26 C.F.R. PART 48—MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS EXCISE TAXES


Title 26 - Internal Revenue


Title 26: Internal Revenue

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PART 48—MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS EXCISE TAXES

Section Contents

Subpart A—Introduction

§ 48.0-1   Introduction.
§ 48.0-2   General definitions and attachment of tax.
§ 48.0-3   Exemption certificates.

Subparts B–E [Reserved]


Subpart F—Special Fuels

§ 48.4041-0   Applicability of regulations relating to diesel fuel after December 31, 1993.
§ 48.4041-3   Application of tax on sales of special motor fuel for use in motor vehicles and motorboats.
§ 48.4041-4   Application of tax on sales of liquid for use as fuel in aircraft in noncommercial aviation.
§ 48.4041-5   Sales of diesel and special motor fuels and fuel for use in aircraft; rules of general application.
§ 48.4041-6   Application of tax on use of taxable liquid fuel.
§ 48.4041-7   Dual use of taxable liquid fuel.
§ 48.4041-8   Definitions.
§ 48.4041-9   Exemption for farm use.
§ 48.4041-10   Exemption for use as supplies for vessels or aircraft.
§ 48.4041-11   Tax-free sales of fuel for use in noncommercial aviation only if sellers and certain purchasers are registered.
§ 48.4041-12   Sales by United States, etc.
§ 48.4041-13   Other credits or refunds.
§ 48.4041-14   Exemption for sale to or use by certain aircraft museums.
§ 48.4041-15   Sales to States or political subdivisions thereof.
§ 48.4041-16   Sales for export.
§ 48.4041-17   Tax-free retail sales to certain nonprofit educational organizations.
§ 48.4041-18   Fuels containing alcohol.
§ 48.4041-19   Exemption for qualified methanol and ethanol fuel.
§ 48.4041-20   Partially exempt methanol and ethanol fuel.
§ 48.4041-21   Compressed natural gas (CNG).

Subpart G—Fuel Used on Inland Waterways

§ 48.4042-1   Tax on fuel used in commercial waterway transportation.
§ 48.4042-2   Special rules.
§ 48.4042-3   Certain types of commercial waterway transportation excluded.

Subpart H—Motor Vehicles, Tires, Tubes, Tread Rubber, and Taxable Fuel


Automotive and Related Items


motor vehicles

§ 48.4052-1   Heavy trucks and trailers; certification requirement.
§ 48.4061(a)   [Reserved]
§ 48.4061(a)-1   Imposition of tax; exclusion for light-duty trucks, etc.
§ 48.4061(a)-2   Bonding of importers.
§ 48.4061(a)-3   Definitions.
§ 48.4061(a)-4   Parts or accessories sold on or in connection with chasis, bodies, etc.
§ 48.4061(a)-5   Sale of automobile truck bodies and chassis.
§ 48.4061(b)   [Reserved]
§ 48.4061(b)-1   Imposition of tax.
§ 48.4061(b)-2   Definition of parts or accessories.
§ 48.4061(b)-3   Rebuilt, reconditioned, or repaired parts or accessories.
§ 48.4061-1   Temporary regulations with respect to floor stock refunds or credits on cement mixers.
§ 48.4062(a)   [Reserved]
§ 48.4062(a)-1   Specific parts or accessories.
§ 48.4062(b)   [Reserved]
§ 48.4062(b)-1   Rebuilt parts or accessories sold on an exchange basis.
§ 48.4063-1   Tax-free sales of bodies to chassis manufacturers.
§ 48.4063-2   Tax-free sales of parts or accessories sold for resale on or in connection with the first retail sale of a light-duty truck.
§ 48.4063-3   Other tax-free sales.
§ 48.4064-1   Gas guzzler tax.

Tires, Tubes, and Tread Rubber

§ 48.4071-1   Imposition and rates of tax.
§ 48.4071-2   Determination of weight.
§ 48.4071-3   Imposition of tax on tires and tubes delivered to manufacturer's retail outlet.
§ 48.4071-4   Original equipment tires on imported articles.
§ 48.4072-1   Definitions.
§ 48.4073   [Reserved]
§ 48.4073-1   Exemption of tires of certain sizes.
§ 48.4073-2   Exemption of tires with internal wire fastening.
§ 48.4073-3   Exemption of tread rubber used for recapping nonhighway tires.
§ 48.4073-4   Other tax-free sales.

Taxable Fuel

§ 48.4081-1   Taxable fuel; definitions.
§ 48.4081-1T   Taxable fuel; definitions (temporary).
§ 48.4081-2   Taxable fuel; tax on removal at a terminal rack.
§ 48.4081-3   Taxable fuel; taxable events other than removal at the terminal rack.
§ 48.4081-3T   Taxable fuel; taxable events other than removal at the terminal rack (temporary).
§ 48.4081-4   Gasoline; special rules for gasoline blendstocks.
§ 48.4081-5   Taxable fuel; notification certificate of taxable fuel registrant.
§ 48.4081-6   Gasoline; gasohol.
§ 48.4081-7   Taxable fuel; conditions for refunds of taxable fuel tax under section 4081(e).
§ 48.4081-8   Taxable fuel; measurement.
§ 48.4082-1   Diesel fuel and kerosene; exemption for dyed fuel.
§ 48.4082-1T   Diesel fuel and kerosene; exemption for dyed fuel (temporary).
§ 48.4082-2   Diesel fuel and kerosene; notice required for dyed fuel.
§ 48.4082-3   Diesel fuel and kerosene; visual inspection devices. [Reserved]
§ 48.4082-4   Diesel fuel and kerosene; back-up tax.
§ 48.4082-5   Diesel fuel and kerosene; Alaska.
§ 48.4082-6   Kerosene; exemption for aviation-grade kerosene.
§ 48.4082-7   Kerosene; exemption for feedstock purposes.
§ 48.4083-1   Taxable fuel; administrative authority.
§ 48.4091-3   Aviation fuel; conditions to allowance of refunds of aviation fuel tax under section 4091(d).
§ 48.4101-1   Taxable fuel; registration.
§ 48.4101-1T   Taxable fuel; registration (temporary).
§ 48.4101-2   Information reporting.
§ 48.4102-1   Inspection of records by State or local tax officers.

Subpart I—Coal

§ 48.4121-1   Imposition and rate of tax on coal.

Subpart J [Reserved]


Subpart K—Sporting Goods

§ 48.4161(a)   [Reserved]
§ 48.4161(a)-1   Imposition and rate of tax; fishing equipment.
§ 48.4161(a)-2   Meaning of terms.
§ 48.4161(a)-3   Parts and accessories.
§ 48.4161(a)-4   Use considered sale.
§ 48.4161(a)-5   Tax-free sales.
§ 48.4161(b)   [Reserved]
§ 48.4161(b)-1   Imposition and rates of tax; bows and arrows.
§ 48.4161(b)-2   Meaning of terms.
§ 48.4161(b)-3   Use considered sale.
§ 48.4161(b)-4   Tax-free sales.
§ 48.4161(b)-5   Effective date.

Subpart L [Reserved]


Subpart M—Special Provisions Applicable to Manufacturers Taxes

§ 48.4216(a)-1   Charges to be included in sale price.
§ 48.4216(a)-2   Exclusions from sale price.
§ 48.4216(a)-3   Other items relating to tax on sale price.
§ 48.4216(b)-1   Constructive sale price; scope and application.
§ 48.4216(b)-2   Constructive sale price; basic rules.
§ 48.4216(b)-3   Constructive sale price; special rule for arm's-length sales.
§ 48.4216(b)-4   Constructive sale price; affiliated corporations.
§ 48.4216(c)-1   Computation of tax on leases and installment sales.
§ 48.4216(d)-1   Sales of installment accounts.
§ 48.4216(e)-1   Exclusion of local advertising charges from sale price.
§ 48.4216(e)-2   Limitation on aggregate of exclusions and price readjustments.
§ 48.4216(e)-3   No exclusion or readjustment for other advertising charges or reimbursements.
§ 48.4216(f)-1   Value of used components excluded from price of certain trucks.
§ 48.4217-1   Lease considered as sale.
§ 48.4217-2   Limitation on amount of tax applicable to certain leases.

