Notice: The uscode.house.gov website is currently operating in a temporary format. While the United States Code remains available from its authoritative source, some website features and functionality are temporarily unavailable.
The United States Code Online is current through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
Search & Browse Currency and Updating Classification Tables Popular Name Tool Positive Law Codification Editorial Reclassification Downloads
26 U.S.C. 5602: Penalty for tax fraud by distillerText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 26-INTERNAL REVENUE CODECHAPTER 51-DISTILLED SPIRITS, WINES, AND BEER
Jump To: Source CreditEditorial NotesPrior Provisions

§5602. Penalty for tax fraud by distiller

Whenever any person engaged in or carrying on the business of a distiller defrauds, attempts to defraud, or engages in such business with intent to defraud the United States of the tax on the spirits distilled by him, or of any part thereof, he shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. No discontinuance or nolle prosequi of any prosecution under this section shall be allowed without the permission in writing of the Attorney General.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, § 201 , Sept. 2, 1958 , 72 Stat. 1400 .)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5602, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 863, related to penalty and forfeiture for setting up still without a permit, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859. See sections 5615(2) and 5687 of this title.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in prior sections 5606, 5626, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 684, 688, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.