, or otherwise combining the tobacco with non-tobacco ingredients.
Removal or remove. The removal of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes from either the factory or the export warehouse covered by the bond of the manufacturer or proprietor.
Roll-your-own tobacco. Any tobacco which, because of its appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco for making cigarettes or cigars, or for use as wrappers thereof.
Sale price. The price for which large cigars are sold by the manufacturer, determined in accordance with §§ 40.22 or 41.39.
Smokeless tobacco. Any snuff or chewing tobacco.
Snuff. Any finely cut, ground, or powdered tobacco that is not intended to be smoked.
Special tax. The special (occupational) tax on manufacturers of tobacco products, manufacturers of cigarette papers and tubes, and export warehouse proprietors, imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5731.
State. “State” shall, for the purposes of this part, be construed to include the District of Columbia.
Tobacco products. Cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco.
United States. “United States” when used in a geographical sense shall include only the States and the District of Columbia.
U.S.C. The United States Code.
Zone operator. The person to whom the privilege of establishing, operating, and maintaining a foreign-trade zone has been granted by the Foreign-Trade Zones Board created by the Act of June 18, 1934, as amended.
Zone restricted status. The status assigned to tobacco products and cigarette papers and cigarette tubes taken into a foreign trade zone from the customs territory of the United States for the sole purpose of exportation or storage until exported.
Subpart Ba – Special (Occupational) Taxes
§ 44.31 Liability for special tax.
(a) Export warehouse proprietor. Every export warehouse proprietor shall pay a special (occupational) tax at a rate specified by § 44.32. The tax shall be paid on or before the date of commencing the business of an export warehouseman, and thereafter every year on or before July 1. On commencing business, the tax shall be computed from the first day of the month in which liability is incurred, through the following June 30. Thereafter, the tax shall be computed for the entire year (July 1 through June 30).
(b) [Reserved]
(c) Each place of business taxable. An export warehouse proprietor under this part incurs special tax liability at each place of business in which an occupation subject to special tax is conducted. A place of business means the entire office, plant or area of the business in any one location under the same proprietorship. Passageways, streets, highways, rail crossings, waterways, or partitions dividing the premises are not sufficient separation to require additional special tax, if the divisions of the premises are otherwise contiguous.
(d) Payment of tax. Special tax must be paid by return. The prescribed return is TTB Form 5630.5t, Special Tax Registration and Return – Tobacco. Special tax returns, with payment of tax, must be filed with TTB in accordance with the instructions on the form and the requirements of subpart D of part 46 of this chapter.
§ 44.32 Rate of special tax.
(a) General. Title 26 U.S.C. 5731(a)(3) imposes a special tax of $1,000 per year on every export warehouse proprietor.
(b) Reduced rate for small proprietors. Title 26 U.S.C. 5731(b) provides for a reduced rate of $500 per year with respect to any export warehouse proprietor whose gross receipts (for the most recent taxable year ending before the first day of the taxable period to which the special tax imposed by § 44.31 relates) are less than $500,000. The “taxable year” to be used for determining gross receipts is the taxpayer’s income tax year. All gross receipts of the taxpayer shall be included, not just the gross receipts of the business subject to special tax. Proprietors of new businesses that have not yet begun a taxable year, as well as proprietors of existing businesses that have not yet ended a taxable year, who commence a new activity subject to special tax, qualify for the reduced special (occupational) tax rate, unless the business is a member of a “controlled group”; in that case, the rules of paragraph (c) of this section shall apply.
(c) Controlled group. All persons treated as one taxpayer under 26 U.S.C. 5061(e)(3) shall be treated as one taxpayer for the purpose of determining gross receipts under paragraph (b) of this section. “Controlled group” means a controlled group of corporations, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 1563 and implementing regulations in 26 CFR 1.1563-1 through 1.1563-4, except that the words “at least 80 percent” shall be replaced by the words “more than 50 percent” in each place they appear in subsection (a) of 26 U.S.C. 1563, as well as in the implementing regulations. Also, the rules for a “controlled group of corporations” apply in a similar fashion to groups which include partnerships and/or sole proprietorships. If one entity maintains more than 50% control over a group consisting of corporations and one, or more, partnerships and/or sole proprietorships, all of the members of the controlled group are one taxpayer for the purpose of this section.
(d) Short taxable year. Gross receipts for any taxable year of less than 12 months shall be annualized by multiplying the gross receipts for the short period by 12 and dividing the result by the number of months in the short period as required by 26 U.S.C. 448(c)(3).
(e) Returns and allowances. Gross receipts for any taxable year shall be reduced by returns and allowances made during such year under 26 U.S.C. 448(c)(3).
§ 44.33 Cross reference.
For additional rules pertaining to liability for special (occupational) tax, filing special tax returns, issuance and examination of special tax stamps, and notification of changes to special tax stamps, see subpart D of part 46 of this chapter.
§§ 44.34-44.36 [Reserved]
Subpart C – General
(a) Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes may be removed from a factory or from an export warehouse, and cigars may be withdrawn from a customs bonded warehouse, without payment of tax for direct exportation or for delivery for subsequent exportation, in accordance with the provisions of this part.
(b) Tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes are eligible for removal or transfer in bond under this part only if they bear the marks, labels, and notices required by this part.
§ 44.61a Deliveries to foreign-trade zones – export status.
Tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes may be removed from a factory or an export warehouse and cigars may be withdrawn from a customs warehouse, without payment of tax, for delivery to a foreign-trade zone for exportation or storage pending exportation in accordance with the provisions of this part. Such articles delivered to a foreign-trade zone under this part shall be considered exported for the purpose of the statutes and bonds under which removed and for the purposes of the internal revenue laws generally and the regulations thereunder. However, export status is not acquired until an application for admission of the articles into the zone with zone restricted status has been approved by the district director of customs pursuant to the appropriate provisions of 19 CFR chapter I and the required certificate of receipt of the articles in the zone has been made on Form 5200.14 as prescribed in this part.
§ 44.62 Restrictions on deliveries of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes to vessels and aircraft, as supplies.
Tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes may be removed from a factory or an export warehouse and cigars may be withdrawn from a customs warehouse, without payment of tax, for delivery to vessels and aircraft, as supplies, for consumption beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States, subject to the applicable provisions of this part. Deliveries may be made to vessels actually engaged in foreign, intercoastal, or noncontiguous territory trade (i.e., vessels operating on a regular schedule in trade or actually transporting passengers and/or cargo (a) between a port in the United States and a foreign port; (b) between the Atlantic and Pacific ports of the United States; or (c) between a port on the mainland of the United States and a port in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States; between a port in Alaska and a port in Hawaii; or between a port in Alaska or Hawaii and a port in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States); to vessels clearing through customs for a port beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States; to vessels of war or other governmental activity; or to vessels of the United States documented to engage in the fishing business (including the whaling business), and foreign fishing (including whaling) vessels of 5 net tons or over. Such deliveries to vessels shall be subject to lading under customs supervision as provided in §§ 44.207 and 44.263. As a condition to the lading of the tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes, the customs authorities at the port of lading may, if they deem it necessary in order to protect the revenue, require assurances, satisfactory to them, from the master of the receiving vessel that the quantities to be laden are reasonable, considering the number of persons to be carried, the vessel’s itinerary, the duration of its intended voyage, etc., and that such articles are to be used exclusively as supplies on the voyage. For this purpose, the customs authorities may require the master of the receiving vessel to submit, prior to lading, customs documentation for permission to lade the articles. Where the customs authorities allow only a portion of a shipment to be laden, the remainder of the shipment shall be returned to the bonded premises of the manufacturer, export warehouse proprietor, or customs warehouse proprietor making the shipment, or otherwise disposed of as approved by the appropriate TTB officer. Deliveries may be made to aircraft that are clearing through customs and that are enroute to a place beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States, and to aircraft operating on a regular schedule between U.S. customs areas as defined in the Air Commerce Regulations (19 CFR part 122). Deliveries may not be made to a vessel or aircraft stationed in the United States for an indefinite period and where its schedule does not include operations outside such jurisdiction.
§ 44.63 Restrictions on disposal of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes on vessels and aircraft.
Tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes delivered to a vessel or aircraft, without payment of tax, pursuant to § 44.62, shall not be sold, offered for sale, or otherwise disposed of until the vessel or aircraft is outside the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States, i.e., outside the 3-mile limit or international boundary, as the case may be, of the United States. Where the vessel or aircraft returns within the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws with such articles on board, the articles shall be subject to treatment under the tariff laws of the United States.
§ 44.64 Responsibility for delivery or exportation of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes.
Responsibility for compliance with the provisions of this part with respect to the removal under bond of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes, without payment of tax, for export, and for the proper delivery or exportation of such articles, and with respect to the exportation of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes with benefit of drawback of tax, shall rest upon the manufacturer of such articles or the proprietor of an export warehouse or customs warehouse from whose premises such articles are removed for export, and upon the exporter who exports tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes with benefit of drawback of tax.
§ 44.65 Liability for tax on tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes.
The manufacturer of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes shall be liable for the taxes imposed thereon by 26 U.S.C. 5701: Provided, That when tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes are transferred, without payment of tax, pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 5704, between the bonded premises of manufacturers and/or export warehouse proprietors, the transferee shall become liable for the tax upon receipt by him of such articles. Any person who possesses tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes in violation of 26 U.S.C. 5751(a)(1) or (2), shall be liable for a tax equal to the tax on such articles.
§ 44.66 Relief from liability for tax.
A manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes or an export warehouse proprietor is relieved of the liability for tax on tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes upon providing evidence satisfactory to the appropriate TTB officer of exportation or proper delivery. The evidence must comply with this part. Such evidence shall be furnished within 90 days of the date of removal of the tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes: Provided, That this period may be extended for good cause shown.
§ 44.67 Payment of tax.
(a) General. The taxes on tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes with respect to which the evidence described in § 44.66 is not timely furnished shall become immediately due and payable. The taxes shall be paid to TTB, with sufficient information to identify the taxpayer, the nature and purpose of the payment, and the articles covered by the payment. (TTB Form 5000.24 may be used for this purpose.)
(b) Large cigars. The amount of tax liability on large cigars shall be based on the maximum tax rate prescribed in § 40.21 of this part, unless the person liable for the tax establishes that a lower tax rate is applicable.
§ 44.68 [Reserved]
§ 44.69 Assessment.
Whenever any person required by law to pay tax on tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes fails to pay such tax, the tax shall be ascertained and assessed against such person, subject to the limitations prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 6501. The tax so assessed shall be in addition to the penalties imposed by law for failure to pay such tax when required. Except in cases where delay may jeopardize collection of the tax, or where the amount is nominal or the result of an evident mathematical error, no such assessment shall be made until and after notice has been afforded such person to show cause against assessment. The person will be allowed 45 days from the date of such notice to show cause, in writing, against such assessment.
§ 44.70 Authority of appropriate TTB officers to enter premises.
Any appropriate TTB officer may enter in the daytime any premises where tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes are produced or kept, so far as it may be necessary for the purpose of examining such articles. When such premises are open at night, any appropriate TTB officer may enter them, while so open, in the performance of his official duties. The owner of such premises, or person having the superintendence of the same, who refuses to admit any appropriate TTB officer or permit him to examine such articles shall be liable to the penalties prescribed by law for the offense.
§ 44.71 Interference with administration.
Whoever, corruptly or by force or threats of force, endeavors to hinder or obstruct the administration of this part, or endeavors to intimidate or impede any appropriate TTB officer acting in his official capacity, or forcibly rescues or attempts to rescue or causes to be rescued any property, after it has been duly seized for forfeiture to the United States in connection with a violation of the internal revenue laws, shall be liable to the penalties prescribed by law.
Variations From Requirements
§ 44.72 Alternate methods or procedures.
A manufacturer of tobacco products, an export warehouse proprietor, or a customs warehouse proprietor, on specific approval by the appropriate TTB officer as provided in this section, may use an alternate method or procedure in lieu of a method or procedure specifically prescribed in this part. The appropriate TTB officer may approve an alternate method or procedure, subject to stated conditions, when he finds that –
(a) Good cause has been shown for the use of the alternate method or procedure.
(b) The alternate method or procedure is within the purpose of, and consistent with the effect intended by, the specifically prescribed method or procedure, and affords equivalent security to the revenue, and
(c) The alternate method or procedure will not be contrary to any provision of law, and will not result in an increase in cost to the Government or hinder the effective administration of this part. No alternate method or procedure relating to the giving of any bond or to the assessment, payment, or collection of tax, shall be authorized under this section. Where a manufacturer or proprietor desires to employ an alternate method or procedure, he shall submit a written application to the appropriate TTB officer. The application shall specifically describe the proposed alternate method or procedure, and shall set forth the reasons therefor. Alternate methods or procedures shall not be employed until the application has been approved by the appropriate TTB officer. The manufacturer or proprietor shall, during the period of authorization of an alternate method or procedure, comply with the terms of the approved application. Authorization for any alternate method or procedure may be withdrawn whenever in the judgment of the appropriate TTB officer the revenue is jeopardized or the effective administration of this part is hindered. The manufacturer or proprietor shall retain, as part of his records, any authorization of the appropriate TTB officer under this section.
§ 44.73 Emergency variations from requirements.
The appropriate TTB officer may approve methods of operation other than as specified in this part, where he finds that an emergency exists and the proposed variations from the specified requirements are necessary, and the proposed variations –
(a) Will afford the security and protection to the revenue intended by the prescribed specifications,
(b) Will not hinder the effective administration of this part, and
(c) Will not be contrary to any provision of law. Variations from requirements granted under this section are conditioned on compliance with the procedures, conditions, and limitations set forth in the approval of the application. Failure to comply in good faith with such procedures, conditions, and limitations shall automatically terminate the authority for such variations and the manufacturer, export warehouse proprietor, or customs warehouse proprietor, thereupon shall fully comply with the prescribed requirements of regulations from which the variations were authorized. Authority for any variations may be withdrawn whenever in the judgment of the appropriate TTB officer the revenue is jeopardized or the effective administration of this part is hindered by the continuation of such variation. Where a manufacturer or proprietor desires to employ such variation, he shall submit a written application to the appropriate TTB officer. The application shall describe the proposed variations and set forth the reasons therefor. Variations shall not be employed until the application has been approved. The manufacturer or proprietor shall retain, as part of his records, any authorization of the appropriate TTB officer under this section.
Subpart D – Qualification Requirements for Export Warehouse Proprietors
§ 44.81 Persons required to qualify.
Every person who intends to engage in business as an export warehouse proprietor, as defined in this part, shall qualify as such in accordance with the provisions of this part.
§ 44.82 Application for permit.
Every person, before commencing business as an export warehouse proprietor, must apply on TTB Form 2093 (5200.3) and obtain the permit provided for in § 44.93. All documents required under this part to be furnished with such application shall be made a part thereof.
§ 44.83 Corporate documents.
Every corporation, before commencing business as an export warehouse proprietor, shall furnish with its application for permit required by § 44.82, a true copy of the corporate charter or a certificate of corporate existence or incorporation, executed by the appropriate officer of the State in which incorporated. The corporation shall also furnish, in duplicate, evidence which will establish the authority of the officer or other person who executes the application for permit to execute the same; the authority of persons to sign other documents, required by this part, for the corporation; and the identity of the officers and directors, and each person who holds more than ten percent of the stock of such corporation. Where a corporation has previously filed such documents or evidence with the appropriate TTB officer, a written statement by the corporation, in duplicate, to that effect will be sufficient for the purpose of this section.
§ 44.84 Articles of partnership or association.
Every partnership or association, before commencing business as an export warehouse proprietor, shall furnish with its application for permit, required by § 44.82 a true copy of the articles of partnership or association, if any, or certificate of partnership or association where required to be filed by any State, county, or municipality. Where a partnership or association has previously filed such documents with the appropriate TTB officer, a written statement by the partnership or association, in duplicate, to that effect will be sufficient for the purpose of this section.
§ 44.85 Trade name certificate.
Every person, before commencing business under a trade name as an export warehouse proprietor, shall furnish with his application for permit, required by § 44.82, a true copy of the certificate or other document, if any, issued by a State, county, or municipal authority in connection with the transaction of business under such trade name. If no such certificate or other document is so required a written statement, in duplicate, to that effect by such person will be sufficient for the purpose of this section.
§ 44.86 Bond.
Every person, before commencing business as an export warehouse proprietor, shall file, in connection with his application for permit, a bond, Form 2103 (5220.5), in accordance with the applicable provisions of § 44.88 and subpart F, conditioned upon compliance with the provisions of chapter 52, I.R.C., and regulations thereunder, including, but not limited to, the timely payment of taxes imposed by such chapter and penalties and interest in connection therewith for which he may become liable to the United States.