Use by Manufacturer or Importer Considered Sale

§ 48.4218-1   Tax on use by manufacturer, producer, or importer.
§ 48.4218-2   Business or personal use of articles.
§ 48.4218-3   Events subsequent to taxable use of article.
§ 48.4218-4   Use in further manufacture.
§ 48.4218-5   Computation of tax.

Application of Tax in Case of Sales by Other Than Manufacturer or Importer

§ 48.4219-1   Sales of taxable articles by a person other than the manufacturer, producer, or importer.

Subpart N—Exemptions, Registration, Etc.

§ 48.4221-1   Tax-free sales; general rule.
§ 48.4221-2   Tax-free sale of articles to be used for, or resold for, further manufacture.
§ 48.4221-3   Tax-free sale of articles for export, or for resale by the purchaser to a second purchaser for export.
§ 48.4221-4   Tax-free sale of articles for use by the purchaser as supplies for vessels or aircraft.
§ 48.4221-5   Tax-free sale of articles to State and local governments for their exclusive use.
§ 48.4221-6   Tax-free sales of articles to nonprofit educational organizations.
§ 48.4221-7   Tax-free sales of tires and tubes.
§ 48.4221-8   Tax-free sales of tires, tubes, and tread rubber used on intercity, local, and school buses.
§ 48.4222(a)-1   Registration.
§ 48.4222(b)-1   Exceptions to the requirement for registration.
§ 48.4222(c)-1   Revocation or suspension of registration.
§ 48.4222(d)-1   Registration in the case of certain other exemptions.
§ 48.4223-1   Special rules relating to further manufacture.
§ 48.4225-1   Exemption of articles manufactured or produced by Indians.

Subpart O—Refunds and Other Administrative Provisions of Special Application to Retailers and Manufacturers Taxes

§ 48.6412-1   Floor stocks credit or refund.
§ 48.6412-2   Definitions for purposes of floor stocks credit or refund.
§ 48.6412-3   Amount of tax paid on each article.
§ 48.6416(a)-1   Claims for credit or refund of overpayments of taxes on special fuels and manufacturers taxes.
§ 48.6416(a)-2   Credit or refund of tax on special fuels.
§ 48.6416(a)-3   Credit or refund of manufacturers tax under chapter 32.
§ 48.6416(b)(1)-1   Price readjustments causing overpayments of manufacturers tax.
§ 48.6416(b)(1)-2   Determination of price readjustments.
§ 48.6416(b)(1)-3   Readjustment for local advertising charges.
§ 48.6416(b)(1)-4   Supporting evidence required in case of price readjustments.
§ 48.6416(b)(2)-1   Certain exportations, uses, sales, or resales causing overpayments of tax.
§ 48.6416(b)(2)-2   Exportations, uses, sales, and resales included.
§ 48.6416(b)(2)-3   Supporting evidence required in case of manufacturers tax involving exportations, uses, sales, or resales.
§ 48.6416(b)(2)-4   Supporting evidence required in case of special fuels tax involving exportations, uses, sales, or resales of special fuels.
§ 48.6416(b)(3)-1   Tax-paid articles used for further manufacture and causing overpayments of tax.
§ 48.6416(b)(3)-2   Further manufacture included.
§ 48.6416(b)(3)-3   Supporting evidence required in case of tax-paid articles used for further manufacture.
§ 48.6416(b)(5)-1   Return of installment accounts causing overpayments of tax.
§ 48.6416(c)-1   Credit for tax paid on tires or, prior to January 1, 1984, inner tubes.
§ 48.6416(e)-1   Refund to exporter or shipper.
§ 48.6416(f)-1   Credit on returns.
§ 48.6416(h)-1   Accounting procedures for like articles.
§ 48.6420-1   Credits or payments to ultimate purchaser of gasoline used on a farm.
§ 48.6420-2   Time for filing claim for credit or payment.
§ 48.6420-3   Exempt sales; other payments or refunds available.
§ 48.6420-4   Meaning of terms.
§ 48.6420-5   Applicable laws.
§ 48.6420-6   Records to be kept in substantiation of credits or payments.
§ 48.6420(a)-2   Gasoline includible in claim.
§ 48.6421-0   Off-highway business use.
§ 48.6421-1   Credits or payments to ultimate purchaser of gasoline used for certain nonhighway purposes.
§ 48.6421-2   Credits or payments to ultimate purchasers of gasoline used in intercity, local, or school buses.
§ 48.6421-3   Time for filing claim for credit or payment.
§ 48.6421-4   Meaning of terms.
§ 48.6421-5   Exempt sales; other payments or refunds available.
§ 48.6421-6   Applicable laws.
§ 48.6421-7   Records to be kept in substantiation of credits or payments.
§ 48.6427-0   Off-highway business use.
§ 48.6427-1   Credit or payments to purchaser of special fuels resold or used for nontaxable, farming, or other purposes.
§ 48.6427-2   Credits or payments to purchaser of diesel or special motor fuels used in intercity, local, or school buses.
§ 48.6427-3   Time for filing claim for credit or payment.
§ 48.6427-4   Applicable laws.
§ 48.6427-5   Records to be kept in substantiation of credits or payments.
§ 48.6427-6   Limitation on credit or refund of tax paid on fuel used in intercity, local or school buses after July 31, 1984.
§ 48.6427-8   Diesel fuel and kerosene; claims by ultimate purchasers.
§ 48.6427-9   Diesel fuel and kerosene; claims by registered ultimate vendors (farming and State use).
§ 48.6427-10   Kerosene; claims by registered ultimate vendors (blocked pumps).
§ 48.6427-11   Kerosene; claims by registered ultimate vendors (blending).
§ 48.6715-1   Penalty for misuse of dyed fuel.


Authority:  26 U.S.C. 7805, unless otherwise noted.

Section 48.4052–1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 4052(g).

Section 48.4064–1(b)(3) also issued under 26 U.S.C. 4064(b)(1)(C)(iii).

Section 48.4064–1(d)(3)(iii) also issued under 26 U.S.C. 4064(d)(1).

Section 48.4064–1(d)(5) also issued under 26 U.S.C. 4064(d)(2).

Section 48.4081–4 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 4083(a)(2).

Section 48.4081–6 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 4081(c);

Section 48.4081–7 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 4081(e).

Section 48.4082–1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 4082.

Section 48.4082–1T also issued under 26 U.S.C. 4082(a).

Section 48.4082–2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 4082.

Section 48.4082–5 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 4082.

Section 48.4082–6 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 4082(d).

Section 48.4082–7 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 4082(d).

Section 48.4101–1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 4101(a).

Section 48.4101–2 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6071(a).

Section 48.4221–3(e) also issued under 26 U.S.C. 4221(a).

Section 48.6416(b)(2)–2(b) also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6416(b).

Section 48.6427–8 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6427(m).

Section 48.6427–9 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6427(m).

Section 48.6427–10 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6427(m).

Section 48.6427–11 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6427(m).

Subpart A—Introduction
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§ 48.0-1   Introduction.
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The regulations in this part 48 are designated “Manufacturers and Retailers Excise Tax Regulations.” The regulations relate to the excise taxes imposed by chapter 31 and 32 of the Internal Revenue Code. Chapter 31 (relating to retail taxes) imposes tax on certain luxury items, special fuels, fuel used in commercial transportation on inland waterways, and heavy trucks and trailers. Chapter 32 (relating to manufacturers taxes) imposes tax on gas guzzler automobiles, highway-type tires, taxable fuel, aviation fuel, coal, certain vaccines, and sporting goods. Although chapter 32 also imposes a tax on firearms, this tax is under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. See part 40 of this chapter for regulations relating to returns, payments, and deposits of taxes imposed by chapters 31 and 32 (other than the tax on firearms imposed by section 4181).

[T.D. 8442, 57 FR 48186, Oct. 22, 1992, as amended by T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10453, Mar. 14, 1996]

§ 48.0-2   General definitions and attachment of tax.
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(a) Meaning of terms. As used in the regulations in this part, unless otherwise expressly indicated:

(1) The terms defined in the provisions of law contained in the regulations in this part shall have the meanings so assigned to them.

