Subchapter I—Miscellaneous General Provisions

        

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior subchapter I consisted of sections 5551 to 5557, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1313.

§5551. General provisions relating to bonds

(a) Approval as condition to commencing business

Except as provided under subsection (d), no individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or association, intending to commence or to continue the business of a distiller, warehouseman, processor, brewer, or winemaker, shall commence or continue the business of a distiller, warehouseman, processor, brewer, or winemaker until all bonds in respect of such a business, required by any provision of law, have been approved by the Secretary of the Treasury or the officer designated by him.

(b) Disapproval

The Secretary of the Treasury or any officer designated by him may disapprove any such bond or bonds if the individual, firm, partnership, or corporation, or association giving such bond or bonds, or owning, controlling, or actively participating in the management of the business of the individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or association giving such bond or bonds, shall have been previously convicted, in a court of competent jurisdiction, of—

(1) any fraudulent noncompliance with any provision of any law of the United States, if such provision related to internal revenue or customs taxation of distilled spirits, wines, or beer, or if such an offense shall have been compromised with the individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or association on payment of penalties or otherwise, or

(2) any felony under a law of any State, or the District of Columbia, or the United States, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, importation, or transportation of distilled spirits, wine, beer, or other intoxicating liquor.

(c) Appeal from disapproval

In case the disapproval is by an officer designated by the Secretary of the Treasury to approve or disapprove such bonds, the individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or association giving the bond may appeal from such disapproval to the Secretary of the Treasury or an officer designated by him to hear such appeals, and the disapproval of the bond by the Secretary of the Treasury or officer designated to hear such appeals shall be final.

(d) Removal of bond requirements

(1) In general

During any period to which subparagraph (A) of section 5061(d)(4) applies to a taxpayer (determined after application of subparagraph (B) thereof), such taxpayer shall not be required to furnish any bond covering operations or withdrawals of distilled spirits or wines for nonindustrial use or of beer.

(2) Satisfaction of bond requirements

Any taxpayer for any period described in paragraph (1) shall be treated as if sufficient bond has been furnished for purposes of covering operations and withdrawals of distilled spirits or wines for nonindustrial use or of beer for purposes of any requirements relating to bonds under this chapter.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1394; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §§1905(c)(5), 1906(b)(13)(B), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1823, 1834; Pub. L. 96–39, title VIII, §807(a)(51), July 26, 1979, 93 Stat. 288; Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title III, §332(b)(1), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3105.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5551, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 680, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

Provisions similar to those comprising subsec. (c) of this section were contained in prior section 5177(c), act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 630, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–113, §332(b)(1)(A), substituted "Except as provided under subsection (d), no individual" for "No individual".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–113, §332(b)(1)(B), added subsec. (d).

1979—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–39 substituted "warehouseman, processor" for "bonded warehouseman, rectifier" in two places.

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–455, §1906(b)(13)(B), substituted "Secretary of the Treasury" for "Secretary".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–455, §§1905(c)(5), 1906(b)(13)(B), substituted "Secretary of the Treasury" for "Secretary" in provisions preceding par. (1) and struck out "Territory, or" after "State," in par. (2).

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

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–113 applicable to any calendar quarters beginning more than 1 year after Dec. 18, 2015, see section 332(c) of Pub. L. 114–113, set out as a note under section 5061 of this title.

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–39 effective Jan. 1, 1980, see section 810 of Pub. L. 96–39, set out as a note under section 5001 of this title.

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by section 1905(c)(5) of Pub. L. 94–455 effective on first day of first month which begins more than 90 days after Oct. 4, 1976, see section 1905(d) of Pub. L. 94–455, set out as a note under section 5005 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective July 1, 1959, see section 210(a)(1) of Pub. L. 85–859, set out as a note under section 5001 of this title.

§5552. Installation of meters, tanks, and other apparatus

The Secretary is authorized to require at distilled spirits plants, breweries, and at any other premises established pursuant to this chapter as in his judgment may be deemed advisable, the installation of meters, tanks, pipes, or any other apparatus for the purpose of protecting the revenue, and such meters, tanks, and pipes and all necessary labor incident thereto shall be at the expense of the person on whose premises the installation is required. Any such person refusing or neglecting to install such apparatus when so required by the Secretary shall not be permitted to conduct business on such premises.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1395; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5552, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 680, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

For application to vinegar plants of provisions of prior section 5552 relating to installation of meters, tanks, and other apparatus, see also sections 5503 and 5505(e) of this title.