§ 44.87 Power of attorney.
If the application for permit or other qualifying documents are signed by an attorney in fact for an individual, partnership, association, company, or corporation, or by one of the partners for a partnership, or by an officer of an association or company, or, in the case of a corporation, by an officer or other person not authorized to sign by the corporate documents described in § 44.83, power of attorney conferring authority upon the person signing the documents shall be manifested on Form 5000.8 in accordance with its instructions.
§ 44.88 Description and diagram of premises.
The premises to be used by an export warehouse proprietor as his warehouse shall be described, in the application for permit required by § 44.82, and bond required by § 44.86, by number, street, and city, town, or village, and State. Such premises may consist of more than one building, which need not be contiguous: Provided, That such premises are located in the same city, town, or village and each located is described in the application for permit and the bond by number and street. Where such premises consist of less than an entire building, a diagram, in duplicate, shall also be furnished showing the particular floor or floors, or room or rooms, comprising the warehouse.
§ 44.89 Separation of premises.
Where the export warehouse premises consist of less than an entire building, the premises shall be completely separated from adjoining portions of the building, which separation shall be constructed of materials generally used in the construction of buildings and may include any necessary doors or other openings.
§ 44.90 [Reserved]
§ 44.91 Additional information.
The appropriate TTB officer may require such additional information as may be deemed necessary to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a permit. The applicant shall, when required by the appropriate TTB officer, furnish as a part of his application for permit such additional information as may be necessary for the appropriate TTB officer to determine whether the applicant is entitled to a permit.
§ 44.92 Investigation of applicant.
(a) Investigation. The appropriate TTB officer shall promptly cause such inquiry or investigation to be made, as may be necessary, to verify the information furnished in connection with an application for permit and to ascertain whether the applicant is eligible for a permit. Any of the following conditions may be grounds for denial of a permit:
(1) The premises on which it is proposed to conduct the business are not adequate to protect the revenue; or
(2) The applicant (including, in the case of a corporation, any officer, director, or principal stockholder and, in the case of a partnership, a partner) –
(i) Is, by reason of his business experience, financial standing, or trade connections or by reason of previous or current legal proceedings involving a felony violation of any other provision of Federal criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, not likely to maintain operations in compliance with this chapter;
(ii) Has been convicted of a felony violation of any provision of Federal or State criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes; or
(iii) Has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application therefor.
(b) TTB action. An appropriate TTB officer who has reason to believe that the applicant is not entitled to a permit shall promptly give the applicant notice of the contemplated disapproval of his application and opportunity for hearing thereon in accordance with part 71 of this chapter, which part (including the provisions relating to the recommended decision and to appeals) is made applicable to such proceedings. If, after such notice and opportunity for hearing, the appropriate TTB officer finds that the applicant is not entitled to a permit, he shall, by order stating the findings on which his decision is based, deny the permit.
§ 44.93 Issuance of permit.
After the application for permit, bond, and supporting documents, as required under this part, has been approved, the appropriate TTB officer will issue a permit to the export warehouse proprietor. The proprietor must keep such permit at the export warehouse and make it available for inspection by an appropriate TTB officer.
Subpart E – Changes Subsequent to Original Qualification of Export Warehouse Proprietors
Changes in Name
§ 44.101 Change in individual name.
Where there is a change in the name of an individual operating as an export warehouse proprietor he shall, within 30 days of such change, make application on Form 2098 (5200.16) for an amended permit.
§ 44.102 Change in trade name.
Where there is a change in, or an addition or discontinuance of, a trade name used by an export warehouse proprietor in connection with operations authorized by his permit, the proprietor shall, within 30 days of such change, addition, or discontinuance, make application on Form 2098 (5200.16) for an amended permit to reflect such change. The proprietor shall also furnish a true copy of any new trade name certificate or document issued to him, or statement in lieu thereof, required by § 44.85.
§ 44.103 Change in corporate name.
Where there is a change in the name of a corporate export warehouse proprietor the proprietor shall, within 30 days of such change, make application on Form 2098 (5200.16) for an amended permit. The proprietor shall also furnish such documents as may be necessary to establish that the corporate name has been changed.
Changes in Ownership and Control
§ 44.104 Fiduciary successor.
If an administrator, executor, receiver, trustee, assignee, or other fiduciary, is to take over the business of an export warehouse proprietor, as a continuing operation, such fiduciary shall, before commencing operations, make application for permit and file bond as required by subpart D of this part, furnish certified copies, in duplicate, of the order of the court, or other pertinent documents, showing his appointment and qualification as such fiduciary, and make an opening inventory, in accordance with the provisions of § 44.144; Provided, That where a diagram has been furnished by the predecessor, in accordance with the provisions of § 44.88, the successor may adopt such diagram. However, where a fiduciary intends merely to liquidate the business, qualification as an export warehouse proprietor will not be required if he promptly files with the appropriate TTB officer a statement to that effect, together with an extension of coverage of the predecessor’s bond, executed by the fiduciary, also by the surety on such bond, in accordance with the provisions of § 44.126.
§ 44.105 Transfer of ownership.
If a transfer is to be made in ownership of the business of an export warehouse proprietor (including a change in the identity of the members of a partnership or association), such proprietor shall give notice, in writing, to the appropriate TTB officer, naming the proposed successor and the desired effective date of such transfer. The proposed successor shall, before commencing operations, qualify as a proprietor, in accordance with the applicable provisions of subpart D of this part: Provided, That where a diagram has been furnished by the proprietor in accordance with the provisions of § 44.88, the proposed successor may adopt such diagram. The proprietor shall give such notice of transfer, and the proposed successor shall make application for permit and file bond, as required, in ample time for examination and approval thereof before the desired date of such change. The predecessor shall make a closing inventory and closing report, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 44.146 and 44.151, respectively, and surrender, with such inventory and report, his permit, and the successor shall make an opening inventory, in accordance with the provisions of § 44.144.
§ 44.106 Change in officers or directors of a corporation.
Where there is any change in the officers or directors of a corporation operating the business of an export warehouse proprietor, the proprietor shall furnish to the appropriate TTB officer notice, in writing, of the election of the new officers or directors within 30 days after such election.
§ 44.107 Change in stockholders of a corporation.
Where the issuance, sale, or transfer of the stock of a corporation, operating as an export warehouse proprietor, results in a change in the identity of the principal stockholders exercising actual or legal control of the operations of the corporation, the corporate proprietor shall, within 30 days after the change occurs, make application for a new permit; otherwise, the present permit shall be automatically terminated at the expiration of such 30-day period, and the proprietor shall dispose of all cigars, cigarettes, and cigarette papers and tubes on hand, in accordance with this part, make a closing inventory and closing report, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 44.146 and 44.151, respectively, and surrender his permit with such inventory and report. If the application for a new permit is timely made, the present permit shall continue in effect pending final action with respect to such application.
Changes in Location and Premises
§ 44.108 Change in location.
Whenever an export warehouse proprietor contemplates changing the location of his warehouse, the proprietor shall, before commencing operations at the new location, make an application, on Form 2098 (5200.16) for an amended permit. The application shall be supported by an extension of coverage of the bond filed under this part, in accordance with the provisions of § 44.126.
§ 44.109 Change in address.
Whenever any change occurs in the address, but not the location, of the warehouse of an export warehouse proprietor, as a result of action of local authorities, the proprietor shall, within 30 days of such change, make application on Form 2098 (5200.16) for an amended permit.
§ 44.110 [Reserved]
§ 44.111 Change in export warehouse premises.
Where an export warehouse is to be changed to an extent which will make inaccurate the description of the warehouse as set forth in the last application by the proprietor for permit, or the diagram, if any, furnished with such application, the proprietor shall first make application on Form 2098 (5200.16) for, and obtain, an amended permit. Such application shall describe the proposed change in the warehouse and shall be accompanied by a new diagram if required under § 44.88.
§ 44.112 Emergency premises.
In cases of emergency, the appropriate TTB officer may authorize, for a stated period, the temporary use of a place for the temporary storage of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes, without making the application or furnishing the extension of coverage of bond required under §§ 44.111 and 44.126, or the temporary separation of warehouse premises by means other than those specified in § 44.89, where such action will not hinder the effective administration of this part, is not contrary to law, and will not jeopardize the revenue.
Subpart F – Bonds and Extensions of Coverage of Bonds
§ 44.121 Corporate surety.
(a) Surety bonds required under the provisions of this part may be given only with corporate sureties holding certificates of authority from the Secretary of the Treasury as acceptable sureties on Federal bonds. Limitations concerning corporate sureties are prescribed by the Secretary in Treasury Department Circular No. 570, as revised (see paragraph (c) of this section). The surety shall have no interest whatever in the business covered by the bond.
(b) Each bond and each extension of coverage of bond shall at the time of filing be accompanied by a power of attorney authorizing the agent or officer who executed the bond to so act on behalf of the surety. The appropriate TTB officer who is authorized to approve the bond may, whenever he deems it necessary, require additional evidence of the authority of the agent or officer to execute the bond or extension of coverage of bond. The power of attorney shall be prepared on a form provided by the surety company and executed under the corporate seal of the company. If the power of attorney submitted is other than a manually signed document, it shall be accompanied by a certificate of its validity.
(c) Treasury Department Circular No. 570 (Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Sureties on Federal Bonds and as Acceptable Reinsuring Companies) is published in the
§ 44.122 Deposits of bonds, notes, or obligations in lieu of corporate surety.
Bonds or notes of the United States, or other obligations which are unconditionally guaranteed as to both interest and principal by the United States, may be pledged and deposited by the export warehouse proprietor as security in connection with bond to cover his operations, in lieu of the corporate surety, in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Department Circular No. 154, revised (31 CFR part 225). Such bonds or notes which are nontransferable, or the pledging of which will not be recognized by the Treasury Department, are not acceptable as security in lieu of corporate surety.
§ 44.123 Amount of bond.
The amount of the bond filed by the export warehouse proprietor, as required by § 44.86, shall be not less than the estimated amount of tax which may at any time constitute a charge against the bond: Provided, That the amount of any such bond (or the total amount where original and strengthening bonds are filed) shall not exceed $200,000 nor be less than $1,000. The charge against such bond shall be subject to increase upon receipt of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes into the export warehouse and to decrease as satisfactory evidence of exportation, or satisfactory evidence of such other disposition as may be used as the lawful basis for crediting such bond, is received by the appropriate TTB officer with respect to such articles transferred or removed. When the limit of liability under a bond given in less than the maximum amount has been reached, no additional shipments shall be received into the warehouse until a strengthening or superseding bond is filed, as required by § 44.124 or § 44.125.
§ 44.124 Strengthening bond.
Where the appropriate TTB officer determines that the amount of the bond, under which an export warehouse proprietor is currently carrying on business, no longer adequately protects the revenue, and such bond is in an amount of less than $200,000, the appropriate TTB officer may require the proprietor to file a strengthening bond in an appropriate amount with the same surety as that on the bond already in effect, in lieu of a superseding bond to cover the full liability on the basis of § 44.123. The appropriate TTB officer shall refuse to approve any strengthening bond where any notation is made thereon which is intended or which may be construed as a release of any former bond, or as limiting the amount of either bond to less than its full amount.
§ 44.125 Superseding bond.
An export warehouse proprietor shall file a new bond to supersede his current bond, immediately when (a) the corporate surety on the current bond becomes insolvent, (b) the appropriate TTB officer approves a request from the surety on the current bond to terminate his liability under the bond, (c) payment of any liability under a bond is made by the surety thereon, or (d) the appropriate TTB officer considers such a superseding bond necessary for the protection of the revenue.
§ 44.126 Extension of coverage of bond.
An extension of the coverage of any bond filed under this part shall be manifested on Form 2105 (5000.7) by the export warehouse proprietor and by the surety on the bond with the same formality and proof of authority as required for the execution of the bond.
§ 44.127 Approval of bond and extension of coverage of bond.
No person shall commence operations under any bond, nor extend his operations, until he receives from the appropriate TTB officer notice of his approval of the bond or of an appropriate extension of coverage of the bond required under this part.
§ 44.128 Termination of liability of surety under bond.
The liability of a surety on any bond required by this part shall be terminated only as to operations on and after the effective date of a superseding bond, or the date of approval of the discontinuance of operations by the export warehouse proprietor, or otherwise in accordance with the termination provisions of the bond. The surety shall remain bound in respect of any liability for unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest, not in excess of the amount of the bond, incurred by the proprietor while the bond is in force.
§ 44.129 Release of bonds, notes, and obligations.
(a) Bonds, notes, and other obligations of the United States, pledged and deposited as security in connection with bonds required by this part, shall be released only in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Department Circular No. 154 (31 CFR Part 225 – Acceptance of Bonds, Notes or Other Obligations Issued or Guaranteed by the United States as Security in Lieu of Surety or Sureties on Penal Bonds). When the appropriate TTB officer is satisfied that it is no longer necessary to hold such security, he shall fix the date or dates on which a part or all of such security may be released. At any time prior to the release of such security, the appropriate TTB officer may, for proper cause, extend the date of release of such security for such additional length of time as in his judgment may be appropriate.
(b) Treasury Department Circular No. 154 is periodically revised and contains the provisions of 31 CFR part 225 and the forms prescribed in 31 CFR part 225. Copies of the circular may be obtained from the Audit Staff, Bureau of Government Financial Operations, Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC 20226.
Subpart G – Operations by Export Warehouse Proprietors
§ 44.141 Sign.
Every export warehouse proprietor shall place and keep, on the outside of the building in which his warehouse is located, or at the entrance of his warehouse, where it can be plainly seen, a sign, in plain and legible letters, exhibiting the name under which he operates and (a) the type of business (“Export Warehouse Proprietor”) or (b) the number of the permit issued to the export warehouse proprietor under this part.
§ 44.141a Use of premises.
Export warehouse premises may only be used for the storage of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, upon which the Internal Revenue tax has not been paid, for subsequent removal under this part, and for the storage of processed tobacco pending export.
§ 44.142 Records.
(a) In general. Each export warehouse proprietor must keep in the warehouse complete and concise records that show the:
(1) Number of containers;
(2) Unit type (for example: cartons, cases);
(3) Kinds of articles (for example: small cigarettes);
(4) Name of manufacturer and brand; and
(5) Quantity of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, and any processed tobacco received, removed, transferred, destroyed, lost, or returned to manufacturers or to customs bonded warehouse proprietors.
(b) Other records; form and retention. In addition to the records specified in paragraph (a) of this section, the export warehouse proprietor must retain a copy of each TTB F 5200.14 from a manufacturer, another export warehouse proprietor, or a customs warehouse proprietor, from whom tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes were received, as well as a copy of each TTB F 5200.14 covering the tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes removed from the warehouse. The entries for each day in the records maintained under this section must be made by the close of the business day following the day on which the transactions occur. No particular form of records is prescribed, but the information required must be readily ascertainable. The copies of TTB F 5200.14 and other records must be retained for 3 years following the close of the calendar year in which the shipments were received or removed and must be made available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon request.
Inventories
§ 44.143 General.
(a) Every export warehouse proprietor shall at the times specified in this subpart make a true and accurate inventory of products held on TTB Form 5220.3 (3373).
(b) This inventory shall be subject to verification by an appropriate TTB officer. A copy of each inventory shall be retained by the export warehouse proprietor for 3 years following the close of the calendar year in which the inventory is made and shall be made available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon request.
§ 44.144 Opening.
An opening inventory shall be made by the export warehouse proprietor at the time of commencing business. The date of commencing business under this part shall be the effective date indicated on the permit issued under § 44.93. A similar inventory shall be made by the export warehouse proprietor when he files a superseding bond. The date of such inventory shall be the effective date of such superseding bond.
§ 44.145 Special.
A special inventory shall be made by the export warehouse proprietor whenever required by any appropriate TTB officer.
§ 44.146 Closing.
A closing inventory shall be made by the export warehouse proprietor when he transfers ownership or concludes business. Where the proprietor transfers ownership the closing inventory shall be made as of the day preceding the date of the opening inventory of the successor.
Reports
§ 44.147 General.
Every export warehouse proprietor shall make a report on Form 5220.4 of all tobacco products, cigarette papers and tubes, and any processed tobacco on hand, received, removed, transferred, and lost or destroyed. Such report shall be made at the times specified in this subpart and shall be made whether or not any operations or transactions occurred during the period covered by the report. A copy of each report shall be retained by the export warehouse proprietor at his warehouse for 3 years following the close of the calendar year covered in such reports, and made available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon his request.
§ 44.148 Opening.
An opening report, covering the period from the date of the opening inventory, or inventory made in connection with a superseding bond, to the end of the month, shall be made on or before the 20th day following the end of the month in which the business was commenced.