(2) [Reserved]

(3) The term calendar quarter means a period of 3 calendar months ending on March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31.

(4)(i) The term manufacturer includes any person who produces a taxable article from scrap, salvage, or junk material, or from new or raw material, by processing, manipulating, or changing the form of an article or by combining or assembling two or more articles. The term also includes a “producer” and an “importer”. An “importer” of a taxable article is any person who brings such an article into the United States from a source outside the United States, or who withdraws such an article from a customs bonded warehouse for sale or use in the United States. If the nominal importer of a taxable article is not its beneficial owner (for example, the nominal importer is a customs broker engaged by the beneficial owner), the beneficial owner is the “importer” of the article for purposes of chapter 32 and is liable for tax on his sale or use of the article in the United States. See section 4219 and the regulations thereunder for the circumstances under which sales by persons other than the manufacturer or importer are subject to the manufacturers excise tax.

(ii) Under certain circumstances, as where a person manufactures or produces a taxable article for another person who furnishes materials under an agreement whereby the person who furnished the materials retains title thereto and to the finished article, the person for whom the taxable article is manufactured or produced, and not the person who actually manufactures or produces it, will be considered the manufacturer.

(iii) A manufacturer who sells a taxable article in a knockdown condition is liable for the tax as a manufacturer. Whether the person who buys such component parts and assembles a taxable article from them will also be liable for tax as a further manufacturer of a taxable article will depend on the relative amount of labor, material, and overhead required to assemble the completed article and on whether the article is assembled for a business or personal use. See section 4218 and the regulations thereunder.

(5) The term sale means an agreement whereby the seller transfers the property (that is, the title or the substantial incidents of ownership) in goods to the buyer for a consideration called the price, which may consist of money, services, or other things.

(6) The term taxable article means any article taxable under section 4041 or Chapter 32, Subtitle D, of the Code.

(7) The term vendor includes a lessor except that, with respect to the manufacturers excise taxes, this rule applies only where the lessor is also the manufacturer of the article.

(8) The term purchaser includes a lessee except that, with respect to the manufacturers excise taxes, this rule applies only where the lessor is also the manufacturer of the article.

(9) The term exporter means the person named as shipper or consignor in the export bill of lading.

(10) The term exportation means the severance of an article from the mass of things belonging within the United States with the intention of uniting it with the mass of things belonging within some foreign country or within a possession of the United States.

(11) The term possession of the United States includes Guam, the Midway Islands, Palmyra, the Panama Canal Zone, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and Wake Island.

(b) Attachment of tax. (1) For purposes of this part, the manufacturers excise tax generally attaches when the title to the article sold passes from the manufacturer to a purchaser, and the retailers excise tax generally attaches when the title to the article sold passes from the retailer to a purchaser.

(2) When title passes is dependent upon the intention of the parties as gathered from the contract of sale and the attendant circumstances. In the absence of expressed intention, the legal rules of presumption followed in the jurisdiction where the sale is made govern in determining when title passes.

(3) In the case of a sale on credit, the tax attaches whether or not the purchase price is actually collected.

(4) Where a consignor (such as a manufacturer) consigns articles to a consignee (such as a dealer), retaining ownership in them until they are disposed of by the consignee, title does not pass, and the tax does not attach, until sale by the consignee. Where the relationship between a manufacturer and a dealer is that of principal and agent, title does not pass, and the tax does not attach, until sale by the dealer.

(5) In the case of a lease, an installment sale, a conditional sale, or a chattel mortgage arrangement or similar arrangement creating a security interest, a proportionate part of the tax attaches to each payment. See section 4217 and the regulations thereunder for a limitation on the amount of tax payable on lease payments.

(6) In the case of use by the manufacturer, the tax attaches at the time the use begins.

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13515, Mar. 31, 1978, as amended by T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17155, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.0-3   Exemption certificates.
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Several sections of the regulations in this part, relating to sales exempt from retailers or manufacturers excise tax, require the retailer or manufacturer (as the case may be) to obtain an exemption certificate from the purchaser to substantiate the exempt character of the sale. Many of these sections also contain specimen forms of acceptable exemption certificates. However, any form of exemption certificate will be acceptable if it includes all the information required to be contained in such a certificate by the pertinent sections of the regulations in this part. If it contains all the required information, a form of exemption certificate that is processed by data processing equipment is acceptable.

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13516, Mar. 31, 1978. Redesignated by T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32014, Aug. 8, 1985]

Subparts B–E [Reserved]
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Subpart F—Special Fuels
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Source:  T.D. 6505, 25 FR 11217, Nov. 26, 1960, unless otherwise noted.

§ 48.4041-0   Applicability of regulations relating to diesel fuel after December 31, 1993.
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Sections 48.4041–3 through 48.4041–17 do not apply to sales or uses of diesel fuel after December 31, 1993. For rules relating to the diesel fuel tax imposed by section 4041 after that date, see §48.4082–4.

[T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10453, Mar. 14, 1996]

§ 48.4041-3   Application of tax on sales of special motor fuel for use in motor vehicles and motorboats.
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(a) In general. The tax imposed by paragraph (2)(A) of section 4041 (a), (or before April 1, 1983, paragraph (1) of section 4041 (b)), applies to the taxable sale of special motor fuel by any person to an owner, lessee, or other operator of a motor vehicle or motorboat, for use as a fuel in the motor vehicle or motorboat. The tax does not apply to special motor fuel sold for use on or after April 1, 1983, and before October 1, 1988, in an off-highway business use.

(b) Liability for tax. The tax on the taxable sale of special motor fuel is payable by the person who sells the special motor fuel to the owner, lessee, or other operator of a motor vehicle or motorboat.

(c) Rate of tax—(1) In general. Tax is imposed on the sale of special motor fuel at the rate applicable on the date on which the special motor fuel is sold. See §48.4041–1(b)(2) for rates. The test of taxability at the rates specified in §48.4041–1(b)(2) (i)(A) and (ii)(A) is whether the fuel is to be used in a motor vehicle or motorboat. For purposes of paragraphs (c) (2) and (3) of this section, the term “qualified business use” has the same meaning as that given to the term “off-highway business use” by section 6421(d)(2).

(2) Special motor fuel sold for use as a fuel in a motor vehicle. Tax at the rates specified in paragraphs (b)(2) (i)(A) and (ii)(A) of §48.4041–1 applies in the case of the sale of special motor fuel for use as a fuel in a motor vehicle. Tax at the rates specified in that section applies regardless of whether the motor vehicle is a highway vehicle. However, a reduced rate of tax from that imposed by paragraphs (b)(2)(i)(A) of §48.4041–1 is allowed by paragraph (b)(2)(i)(C) of §48.4041–1 if special motor fuel is sold for use in a qualified business use. An exemption from the tax imposed by paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) of §48.4041–1 is allowed by paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(C) of §48.4041–1 if the special motor fuel is sold for use in an off-highway business use.

(3) Special motor fuel sold for use as fuel in a motorboat. Tax at the rates specified in paragraphs (b)(2)(i)(A) and (ii)(A) of §48.4041–1 applies in the case of the sale of special motor fuel for use as fuel in a motorboat. The qualified business use reduced rate of tax set forth in paragraph (b)(2)(i)(C) of §48.4041–1 and the off-highway business use exemption set forth in paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(C) of §48.4041–1 are not applicable to motorboats unless the motorboat is a vessel employed in the fisheries or whaling business. See section 6421(d)(2)(B).

(d) Example. Application of the tax to the sale of special motor fuels may be illustrated by the following example.