Amendments

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

§5553. Supervision of premises and operations

(a) Assignment of internal revenue officers

The Secretary is authorized to assign to any premises established under the provisions of this chapter such number of internal revenue officers as may be deemed necessary.

(b) Functions of internal revenue officer

When used in this chapter, the term "internal revenue officer assigned to the premises" means the internal revenue officer assigned by the Secretary to duties at premises established and operated under the provisions of this chapter.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1395; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5553, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 681, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

For application to vinegar plants of provisions of prior section 5553(a) relating to assignment of storekeeper-gaugers, see also section 5505(f) of this title.

Amendments

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

§5554. Pilot operations

For the purpose of facilitating the development and testing of improved methods of governmental supervision (necessary for the protection of the revenue) over distilled spirits plants established under this chapter, the Secretary is authorized to waive any regulatory provisions of this chapter for temporary pilot or experimental operations. Nothing in this section shall be construed as authority to waive the filing of any bond or the payment of any tax provided for in this chapter.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1395; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5554, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 681, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

Amendments

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

§5555. Records, statements, and returns

(a) General

Every person liable to any tax imposed by this chapter, or for the collection thereof, shall keep such records, render such statements, make such returns, and comply with such rules and regulations as the Secretary may prescribe. The Secretary shall permit a person to employ a unified system for any records, statements, and returns required to be kept, rendered, or made under this section for any beer produced in the brewery for which the tax imposed by section 5051 has been determined, including any beer which has been removed for consumption on the premises of the brewery.

(b) Authority to waive

Whenever in this chapter any record is required to be made or kept, or statement or return is required to be made by any person, the Secretary may by regulation waive, in whole or in part, such requirement when he deems such requirement to no longer serve a necessary purpose. This subsection shall not be construed as authorizing the waiver of the payment of any tax.

(c) Photographic copies

Whenever in this chapter any record is required to be made and preserved by any person, the Secretary may by regulations authorize such person to record, copy, or reproduce by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, microcard, miniature photographic, or other process, which accurately reproduces or forms a durable medium for so reproducing the original of such record and to retain such reproduction in lieu of the original. Every person who is authorized to retain such reproduction in lieu of the original shall, under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, preserve such reproduction in conveniently accessible files and make provision for examining, viewing, and using such reproduction the same as if it were the original. Such reproduction shall be treated and considered for all purposes as though it were the original record and all provisions of law applicable to the original shall be applicable to such reproduction. Such reproduction, or enlargement or facsimile thereof, shall be admissible in evidence in the same manner and under the same conditions as provided for the admission of reproductions, enlargements, or facsimiles of records made in the regular course of business under section 1732(b) of title 28 of the United States Code.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1395; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, §454(c)(10), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 821; Pub. L. 115–123, div. D, title II, §41112(a), Feb. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 160; Pub. L. 116–94, div. Q, title I, §144(i)(1), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3235; Pub. L. 116–260, div. EE, title I, §106(i)(1), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3045.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5555, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 681, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising subsecs. (a) and (b) of this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

Prior section 5555(a), relating to general provisions respecting records, statements, and returns, is also incorporated in section 5207(b) to (d) of this title.

Prior section 5555(b), relating to authority to waive records, statements, and returns, is also incorporated in section 5505(g) of this title.

Amendments

2020—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–260 substituted "The Secretary" for "For calendar quarters beginning after the date of the enactment of this sentence, and before January 1, 2021, the Secretary".

2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–94 substituted "January 1, 2021" for "January 1, 2020".

2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–123 inserted at end "For calendar quarters beginning after the date of the enactment of this sentence, and before January 1, 2020, the Secretary shall permit a person to employ a unified system for any records, statements, and returns required to be kept, rendered, or made under this section for any beer produced in the brewery for which the tax imposed by section 5051 has been determined, including any beer which has been removed for consumption on the premises of the brewery."

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–369 struck out "or for the affixing of any stamp required to be affixed by this chapter," after "the collection thereof,".

1976—Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 94–455 struck out "or his delegate" after "Secretary" wherever appearing.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2020 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–260, div. EE, title I, §106(i)(2), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3045, provided that: "The amendment made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to calendar quarters beginning after December 31, 2020."

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–94, div. Q, title I, §144(i)(2), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3235, provided that: "The amendment made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to calendar quarters beginning after December 31, 2019."

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–123, div. D, title II, §41112(b), Feb. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 160, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to calendar quarters beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 9, 2018]."