§ 44.149 Monthly.
A report for each full month shall be made on or before the 20th day following the end of the month covered in the report.
§ 44.150 Special.
A special report, covering the unreported period to the day preceding the date of any special inventory required by an appropriate TTB officer, shall be made with such inventory. Another report, covering the period from the date of such inventory to the end of the month, shall be made on or before the 20th day following the end of the month in which the inventory was made.
§ 44.151 Closing.
A closing report, covering the period from the first of the month to the date of the closing inventory, or the day preceding the date of an inventory made in connection with a superseding bond, shall be made with such inventory.
Claims
§ 44.152 Claim for remission of tax liability.
Remission of the tax liability on tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes may be extended to the export warehouse proprietor liable for the tax where such articles in bond are lost (otherwise than by theft) or destroyed, by fire, casualty, or act of God, while in the possession or ownership of such proprietor. Where articles are so lost or destroyed the proprietor shall report promptly such fact, and the circumstances, to the appropriate TTB officer. If the proprietor wishes to be relieved of the tax liability, the proprietor must prepare and file a claim on TTB Form 5620.8. The nature, date, place, and extent of the loss or destruction must be stated in such claim. The claim must be accompanied by such evidence as is necessary to establish to the satisfaction of the appropriate TTB officer that the claim is valid. When the appropriate TTB officer has acted on the claim, such officer will return a copy of TTB Form 5620.8 to the proprietor as notice of such action. The proprietor must keep the copy of TTB Form 5620.8 for 3 years following the close of the calendar year in which the claim is filed.
§ 44.153 Claim for abatement of assessment.
A claim for abatement of the unpaid portion of the assessment of any tax on tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes, or any liability in respect of such tax, alleged to be excessive in amount, assessed after the expiration of the period of limitation applicable thereto, or erroneously or illegally assessed, shall be filed on Form 5620.8. Such claim shall set forth the reasons relied upon for the allowance of the claim and shall be supported by such evidence as is necessary to establish to the satisfaction of the appropriate TTB officer that the claim is valid.
§ 44.154 Claim for refund of tax.
The taxes paid on tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes may be refunded (without interest) to an export warehouse proprietor on proof satisfactory to the appropriate TTB officer that the claimant proprietor paid the tax on such articles which were after taxpayment lost (otherwise than by theft) or destroyed, by fire, casualty, or act of God, while in the possession or ownership of such export warehouse proprietor, or withdrawn by him from the market. Any claim for refund under this section shall be prepared on Form 5620.8, in duplicate, and shall include a statement that the tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652 or chapter 52, was paid in respect to the articles covered by the claim, and that the articles were lost, destroyed, or withdrawn from the market within 6 months preceding the date the claim is filed. The claim must be filed on TTB Form 5620.8 and supported by such evidence as is necessary to establish to the satisfaction of the appropriate TTB officer that the claim is valid. The duplicate of the claim shall be retained by the export warehouse proprietor for 3 years following the close of the calendar year in which the claim is filed. Where an export warehouse proprietor has paid the tax on tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes, he may file claim for refund of an overpayment of tax under subpart A of part 46 of this chapter if, at the time the tax was paid, these articles had been exported, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of in such a manner that tax was not due and payable.
Subpart H – Suspension and Discontinuance of Operations
§ 44.161 Discontinuance of operations.
Every export warehouse proprietor who desires to discontinue operations and close out his warehouse shall dispose of all cigars, cigarettes, and cigarette papers and tubes on hand, in accordance with this part, making a closing inventory and closing report, in accordance with the provisions of §§ 44.146 and 44.151, respectively, and surrender, with such inventory and report, his permit to the appropriate TTB officer as notice of such discontinuance, in order that the appropriate TTB officer may terminate the liability of the surety on the bond of the export warehouse proprietor.
§ 44.162 Suspension and revocation of permit.
Where the appropriate TTB officer has reason to believe that an export warehouse proprietor has not in good faith complied with the provisions of 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, and regulations thereunder, or with any other provision of 26 U.S.C. with intent to defraud, or has violated any condition of his permit, or has failed to disclose any material information required or made any material false statement in the application for permit, or has failed to maintain his premises in such manner as to protect the revenue, or is, by reason of previous or current legal proceedings involving a felony violation of any other provision of Federal criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, not likely to maintain operations in compliance with 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, or has been convicted of a felony violation of any provision of Federal or State criminal law relating to tobacco products, processed tobacco, cigarette paper, or cigarette tubes, the appropriate TTB officer shall issue an order, stating the facts charged, citing such export warehouse proprietor to show cause why the permit should not be suspended or revoked after hearing thereon in accordance with part 71 of this chapter, which part (including the provisions relating to appeals) is made applicable to such proceedings. If, after hearing, the hearing examiner, or on appeal, the Administrator, finds that such person has not shown cause why the permit should not be suspended or revoked, such permit shall be suspended for such period as the appropriate TTB officer deems proper or shall be revoked.
Subpart I [Reserved]
Subpart J – Removal of Shipments of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes by Manufacturers and Export Warehouse Proprietors
Packaging Requirements
§ 44.181 Packages.
All tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes must, before removal or transfer under this subpart, be put up by the manufacturer in packages that bear the label or notice, tax classification, and mark, as required by this subpart. For purposes of this subpart, the package does not include the cellophane or other transparent exterior wrapping material.
§ 44.182 Lottery features.
No certificate, coupon, or other device purporting to be or to represent a ticket, chance, share, or an interest in, or dependent on, the event of a lottery shall be contained in, attached to, or stamped, marked, written, or printed on any package of tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes.
§ 44.183 Indecent or immoral material.
No indecent or immoral picture, print, or representation shall be contained in, attached to, or stamped, marked, written, or printed on any package of tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes.
§ 44.184 Mark.
Every package of tobacco products shall, before removal from the factory under this subpart, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, a mark as specified in this section. The mark may consist of the name of the manufacturer removing the product and the location (by city and State) of the factory from which the products are to be so removed, or may consist of the permit number of the factory from which the products are to be so removed. Any trade name of the manufacturer approved as provided in § 40.65 of this chapter may be used in the mark as the name of the manufacturer.) As an alternative, where tobacco products are both packaged and removed by the same manufacturer, either at the same or different factories, the mark may consist of the name of such manufacturer if the factory where package is identified on or in the package by a means approved by the appropriate TTB officer. Before using the alternative, the manufacturer shall notify the appropriate TTB officer in writing of the name to be used as the name of the manufacturer and the means to be used for identifying the factory where packaged. If approved by him the appropriate TTB officer shall return approved copies of the notice to the manufacturer. A copy of the approved notice shall be retained as part of the factory records at each of the factories operated by the manufacturer.
§ 44.185 Label or notice.
Every package of tobacco products shall, before removal from the factory under this subpart, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, the words “Tax-exempt. For use outside U.S.” or the words “U.S. Tax-exempt. For use outside U.S.” except where a stamp, sticker, or notice, required by a foreign country or a possession of the United States, which identifies such country or possession, is so imprinted or affixed.
§ 44.186 Tax classification for cigars.
Before removal from a factory under this subpart, every package of cigars shall have adequately imprinted on it, or on a label securely affixed to it –
(a) The designation “cigars”;
(b) The quantity of cigars contained in the package; and
(c) For small cigars, the classification of the product for tax purposes; (i.e., either “small” or “little”).
§ 44.187 Shipping containers.
Each shipping case, crate, or other container in which tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes are to be shipped or removed, under this part, shall bear a distinguishing number, such number to be assigned by the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor. Removals of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes from an export warehouse shall be made, insofar as practicable, in the same containers in which they were received from the factory.
Consignment of Shipment
§ 44.188 General.
Tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes transferred or removed from a factory or an export warehouse, under this part, without payment of tax, shall be consigned as required by this subpart.
§ 44.189 Transfers between factories and export warehouses.
Where tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes are transferred, without payment of tax, from a factory to an export warehouse or between export warehouses, such articles shall be consigned to the export warehouse proprietor to whom such articles are to be delivered.
§ 44.190 Return of shipment to a manufacturer or customs warehouse proprietor.
Where tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes are returned by an export warehouse proprietor to a manufacturer or where cigars are so returned to a customs warehouse proprietor, such articles shall be consigned to the manufacturer or customs warehouse proprietor to whom the shipment is to be returned.
§ 44.191 To officers of the armed forces for subsequent exportation.
Where tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes are removed from a factory or an export warehouse for delivery to officers of the armed forces of the United States in this country for subsequent shipment to, and use by, the armed forces outside the United States, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor shall consign such articles to the receiving officer at the armed forces base or installation, in this country, to which they are to be delivered.
§ 44.192 To vessels and aircraft for shipment to noncontiguous foreign countries and possessions of the United States.
Where tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes are removed from a factory or an export warehouse, for direct delivery to a vessel or aircraft for transportation to a noncontiguous foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor shall consign the shipment directly to the vessel or aircraft, or to his agent at the port for delivery to the vessel or aircraft.
§ 44.193 To a Federal department or agency.
Where tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes are removed from a factory or an export warehouse and are destined for ultimate delivery in a noncontiguous foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, but the shipment is to be delivered in the United States to a Federal department or agency, or to an authorized dispatch agent, transportation officer, or port director of such a department or agency for forwarding on to the place of destination of the shipment, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor shall consign the shipment to the Federal department or agency, or to the proper dispatch agent, transportation officer, or port director of such department or agency.
§ 44.194 To district director of customs for shipment to contiguous foreign countries.
Where tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes are removed from a factory or an export warehouse for export to a contiguous foreign country, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor shall consign the shipment to the district director of customs at the border or other port of exit.
§ 44.195 To Government vessels and aircraft for consumption as supplies.
Where tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes are removed from a factory or an export warehouse for delivery to a vessel or aircraft engaged in an activity for the Government of the United States or a foreign government, for consumption as supplies beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor shall consign the shipment to the proper officer on board the vessel or aircraft to which the shipment is to be delivered.
§ 44.196 To district director of customs for consumption as supplies on commercial vessels and aircraft.
Where tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes are removed from a factory or an export warehouse for consumption as supplies beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor shall consign the shipment to the district director of customs at the port at which the shipment is to be laden.
§ 44.196a To a foreign-trade zone.
Where tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes are removed from a factory or an export warehouse for delivery to a foreign-trade zone, under zone restricted status for the purpose of exportation or storage, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor shall consign the shipment to the Zone Operator in care of the customs officer in charge of the zone.
§ 44.197 For export by parcel post.
Tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes removed from a factory or an export warehouse, for export by parcel post to a person in a foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, shall be addressed and consigned to such person when the articles are deposited in the mails. Waiver of his right to withdraw such articles from the mails shall be stamped or written on each shipping container and be signed by the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the shipment.
Notice of Removal of Shipment
§ 44.198 Preparation.
For each shipment of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes transferred or removed from his factory, under bond and this part, the manufacturer shall prepare a notice of removal, Form 5200.14, and for each shipment of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes transferred or removed from his export warehouse, under bond and this part, the export warehouse proprietor shall prepare a notice of removal, Form 5200.14. Each such notice shall be given a serial number by the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor in a series beginning with number 1, with respect to the first shipment removed from the factory or export warehouse under this part and commencing again with number 1 on January 1 of each year thereafter.
§ 44.199 Disposition.
After actual removal from his factory or export warehouse of the shipment described on the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor shall, except where the shipment is to be exported by parcel post, promptly forward one copy of the notice of removal to the appropriate TTB officer. A copy of each such notice shall be retained by the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor as a part of his records, for 3 years following the close of the calendar year in which the shipment was removed and shall be made available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon his request. The manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor shall dispose of the other copies of each notice of removal as required by this subpart.
§ 44.200 Transfers between factories and export warehouses.
Where tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes are transferred from a factory to an export warehouse or between export warehouses, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the shipment shall forward three copies of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14 to the export warehouse proprietor to whom the shipment is consigned. Immediately upon receipt of the shipment at his warehouse, the export warehouse proprietor shall properly execute the certificate of receipt on each copy of the notice of removal, noting thereon any discrepancy; return one copy to the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the shipment for filing with the appropriate TTB officer; retain one copy at his warehouse as a part of his records; and file the remaining copy with his report, required by § 44.147.
§ 44.201 Return to manufacturer or customs warehouse proprietor.
Where tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes are removed from an export warehouse for return to the factory, or cigars are removed from such a warehouse for return to a customs warehouse, the export warehouse proprietor making the shipment shall forward two copies of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, to the manufacturer or customs warehouse proprietor to whom the shipment is consigned. Immediately upon receipt of the shipment at his factory or warehouse, the manufacturer or customs warehouse proprietor shall properly execute the certificate of receipt on both copies of the notice of removal, noting thereon any discrepancy, and return one copy to the export warehouse proprietor making the shipment for filing with the appropriate TTB officer. The other copy of the notice of removal shall be retained by the manufacturer or customs warehouse proprietor, as a part of his records, for 3 years following the close of the calendar year in which the shipment was received and shall be made available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon his request.
§ 44.202 To officers of the armed forces for subsequent exportation.
Where tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes are removed from a factory or an export warehouse for delivery to officers of the armed forces of the United States in this country for subsequent shipment to, and use by, the armed forces outside the United States, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the removal shall forward a copy of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, to the officer at the base or installation authorized to receive the articles described on the notice of removal. Upon execution by the armed forces receiving officer of the certificate of receipt on the copy of the notice of removal, he shall return such copy to the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the shipment for filing with the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 44.203 To noncontiguous foreign countries and possessions of the United States.
Where tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes are removed from a factory or an export warehouse for direct delivery to a vessel or aircraft for transportation to a noncontiguous foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the shipment shall file two copies of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, with the office of the district director of customs at the port where the shipment is to be laden. Such copies of the notice of removal should be filed with the related shipper’s export declaration, Commerce Form 7525-V. In the event the copies of the notice of removal are not filed with the shipper’s export declaration, when the copies of the notice are filed with the district director of customs they shall show all particulars necessary to enable that officer to associate the notice with the related shipper’s export declaration and any other documents filed with his office in connection with the shipment. After the vessel or aircraft on which the shipment has been laden clears or departs from the port of lading the customs authority shall execute the certificate of exportation on both copies of the notice of removal, retain one copy for his records, and deliver or transmit the other copy to the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the shipment for filing with the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 44.204 To a Federal department or agency.
Where tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes are removed from a factory or an export warehouse and are destined for ultimate delivery in a noncontiguous foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, but the shipment is to be delivered to a Federal department or agency, or to an authorized dispatch agent, transportation officer, or port director of such a department or agency for forwarding on to the place of destination of the shipment, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the shipment shall furnish a copy of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, to the Federal department or agency, or an officer thereof at the port, receiving the shipment for ultimate transmittal to the place of destination, in order that such department, agency, or officer can properly execute the certificate of receipt on such notice to evidence receipt of the shipment for transmittal to a place beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States. After completing such certificate, the Federal department, agency, or officer shall return the copy of the notice of removal, so executed, to the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the shipment for filing with the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 44.205 To contiguous foreign countries.
(a) Where tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes are removed from a factory or an export warehouse for export to a contiguous foreign country, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the shipment shall –
(1) Furnish to the district director of Customs at the port of exit two copies of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, together with the related shipper’s export declaration, Commerce Form 7525-V (if required); and,
(2) If copies of the notice of removal are not filed with the shippers export declaration, or if a shipment is for the armed forces of the United States in the contiguous foreign country and a shipper’s export declaration is not required, show all the information on the notice of removal when it is filed so that the Customs officer is able to associate the notice with the related shipper’s export declaration (if any) or other documents filed with Customs for the shipment.
(b) When a shipment has been cleared by Customs from the United States, and when the Customs officer at the port of exit is satisfied that the products have departed from the United States, he shall –
(1) Complete the certificate of exportation on both copies of the notice of removal;
(2) Retain one copy of the notice of removal for his records; and,
(3) Return the other copy to the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the shipment for filing with the appropriate TTB officer.
(c) The Customs officer may, when he considers it necessary to establish that the merchandise was actually exported, require a landing certificate before he completes the certificate of exportation specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. If practical, the Customs officer will give advance notice to the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor of the type of transactions for which a landing certificate will be required. However, failure to notify the manufacturer or proprietor in advance will not prevent the Customs officer from requiring a landing certificate for specific exportations when he considers it necessary to protect the revenue. In any case, the Customs officer will advise the manufacturer or proprietor before departure of the shipment from the United States as to those exports for which a landing certificate will be required.