Example.  The N Company is engaged in the manufacture of ceramic products. It has a vehicle which is used to haul clay from a clay pit to its factory. This vehicle has not been registered for highway use and under the applicable State law is not required to be registered for highway use since none of the hauling of clay is done on public highways. The N Company also uses a ditch digging machine in the vicinity of the clay pit for the construction of drains. A fork lift truck is used to move cartons of merchandise from place to place inside the company's warehouse and to assist in the loading of merchandise onto the company's highway trucks for delivery to purchasers. The highway trucks are registered by the State for use on highways. Special motor fuel is used for the operation of all of these items of equipment. Before April 1, 1983, the special motor fuel sold for use as a fuel in the registered highway trucks is subject to tax at the rate specified in §48.4041–1(b)(2)(i)(A). On or after January 1, 1979, and before April 1, 1983, the special motor fuel sold for use as a fuel in the unregistered truck used to haul clay from the pit to the factory and in the fork lift truck, assuming both of these are used in qualified business uses, is subject to tax at the rate specified in §48.4041–1(b)(2)(i)(C). If the unregistered truck and forklift are not used in qualified business uses, then the special motor fuel sold for use in these vehicles is taxable at the rate specified in §48.4041–1(b)(2)(i)(A) since both are motor vehicles. No tax is payable with respect to the special motor fuel sold for use in the ditch digging machine since that machine is not a motor vehicle. On and after April 1, 1983, and before October 1, 1988, special motor fuel sold for use in the registered trucks is taxable at the rate specified in §48.4041–1(b)(2)(ii)(A) because the trucks are motor vehicles. On and after April 1, 1983, and before October 1, 1988, special motor fuel sold for use in the unregistered truck and the fork lift, assuming that both vehicles are used in off-highway business uses, is exempt from tax as specified in §48.4041–1(b)(2)(ii)(C). If the unregistered truck and fork lift are not used in off-highway business uses, then the special motor fuel sold for use in these vehicles is taxable at the rate specified in §48.4041–1(b)(2)(ii)(A) since both are motor vehicles. No tax is payable with respect to the special motor fuel sold for use in the ditch digging machine since that machine is not a motor vehicle.

(e) Cross reference. (1) For the tax applicable in certain cases based on the use of special motor fuel as a fuel in a motor vehicle or motorboat, see §48.4041–6.

(2) For the definition of the terms “highway”, “motor vehicle”, “special motor fuel”, and “registered”, see paragraphs (a), (c), (f), and (i) of §48.4041–8. For the definition of the term “off-highway business use”, see section 6421(d)(2).

(3) For the exemption from tax with respect to special motor fuel sold for use on a farm for farming purposes or as supplies for vessels, see §§48.4041–9 and 48.4041–10, respectively.

(4) For credit or refund of tax paid on special motor fuel resold or used otherwise than for the purpose for which purchased, see section 6427(a).

[T.D. 8066, 51 FR 14, Jan. 2, 1986]

§ 48.4041-4   Application of tax on sales of liquid for use as fuel in aircraft in noncommercial aviation.
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(a) In general. The taxes imposed by subparagraphs (1)(A) and (2)(A) of section 4041(c) apply to the taxable sale of any liquid by any person to an owner, lessee, or other operator of an aircraft, for use as a fuel in the aircraft in noncommercial aviation.

(b) Liability of tax. The tax on the taxable sale of any liquid used as fuel in aircraft in noncommercial aviation is payable by the person who sells the liquid to the owner, lessee, or operator of an aircraft in noncommercial aviation.

(c) Rate of tax. Tax is imposed on the sale of liquids used as fuel in aircraft in noncommercial aviation at the rate applicable on the date on which the liquid is sold. See §48.4041–1(b)(3) for rates.

(d) Cross references. (1) For the tax applicable on the basis of the use of fuel in an aircraft in noncommercial aviation, see §48.4041–6.

(2) For the definition of the term “noncommercial aviation”, see paragraph (j) of §48.4041–8.

(3) For the exemption of tax with respect to liquids used as fuel in aircraft in noncommercial aviation sold for use on a farm for farming purposes or as supplies for vessels or aircraft, see §§48.4041–9 and 48.4041–10, respectively. For tax-free sales if sellers and purchasers are registered, see §48.4041–11.

(4) For credit or refund of tax paid on fuel used in noncommercial aviation that is resold or used otherwise than for the purpose for which purchased, see section 6427(a).

(e) Effective date. The provisions of this section shall apply to sales or uses occurring before October 1, 1980, and to sales or uses occurring on or after September 1, 1982, and ending before January 1, 1988.

[T.D. 8066, 51 FR 15, Jan. 2, 1986]

§ 48.4041-5   Sales of diesel and special motor fuels and fuel for use in aircraft; rules of general application.
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(a) Taxability of liquid fuel delivered into purchaser's tanks—(1) Fuel supply tanks. (i) The sale of diesel fuel to an owner, lessee, or other operator of a diesel-powered highway vehicle, or of special motor fuel to an owner, lessee, or other operator of a motor vehicle or motorboat, or of fuel to an owner, lessee, or other operator of an aircraft used in noncommercial aviation is considered a taxable sale of the liquid fuel if the liquid fuel is delivered by the seller into the fuel supply tank of the vehicle, motorboat, or aircraft. For purpose of this paragraph (a), liquid fuel sold at a location unattended by the seller (such as under a cardlock or meter system) on or after January 2, 1986, is considered to be delivered into the fuel supply tank by the seller except as provided in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section. In this regard, see section 6427(a) for credit or refund of tax if liquid fuel acquired in a transaction subject to tax is used in a nontaxable use.

(ii) If the seller maintains special devices at the unattended location to account accurately for sales of liquid fuel for nontaxable uses (such as assigning a separate “nontaxable” meter or, in a cardlock system, issuing a special “nontaxable” card to a customer who regularly purchases fuel for nontaxable uses), then such sales of liquid fuel shall be considered nontaxable. The seller must maintain sufficient records of such nontaxable sales and include in these records the name of the purchaser, the date of the purchase, and the quantity of fuel purchased in each sale.

(2) Bulk tanks. The sale of diesel fuel to an owner, lessee, or other operator of a diesel-powered highway vehicle, or of special motor fuel to an owner, lessee, or other operator of a motor vehicle or motorboat, or of fuel to an owner, lessee, or other operator of an aircraft used in noncommercial aviation is considered a taxable sale of the liquid fuel if—

(i) The liquid fuel is delivered by the seller into a bulk supply tank (or other container) that is not the fuel supply tank of a vehicle, motorboat, or aircraft; and

(ii) The purchaser furnishes a written statement to the seller before or at the time of the sale stating that the entire quantity of the liquid fuel covered by the sale is for a taxable purpose as a fuel in such a vehicle, motorboat, or aircraft.

If the purchaser fails to provide the written statement required by paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section, the purchaser is liable for the tax on the later taxable sale or use. If a purchaser acquires both fuel that is to be used for taxable purposes and fuel that is to be used for nontaxable purposes, and the fuel that is to be used for taxable purposes is stored in a different storage tank (or container) from the tank used to store the fuel to be used for nontaxable purposes, the written statement described in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section will relate to the fuel to be used for taxable purposes if proper records are kept by the purchaser that sufficiently identify the tanks (or containers) into which tax-paid fuel is delivered and the quantities of fuel delivered into those tanks (or containers). If only occasional sales for delivery into a bulk storage tank (or other container) are made to a purchaser, a separate statement must be furnished for each order. However, if sales are regularly or frequently made to a purchaser, a written statement covering all orders for a specified period not to exceed 12 calendar quarters is acceptable.

(b) Sales for resale and to consignees. (1) A sale to a dealer for resale is not subject to tax even if it is known at the time of the sale that the liquid fuel will be resold by the dealer for use as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle, motor vehicle, motorboat, or aircraft.

(2) The tax is payable by the person who makes the taxable sale. If a taxable liquid fuel is consigned to a person for sale and the consignor retains ownership in the liquid fuel until it is disposed of by the consignee, the consignor is the person liable for the tax when a taxable sale of the liquid fuel is made by the consignee. If the consignor transfers ownership in the taxable liquid fuel to the consignee before sale of the liquid fuel by the consignee, the consignee is the person liable for the tax upon a subsequent taxable sale of the liquid. However, if ownership of the liquid fuel is transferred back to the consignor or to another person before a taxable sale is made, as described in paragraph (a) of this section, and thereafter a taxable sale of the liquid fuel is made by such person or by another person acting as the person's agent, such person is liable for the tax. See paragraph (d) of §48.4041–8 for definition of the term “taxable liquid fuel.”