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective July 1, 1985, see section 456(b) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as an Effective Date note under section 5101 of this title.

§5556. Regulations

The regulations prescribed by the Secretary for enforcement of this chapter may make such distinctions in requirements relating to construction, equipment, or methods of operation as he deems necessary or desirable due to differences in materials or variations in methods used in production, processing, or storage of distilled spirits.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1396; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5556, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 681, authorized the Secretary to prescribe regulations, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

For application to vinegar plants of regulatory provisions of prior section 5556, see also section 5505(h) of this title.

Amendments

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

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Applicability of Rules and Regulations

Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §210(e), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1435, provided that: "Until regulations are promulgated under any provision of this title [enacting sections 5849, 5854, 5855, and 7608 of this title, amending this chapter, chapter 52 of this title and sections 5801, 5811, 5814, 5821, 5843, 5848, 5851, 6071, 6207, 6422, 7214, 7272, 7301, 7324 to 7326, 7609, 7652 and 7655 of this title, and enacting notes set out under sections 5001, 5006, 5025, 5064, 5175, 5304 and 5601 of this title] which depends for its application upon the promulgation of regulations (or which is to be applied in such manner as may be prescribed by regulations) all instructions, rules, or regulations which are in effect immediately prior to the effective date of such provision shall, to the extent such instructions, rules, or regulations could be prescribed as regulations under authority of such provision, be applied as is promulgated as regulations under such provision."

§5557. Officers and agents authorized to investigate, issue search warrants, and prosecute for violations

(a) General

The Secretary shall investigate violations of this subtitle and in any case in which prosecution appears warranted the Secretary shall report the violation to the United States Attorney for the district in which such violation was committed, who is hereby charged with the duty of prosecuting the offenders, subject to the direction of the Attorney General, as in the case of other offenses against the laws of the United States; and the Secretary may swear out warrants before United States magistrate judges or other officers or courts authorized to issue warrants for the apprehension of such offenders, and may, subject to the control of such United States Attorney, conduct the prosecution at the committing trial for the purpose of having the offenders held for the action of a grand jury. Section 3041 of title 18 of the United States Code is hereby made applicable in the enforcement of this subtitle.

(b) Cross reference

For provisions relating to the issuance of search warrants, see the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1396; amended Pub. L. 90–578, title IV, §402(b)(2), Oct. 17, 1968, 82 Stat. 1118; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 101–650, title III, §321, Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5117.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

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

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5557, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 681, related to applicability of other provisions, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859. See section 5560 of this title.

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in prior section 5314, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 659, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

Amendments

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

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"United States magistrate judges" substituted for "United States magistrates" in subsec. (a) pursuant to section 321 of Pub. L. 101–650, set out as a note under section 631 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. Previously, "United States magistrates" substituted for "United States commissioners" pursuant to Pub. L. 90–578. See chapter 43 (§631 et seq.) of Title 28.

§5558. Authority of enforcement officers

For provisions relating to the authority of internal revenue enforcement officers, see section 7608.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1396.)

§5559. Determinations

Whenever the Secretary is required or authorized, in this chapter, to make or verify any quantitative determination, such determination or verification may be made by actual count, weight, or measurement, or by the application of statistical methods, or by other means, under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1396; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

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

§5560. Other provisions applicable

All provision of subtitle F, insofar as applicable and not inconsistent with the provisions of this subtitle, are hereby extended to and made a part of this subtitle.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1396.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in prior section 5557, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 681, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

§5561. Exemptions to meet the requirements of the national defense

The Secretary may temporarily exempt proprietors of distilled spirits plants from any provision of the internal revenue laws relating to distilled spirits, except those requiring payment of the tax thereon, whenever in his judgment it may seem expedient to do so to meet the requirements of the national defense. Whenever the Secretary shall exercise the authority conferred by this section he may prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to accomplish the purpose which caused him to grant the exemption.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1397; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in prior section 5217(b), act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 641, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

Amendments

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

§5562. Exemptions from certain requirements in cases of disaster

Whenever the Secretary finds that it is necessary or desirable, by reason of disaster, to waive provisions of internal revenue law with regard to distilled spirits, he may temporarily exempt proprietors of distilled spirits plants from any provision of the internal revenue laws relating to distilled spirits, except those requiring payment of the tax thereon, to the extent he may deem necessary or desirable.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, §201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1397; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, §1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those comprising this section were contained in prior section 5215, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 640, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

Amendments

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