(d) The provisions of this section relating to landing certificates also apply when a Form 5200.14 is not required for each transaction (for example: When multiple exportations, individually documented by commercial records, are consolidated on a single Form 5200.14 pursuant to an approved alternate procedure under § 44.72). The provisions apply to each transaction, regardless of the manner in which it is documented, unless specifically provided otherwise in the alternate procedure.
§ 44.206 To Government vessels and aircraft for consumption as supplies.
Where tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes are removed from a factory or an export warehouse for direct delivery to a vessel or aircraft, engaged in an activity for the Government of the United States or a foreign government, for consumption as supplies beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the shipment shall forward a copy of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, to the officer of the vessel or aircraft authorized to receive the shipment. Upon execution by the receiving officer of the vessel or aircraft of the certificate of receipt on the copy of the notice of removal, he shall return such copy to the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the shipment for filing with the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 44.207 To commercial vessels and aircraft for consumption as supplies.
Where tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes are removed from a factory or an export warehouse for delivery to a vessel or aircraft entitled to receive such articles for consumption as supplies beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the shipment shall file two copies of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, with the district director of customs at the port where the shipment is to be laden in sufficient time to permit delivery of the two copies of the notice of removal to the customs officer who will inspect the shipment and supervise its lading. After inspection and lading of the shipment the customs officer shall note on the copies of the notice of removal any discrepancy between the shipment inspected and laden under his supervision and that described on the notice of removal or any limitation on the quantity to be laden; complete and sign the certificate of inspection and lading; and return both copies of the notice of removal to the district director of customs. The district director of customs shall execute the certificate of clearance on both copies of the notice of removal, retain one copy for his records, and forward the other copy to the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the shipment for filing with the appropriate TTB officer. Where the vessel or aircraft does not clear from the port at which the shipment is laden, the customs officer supervising the lading of the shipment shall require the person on board the vessel or aircraft authorized to receive the shipment to execute the certificate of receipt on both copies of the notice of removal to indicate the trade or activity in which the vessel or aircraft is engaged.
§ 44.207a To a foreign-trade zone.
Where tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes are removed from a factory or an export warehouse for delivery to a foreign-trade zone, under zone restricted status for the purpose of exportation or storage, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the shipment shall forward two copies of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, to the customs officer in charge of the zone. Upon receipt of the shipment, the customs officer shall execute the certificate of receipt on each copy of the form, noting thereon any discrepancy, retain one copy for his records, and forward the other copy to the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor making the shipment for filing with the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 44.208 For export by parcel post.
Where tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes are removed from a factory or an export warehouse, for export by parcel post, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor shall present one copy of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, together with the shipping containers, to the postal authorities with the request that the postmaster or his agent execute the certificate of mailing on the form. Where the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor so desires, he may cover under one notice of removal all the merchandise removed under this part for export by parcel post which is delivered at one time to the postal service for that purpose. The manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor shall immediately file the receipted copy of the notice of removal with the appropriate TTB officer.
Miscellaneous Provisions
§ 44.209 Diversion of shipment to another consignee.
If, after removal of a shipment from a factory or an export warehouse, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor desires to divert the shipment to another consignee, he shall so notify the appropriate TTB officer. The manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor shall describe the shipment, set forth the serial number and date of the notice of removal under which the shipment was removed from his factory or export warehouse, and furnish the name and address of the new consignee, who shall comply with all applicable provisions of this part.
§ 44.210 Return of shipment to factory or export warehouse.
A manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor may return to his factory or export warehouse, without internal revenue supervision when so authorized by the appropriate TTB officer, tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes previously removed therefrom, under this part, but not yet exported. The manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor shall, prior to returning the articles to his factory or export warehouse, make application to the appropriate TTB officer for permission so to do, which application shall be accompanied by two copies of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, under which the articles were originally removed. If less than the entire shipment is intended to be returned to the factory or export warehouse, the application shall set forth accurately the articles to be returned and shall show what disposition was made of the remainder of the original shipment and any other facts pertinent to such shipment. Where the appropriate TTB officer approves the application, he shall so indicate by endorsement to that effect on each of the copies of the notice of removal, set forth the articles for which return is approved, and return both copies of the notice of removal to the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor concerned. Upon receipt of the copies of the notice of removal bearing the endorsement of the appropriate TTB officer, the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor shall return the articles to his factory or export warehouse, properly modify and execute the certificate of receipt on each copy of the notice of removal, return one such copy to the appropriate TTB officer, and retain the other copy as a part of his records.
§ 44.211 [Reserved]
§ 44.212 Delay in lading at port of exportation.
If, on arrival of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes at the port of exportation, the vessel or aircraft for which they are intended is not prepared to receive the articles, they may be properly stored at the port for not more than 30 days. In the event of any further delay, the facts shall be reported by the manufacturer or export warehouse proprietor to the appropriate TTB officer and unless such officer approves an extension of time in which to effect lading and clearance of the shipment it must be returned to the factory or export warehouse.
§ 44.213 Destruction of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes.
Where an export warehouse proprietor desires to destroy any of the tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes stored in his warehouse, he shall notify the appropriate TTB officer of the kind and quantity of such articles to be destroyed and the date on which he desires the destruction to take place in order that the appropriate TTB officer may assign an appropriate TTB officer to inspect the articles and supervise their destruction. The export warehouse proprietor shall prepare a notice of removal, Form 5200.14, describing the articles to be destroyed. After witnessing the destruction of the articles, the appropriate TTB officer shall certify to their destruction on two copies of the notice of removal and return them to the export warehouse proprietor, who shall retain one copy for his records and file the other copy with the appropriate TTB officer.
Subpart K – Drawback of Tax
§ 44.221 Application of drawback of tax.
Allowance of drawback of tax shall apply only to tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes, on which tax has been paid, when such articles are shipped to a foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States. Such drawback shall be allowed only to the person who paid the tax on such articles and who files claim and otherwise complies with the provisions of this subpart.
§ 44.222 Claim.
Claim for allowance of drawback of tax, under this subpart, must be filed on Form 5620.7. Such claim must be filed in sufficient time to permit the appropriate TTB officer to detail an appropriate TTB officer to inspect the articles and supervise the affixture of a label or notice bearing the legend “For Export With Drawback of Tax.” Upon receipt of a claim supported by satisfactory bond, as required by this subpart, an appropriate TTB officer will proceed to the place where the articles involved are held and there perform the functions required in § 44.224.
§ 44.223 Drawback bond.
Each claim for allowance of drawback of tax, under this subpart, shall be accompanied by a bond, Form 2148 (5200.17), satisfactory to the appropriate TTB officer with whom the claim is filed. Such bond shall be in an amount not less than the amount of tax for which drawback is claimed, conditioned that the claimant shall furnish, within a reasonable time, evidence satisfactory to the appropriate TTB officer that the tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes have been landed at some port beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States, or that after clearance from the United States, the articles were lost (otherwise than by theft) or destroyed, by fire, casualty, or act of God, and have not been relanded within the limits of the United States. The provisions of §§ 44.121 and 44.122 are applicable with respect to any drawback bond required under this section.
§ 44.224 Inspection by an appropriate TTB officer.
(a) Examination. An appropriate TTB officer will examine the tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes listed on TTB Form 5620.7. Such officer will verify the accuracy of the schedule of such articles on TTB Form 5620.7.
(b) Label or notice. If the tax on such articles has been paid by return, the appropriate TTB officer must be satisfied that the articles have in fact been taxpaid and each package bears the label or notice required by § 44.222.
(c) Shipping containers. The appropriate officer will supervise the packing of such articles in shipping containers. Each container must be numbered and have affixed to it the notice:
Drawback of tax claimed on contents.
Sale, consumption, or use in U.S. prohibited.
(d) Disposition of TTB Form 5620.7. After the appropriate TTB officer completes the report of inspection on TTB Form 5620.7, such officer will return two copies to the claimant and send a copy to the TTB office listed on the form.
(e) Release. After executing the report of inspection on TTB Form 5620.7, the appropriate TTB office will release the shipment to the claimant for delivery to the port of exportation.
§ 44.225 Delivery of tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes for export other than by parcel post.
The claimant, upon release of the tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes by the appropriate TTB officer for exportation with benefit of drawback of tax under this subpart, shall be responsible for delivery of such articles to the port of exportation for customs inspection, supervision of lading, and clearance of the articles. The claimant shall file with the district director of customs at the port of exportation the two copies of Form 5620.7 returned to the claimant by the appropriate TTB officer in accordance with § 44.224. Such copies shall be filed in sufficient time prior to lading to permit customs inspection and supervision of lading of the tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes.
§ 44.226 Delivery of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes for export by parcel post.
Where the tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes are to be shipped by parcel post to a destination in a foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, a waiver of his right to withdraw such articles from the mails shall be stamped or written on each shipping container and be signed by the claimant, after which the claimant shall present the shipment to the post office. The claimant shall request the postmaster or his agent to execute the certificate of mailing on the copy of the claim, Form 5620.7, returned to the claimant by the appropriate TTB officer in accordance with § 44.224. When so executed by the postal authorities, the Form 5620.7 shall be transmitted at once to the appropriate TTB officer with whom the form was previously filed.
§ 44.227 Customs procedure.
The customs officer shall satisfy himself that the tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes described on the Form 5620.7 and those inspected by him are the same and shall note on the form any discrepancy. After having inspected the articles and supervised the lading thereof on the export carrier, the customs officer shall complete and sign the certificate of inspection and lading on both copies of Form 5620.7 and deliver or transmit such copies to the office of his district director of customs for further processing. After clearance from the port of the export carrier on which the articles are laden, the district director of customs shall execute the certificate of exportation on both copies of Form 5620.7. The district director of customs shall retain one copy of the form for his records and transmit the other copy to the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 44.228 Landing certificate.
Each claimant for drawback under this subpart agrees in the bond filed by him that he will furnish, within a reasonable time, evidence satisfactory to the appropriate TTB officer that the tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes covered by his claim have been landed at some port beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States, or that after shipment from the United States the articles were lost, and have not been relanded within the limits of the United States. The landing certificate shall accurately describe the articles involved, so as to readily identify the drawback claim to which it relates. The landing certificate shall be signed by a revenue officer at the place of destination, unless it is shown that no such officer can furnish such landing certificate, in which case the certificate of landing shall be signed by the consignee, or by the vessel’s agent at the place of landing, and shall be sworn to before a notary public or other officer authorized to administer oaths and having an official seal. The landing certificate shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer, with whom the drawback claim was filed, within 6 months from the date of clearance of the tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes from the United States. A landing certificate prepared in a foreign language shall be accompanied by an accurate translation thereof in English.
§ 44.229 Collateral evidence as to landing.
In case of inability to furnish the prescribed evidence of landing, application for relief shall be promptly made by the claimant to the appropriate TTB officer. Such application shall set forth the facts connected with the alleged exportation, and indicate the date of shipment, the kind, quantity, and value of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes shipped, the name of the consignee, the name of the vessel, the port or place of destination to which the shipment was made, and the date and amount of the bond covering such shipment. The application shall also state in what particular the provisions of this subpart, respecting the proofs of landing, have not been complied with, and the cause of failure to furnish such proofs; that such failure was not occasioned by any lack of diligence on the part of the claimant, or that of his agents; and that he is unable to furnish any other or better evidence than that furnished with his application. Each such application shall be supported by the best collateral evidence the claimant may be able to submit. The evidence may consist of the original or verified copies of letters from the consignee advising the claimant of the arrival or sale of the tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes, with such other statements respecting the failure to furnish the prescribed evidence of landing as may be obtained from the consignee or other persons having knowledge thereof. Such letters and other documents in a foreign language shall be accompanied by accurate translations thereof in English, and, when the letters fail to identify sufficiently the tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes, the original sales account must be produced.
§ 44.230 Proof of loss.
When the claimant is unable to procure a certificate of landing, in accordance with the provisions of § 44.228, in consequence of loss of the tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes, his application for relief shall set forth the extent of the loss and, if possible, the location and manner of shipwreck or other casualty and the time of its occurrence. When obtainable, affidavits of the vessel’s owners should be furnished detailing the manner and extent of the loss and the time and location of the disaster. If the tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes were insured, the claimant shall furnish certificates by officers of the insurance companies that the insurance has been paid, and that, to the best of their knowledge and belief, the tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes were actually destroyed. The aforesaid proof shall be furnished to the appropriate TTB officer within 6 months from the date of clearance of the tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes from the United States.
§ 44.231 Extension of time.
In case the claimant, from causes beyond his control, is unable to furnish the landing certificate or proof of loss, within the time prescribed therefor, he may make an application to the appropriate TTB officer for an extension of time in which to do so. Such application must state specifically the cause of failure to furnish the evidence. Two extensions of three months each may be granted by the appropriate TTB officer, provided the surety on the drawback bond of the claimant assents in writing thereto.
§ 44.232 Allowance of claim.
On receipt of the executed Form 5620.7 from the district director of customs, the appropriate TTB officer will allow or disallow the claim in accordance with existing law and regulations. If the claim is not allowed in full the appropriate TTB officer will notify the claimant, in writing, of the reasons for any disallowance.
Subpart L – Withdrawal of Cigars From Customs Warehouses
§ 44.241 Shipment restricted.
Cigars produced in a customs warehouse in accordance with customs laws and regulations may be withdrawn under this subpart, without payment of tax, for export or for delivery for subsequent exportation. Duties paid on the tobacco used in the manufacture of such cigars may not be recovered on the exportation of the cigars under this subpart.
§ 44.242 Responsibility for tax on cigars.
A customs warehouse proprietor who withdraws cigars for export under his bond, without payment of tax, in accordance with the provisions of this part, shall be responsible for payment of such tax until he is relieved of such responsibility by furnishing the appropriate TTB officer evidence satisfactory to the appropriate TTB officer of exportation or proper delivery, as required by this subpart, or satisfactory evidence of such other disposition as may be used as the lawful basis for such relief. Such evidence shall be furnished within 90 days of the date of withdrawal of the cigars: Provided, That this period may be extended for good cause shown.
Bonds
§ 44.243 Bond required.
Where the customs warehouse proprietor desires to withdraw cigars from his warehouse, without payment of tax, under this subpart, he shall, prior to making the first withdrawal, file a bond, Form 2104 (5200.15), conditioned upon compliance with the provisions of 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, and regulations thereunder, including, but not limited to, the timely payment of taxes imposed by such chapter, for which he may be responsible to the United States, and penalties and interest in connection therewith. The provisions of §§ 44.121 and 44.122 are applicable to the bond required under this section.
§ 44.244 Amount of bond.
The amount of the bond filed by the customs warehouse proprietor, as required by § 44.243, shall be not less than the estimated amount of tax which may at any time constitute a charge against the bond: Provided, That the amount of any such bond (or the total amount where original and strengthening bonds are filed) shall not exceed $25,000 nor be less than $1,000. The charges against such bond shall be subject to increase as withdrawals are made and decrease as required evidence of exportation is received by the appropriate TTB officer with respect to cigars withdrawn. When the limit of liability under a bond given in less than the maximum amount has been reached, further withdrawals shall not be made thereunder until a strengthening or superseding bond is filed as required by § 44.245 or § 44.246.
§ 44.245 Strengthening bond.
Where the appropriate TTB officer determines that the amount of the bond, under which the customs warehouse proprietor is withdrawing cigars for shipment under this subpart, no longer adequately protects the revenue, and such bond is in an amount of less than $25,000, the appropriate TTB officer may require the proprietor to file a strengthening bond in an appropriate amount with the same surety as that on the bond already in effect, in lieu of a superseding bond to cover the full liability on the basis of § 44.244. The appropriate TTB officer shall refuse to approve any strengthening bond where any notation is made thereon which is intended or which may be construed as a release of any former bond, or as limiting the amount of either bond to less than its full amount.
§ 44.246 Superseding bond.
The customs warehouse proprietor shall file a new bond to supersede his current bond, immediately when (a) the corporate surety on the current bond becomes insolvent, (b) the appropriate TTB officer approves a request from the surety on the current bond to terminate his liability under the bond, (c) payment of any liability under a bond is made by the surety thereon, or (d) the appropriate TTB officer considers such a superseding bond necessary for the protection of the revenue.
§ 44.247 Termination of liability of surety under bond.
The liability of a surety on any bond required by this subpart shall be terminated only as to operations on and after the effective date of a superseding bond, or the date of approval of the customs warehouse proprietor’s request for termination, or otherwise, in accordance with the termination provisions of the bond. The surety shall remain bound in respect of any liability for unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest, not in excess of the amount of the bond, incurred by the proprietor while the bond is in force.
Packaging Requirements
§ 44.248 Packages.
Cigars shall, before withdrawal under this part, be put up by the customs warehouse proprietor in packages which shall bear the label or notice, tax classification, and mark, as required by this subpart.