[T.D. 8066, 51 FR 15, Jan. 2, 1986, as amended by T.D. 8154, 52 FR 32008, Aug. 25, 1987]

§ 48.4041-6   Application of tax on use of taxable liquid fuel.
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(a) In general—(1) Diesel fuel. (i) If, before April 1, 1983, a person acquires any diesel fuel by any means other than through a transaction subject to tax under section 4041(a)(1) and uses it as a fuel in a diesel powered highway vehicle, the person is liable for a tax under section 4041(a)(2) on the quantity of diesel fuel so used at the appropriate rate set forth in §48.4041–1(b)(1)(i). If a person acquired any diesel fuel through a transaction which is subject to tax at the rate set forth in paragraph (b)(1)(i) (C) or (D) of §48.4041–1, and uses it for a use described in paragraph (b) (1) (i) (A) or (B) of §48.4041–1 the person is liable for an additional tax uder section 4041(a)(2) on the quantity of diesel fuel so used. See §48.4041–1(b)(1)(i)(E), (F), or (G) for the applicable rate of tax. See section 6427(a) for credit or refund of tax where diesel fuel acquired in a transaction subject to tax at the rate set forth in paragraph (b)(1)(i) (A) or (B) of §48.4041–1 is used as described in paragraph (b)(1)(i) (C) or (D) of §48.4041–1 or in a nontaxable use.

(ii) On or after April 1, 1983, and before August 1, 1984, if a person acquires any diesel fuel by any means other than through a transaction subject to tax under section 4041(a)(1)(A) and uses it as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle, the person is liable for a tax under section 4041(a)(1)(B) on the quantity of diesel fuel so used at the appropriate rate set forth in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of §48.4041–1. If a person acquired any diesel fuel through a transaction for which no tax is imposed by reason of paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(C) of §48.4041–1 and uses it in other than a nontaxable use, the person is liable for a tax under section 4041(a)(1)(B) on the quantity of fuel so used. See paragraph (b)(1)(ii) (D) or (E) of §48.4041–1 for the applicable rate of tax. See section 6427(a) for credit or refund of tax where diesel fuel acquired in a transaction subject to tax at the rate set forth in paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(A) of §48.4041–1 is used as described in paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(C) of §48.4041–1 or in another nontaxable use.

(iii) On or after August 1, 1984, and before October 1, 1988, if a person acquires any diesel fuel by any means other than through a transaction subject to tax under section 4041(a)(1)(A) and uses it as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle, the person is liable for a tax under section 4041(a)(1)(B) on the quantity of diesel fuel so used at the appropriate rate set forth in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of §48.4041–1. If a person acquired any diesel fuel through a transaction for which no tax is imposed by reason of paragraph (b)(1)(iii)(C) of §48.4041–1 and uses it in other than a nontaxable use, the person is liable for a tax under section 4041(a)(1)(B) on the quantity of fuel so used. See paragraph (b)(1)(iii)(D) of §48.4041–1 for the applicable rate of tax. See section 6427(a) for credit or refund of tax where diesel fuel acquired in a transaction subject to tax at the rate set forth in paragraph (b)(1)(iii)(A) of §48.4041–1 is used as described in paragraph (b)(1)(iii)(C) of §48.4041–1 or in another nontaxable use.

(2) Special motor fuel. (i) On or after January 1, 1979, and before April 1, 1983, if a person acquired any special motor fuel by any means other than through a transaction subject to tax under section 4041(b)(1) and uses it as a fuel in a motor vehicle or motorboat, the person is liable for a tax under section 4041(b)(2) on the quantity of special motor fuel so used at the appropriate rate set forth in §48.4041–1(b)(2)(i). If a person acquired any special motor fuel through a transaction with is subject to a tax at the rate set forth in paragraph (b)(2)(i)(C) of §48.4041–1 and uses it in a use other than one for which the reduced rate applies, the person is liable for an additional tax under section 4041(b)(2) on the quantity of special motor fuel so used. See §48.4041–1(b)(2)(i) (D) or (E) for the applicable rate of tax. See section 6427(a) for credit or refund of tax where special motor fuel acquired in a transaction subject to tax at the rate set forth in paragraph (b)(2)(i)(A) of §48.4041–1 is used for a purpose described in paragraph (b)(2)(i)(C) of §48.4041–1 or in a nontaxable use.

(ii) On or after April 1, 1983, and before October 1, 1988, if a person acquired any special motor fuel by any means other than through a transaction subject to tax under section 4041(a)(2)(A) and uses it as a fuel in a motor vehicle or motorboat, the person is liable for a tax under section 4041(a)(2)(B) on the quantity of spcial motor fuel so used at the appropriate rate set forth in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of §48.4041–1. If a person acquired any special motor fuel through a transaction for which no tax is imposed by reason of paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(C) of §48.4041–1 and uses it in other than a nontaxable use, the person is liable for a tax under section 4041(a)(2)(B) on the quantity of fuel so used. See paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(D) of §48.4041–1 for the applicable rate of tax. See section 6427(a) for credit or refund of tax where special motor fuel acquired in a transaction subject to tax at the rate set forth in paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(A) of §48.4041–1 is used for a purpose described in paragraph (b)(2)(ii)(C) of §48.4041–1 or in another nontaxable use.

(3) Noncommercial aviation. If a person acquires any liquid fuel by any means other than through a transaction subject to tax under section 4041(c)(1)(A) or section 4041(c)(2)(A) and uses it as fuel in an aircraft in noncommercial aviation, the person is liable for a tax under section 4041(c)(1)(B) or section 4041(c)(2)(B) on the quantity of the liquid fuel so used at the appropriate rate set forth in §48.4041–1(b)(3).

(b) Bulk purchases by users. Taxpayers who purchase taxable liquid fuel in bulk delivered into storage tanks or other containers and use it for taxable or nontaxable purposes or in registered and nonregistered vehicles must maintain adequate records of all fuel used for each purpose to permit verification of the tax paid and of any credits, refunds, or exemptions claimed.

[T.D. 8066, 51 FR 15, Jan. 2, 1986]

§ 48.4041-7   Dual use of taxable liquid fuel.
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Tax applies to all taxable liquid fuel sold for use or used as a fuel in the motor which is used to propel a diesel-powered vehicle or in the motor used to propel a motor vehicle, motorboat, or aircraft, even though the motor is also used for a purpose other than the propulsion of the vehicle, motorboat, or aircraft. Thus, if the motor of a diesel-powered highway vehicle or a motorboat operates special equipment by means of a power take-off or power transfer, tax applies to all taxable liquid fuel sold for this use or so used, whether or not the special equipment is mounted on the vehicle or boat. For example, tax applies to diesel fuel sold to operate the mixing unit on a concrete mixer truck if the mixing unit is operated by means of a power take-off from the motor of the vehicle. Similarly, tax applies to all taxable liquid fuel sold for use or used in a motor propelling a fuel oil truck even though the same motor is used to operate the pump (whether or not mounted on the truck) for discharging the fuel into customers' storage tanks. However, tax does not apply to liquid fuel sold for use or used in a separate motor to operate special equipment (whether or not the equipment is mounted on the vehicle). If the taxable liquid fuel used in a separate motor is drawn from the same tank as the one which supplies fuel for the propulsion of the vehicle, a reasonable determination of the quantity of taxable liquid fuel used in such separate motor or during such period is acceptable for purposes of application of the tax. This determination must be based, however, on the operating experience of the person using the taxable liquid fuel, and the taxpayer must maintain records which support the allocation used. Devices to measure the number of miles the vehicle has traveled, such as hubometers, may be used in making a preliminary determination of the number of gallons of fuel used to propel the vehicle. In order to make a final determination of the number of gallons of fuel used to propel the vehicle, there must be added to this preliminary determination the amount of fuel consumed while idling or warming up the motor preparatory to propelling the vehicle.

[T.D. 8066, 51 FR 16, Jan. 2, 1986]

§ 48.4041-8   Definitions.
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For purposes of the regulations in this subpart, unless otherwise expressly indicated:

(a) Highway. The term “highway” includes any road (whether a Federal highway, State highway, city street, rural road, or otherwise) in the United States which is not a private roadway.