§ 44.249 Lottery features.
No certificate, coupon, or other device purporting to be or to represent a ticket, chance, share, or an interest in, or dependent on, the event of a lottery shall be contained in, attached to, or stamped, marked, written, or printed on any package of cigars withdrawn under this subpart.
§ 44.250 Indecent or immoral material.
No indecent or immoral picture, print, or representation shall be contained in, attached to, or stamped, marked, written, or printed on any package of cigars withdrawn under this subpart.
§ 44.251 Mark.
Every package of cigars shall, before withdrawal from the customs warehouse under this subpart, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, the name and location of the manufacturer. There shall also be adequately stated on each such package the number of cigars contained in the package.
§ 44.252 Label or notice.
Every package of cigars shall, before withdrawal from the customs warehouse under this subpart, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed the words “Tax-exempt. For use outside U.S.” or the words “U.S. Tax-exempt. For use outside U.S.”, except where a stamp, sticker, or notice, required by a foreign country or a possession of the United States, which identifies such country or possession, is so imprinted or affixed.
§ 44.253 Tax classification for cigars.
Before withdrawal of cigars from a customs warehouse under this subpart, every package of cigars shall have adequately imprinted on it, or on a label securely affixed to it –
(a) The designation “cigars”;
(b) The quantity of cigars contained in the package; and
(c) For small cigars, the classification of the product for tax purposes (i.e., either “small” or “little”).
§ 44.254 Shipping containers.
Each shipping case, crate, or other container, in which cigars are to be withdrawn, under this subpart, shall bear a distinguishing number, such number to be assigned by the customs warehouse proprietor.
Consignment of Shipment
§ 44.255 Consignment of cigars.
Cigars withdrawn from a customs warehouse, without payment of tax, under internal revenue bond and this part, shall be consigned in the same manner as provided by subpart J of this part with respect to the removal of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes from a factory or an export warehouse.
Notice of Removal of Shipment
§ 44.256 Preparation.
For each shipment to be withdrawn under this subpart, the customs warehouse proprietor shall prepare a notice of removal, Form 5200.14. Each such notice shall be given a serial number by the proprietor in a series beginning with number 1, with respect to the first shipment withdrawn under this subpart and commencing again with number 1 on January 1 of each year thereafter.
§ 44.257 Disposition.
After actual withdrawal from his warehouse of the shipment described on the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, the customs warehouse proprietor shall, except where the shipment is to be exported by parcel post, promptly forward one copy of the notice of removal to the appropriate TTB officer. A copy of each such notice shall be retained by the customs warehouse proprietor as a part of his records, for 3 years following the close of the calendar year in which the shipment was withdrawn, and shall be made available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon his request. The proprietor shall dispose of the other copies of each notice of removal as required by this subpart.
§ 44.258 To officers of the armed forces for subsequent exportation.
Where cigars are withdrawn from a customs warehouse for delivery to officers of the armed forces of the United States in this country for subsequent shipment to, and use by, the armed forces outside the United States, the customs warehouse proprietor making the shipment shall forward a copy of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, to the officer at the base or installation authorized to receive the cigars described on the notice of removal. Upon execution by the armed forces receiving officer of the certificate of receipt on the copy of the notice of removal, he shall return such copy to the customs warehouse proprietor making the shipment for filing with the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 44.259 To noncontiguous foreign countries and possessions of the United States.
Where cigars are withdrawn from a customs warehouse for direct delivery to a vessel or aircraft for transportation to a noncontiguous foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, the customs warehouse proprietor making the withdrawal shall file two copies of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, with the office of the district director of customs at the port where the shipment is to be laden. Such copies of the notice of removal should be filed with the related shipper’s export declaration, Commerce Form 7525-V. In the event the copies of the notice of removal are not filed with the shipper’s export declaration, when the copies of the notice are filed with the district director of customs they shall show all particulars necessary to enable that officer to associate the notice with the related shipper’s export declaration and any other documents filed with his office in connection with the shipment. After the vessel or aircraft on which the shipment has been laden clears or departs from the port of lading the customs authority shall execute the certificate of exportation on both copies of the notice of removal, retain one copy for his records, and deliver or transmit the other copy to the customs warehouse proprietor making the shipment for filing with the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 44.260 To a Federal department or agency.
Where cigars are withdrawn from a customs warehouse and are destined for ultimate delivery in a noncontiguous foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, but the shipment is to be delivered to a Federal department or agency, or to an authorized dispatch agent, transportation officer, or port director of such a department or agency for forwarding on to the place of destination of the shipment, the customs warehouse proprietor making the shipment shall furnish a copy of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, to the Federal department or agency, or an officer thereof at the port, receiving the shipment for ultimate transmittal to the place of destination, in order that such department, agency, or officer, can properly execute the certificate of receipt on such notice to evidence receipt of the shipment for transmittal to a place beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States. After completing such certificate, the Federal department, agency, or officer, shall return the copy of the notice of removal, so executed, to the customs warehouse proprietor making the shipment for filing with the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 44.261 To contiguous foreign countries.
Where cigars are withdrawn from a customs warehouse for export to a contiguous foreign country, the customs warehouse proprietor making the shipment shall furnish to the district director of customs at the border or other port of exit two copies of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, together with the related shipper’s export declaration, Commerce Form 7525-V. In the event the copies of the notice of removal are not filed with the shipper’s export declaration or, in the case of a shipment for the armed forces of the United States in the contiguous foreign country where no shipper’s export declaration is required, the copies of the notice when filed with the district director of customs shall show all particulars necessary to enable that officer to associate the notice with the related shipper’s export declaration, if any, and any other documents filed with his office in connection with the shipment. After the shipment has been cleared by customs from the United States, the customs authority at the port of exit shall complete the certificate of exportation on both copies of the notice of removal, retain one copy for his records, and transmit the other copy to the customs warehouse proprietor making the shipment for filing with the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 44.262 To Government vessels and aircraft for consumption as supplies.
Where cigars are withdrawn from a customs warehouse for direct delivery to a vessel or aircraft, engaged in an activity for the Government of the United States or a foreign government, for consumption as supplies beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States, the customs warehouse proprietor making the shipment shall forward a copy of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, to the officer of the vessel or aircraft authorized to receive the shipment. Upon execution by the receiving officer of the vessel or aircraft of the certificate of receipt on the copy of the notice of removal, he shall return such copy to the customs warehouse proprietor making the shipment for filing with the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 44.263 To commercial vessels and aircraft for consumption as supplies.
Where cigars are withdrawn from a customs warehouse for delivery to a vessel or aircraft entitled to receive such articles for consumption as supplies beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States, the customs warehouse proprietor making shipment shall file two copies of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, with the district director of customs at the port where the shipment is to be laden in sufficient time to permit delivery of the two copies of the notice of removal to the customs officer who will inspect the shipment and supervise its lading. After inspection and lading of the shipment the customs officer shall note on the copies of the notice of removal any discrepancy between the shipment inspected and laden under his supervision and that described on the notice of removal or any limitation on the quantity to be laden; complete and sign the certificate of inspection and lading; and return both copies of the notice of removal to the district director of customs. The district director of customs shall execute the certificate of clearance on both copies of the notice of removal, retain one copy for his records, and forward the other copy to the customs warehouse proprietor making the shipment for filing with the appropriate TTB officer. Where the vessel or aircraft does not clear from the port at which the shipment is laden, the customs officer supervising the lading of the shipment shall require the person on board the vessel or aircraft authorized to receive the shipment to execute the certificate of receipt on both copies of the notice of removal to indicate the trade or activity in which the vessel or aircraft is engaged.
§ 44.264 To export warehouses.
Where cigars are withdrawn from a customs warehouse for delivery to an export warehouse, the proprietor of the customs warehouse shall forward to the proprietor of the export warehouse three copies of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, covering the shipment, for execution and disposition in accordance with procedure similar to that set forth in § 44.200 in connection with a shipment of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes from a factory to an export warehouse. The executed copy of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, returned to the customs warehouse proprietor by the export warehouse proprietor shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 44.264a To a foreign-trade zone.
Where cigars are withdrawn from a customs warehouse for delivery to a foreign-trade zone, under zone restricted status for the purpose of exportation or storage, the customs warehouse proprietor making the shipment shall forward two copies of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, to the customs officer in charge of the zone. Upon receipt of the shipment, the customs officer shall execute the certificate of receipt on each copy of the form, noting thereon any discrepancy, retain one copy for his records, and forward the other copy to the customs warehouse proprietor making the shipment for filing with the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 44.265 For export by parcel post.
Where cigars are withdrawn from a customs warehouse for export by parcel post, the customs warehouse proprietor shall present one copy of the notice of removal, Form 5200.14, together with the shipping containers, to the postal authorities with the request that the postmaster or his agent execute the certificate of mailing on the form. Where a customs warehouse proprietor so desires, he may cover under one notice of removal all the cigars removed under this part for export by parcel post which are delivered at one time to the postal service for that purpose. The customs warehouse proprietor shall immediately file the receipted copy of the notice of removal with the appropriate TTB officer.
Return of Shipment
§ 44.266 Return of cigars from export warehouses.
Where cigars are returned to a customs warehouse from an export warehouse, the officer in charge of the customs warehouse shall execute the certificate of receipt on each of the copies of the related Form 5200.14 received from the export warehouse proprietor, after checking the containers to determine whether all the cigars described on the notice have been received. Thereafter, both copies of the Form 5200.14 shall be turned over to the proprietor of the customs warehouse who shall return one copy to the export warehouse proprietor for disposition as provided in § 44.201. The customs warehouse proprietor shall retain the other copy of the notice of removal, as a part of his records, for 3 years following the close of the calendar year in which the shipment was received. Such copy shall be made available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon his request.
§ 44.267 Return of cigars from other sources.
A customs warehouse proprietor may return to his warehouse cigars previously withdrawn therefrom, under this subpart, provided he promptly files with the appropriate TTB officer a copy of the Form 5200.14 under which the cigars were originally withdrawn, with the certificate of receipt properly modified and executed by the customs officer in charge of the warehouse to show return of the shipment. If less than the entire shipment is returned to the warehouse, the form shall state what disposition was made of the remainder of the original shipment and any other facts pertinent to such shipment. The customs warehouse proprietor shall retain a copy of such form as a part of his records for 3 years after the close of the calendar year in which the shipment was returned. Such copy shall be made available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon request.
PART 45 – REMOVAL OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND CIGARETTE PAPERS AND TUBES, WITHOUT PAYMENT OF TAX, FOR USE OF THE UNITED STATES
Subpart A – Scope of Regulations
§ 45.1 Removal of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes, without payment of tax, for use of the United States.
This part contains the regulations relating to the removal of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes, without payment of tax, for use of the United States.
Subpart B – Definitions
§ 45.11 Meaning of terms.
When used in this part and in forms prescribed under this part, the following terms shall have the meanings given in this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Words in the plural form shall include the singular, and vice versa, and words indicating the masculine gender shall include the feminine. The terms “includes” and “including” do not exclude things not listed which are in the same general class.
Administrator. The Administrator, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC.
Appropriate TTB officer. An officer or employee of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) authorized to perform any functions relating to the administration or enforcement of this part by TTB Order 1135.45, Delegation of the Administrator’s Authorities in 27 CFR Part 45, Removal of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes, Without Payment of Tax, for Use of the United States.
Armed forces. The Army, Navy (including the Marine Corps), Air Force, and Coast Guard.
Charge of the United States. A patient in a hospital or similar institution, or a Federal prisoner, if the hospital, institution, or prison is operated by a Federal agency and the support or care of such person results in a charge on, or an expense to, the United States Government.
Chewing tobacco. Any leaf tobacco that is not intended to be smoked.
Cigar. Any roll of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco or in any substance containing tobacco (other than any roll of tobacco which is a cigarette within the meaning of paragraph (2) of the definition for cigarette).
Cigarette. (1) Any roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in any substance not containing tobacco, and
(2) Any roll of tobacco wrapped in any substance containing tobacco which, because of its appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler, or its packaging and labeling, is likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as a cigarette described in paragraph (1) of this definition.
Cigarette paper. Paper, or any other material except tobacco, prepared for use as a cigarette wrapper.
Cigarette tube. Cigarette paper made into a hollow cylinder for use in making cigarettes.
Factory. The premises of a manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes in which he carries on such business.
Federal agency. A department or agency of the United States Government, including the American National Red Cross, and the U.S. Soldiers Home, Washington, D.C.
Large cigarettes. Cigarettes weighing more than three pounds per thousand.
Large cigars. Cigars weighing more than three pounds per thousand.
Manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes. Any person who manufactures cigarette paper, or makes up cigarette paper into tubes, except for his own personal use or consumption.
Manufacturer of tobacco products. Any person who manufactures cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, or roll-your-own tobacco but does not include:
(1) A person who produces tobacco products solely for that person’s own consumption or use; or
(2) A proprietor of a Customs bonded manufacturing warehouse with respect to the operation of such warehouse.
Package. The immediate container in which tobacco products, processed tobacco, or cigarette papers or tubes are put up by the manufacturer and offered for sale or delivery to the ultimate consumer. For purposes of this definition, a container of processed tobacco, the contents of which weigh 10 pounds or less (including any added non-tobacco ingredients or constituents), that is removed within the meaning of this part, is deemed to be a package offered for sale or delivery to the ultimate consumer.
Person. An individual, partnership, association, company, corporation, estate, or trust.
Pipe tobacco. Any tobacco which, because of its appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco to be smoked in a pipe.
Removal or remove. The removal of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes from the factory.
Roll-your-own tobacco. Any tobacco which, because of its appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco for making cigarettes or cigars, or for use as wrappers thereof.
Sale price. The price for which large cigars are sold by the manufacturer or importer, determined in accordance with §§ 40.22 or 41.39 and used in computation of the tax.
Small cigarettes. Cigarettes weighing not more than three pounds per thousand.
Small cigars. Cigars weighing not more than three pounds per thousand.
Smokeless tobacco. Any chewing tobacco or snuff.
Snuff. Any finely cut, ground, or powdered tobacco that is not intended to be smoked.
This chapter. Chapter I, title 26, Code of Federal Regulations.
Tobacco products. Cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco.
United States. When used in a geographical sense shall include only the States and the District of Columbia.
U.S.C. The United States Code.
Subpart C – Administrative Provisions
§ 45.21 Alternate methods or procedures.
A manufacturer, on specific approval by the appropriate TTB officer as provided in this section, may use an alternate method or procedure in lieu of a method or procedure specifically prescribed in this part. The appropriate TTB officer may approve an alternate method or procedure, subject to stated conditions, when he finds that:
(a) Good cause has been shown for the use of the alternate method or procedure.
(b) The alternate method or procedure is within the purpose of, and consistent with the effect intended by, the specifically prescribed method or procedure, and affords equivalent security to the revenue, and
(c) The alternate method or procedure will not be contrary to any provision of law, and will not result in an increase in cost to the Government or hinder the effective administration of this part.
§ 45.22 Emergency variations from requirements.
The appropriate TTB officer may approve methods of operation other than as specified in this part, where he finds that an emergency exists and the proposed variations from the specified requirements are necessary, and the proposed variations:
(a) Will afford the security and protection to the revenue intended by the prescribed specifications.
(b) Will not hinder the effective administration of this part, and
(c) Will not be contrary to any provision of law.
§ 45.23 Authority of appropriate TTB officers to enter premises.
Any appropriate TTB officer may enter in the daytime any premises where tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes removed under this part are kept, so far as it may be necessary for the purpose of examining such articles. When such premises are open at night, any appropriate TTB officer may enter them, while so open, in the performance of his official duties. The owner of such premises, or person having the superintendence of the same, who refuses to admit any appropriate TTB officer or permit him to examine the articles removed under this part shall be liable to the penalties prescribed by law for the offense.
§ 45.24 Interference with administration.
Whoever, corruptly or by force or threats of force, endeavors to hinder or obstruct the administration of this part, or endeavors to intimidate or impede any appropriate TTB officer acting in his official capacity, or forcibly rescues or attempts to rescue or causes to be rescued any property, after it has been duly seized for forfeiture to the United States in connection with a violation of the internal revenue laws, shall be liable to the penalties prescribed by law.
§ 45.25 Unlawful purchase, receipt, possession, or sale of tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes, after removal.
Any person who, with intent to defraud the United States, purchases, receives, possesses, offers for sale, or sells or otherwise disposes of tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes which, after removal under this part, without payment of tax, have been diverted from the purpose or use specified in this part, shall be subject to the criminal penalties and provisions for forfeiture prescribed by law.
§ 45.26 Delegations of the Administrator.