(b) Highway vehicle—(1) In general. The term “highway vehicle” means any self-propelled vehicle, or any trailer or semi-trailer, designed to perform a function of transporting a load over highways, whether or not also designed to perform other functions, but does not include a vehicle described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. For purposes of this definition, a vehicle consists of a chassis, or a chassis and a body if the vehicle has a body, but does not include the vehicle's load. Therefore, in determining whether a vehicle is a “highway vehicle”, it is immaterial that the vehicle is designed to perform a highway transportation function for only a particular kind of load, such as passengers, furnishings and personal effects (as in a house, office, or utility trailer), a special type of cargo, goods, supplies, or materials, or, except to the extent otherwise provided in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, machinery or equipment specially designed to perform some off-highway task unrelated to highway transportation. In the case of specially designed machinery or equipment, it is also immaterial, except as provided in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section, that such machinery or equipment is permanently mounted on the vehicle. For purposes of paragraph (b) of this section, the term “transport” includes the term “tow”. A vehicle which is not a highway vehicle within the meaning of this paragraph shall be treated as a non-highway vehicle for purposes of section 4041. Examples of vehicles that are designed to perform a function of transporting a load over the public highways are passenger automobiles, motorcycles, buses, and highway-type trucks, truck tractors, trailers, and semi-trailers.

(2) Exceptions—(i) Certain specially designed mobile machinery for nontransportation functions. A self-propelled vehicle, or trailer or semi-trailer, is not a highway vehicle if it (A) consists of a chassis to which there has been permanentaly mounted (by welding, bolting, riveting, or other means) machinery or equipment to perform a construction, manufacturing, processing, farming, mining, drilling, timbering, or other operation similar to any one of the foregoing enumerated operations if the operation of the machinery or equipment is unrelated to transportation on or off the public highways, (B) the chassis has been specially designed to serve only as a mobile carriage and mount (and a power source, where applicable) for the particular machinery or equipment involved, whether or not such machinery or equipment is in operation, and (C) by reason of such special design, such chassis could not, without substantial structural modification, be used as a component of a vehicle designed to perform a function of transporting any load other than that particular machinery or equipment or similar machinery or equipment requiring such a specially designed chassis.

(ii) Certain vehicles specially designed for off-highway transportation. A self-propelled vehicle, or a trailer or semi-trailer, is not a highway vehicle if it is (A) specially designed for the primary function of transporting a particular type of load other than over the public highway in connection with a construction, manufacturing, processing, farming, mining, drilling, timbering, or other operation similar to any one of the foregoing enumerated operations, and (B) if by reason of such special design, the use of such vehicle to transport such load over the public highways is substantially limited or substantially impaired. For purposes of applying the rule of clause (b) of this paragraph (b)(2)(ii), account may be taken of whether the vehicle may travel at regular highway speeds, requires a special permit for highway use, is overweight, overheight or overwidth for regular use, and any other relevant considerations. Solely for purposes of determinations under this paragraph (b)(2)(ii), where there is affixed to the vehicle equipment used for loading, unloading, storing, vending, handling, processing, preserving, or otherwise caring for a load transported by the vehicle over the public highways, the functions are related to the transportion of a load over the public highways even though the functions may be performed off the public highways.

(iii) Certain trailers and semi-trailers specially designed to perform nontransportation functions off the public highways. A trailer or semi-trailer is not a highway vehicle if it is specially designed to serve no purpose other than providing an enclosed stationary shelter for the carrying on of a function which is directly connected with and necessary to, and at the off-highway site of, a construction, manufacturing, processing, mining, drilling, farming, timbering, or other operation similar to any one of the foregoing enumerated operations, such as a trailer specially designed to serve as an office for such an operation.

(3) Optional application. For purposes of section 4041, if any rules existing immediately prior to January 13, 1977, would, if applicable, unequivocally resolve an issue involving the definition of a highway vehicle with respect to a period prior to such date, at the option of the taxpayer, such rules existing prior to such date shall be applied to resolve the issue for all periods prior to such date, and the rules of paragraph (b) (1) and (2) of this section, which define the term “highway vehicle”, shall not apply with respect to such issue for all periods prior to such date.

(4) Diesel-powered highway vehicle. The term “diesel-powered highway vehicle” means any highway vehicle (within the meaning of paragraph (b)(1) of this section) which is also a motor vehicle (as defined in paragraph (c) of this section) and which uses diesel fuel (as defined in paragraph (e) of this section) for propulsion purposes.

(c) Motor vehicles. The term “motor vehicle” includes all types of vehicles propelled by motor that are designed for carrying or towing loads from one place to another, regardless of the type of load or material carried or towed and whether or not the vehicle is registered or required to be registered for highway use. Included are fork lift trucks used to carry loads at railroad stations, industrial plants, warehouses, etc. The term does not include farm tractors, trench diggers, power shovels, bulldozers, road graders or rollers, and similar equipment which does not carry or tow a load; nor does it include any vehicle which moves exclusively on rails. For periods prior to January 6, 1977, a vehicle which is designed for towing, but not carrying, loads shall not be considered to be a motor vehicle.

(d) Taxable liquid fuel. The term “taxable liquid fuel” (or “taxable liquid”) means any liquid which is either—

(1) Diesel fuel as defined in paragraph (e) of this section,

(2) Special motor fuel as defined in paragraph (f) of this section, or

(3) Any liquid fuel used in an aircraft in “noncommercial aviation”, as defined in paragraph (h) of this section.

(e) Diesel fuel. The term “diesel fuel” means any liquid (other than a product taxable as gasoline under the provisions of section 4081) which is sold for use or used as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle.

(f) Special motor fuel. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2) of this section, special motor fuel means any liquid fuel, including—

(i) Any liquefied petroleum gas (such as propane, butane, pentane, or mixtures of the same);

(ii) Liquefied natural gas; or

(iii) Benzol, benzene, naptha, or any other liquid, whether a refined, partly refined, or unrefined product, 10 percent of which has been recovered when the thermometer reads 347 °F. (175 °C.) or 95 percent of which has been recoverd when the thermometer reads 464 °F. (240 °C.) when subjected to distillation in accordance with the “Standard Method of Test for Distillation of Gasoline, Naptha, Kerosene, and Similar Petroleum Products” (A.S.T.M. designation: D86) of the American Society for Testing Materials, regardless of the trade name under which sold.

(2) The term “special motor fuel” does not include any product taxable under the provisions of section 4081, nor does it include “kerosene, gas oil, or fuel oil”, as defined in paragraph (g) of this section.

(g) Kerosene, gas oil, or fuel oil. (1) The term “kerosene, gas, oil or fuel oil” means any product (i) 10 percent of which has not been recovered when the thermometer reads 347 °F. (175 °C.), and (ii) 95 percent of which has not been recovered when the thermometer reads 464 °F. (240 °C.), when subjected to distillation in accordance with the “Standard Method of Test for Distillation of Gasoline, Naptha, Kerosene, and Similar Petroleum Products” (A.S.T.M. designation: D86) of the American Society for Testing Materials.

(2) Products designated as kerosene, gas, oil, or fuel oil which do not fall within the specifications of both paragraphs (g)(1) (i) and (ii) of this section are taxable as special motor fuel if sold or used as a fuel in a motor vehicle or motorboat.

(h) Fuel used in the aircraft in noncommercial aviation. The term “fuel used in an aircraft in noncommercial aviation” means any liquid (including any product taxable under section 4081) that is sold for use or used as a fuel in an aircraft in noncommercial aviation (as defined in paragraph (j) of this section).

(i) Registered. The term “registered”, when used with reference to a highway vehicle, means—

(1) Registered for highway use under the laws of any State, District of Columbia, or foreign country, or

(2) Required to be registered for highway use under the law of the State, District of Columbia, or foreign country in which it is operated or situated. Any highway vehicle which is operated under a dealer's tag, license, or permit is considered to be registered. A highway vehicle is not considered to be “registered” solely because there has been issued a special permit for operation of the vehicle at particular times and under specified conditions. However, a highway vehicle which is required to be registered and which also has been issued a special permit for operation of the vehicle under specified conditions, such as carrying an oversized load, is still considered to be “registered”.

(j) Noncommercial aviation. The term “noncommercial aviation” means any use of an aircraft, other than in a business of transporting persons or property for compensation or hire by air. The term also includes any use of an aircraft, in a business described in the preceding sentence, which is properly allocable to any transportation exempt from taxes imposed by sections 4261 (transportation of persons) and 4271 (transportation of property) by reason of section 4281 (use of small aircraft on nonestablished lines) or 4282 (transportation of members of affiliated group).