The regulatory authorities of the Administrator contained in this part are delegated to appropriate TTB officers. These TTB officers are specified in TTB Order 1135.45, Delegation of the Administrator’s Authorities in 27 CFR Part 45, Removal of Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes, Without Payment of Tax, for Use of the United States. You may obtain a copy of this order by accessing the TTB Web site (http://www.ttb.gov) or by mailing a request to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 1516, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
§ 45.27 Forms prescribed.
(a) The appropriate TTB officer is authorized to prescribe all forms required by this part. You must furnish all of the information required by each form as indicated by the headings on the form and the instructions for the form, and as required by this part. You must file each form in accordance with its instructions.
(b) Forms prescribed by this part are available for printing through the TTB Web site (http://www.ttb.gov) or by mailing a request to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 1516, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Subpart D – Removals
§ 45.31 Removals for delivery to a Federal agency.
(a) Removal of articles. A manufacturer may remove tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes without payment of tax, in accordance with this part, for delivery to a Federal agency if:
(1) The removed articles were purchased by the Federal agency with funds appropriated by the Congress of the United States and are for gratuitous distribution under the supervision of the Federal agency;
(2) The removed articles were purchased by a donor from the manufacturer, or donated directly by the manufacturer, for gratuitous distribution under the supervision of the Federal agency to:
(i) Charges of the United States; or
(ii) Patients in a hospital or institution operated by the Government of a State or the District of Columbia where the Federal agency maintains a program for distribution to members or veterans of the armed forces of the United States in the hospital or institution; or
(3) The removed articles are intended for use by the Federal agency in an investigation or other Federal law enforcement activity.
(b) Sale prohibited. Except in the case of articles described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section where a sale is incident to the Federal law enforcement activity, tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes removed under this section may not be sold after their removal.
§ 45.32 Under manufacturer’s bond.
Removals of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes under this part shall be made under the bond filed by the manufacturer of such articles to cover the operations of his factory as required by section 5711, I.R.C., and regulations issued thereunder.
§ 45.33 Return of shipment to factory.
Tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes which have been removed, under this part, may be returned to the factory without internal revenue supervision.
§ 45.34 Loss or shortage in shipment.
Immediately upon receipt of information of a loss of all or part of a shipment, or of a shortage therein, of tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes removed under this part, the manufacturer shall notify the appropriate TTB officer, furnish all pertinent details with respect to the loss or shortage, and either pay the tax due thereon in accordance with the provisions of § 45.36, or file claim for remission of the tax liability under the provisions of part 40 of this chapter, as the case may be.
§ 45.35 Liability for tax.
The manufacturer who removes tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes under this part shall be liable for the taxes imposed thereon by 26 U.S.C. 5701, until such tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes are received by the Federal agency. Any person who possesses tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes in violation of 26 U.S.C. 5751(a)(1) or (2), shall be liable for a tax equal to the tax on such articles.
§ 45.36 Payment of tax.
Any tax which becomes due and payable on tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes removed under this part shall be paid to appropriate TTB officer, with sufficient information to identify the taxpayer, the nature and purpose of the payment, and the articles covered by the payment: Provided, That a manufacturer of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes may pay any tax for which he becomes liable under this part by an appropriate adjustment in his current tax return Form 5000.24. In paying the tax, a fractional part of a cent shall be disregarded unless it amounts to one-half cent or more, in which case it shall be increased to one cent.
§ 45.37 Assessment.
Whenever any person required by law to pay tax on tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes fails to pay such tax, the tax shall be ascertained and assessed against such person, subject to the limitations prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 6501. The tax so assessed shall be in addition to the penalties imposed by law for failure to pay such tax when required. Except in cases where delay may jeopardize collection of the tax, or where the amount is nominal or the result of an evident mathematical error, no such assessment shall be made until and after notice has been afforded such person to show cause against assessment. The person will be allowed 45 days from the date of such notice to show cause, in writing, against such assessment.
Subpart E – Packaging Requirements
§ 45.41 Packages.
All tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes shall, before removal under this part, be put up by the manufacturer in packages which shall be of such construction as will securely contain the articles therein and maintain the mark, notice, and label thereon, as required by this subpart. No package of tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes shall have contained therein, attached thereto, or stamped, marked, written, or printed thereon (a) any certificate, coupon, or other device purporting to be or to represent a ticket, chance, share, or an interest in, or dependent on, the event of a lottery, or (b) any indecent or immoral picture, print, or representation.
§ 45.42 Mark.
Every package of tobacco products shall before removal from the factory under this part, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, a mark as specified in this section. The mark may consist of the name of the manufacturer removing the product and the location (by city and State) of the factory from which the products are to be so removed, or may consist of the permit number of the factory from which the products are to be so removed. (Any trade name of the manufacturer approved as provided in § 40.65 of this chapter may be used in the mark as the name of the manufacturer.) As an alternative, where tobacco products are both packaged and removed by the same manufacturer, either at the same or different factories, the mark may consist of the name of such manufacturer if the factory where packaged is identified on or in the package by a means approved by the appropriate TTB officer. Before using the alternative, the manufacturer shall notify the appropriate TTB officer in writing of the name to be used as the name of the manufacturer and the means to be used for identifying the factory where packaged. If approved by him the appropriate TTB officer shall return approved copies of the notice to the manufacturer. A copy of the approved notice shall be retained as part of the factory records at each of the factories operated by the manufacturer.
§ 45.43 Notice for smokeless tobacco.
(a) Product designation. Every package of chewing tobacco or snuff shall, before removal under this part, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, the designation “chewing tobacco” or “snuff.” As an alternative, packages of chewing tobacco may be designated “Tax Class C,” and packages of snuff may be designated “Tax Class M.”
(b) Product weight. Every package of chewing tobacco or snuff shall, before removal under this part, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, a clear statement of the actual pounds and ounces of the product contained therein. As an alternative, the shipping cases containing packages of chewing tobacco or snuff may, before removal, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, a clear statement, in pounds and ounces, of the total weight of the product, the tax class of the product, and the total number of the packages of product contained therein.
§ 45.44 Notice for cigars.
Before removal under this part, every package of cigars shall have adequately imprinted on it, or on a label securely affixed to it –
(a) The designation “cigars”;
(b) The quantity of cigars contained in the package; and
(c) For small cigars, the classification of the product for tax purposes (i.e., either “small” or “little”).
§ 45.45 Notice for cigarettes.
Every package of cigarettes shall, before removal under this part, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, the designation “cigarettes”, the quantity of such product contained therein, and the classification for tax purposes, i.e., for small cigarettes, either “small” or “Class A”, and for large cigarettes, either “large” or “Class B”.
§ 45.45a Notice for pipe tobacco.
(a) Product designation. Every package of pipe tobacco shall, before removal subject to tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, the designation “pipe tobacco.”
(b) Product weight. Every package of pipe tobacco shall, before removal subject to tax, have adequately imprinted thereon, or on a label securely affixed thereto, a clear statement of the actual pounds and ounces of the product contained therein.
§ 45.45b Notice for roll-your-own tobacco.
(a) Product designation. Every package of roll-your-own tobacco, before removal subject to tax, must have adequately imprinted on it, or on a label securely affixed to it, the applicable designation “roll-your-own tobacco”, “cigarette tobacco”, “cigar tobacco”, “cigarette wrapper”, or “cigar wrapper”.
(b) Product weight. Before removal subject to tax, roll-your-own tobacco must have a clear statement of the actual weight in pounds and ounces of the product in the package. This statement must be adequately imprinted on, or on a label securely affixed to, the package.
§ 45.45c Package use-up rule.
(a) During the period from June 22, 2009, through March 23, 2010, a manufacturer of tobacco products may remove packages of pipe tobacco or roll-your-own tobacco that do not meet the requirements of § 45.45a(a) or § 45.45b(a), provided that such packages bear the designation “Tax Class L” (to designate pipe tobacco) or “Tax Class J” (to designate roll-your-own tobacco)) and were in use prior to June 22, 2009.
(b) During the period from June 22, 2009, through March 23, 2010, a manufacturer may remove roll-your-own tobacco for which the applicable designation is “cigar tobacco,” “cigarette wrapper,” or “cigar wrapper” even if the packages of such products do not meet the requirements of § 45.45b.
§ 45.46 Tax-exempt label.
Except in the case of articles described in § 45.31(a)(3), every package of tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes removed under this part shall have the words “Tax-Exempt. For Use of U.S. Not To Be Sold.” adequately imprinted on the package or on a label securely affixed thereto.
Subpart F – Records
§ 45.51 Supporting records.
(a) Records of removals. Every manufacturer who removes tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes under this part must, in addition to the records kept under part 40 of this chapter, keep a supporting record of such removals and must make appropriate entries therein at the time of removal. The supporting record for each removal must show:
(1) The date of removal;
(2) The name and address of the Federal agency to which shipped or delivered;
(3) The kind and quantity and,
(4) for large cigars, the sale price.
(b) Records of returns. If any tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes removed under this part are returned to the factory, such returns must be noted in the supporting record.
(c) Commercial records. Where the manufacturer keeps, at the factory, copies of invoices or other commercial records containing the information required as to each removal, in such manner that the information may be readily ascertained therefrom, such copies will be considered the supporting record required by this section.
(d) Retention period. The manufacturer must retain the supporting record for 3 years following the close of the year covered therein. The record must be made available for inspection by any appropriate TTB officer upon request.
PART 46 – MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS RELATING TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND CIGARETTE PAPERS AND TUBES
For exportation of tobacco materials, tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes, without payment of tax, or with drawback of tax, see part 44.
Subpart A – Application of 26 U.S.C. 6423, as Amended, to Refund or Credit of Tax on Tobacco Products, and Cigarette Papers and Tubes
General
§ 46.1 Scope of regulations in this subpart.
The regulations in this subpart relate to the limitations imposed by 26 U.S.C. 6423, on the refund or credit of tax paid or collected in respect to any article of a kind subject to a tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. chapter 52.
§ 46.2 Meaning of terms.
When used in this subpart, where not otherwise distinctly expressed or manifestly incompatible with the intent thereof, terms shall have the meaning ascribed in this section.
Administrator. The Administrator, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC.
Appropriate TTB officer. An officer or employee of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) authorized to perform any functions relating to the administration or enforcement of this part by TTB Order 1135.46, Delegation of the Administrator’s Authorities in 27 CFR Part 46, Miscellaneous Regulations Relating to Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes.
Article. The commodity in respect to which the amount claimed was paid or collected as a tax.
Claimant. Any person who files a claim for a refund or credit of tax under this subpart.
Owner. A person who, by reason of a proprietary interest in the article, furnished the amount claimed to the claimant for the purpose of paying the tax.
Person. An individual, a trust, estate, partnership, association, company, or corporation.
Tax. Any tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. chapter 52, or by any corresponding provision of prior internal revenue laws, and in the case of any commodity of a kind subject to a tax under such chapter, any tax equal to any such tax, any additional tax, or any floor stocks tax. The term includes an exaction denominated a “tax”, and any penalty, addition to tax, additional amount, or interest applicable to any such tax.
§ 46.3 Applicability to certain credits or refunds.
The provisions of this subpart apply only where the credit or refund is claimed on the grounds that an amount of tax was assessed or collected erroneously, illegally, without authority, or in any manner wrongfully, or on the grounds that such amount was excessive. This subpart does not apply to:
(a) Any claim for drawback,
(b) Any claim made in accordance with any law expressly providing for credit or refund where an article is withdrawn from the market, returned to bond, lost, or destroyed, and
(c) Any claim based solely on errors in computation of the quantity of an article subject to tax or on mathematical errors in computation of the amount of the tax due, or to any claim in respect of tax collected or paid on an article seized and forfeited, or destroyed, as contraband.
§ 46.4 Ultimate burden.
For the purposes of this subpart, the claimant, or owner, shall be treated as having borne the ultimate burden of an amount of tax only if:
(a) He has not, directly or indirectly, been relieved of such burden or shifted such burden to any other person,
(b) No understanding or agreement exists for any such relief or shifting, and
(c) If he has neither sold nor contracted to sell the articles involved in such claim, he agrees that there will be no such relief or shifting, and furnishes bond as provided in § 46.10.
§ 46.5 Conditions to allowance of credit or refund.
No credit or refund to which this subpart is applicable shall be allowed or made, pursuant to a court decision or otherwise, of any amount paid or collected as a tax unless a claim therefor has been filed, as provided in this subpart, by the person who paid the tax and the claimant, in addition to establishing that he is otherwise legally entitled to credit or refund of the amount claimed, establishes:
(a) That he bore the ultimate burden of the amount claimed, or
(b) That he has unconditionally repaid the amount claimed to the person who bore the ultimate burden of such amount, or
(c) That (1) the owner of the article furnished him the amount claimed for payment of the tax, (2) he has filed with the appropriate TTB officer the written consent of such owner to the allowance to the claimant of the credit or refund, and (3) such owner satisfies the requirements of paragraph (a) or (b) of this section.
§ 46.6 Requirements for persons intending to file claim.
Any person who, having paid the tax with respect to an article, desires to claim refund or credit of any amount of such tax to which the provisions of this subpart are applicable must:
(a) File a claim, as provided in § 46.7,
(b) Comply with any other provisions of law or regulations which may apply to the claim, and
(c) If, at the time of filing the claim, neither he nor the owner has sold or contracted to sell the articles involved in the claim, file a bond on TTB Form 5620.10, as provided by § 46.10.
Claim Procedure
§ 46.7 Execution and filing of claim.
Claims to which this subpart is applicable must be executed on Form 2635 (5620.8) in accordance with instructions for the form. (For provisions relating to hand-carried documents, see § 70.304 of this chapter.) The claim shall set forth each ground upon which the claim is made in sufficient detail to apprise the appropriate TTB officer of the exact basis therefor. Allegations pertaining to the bearing of the ultimate burden relate to additional conditions which must be established for a claim to be allowed and are not in themselves legal grounds for allowance of a claim. There shall also be attached to the form and made a part of the claim the supporting data required by § 46.8. All evidence relied upon in support of such claim shall be clearly set forth and submitted with the claim.
§ 46.8 Data to be shown in claim.
Claims to which this subpart is applicable, in addition to the requirements of § 46.7, must set forth or contain the following:
(a) A statement that the claimant paid the amount claimed as a “tax” as defined in this subpart.
(b) Full identification (by specific reference to the form number, the date of filing, the place of filing, and the amount paid on the basis of the particular form or return) of the tax forms or returns covering the payments for which refund or credit is claimed.
(c) The written consent of the owner to allow the refund or credit to the claimant (where the owner of the article on which the tax was paid has furnished the claimant the amount claimed for the purpose of paying the tax).
(d) If the claimant or the owner, as the case may be, has neither sold nor contracted to sell the articles involved in the claim, a statement that the claimant or the owner, as the case may be, agrees not to shift, directly or indirectly in any manner whatsoever, the burden of the tax to any other person.
(e) If the claim is for refund of a floor stocks tax, or of an amount resulting from an increase in rate of tax applicable to an article, a statement as to whether the price of the article was increased on or following the effective date of such floor stocks tax or rate increase, and, if so, the date of the increase, together with full information as to the amount of such price increase.
(f) Specific evidence (such as relevant records, invoices, or other documents, or affidavits of individuals having personal knowledge of pertinent facts) which will satisfactorily establish the conditions of allowance set forth in § 46.5.
§ 46.9 Time for filing claim.
No credit or refund of any amount of tax to which the provisions of this subpart apply shall be made unless the claimant files a claim therefor within the time prescribed by law and in accordance with the provisions of this subpart.
Bond
§ 46.10 Bond, Form 2490.
Each claim for a refund or credit of tax on articles which the claimant or the owner, as the case may be, has neither sold nor contracted to sell at the time of filing of the claim must be accompanied by a bond on TTB Form 5620.10. The bond shall be executed by the claimant or the owner of the articles, as the case may be, in accordance with the provisions of this subpart and the instructions printed on the form. Such bond shall be conditioned that there will be no relief or shifting of the ultimate burden of the tax to any other person. The penal sum shall not be less than the amount of tax claimed on all articles which have not been sold or contracted for sale at the time of filing of the claim. Bonds required by this subpart shall be given with corporate surety or with collateral security. A separate bond must be filed for each claim.
§ 46.11 Corporate surety.
(a) Surety bonds required under the provisions of this subpart may be given only with corporate sureties holding certificates of authority from the Secretary of the Treasury as acceptable sureties on Federal bonds. Limitations concerning corporate sureties are prescribed by the Secretary in the current revision of the Treasury Department Circular No. 570 (refer to paragraph (c) of this section). The surety shall have no interest whatever in the business covered by the bond.