[T.D. 8066, 51 FR 17, Jan. 2, 1986, as amended by T.D. 8609, 60 FR 40081, Aug. 7, 1995]

§ 48.4041-9   Exemption for farm use.
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(a) In general. The tax imposed by section 4041 does not apply to diesel fuel or special motor fuel, or fuel used in noncommercial aviation, sold for use or used on a farm in the United States for farming purposes. The tax applies in the case of diesel fuel delivered into the fuel supply tank of a highway vehicle, or special motor fuel delivered into the fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle or motorboat, even if it is known that the liquid fuel is to be used on a farm for farming purposes. Credit or refund of the tax paid in such case may be claimed as provided by section 6427(c) upon proof that the taxable liquid was used on a farm for farming purposes. A tax-free sale of fuel delivered into the fuel supply tank of an aircraft in noncommercial aviation where such fuel is to be used on the farm for farming purposes may be made only if the requirements of §48.4041–11 are met. The terms “used on a farm for farming purposes”, and related terms, have the same meaning for purposes of the exemption in section 4041(f) and the regulations in this section as these terms are defined in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 6420(c) and the regulations contained in §48.6420–4.

(b) Application of exemption. The exemption referred to in paragraph (a) of this section does not apply with respect to diesel fuel or special motor fuel or fuel used in noncommercial aviation sold for use or used for nonfarming purposes, or diesel fuel or special motor fuel or fuel used in noncommercial aviation sold for use or used off a farm, regardless of the nature of the use. Thus, if a vehicle, motorboat, or aircraft is used both on a farm and off the farm, or if it is used on a farm both for farming and nonfarming purposes, the exemption applies only with respect to that portion of the diesel fuel or special motor fuel or fuel used in noncommercial aviation which is sold for use or used “on a farm for farming purposes”. For purposes of this exemption, it is immaterial whether or not a vehicle is registered for highway use. However, the actual use of the vehicle and the place where it is used are material. For example, if a truck used on a farm for farming purposes is also used on the highways (even though in connection with operating the farm), tax applies to that diesel fuel or special motor fuel which is sold for use or used in operating the truck on the highways, since the fuel was used off the farm.

(c) Termination of exemption. The exemption referred to in paragraph (a) of this section shall not apply on and after October 1, 1988.

[T.D. 8066, 51 FR 18, Jan. 2, 1986]

§ 48.4041-10   Exemption for use as supplies for vessels or aircraft.
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(a) Application of exemption. The tax imposed by section 4041 does not apply to any fuels which are sold for use or used as supplies for vessels or aircraft within the meaning of section 4221(a)(3) and (d)(3), and §48.4221–4. In the case of a liquid sold for use as fuel in an aircraft, a tax-free sale may be made only if the requirements of §48.4041–11 are met. For credit or refund of tax paid on fuels which have been sold or used as supplies for vessels or aircraft, see section 6416(b)(2)(B), section 6427, and paragraph (f) of this section.

(b) Evidence required to establish exemption. (1) In order to establish exemption from tax in the case of a sale of fuels for use as supplies for vessels or aircraft, it is necessary that the seller obtain from the owner, charterer, or authorized agent of the vessel or aircraft and retain in its possession a property executed exemption certificate in the form prescribed by paragraph (c) of this section. If fuel is sold tax free for use as supplies for civil aircraft employed in foreign trade or in trade between the United States and any of its possessions, the exemption certificate must show the name of the country in which the aircraft is registered.

(2) If only occasional sales of fuels are made to a purchaser for use which is exempt from tax as provided in this section, a separate exemption certificate must be furnished for each order. However, if sales are regularly or frequently made to a purchaser for such exempt use, a certificate covering all orders for a specified period not to exceed 12 calendar quarters is acceptable. Such certificates and proper records of invoices, orders, etc., relative to tax-free sales must be kept for inspection by the district director as provided in section 6001. If a seller's records with respect to any sale claimed to be tax free do not include a proper certificate, with supporting invoices and such other evidence as may be necessary to establish the exempt character of the sale, tax is payable by the seller on the sale.

(c) Acceptable form of exemption certificate. The following form of exemption certificate, which must be adhered to in substance, is acceptable for the purposes of this section.

Exemption Certificate

(For use by purchasers of fuels for use as supplies for certain vessels or aircraft (section 4041(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954).)

(Date), 19—____________________

The undersigned purchaser hereby certifies that he/she is the

____________________

(owner, charterer, or authorized agent of owner or charterer)

of____________________

(Name of company and vessel)

and that the fuel specified in the accompanying order, or as specified below or on the reverse side hereof, will be used only as fuel supplies for a vessel belonging to one of the following classes of vessels (including aircraft) to which section 4041(g) of the Internal Revenue Code applies: (Check class to which vessel belongs):

(1) Vessels (including aircraft) engaged in foreign trade.

(2) Vessels engaged in trade between the Atlantic and Pacific ports of the United States.

(3) Vessels (including aircraft) engaged in trade between the United States and any of its possessions.

(4) Vessels employed in the fisheries or whaling business.

(5) Vessels (including aircraft) of war of the United States or a foreign nation.

The undersigned understands that if the fuels are sold or used otherwise than as stated above and for a taxable purpose specified in section 4041 of the Internal Revenue Code, the undersigned will be liable for the tax upon such sale or use. It is also understood that this certificate may not be used in purchasing fuels, if such fuels are for use as fuels in pleasure vessels, or of any type of aircraft except (1) civil aircraft employed in foreign trade or trade between the United States and any of its possessions, and otherwise entitled to exemption, and (2) aircraft owned by the United States or any foreign country and constituting a part of the armed forces thereof.

The undersigned understands that the fraudulent use of this certificate to secure exemption will subject the undersigned and all others making fraudulent use to a penalty equivalent to the amount of tax due on the sale of the fuel and, upon conviction, to a fine of not more than $10,000, or to imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution. The purchaser also understands that it must be prepared to establish by satisfactory evidence the purpose for which the fuel purchased under this certificate was used.

(Signature) ________________________________ ____________________
(Address)____________________
____________________

Registration Number if fuel used as supplies for civil aircraft engaged in foreign trade or in trade between the United States and any of its possessions.

(d) Exemption certificate not obtained prior to filing of seller's excise tax return. If the exemption certificate is not obtained prior to the time the seller files a return covering taxes due for the period during which the sale was made, the seller must include the tax on the sale in its return for that period. However, if the certificate is later obtained, a claim for refund of the tax paid on the sale may be filed on Form 843, or a credit for the tax paid may be taken upon a subsequent return as provided by section 6416(b)(2)(B) and §48.6416(b)–2(c).

(e) Liability of purchaser. The person who purchases fuels tax free as provided in this section is liable for the tax imposed by section 4041 if the person sells or uses such fuel in a sale or use that is not exempt under any provision of law applicable to the taxes imposed by section 4041.

(f) Credit or refund. (1) If diesel fuel or special motor fuel upon which the tax imposed by section 4041(a) (1) or (2), has been paid, is sold or used as supplies for vessels, a credit or refund of the tax is available under section 6416(b)(2)(B) to the retail dealer who paid the tax. As an alternative, a credit or refund of tax is available under section 6427 to the operator of the vessel who used the fuel. Where the retail dealer claims refund of the tax, the dealer, in accordance with section 6416(a), must reimburse the operator of the vessel for the amount of tax or obtain the written consent of the operator to the filing of such claim.

(2) If aviation fuel upon which the tax imposed by section 4041(c) has been paid is sold or used as supplies for aircraft, credit or refund of the tax is available only as a payment under section 6427 to the operator of the aircraft who uses the fuel or to the person who resells the fuel for such use.

[T.D. 8066, 51 FR 18, Jan. 2, 1986]

§ 48.4041-11   Tax-free sales of fuel for use in noncommercial aviation only if sellers and certain purchasers are registered.
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(a) In general. Any sale of liquid fuel for delivery into a fuel supply tank of an aircraft is presumed to be subject to tax under section 4041(c), unless both the seller and purchaser of the liquid fuel are registered as provided in paragraph (b) of this section or are within one of he exceptions provided in paragraph (c) of this section.