(b) Each bond and each extension of coverage of bond shall at the time of filing be accompanied by a power of attorney authorizing the agent or officer who executed the bond to so act on behalf of the surety. The appropriate TTB officer who is authorized to approve the bond may, whenever he deems it necessary, require additional evidence of the authority of the agent or officer to execute the bond or extension of coverage of bond. The power of attorney shall be prepared on a form provided by the surety company and executed under the corporate seal of the company. If the power of attorney submitted is other than a manually signed document, it shall be accompanied by a certificate of its validity.
(c) Treasury Department Circular No. 570 (Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Sureties on Federal Bonds and as Acceptable Reinsuring Companies) is published in the
§ 46.12 Deposit of securities in lieu of corporate surety.
In lieu of corporate surety, the principal may pledge and deposit securities which are transferable and are guaranteed as to both interest and principal by the United States, in accordance with the provisions of 31 CFR part 225.
§ 46.13 Authority to approve bonds.
An appropriate TTB officer may approve all bonds required by this subpart.
§ 46.14 Termination of liability.
Bonds on TTB Form 5620.10 will be terminated by the appropriate TTB officer on receipt of satisfactory evidence that the person giving the bond has disposed of the articles covered by the bond and that he bore the ultimate burden of the amount claimed and that no understanding or agreement exists whereby he will be relieved of such burden or shift such burden to another person.
§ 46.15 Release of pledged securities.
Securities of the United States, pledged and deposited as provided by § 46.12, shall be released only in accordance with the provisions of 31 CFR part 225. When the appropriate TTB officer is satisfied that they may be released, he shall fix the date or dates on which a part or all of such securities may be released. At any time prior to the release of such securities, the appropriate TTB officer may, for proper cause, extend the date of release for such additional length of time as he deems necessary.
Penalties
§ 46.16 Penalties.
It is an offense punishable by fine and imprisonment for anyone to make or cause to be made any false or fraudulent claim upon the United States, or to make any false or fraudulent statements, or representations, in support of any claim, or to falsely or fraudulently execute any documents required by the provisions of the internal revenue laws, or any regulations made in pursuance thereof.
Subpart B – Administrative Provisions
§ 46.21 Delegations of the Administrator.
The regulatory authorities of the Administrator contained in this part are delegated to appropriate TTB officers. These TTB officers are specified in TTB Order 1135.46, Delegation of the Administrator’s Authorities in 27 CFR Part 46, Miscellaneous Regulations Relating to Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes. You may obtain a copy of this order by accessing the TTB Web site (http://www.ttb.gov) or by mailing a request to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 1516, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
§ 46.22 Forms prescribed.
(a) The appropriate TTB officer is authorized to prescribe all forms required by this part. You must furnish all of the information required by each form as indicated by the headings on the form and the instructions for the form, and as required by this part. You must file each form in accordance with its instructions.
(b) Forms prescribed by this part are available for printing through the TTB Web site (http://www.ttb.gov) or by mailing a request to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 1516, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Subpart C – Disaster Loss Claims
§ 46.71 Scope of subpart.
This subpart prescribes the requirements necessary to implement 26 U.S.C. 5708, concerning payments which may be made by the United States in respect to the internal revenue taxes paid or determined and customs duties paid on tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes removed, which were lost, rendered unmarketable, or condemned by a duly authorized official by reason of a disaster occurring in the United States on or after September 3, 1958.
Definitions
§ 46.72 Meaning of terms.
When used in this subpart, the following terms shall have the meanings given in this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Words in the plural form shall include the singular, and vice versa, and words indicating the masculine gender shall include the feminine. The terms “includes” and “including” do not exclude things not listed which are in the same general class.
Act. The Excise Tax Technical Changes Act of 1958 (Pub. L. 85-859, 72 Stat. 1275), enacted September 2, 1958.
Appropriate TTB officer. An officer or employee of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) authorized to perform any functions relating to the administration or enforcement of this part by TTB Order 1135.46, Delegation of the Administrator’s Authorities in 27 CFR Part 46, Miscellaneous Regulations Relating to Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes.
Claimant. The person who held the tobacco products or cigarette papers and tubes for sale at the time of the disaster and who files claim under this subpart.
Commissioner of Customs. The Commissioner of Customs, U.S. Customs Service, The Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC.
Disaster. A flood, fire, hurricane, earthquake, storm, or other catastrophe which has occurred in any part of the United States on and after the day following the date of enactment of the act and which the President of the United States has determined, under the Act of September 30, 1950 (64 Stat. 1109; 42 U.S.C. 1855), was a “major disaster” as defined in such Act.
Duly authorized official. Any Federal, State, or local government official in whom has been vested authority to condemn tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes made the subject of a claim under this subpart.
Duty or duties. Any duty or duties paid under the customs laws of the United States.
Removal or remove. The removal of tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes from the factory, or release of such articles from Customs custody.
Sale price. The price for which large cigars are sold by the manufacturer or importer, determined in accordance with §§ 40.22 or 41.39 and used in computation of the tax.
Tax paid or determined. The internal revenue tax on tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes which has acutally been paid, or which has been determined pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 5703(b), and regulations thereunder, at the time of their removal subject to tax payable on the basis of a return.
Tobacco Products. Cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco.
United States. When used in a geographical sense, includes only the States, and the District of Columbia.
Payments
§ 46.73 Circumstances under which payment may be made.
An appropriate TTB officer shall allow payment (without interest) of an amount equal to the amount of tax paid or determined, and the Commissioner of Customs shall allow payment (without interest) of an amount equal to the amount of customs duty paid, on tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes removed, which are lost, rendered unmarketable, or condemned by a duly authorized official by reason of a disaster occurring in the United States on and after September 3, 1958. Such payments may be made only if, at the time of the disaster, such tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes were being held for sale by the claimant. No payment shall be made under this subpart with respect to any amount of tax or duty claimed or to be claimed under any other provision of law or regulations.
Claims Procedure
§ 46.74 Execution of claims.
Disaster loss claims for tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes must be executed on TTB Form 2635 (5620.8), Claim – Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Taxes, in accordance with the instructions on the form. If a claim involves taxes on both domestic and imported products, the quantities of each must be shown separately in the claim. Prepare a separate claim in respect of customs duties.
§ 46.75 Required information for claim.
The claim should contain the following information:
(a) That the tax on such tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes has been paid or determined and customs duty has been paid;
(b) That such tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes were lost, rendered unmarketable, or condemned by a duly authorized official, by reason of a disaster;
(c) The type and date of occurrence of the disaster and the location of the tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes at that time;
(d) That the claimant was not indemnified by any valid claim of insurance or otherwise in respect of the tax, or tax and duty, on the tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes covered by the claim;
(e) That no amount of internal revenue tax or customs duty claimed has been or will be otherwise claimed under any other provision of law or regulations,
(f) That the claimant is entitled to payment under this subpart, and
(g) The claim must set forth the quantity and kind of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes in sufficient detail to calculate the amount of tax and duty paid on these products, substantially as shown in the examples below:
[Example using rates for 2002 and After]
| Quantity | Article | Rate of tax | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20,000 | Small cigars | $1.828 per thousand | 36.56 |
| 1,000 | Large cigars – sale price $100/thousand | 20.719% of sale price | 20.72 |
| 500 | Large cigars – sale price $236/thousand | $48.75 per thousand | 24.38 |
| 10,000 | Small cigarettes | $19.50 per thousand | 195.00 |
| 5,000 | Large cigarettes | $40.95 per thousand | 204.75 |
| 199,975 | Cigarette papers | $0.0122 per 50 papers | 48.80 |
| 1,000 | Cigarette tubes | $0.0244 per 50 tubes | 0.49 |
| 100 lbs | Chewing tobacco | $0.195 per pound | 19.50 |
| 200 lbs | Snuff | $0.585 per pound | 117.00 |
| 100 lbs | Pipe tobacco | $1.0969 per pound | 109.69 |
| 300 lbs | Roll-your-own tobacco | $1.0969 per pound | 329.07 |
| Total claimed | 1,105.96 |
Example Using Rates for April 1, 2009 and After
| Quantity | Article | Rate of tax | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20,000 | Small cigars | $50.33 per thousand | $1,006.60 |
| 1,000 | Large cigars – sale price $100/thousand | 52.75% of sale price | 52.75 |
| 500 | Large cigars – sale price $0.77 per cigar | $0.4026 per cigar | 201.30 |
| 10,000 | Small cigarettes | $50.33 per thousand | 503.30 |
| 5,000 | Large cigarettes | $105.69 per thousand | 528.45 |
| 199,975 | Cigarette papers | $0.0315 per 50 papers | 126.00 |
| 1,000 | Cigarette tubes | $0.0630 per 50 tubes | 1.26 |
| 100 lbs | Chewing tobacco | $0.5033 per pound | 50.33 |
| 200 lbs | Snuff | $1.51 per pound | 302.00 |
| 100 lbs | Pipe tobacco | $2.8311 per pound | 283.11 |
| 300 lbs | Roll-your-own tobacco | $24.78 per pound | 7,434.00 |
| Total claimed | 10,489.10 |
§ 46.76 Supporting evidence.
The claimant must support the claim with any available evidence (such as inventories, statements, invoices, bills, records, stamps, and labels), relating to the tobacco products or cigarette papers or tubes on hand at the time of the disaster and claimed to have been lost, rendered unmarketable, or condemned as a result thereof. If the claim is for refund of duty, the claimant must furnish, if practicable, the customs entry number, date of entry, and the name of the port of entry.
§ 46.77 Time and place of filing.
Disaster loss claims must be filed within 6 months after the date on which the President makes the determination that the disaster has occurred. All forms, including claims for duty on imported products, must be filed with the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 46.78 Action by appropriate TTB officer.
The appropriate TTB officer must act upon each claim for payment (without interest) of an amount equal to the tax paid or determined filed under this subpart and must notify the claimant. Claims and supporting data involving customs duties will be forwarded to the Commissioner of Customs with a summary statement of such officer’s findings.
Destruction of Tobacco Products, and Cigarette Papers and Tubes
§ 46.79 Supervision.
Before payment is made under this subpart in respect of the tax, or tax and duty, on tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes rendered unmarketable or condemned by a duly authorized official, such tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes must be destroyed by suitable means under the supervision of an appropriate TTB officer who will be assigned for that purpose by another appropriate TTB officer. However, if the destruction of such tobacco products, or cigarette papers or tubes has already occurred, and if the appropriate TTB officer who acts on the claim is satisfied with the supervision of such destruction, TTB supervision will not be required.
Penalties
§ 46.80 Penalties.
Penalties are provided in 26 U.S.C. 7206 and 7207 for the execution under the penalties of perjury of any false or fraudulent statement in support of any claim and for the filing of any false or fraudulent document under this subpart. All provisions of law, including penalties, applicable in respect of internal revenue taxes on tobacco products, and cigarette papers and tubes shall, insofar as applicable and not inconsistent with this subpart, be applied in respect of the payments provided for in this subpart to the same extent as if such payments constituted refunds of such taxes.
Admimistrative Provisions
§ 46.81 [Reserved]
Subpart D – Rules for Special (Occupational) Tax
§ 46.91 Scope of subpart.
This subpart contains rules relating to special (occupational) taxes that must be paid by manufacturers of tobacco products, manufacturers of cigarette papers and tubes, and export warehouse proprietors.
§ 46.92 Meaning of terms.
As used in this subpart, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated unless either the context in which they are used requires a different meaning, or a different definition is prescribed for a particular section or portion of this subpart:
Appropriate TTB officer. An officer or employee of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) authorized to perform any functions relating to the administration or enforcement of this part by TTB Order 1135.46, Delegation of the Administrator’s Authorities in 27 CFR Part 46, Miscellaneous Regulations Relating to Tobacco Products and Cigarette Papers and Tubes.
CFR. The Code of Federal Regulations.
Cigarette paper. Paper, or any other material except tobacco, prepared for use as a cigarette wrapper.
Cigarette tube. Cigarette paper made into a hollow cylinder for use in making cigarettes.
Export warehouse. A bonded internal revenue warehouse for the storage of tobacco products and cigarette papers and tubes, upon which the internal revenue tax has not been paid, for subsequent shipment to a foreign country, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or a possession of the United States, or for consumption beyond the jurisdiction of the internal revenue laws of the United States.
Export warehouse proprietor. Any person who operates an export warehouse.
Manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes. Any person who manufactures cigarette paper, or makes up cigarette paper into tubes, except for his own personal use or consumption.
Manufacturer of tobacco products. Any person who manufactures tobacco products.
Person. An individual, a trust, estate, partnership, association or other unincorporated organization, fiduciary, company, or corporation, or the District of Columbia, a State, or a political subdivision thereof (including a city, county, or other municipality).
Special tax. The special (occupational) tax on manufacturers of tobacco products, manufacturers of cigarette papers and tubes, and export warehouse proprietors, imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5731.
Tax year. The period from July 1 of one calendar year through June 30 of the following calendar year.
This chapter. Chapter I of title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Tobacco products. Cigars, cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, and roll-your-own tobacco.
U.S.C. The United States Code.
§ 46.93 Multiple businesses of same ownership and location.
(a) Where more than one type of taxable business is conducted by the same person at the same place, special tax for each business must be paid at the rates prescribed for each.
(b) Where the same type of taxable business is conducted by the same person in different areas of the same premises, only one special tax payment is required.
§ 46.94 Relation to State and municipal law.
(a) General. The payment of special (occupational) tax does not exempt any person from any penalty or punishment provided by the laws of any State for carrying on any trade or business within that State, nor does it authorize the commencement or continuance of any trade or business contrary to State law or in places prohibited by county or municipal law. Payment of this tax does not prohibit any State from placing an additional duty or tax on the same trade or business, for State or other purposes.
(b) Special tax stamps. TTB officers are without authority to refuse to issue a special tax stamp to a person engaged in business in violation of State law. The stamp is not a Federal permit or license, but is merely a receipt for the tax. The stamp affords the holder no protection against prosecution for violation of State law.
§ 46.95 Liability of partners.
Any number of persons carrying on one business in partnership at any one place during any tax year are required to pay only one special tax.
Payment of Special Tax
§ 46.101 Special tax returns.
(a) Preparation of TTB Form 5630.5t. Every manufacturer of tobacco products, manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes, and export warehouse proprietor is required to pay special (occupational) tax and file a return on TTB Form 5630.5t, “Special Tax Registration and Return – Tobacco.” TTB Form 5630.5t must be completed in accordance with the instructions on the form, and all of the information called for on the form must be provided, including the following:
(1) Name of the taxpayer.
(2) Trade name(s) (if any) of the business(es) subject to special (occupational) tax.
(3) Employer identification number (see § 46.102).
(4) Exact location of the place of business, by name and number of building or street, or if these do not exist, by some specific description in addition to the post office address. In the case of one return for two or more locations, the address to be shown must be the taxpayer’s principal place of business (or principal office, in the case of a corporate taxpayer).
(5) Class(es) of special tax to which the taxpayer is subject.
(6) Ownership and control information. This consists of the name, position, and residence address of every owner of the business and of every person having power to control its management and policies with respect to the activity subject to special tax. “Owner of the business” includes every partner, if the taxpayer is a partnership, and every person owning 10 percent or more of its stock, if the taxpayer is a corporation. However, the ownership and control information required by this paragraph need not be stated if the same information has been previously provided to TTB in connection with a permit application and that previously provided information is still current.
(b) Multiple locations and/or classes of tax. A taxpayer subject to special tax for the same period at more than one location or for more than one class of tax must –
(1) File one special tax return, TTB Form 5630.5t, with payment of tax, to cover all such locations and classes of tax; and
(2) Prepare, in duplicate, a list identified with the taxpayer’s name, address (as shown on TTB Form 5630.5t), employer identification number, and period covered by the return. The list must show, by State, the name, address, and tax class of each location for which special tax is being paid. The original of the list must be filed with TTB as an attachment to TTB Form 5630.5t, and the copy must be retained at the taxpayer’s principal place of business (or principal office, in the case of a corporate taxpayer) for a period of three years from the date of the return.
(c) Signing of TTB Form 5630.5t – (1) By principal. The return of an individual proprietor must be signed by the individual. The return of a partnership must be signed by a general partner. The return of a corporation must be signed by an officer. In each case, the person signing the return must designate his or her capacity as “individual owner,” “member of firm,” or, in the case of a corporation, the officer’s title.
(2) By fiduciary. A receiver, trustee, assignee, executor, administrator, or other legal representative who continues the business of a bankrupt, insolvent, deceased, or otherwise incapacitated person must indicate the capacity in which the fiduciary acts.
(3) By agent or attorney in fact. If a return is signed by an agent or attorney in fact, the signature must be preceded by the name of the principal and followed by the title of the agent or attorney in fact. A return signed by a person as agent will not be accepted unless there is filed, with the TTB office with which the return is required to be filed, a power of attorney authorizing the agent to perform the act.
(d) Perjury statement. Each TTB Form 5630.5t must contain, or be verified by, a written declaration that the return has been executed under the penalties of perjury.
§ 46.102 Employer identification number.
(a) Requirement. The employer identification number (as defined in 26 CFR 301.7701-12) of the taxpayer who has been assigned such a number must be shown on each special tax return, including each amended return, filed under this subpart. Failure of the taxpayer to include the employer identification number may result in the imposition of the penalty specified in § 70.113 of this chapter.
(b) Application for employer identification number. Each taxpayer who files a special tax return and who has not already been assigned an employer identification number must file Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form SS-4 to apply for one. The taxpayer must apply for and be assigned only one employer identification number, regardless of the number of places of business for which the taxpayer is required to file a special tax return. The taxpayer must apply for the employer identification number no later than 7 days after the filing of the taxpayer’s first special (occupational) tax return. IRS Form SS-4 may be obtained from the director of an IRS service center, from any IRS district director, or from http://www.irs.gov/.
§ 46.103 Time for filing return and paying tax.
The return, along with remittance of special tax, must be filed on or before the date of commencing business as a manufacturer of tobacco products, manufacturer of cigarette papers or tubes, or export warehouse proprietor, and thereafter every year on or before July 1. If the return and applicable tax are received in the mail and the U.S. postmark on the cover shows that it was deposited in the mail in the United States within the time prescribed for filing in an envelope or other appropriate wrapper which was properly addressed with postage prepaid, the return will be considered as timely filed. If the postmark is not legible, the sender has the burden of proving the date when the postmark was made. When registered mail is used, the date of registration will be accepted as the postmark date. When certified mail is used, the date of the postmark on the sender’s receipt of certified mail is treated as the postmark date.
§ 46.104 Method of payment.
Payment of special tax must be made in cash, or by check or money order payable to Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. If a check or money order so tendered is not honored when presented for payment, the person who tendered the check or money order will remain liable for the payment of the special tax, and for all penalties and additions, to the same extent as if the check or money order had not been tendered. In addition, unless the person who tendered the check or money order can show that the check or money order was issued in good faith, and with reasonable cause to believe that it would be duly paid, there must be paid as penalty an amount equal to 1 percent of the amount of the check or money order, except that if the amount of the check or money order is less than $500, the penalty will be $5, or the amount of the check or money order, whichever is less.
§ 46.105 Receipt for taxes.
Subject to § 46.106, the appropriate TTB officer will issue a receipt to a taxpayer if cash is received as a remittance in payment of special tax (including penalties and interest, if any), or for any type of remittance received if the taxpayer requests a receipt.
§ 46.106 Receipt in lieu of stamp prohibited.
No receipt will be issued in lieu of issuance of a special tax stamp under § 46.116. A receipt may be given only pending the issuance of a stamp, or where the tax liability relates to a prior tax year.
§ 46.107 Penalty for failure to file return or to pay tax.
(a) Failure to file return. Any person required by this subpart to file a return on TTB Form 5630.5t who fails to file the return on or before the date for filing prescribed in § 46.103 must pay, in addition to the tax, a delinquency penalty, unless it is shown that such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect (see § 46.109). The delinquency penalty for failure to file the return on or before the last date prescribed will be 5 percent of the amount required to be shown as tax on the return if the failure to file is for not more than one month; with an additional 5 percent for each additional month or fraction thereof during which the delinquency continues, but not more than 25 percent in the aggregate.
(b) Failure to pay tax. Any person who files a return on TTB Form 5630.5t under this subpart and who fails to pay the amount shown as tax on the return on or before the date prescribed in § 46.103 for payment of such tax, must pay a penalty, in addition to the tax, unless it is shown that such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect (see § 46.109). The penalty for failure to pay the tax on or before the date prescribed for payment is 0.5 percent of the amount shown as tax on the return if the failure to pay is not for more than one month; with an additional 0.5 percent for each additional month or fraction thereof during which the failure continues, but not more than 25 percent in the aggregate. Any person required to pay the special tax who willfully fails to pay the tax shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both, for each such offense.
(c) Limitations. With respect to any return on Form 5630.5t, the amount of the addition under paragraph (a) of this section will be reduced by the amount of the addition under paragraph (b) of this section for any month to which an addition to tax applies under both paragraph (a) and paragraph (b) of this section. If the amount of tax required to be shown as tax on the return is less than the amount shown as tax on such return, the penalties prescribed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section will be applied by substituting that lower amount.
§ 46.108 Interest on unpaid tax.
(a) General. Interest is due on unpaid special tax from the date the tax was required to be paid to the date paid. Interest will be charged for each day at the rate prescribed by law in effect on that day. Interest accruing after December 31, 1982, is compounded daily.
(b) Adjusted interest rates. Adjusted interest rates, determined in accordance with the procedure prescribed by 26 U.S.C. 6621(b), are announced quarterly by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue. The appropriate TTB officer will provide information, when requested, regarding interest rates applicable to specific time periods.
§ 46.109 Waiver of penalties.
In every case where a special tax return is not filed, or the tax is not paid, at the time prescribed in § 46.103, the delinquency penalties specified in § 46.107 for failure to file a return or for failure to pay the amount shown as tax on the return will be asserted and collected unless a reasonable cause for delay in filing the return or payment of the tax is clearly established. A taxpayer who believes the circumstances that delayed such taxpayer’s filing of the return or payment of the tax are reasonable, and who desires to have the penalties waived, must submit with the return a written statement under the penalty of perjury, affirmatively showing all of the circumstances alleged as reasonable causes for delay. If the appropriate TTB officer determines that the delinquency was due to a reasonable cause and not to willful neglect or gross negligence, the addition to the tax will be waived. If the taxpayer exercised ordinary business care and prudence and was nevertheless unable to file the return within the prescribed time, or if the taxpayer made a satisfactory showing that the taxpayer exercised ordinary business care and prudence in providing for payment of the tax liability and was nevertheless either unable to pay the tax or would have suffered an undue hardship if the taxpayer had paid on the due date, then the delay is due to reasonable cause. Mere ignorance of the law will not be considered a reasonable cause.
Special Tax Stamps
§ 46.116 Issuance, distribution, and examination of special tax stamps.
(a) Issuance of special tax stamps. Upon filing a properly executed return on TTB Form 5630.5t together with the full tax remittance, the taxpayer will be issued an appropriately designated special tax stamp. If the return covers multiple locations, TTB will send to the taxpayer’s principal place of business (or principal office in the case of a corporate taxpayer) one appropriately designated stamp for each location listed on the attachment to TTB Form 5630.5t required by § 46.101(b)(2).
(b) Distribution of special tax stamps for multiple locations. On receipt of the special tax stamps, the taxpayer must verify that there is one stamp for each location listed on the attachment to TTB Form 5630.5t and that the information on each stamp is correct. The taxpayer must then forward each stamp to the place of business designated on the stamp. Incorrect stamps must be returned to the appropriate TTB officer as provided in § 46.120.
(c) Examination of special tax stamps. Each stamp denoting payment of special tax must be kept available for inspection by an appropriate TTB officer during business hours at the location for which the stamp is designated.
§ 46.117 Lost or destroyed stamps.
If a special tax stamp has been lost or destroyed, the taxpayer must immediately notify the TTB officer who issued the stamp. A “Certificate in Lieu of Lost or Destroyed Special Tax Stamp” will be issued to the taxpayer who submits an affidavit explaining to the satisfaction of the appropriate TTB officer that the stamp was lost or destroyed. The certificate must be kept available for inspection in the same manner as prescribed for a special tax stamp in § 46.116(c).
§ 46.118 Certificate in lieu of lost or destroyed special tax stamp.
The provisions of this subpart relating to special tax stamps apply as well to certificates in lieu of lost or destroyed special tax stamps issued to taxpayers under § 46.117.
§ 46.119 Errors disclosed by taxpayers.
On receipt of a special tax stamp, the taxpayer must examine it to ensure that the name and address are correctly stated; if not, the taxpayer must return the stamp to the TTB officer who issued it, with a statement showing the nature of the error and the correct name or address. The appropriate TTB officer, on receipt of such stamp and statement, will compare the data on the stamp with that of the Form 5630.5t in TTB files, correct the error if made in the TTB office, and return the stamp to the taxpayer. However, if the error was in the taxpayer’s preparation of the Form 5630.5t, the appropriate TTB officer will require the taxpayer to file a new Form 5630.5t, designated “Amended Return,” setting forth the taxpayer’s correct name and address, and a statement explaining the error on the original Form 5630.5t. On receipt of the amended Form 5630.5t and a satisfactory explanation of the error, the appropriate TTB officer will make the proper correction on the stamp and return it to the taxpayer.
§ 46.120 Errors discovered on inspection.
When a TTB officer discovers on a special tax stamp a material error in the name, ownership, or address of the taxpayer, that officer will require the taxpayer to surrender the erroneous tax stamp and prepare a new Form 5630.5t, designated “Amended Return,” showing correctly all of the information required in § 46.101 and containing, in the body of the form or in an attachment thereto, a statement of the reason for requesting correction of the stamp. On receipt of the amended return and an acceptable explanation for the error, the officer will make the proper correction on the stamp and return it to the taxpayer. However, if the error found by the TTB officer is on a special tax stamp issued as a result of a return on Form 5630.5t filed under § 46.101(b), that officer will instruct the taxpayer to return the stamp, with a statement showing the nature of the error and the correct data, to the TTB officer who issued the stamp, for correction in accordance with § 46.119.
Changes in Businesses Holding Special (Occupational) Tax Stamps
§ 46.126 Change in name or address.
(a) Change in name. If there is a change in the corporate or firm name, or in the trade name, as shown on TTB Form 5630.5t, the taxpayer must file an amended special tax return as soon as practicable after the change, covering the new corporate or firm name, or trade name. No new special tax is required to be paid. The taxpayer must attach the special tax stamp for endorsement of the change in name.
(b) Change in location – (1) General. If there is a change in location of a taxable place of business, the taxpayer must, within 30 days after the change, file with TTB an amended special tax return covering the new location. The taxpayer must attach the special tax stamp or stamps for endorsement of the change in location. No new special tax is required to be paid. However, if the taxpayer does not file the amended return within 30 days, the taxpayer is required to pay a new special tax and obtain a new special tax stamp.
(2) Procedure. If the taxpayer’s original return on TTB Form 5630.5t covered only one location, the taxpayer may deliver the amended return and the stamp at any TTB office, or to any TTB officer inspecting the business, in lieu of mailing them to TTB. If the taxpayer’s original return covered multiple locations under the provisions of § 46.101(b), he or she must forward with the amended return an attachment showing both the old and new address of any place of business which has been relocated, and the special tax stamp covering the location from which the business was removed. The appropriate TTB officer receiving such return or stamp will, if the return is submitted within the 30-day period, enter the proper endorsement on the stamp and return it to the taxpayer.
§ 46.127 Change in ownership.
(a) General. A special tax stamp is a receipt for tax, personal to the one to whom issued, and is not transferable from one manufacturer of tobacco products, manufacturer of cigarette papers and tubes, or export warehouse proprietor to another. If there is a change in the ownership of a special-tax payer, the successor must pay a new special (occupational) tax and obtain the required special tax stamp(s). Examples of changes in ownership that require payment of a new special tax include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Sale of business;
(2) Formation of a partnership by two persons who have paid special tax;
(3) Addition of a partner;
(4) Incorporation of the business;
(5) Creation of a new corporation to replace one or more corporations that have paid special tax; and
(6) Stockholder continuing the business of a corporation after its dissolution.
(b) Changes that do not require payment of a new special tax. The following changes do not require payment of a special tax:
(1) Increase in capital stock of a corporation.
(2) Change in ownership of any or all of the capital stock of a corporation.
(c) Exemption for certain successors. Persons identified in paragraph (d) of this section as having the right of succession may carry on the business for the remainder of the tax year for which the special tax was paid, without paying a new special tax, if within 30 days after the date on which the successor begins to carry on the business, the successor files with TTB a special tax return on TTB Form 5630.5t showing the basis of succession. A person who is a successor to a business for which special tax has been paid, and who fails to register the succession, is liable for special tax computed from the first day of the calendar month in which the successor began to carry on the business.
(d) Persons having right of succession. The right of succession referred to in paragraph (c) of this section will pass to the identified persons in the following circumstances:
(1) Death. The surviving spouse or child, or the executor, administrator, or other legal representative, of a deceased taxpayer;
(2) Succession of spouse. A husband or wife succeeding to the business of his or her living spouse;
(3) Insolvency. A receiver or trustee in bankruptcy, or an assignee for the benefit of creditors;
(4) Withdrawal from firm. The partner or partners remaining after the death or withdrawal of a member of a partnership.
Stamps for Incorrect Period or Incorrect Liability
§ 46.131 General.
If a taxpayer through error has filed a return and paid special tax for an incorrect period of liability or for an incorrect class of business, the taxpayer must prepare a corrected TTB Form 5630.5t, designated “Amended Return,” for each tax year involved and must submit the amended return, or returns, with remittance for the total applicable tax and additions to the tax (delinquency penalties and interest), to TTB in accordance with the instructions on the Form 5630.5t or, if the error is discovered by a TTB officer inspecting the premises, to that officer. Subject to the limitations imposed by 26 U.S.C. 6511, the incorrectly paid tax (including additions thereto) may be allowed as a credit against the correct tax (including any additions thereto), as provided in § 46.132, on surrender of the incorrect stamp or stamps, with the amended return or returns noted to show that credit is requested. Any incorrectly paid tax (including additions thereto) that is not credited as provided in § 46.132, including any creditable tax and additions thereto in excess of the correct tax (including additions thereto), may be refunded pursuant to §§ 46.136 through 46.138 if the taxpayer files a corrected return on Form 5630.5t with remittance of the correct amount of tax (including any additions thereto). A new stamp will be issued only for a current period of liability.
§ 46.132 Credit for incorrect stamp.
(a) General. The appropriate TTB officer may credit the tax (including additions thereto) paid for an incorrect stamp if the taxpayer has filed an amended return showing the correct tax on TTB Form 5630.5t and has, with the amended return, surrendered the incorrect stamp for credit.
(b) Underpayment. Where the correct tax (including any additions thereto) exceeds the incorrect tax paid, the appropriate TTB officer may credit the tax paid against the correct tax upon remittance of the difference between the tax paid and the correct tax plus any additions thereto.
(c) Overpayment. Where the tax (and additions thereto) paid for the surrendered incorrect stamp exceeds the amount due, the appropriate TTB officer will advise the taxpayer to file a claim for refund of that excess on TTB Form 5620.8. Sections 46.136 through 46.138 apply to all claims for refund.
Abatement or Refund of Special Taxes
§ 46.136 Claims.
Claims for abatement of assessment of special tax (including penalties and interest), or for refund of an overpayment of special tax (including interest and penalties), must be filed on TTB Form 5620.8. The claim must be filed with the appropriate TTB officer. Each claim must set forth in detail each ground on which it is based and must contain facts sufficient to explain to the appropriate TTB officer the exact basis for the claim. If the claim is for refund of special tax for which a stamp was issued, either the stamp must be attached to and be made a part of the claim, or the claimant must include in the claim a satisfactory explanation of the reason why the stamp cannot be submitted.
§ 46.137 Time limit on filing of claim for refund.
No claim for the refund of a special tax or penalty will be allowed unless presented within 3 years after the filing of the related tax return or within 2 years after the payment of such tax or penalty, whichever of these periods expires later.
§ 46.138 Discontinuance of business.
A dealer who for any reason discontinues business is not entitled to a refund of special tax for the unexpired portion of the tax year for which the special tax stamp was issued.
Subparts E-F [Reserved]
Subpart G – Dealers in Tobacco Products
§ 46.161 Scope of subpart.
The regulations in this subpart relate to the purchase, receipt, possession, offering for sale, or sale or other disposition of tobacco products by dealers in such products.
§ 46.162 Territorial extent.
The provisions of the regulations in this subpart shall apply in the several States of the United States and the District of Columbia.
§ 46.163 Meaning of terms.
When used in this subpart, where not otherwise distinctly expressed or manifestly incompatible with the intent thereof, each of the following terms shall have the meaning ascribed in this section. Words in the plural form shall include the singular, words in the singular form shall include the plural, and words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine. The terms “includes” and “including” do not exclude things not enumerated which are in the same general class.
Appropriate TTB officer. An officer or employee of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) authorized to perform any functions relating to the administration or enforcement of this part by TTB Order 1135.46, Delegation of the Adminis