(b) Form of registration. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section (relating to exceptions for State and local governments, for fuel purchased from customs bonded warehouses or continuous customs custody, and for fuel purchased for use in certain aircraft of the United States or of any foreign nation), tax-free sales under section 4041(c) may be made only if both the seller and the purchaser have registered as required by section 4041(i) and this paragraph (b). If fuel is purchased tax paid for use in noncommercial aviation but is used for a nontaxable purpose, see section 6427(a) for provisions relating to refunds or credits of tax for tax-paid fuels not used for the purpose for which sold. Any person desiring to be registered in order to sell or purchase fuel free of the tax imposed by section 4041(c) must, before making any tax-free sale or purchase, file Form 637A, in duplicate. Form 637A must be filed with the District Director of Internal Revenue for the district in which the principal place of business of the applicant is located (or if the applicant has no principal place of business in the United States, with the Director of International Operations, Internal Revenue Service, Washington, DC 20224). The person who receives a validated Certificate of Registry (Validated Form 637A) is considered to be registered for purposes of selling or purchasing fuel tax free as provided in this section.

(c) Transactions excepted from registration. (1) A State or local government purchasing fuel delivered into a fuel supply tank of an aircraft it operates for its exclusive use may, but is not required to, register as provided in this section.

(2) Any purchaser of aircraft fuel who purchases fuel from any customs bonded warehouse or from continuous customs custody elsewhere than in a bonded warehouse is not required to register to purchase aircraft fuel from these sources tax free.

(3) Any purchaser of fuel for use in an aircraft which is owned by the United States or any foreign country and constitutes a part of the armed forces thereof is not required to register to purchase aircraft fuel tax free.

(4) The exceptions from registration in paragraphs (c) (1), (2), and (3) of this section do not relieve purchasers from the requirement of furnishing an exemption certificate as required by paragraph (d) of this section.

(d) Evidence of tax-free sale. (1) To establish the right of a purchaser to purchase fuel delivered into the fuel supply tank of an aircraft tax free, the seller must obtain from the purchaser and retain in its possession a certificate, properly executed and signed by or on behalf of the purchaser, containing the following information:

(i) Date of purchase,

(ii) The purchaser's registration number (or the exception from registration which is relied upon), and

(iii) A brief statement of the intended tax-free use of the fuel (for example, by an airline in the business of transporting persons or property for hire).

(2) The following form of certificate, which must be adhered to in substance, is acceptable for the purposes of this paragraph.

(Date) __________, 19__

The undersigned signifies that he/she, or the

____________________

(Name of purchaser if other than undersigned)

of which the undersigned is

____________________

(Title) ____________________________________

holds Certificate of Registry No. _____

or has not registered because

____________________

(Brief statement of exception from registration relied upon)

delivered into a supply tank of the subject aircraft may be purchased free of tax because the fuel will be used

____________________

(Brief statement of tax-free use)

The undersigned understands that if the fuel is used otherwise than as stated above and for a purpose taxable under section 4041 of the Internal Revenue Code, the undersigned will be liable for the tax upon such use, and that the undersigned must be prepared to establish by satisfactory evidence the purpose for which the fuel purchased under this certificate was used.

The undersigned also understands that the fraudulent use of this certificate to secure exemption will subject the undersigned and all others making fraudulent use to a penalty equivalent to the amount of tax due on the sale of the fuel and, upon conviction, to a fine of not more than $10,000, or to imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

____________________

      (Signature) ________________________________

____________________

      (Address)

(3) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(4) of this section, a separate exemption certificate must be furnished for each sale of fuel delivered into a fuel supply tank of an aircraft. If a portion of the fuel is intended to be used for a nontaxable purpose, the entire amount of the fuel may be sold tax free. Exemption certificates and proper supporting records such as invoices, orders, etc., relative to tax-free sales must be readily accessible for inspection by internal revenue officers and retained as provided in section 6001 of the Code and the regulations thereunder.

(4) If the purchaser of fuel to be used in an aircraft has reasonable grounds to believe that 90 percent or more of the total of the fuel to be purchased by it during a specified period not to exceed 12 calendar quarters will be used in a tax-free use, it may furnish each of its suppliers an exemption certificate covering all purchases for the specified period. The certificate shall be substantially in the same form as the certificate in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, except that in place of the date the purchaser shall specify the period covered by the certificate, and the purchaser shall give a brief explanation of its grounds for belief that 90 percent or more of its total fuel will be used in a tax-free use.

(5) The presumption under section 4041(i) that any liquid delivered into a fuel supply tank of an aircraft is taxable places the duty on the seller of the liquid fuel to use reasonable diligence to satisfy itself that a tax-free sale of fuel to the purchaser is allowed by law. In the absence of circumstances surrounding a sale that would raise a question as to whether a tax-free sale is allowable, the requirement of reasonable diligence is satisfied if the seller receives and retains the required certificate evidencing the right of the purchaser to buy the fuel tax free. However, if the circumstances are such as to indicate the seller has failed to use reasonable diligence, it is not relieved of liability for the tax imposed by section 4041(c). In addition, if the seller fails to obtain and retain the evidence of tax-free sales as required by this paragraph (d), it is not relieved of liability for the tax imposed by section 4041(c).

[T.D. 8066, 51 FR 19, Jan. 2, 1986]

§ 48.4041-12   Sales by United States, etc.
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The taxes imposed by section 4041 apply to the sale at retail of taxable liquid fuels by the United States or by any agency or instrumentality of the United States, unless by statute specifically exempted from these taxes. However, the exemptions from these taxes provided by section 4041 (f), (g), and (h) and the regulations thereunder contained in this subpart F are available to the extent therein provided.

[T.D. 8066, 51 FR 20, Jan. 2, 1986]

§ 48.4041-13   Other credits or refunds.
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(a) In general. For provisions relating to credit or refund of tax paid on taxable liquid fuel resold by the purchaser, or used otherwise than for the purpose for which purchased, see section 6427 and the regulations thereunder contained in Subpart O of this part.

(b) Tax-paid liquid fuel used by local transit systems. For provisions relating to credit or refund in the case of taxable liquid fuel used in vehicles while engaged in furnishing scheduled common carrier public passenger land transportation service along regular routes, see section 6427(b) and the regulations thereunder contained in Subpart O of this part.

(c) Credit or refund of diesel fuel differential amount. For provisions relating to an income tax credit or refund of the increased diesel fuel tax for original purchasers of diesel-powered automobiles and light trucks, see section 6427(g) and the regulations thereunder contained in Subpart O of this part.

[T.D. 8066, 51 FR 20, Jan. 2, 1986]

§ 48.4041-14   Exemption for sale to or use by certain aircraft museums.
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(a) In general. (1) The tax imposed by section 4041 does not apply to liquids which are sold for use or used by an aircraft museum in an aircraft or vehicle owned by such museum and used exclusively for the procurement, care, and exhibition of aircraft of the type used for combat or transport in World War II.

(2) In the case of liquid sold for use in an aircraft owned by an aircraft museum and to be used for the pruposes described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, a tax-free sale may be made only if the requirements of §48.4041–11 are met.

(b) Cross reference. For the definition of aircraft museum, see section 4041(h)(2).

[T.D. 8066, 51 FR 20, Jan. 2, 1986]

§ 48.4041-15   Sales to States or political subdivisions thereof.
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(a) Application of exemption. The taxes imposed by section 4041 do not apply in the case of a sale of any liquid by any person for the exclusive use of any State or any political subdivision thereof, the District of Columbia, or in the case of the use of any liquid by any State or any political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia, as a fuel in a motor vehicle, motorboat, or aircraft.

(b) Evidence required to establish exemption. Any vendor claiming exemption under this section shall be prepared to produce evidence that will establish the right to exemption from the tax imposed by section 4041. Generally, orders or contracts of a State or a political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia, when signed by an authorized officer thereof will be accepted in support of the exemption. However, in the absence of such orders or contracts, a certificate signed by such an authorized officer that the liquid sold was purchased for the exclusive use of a State or political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia, will be acceptable. The certificate shall be in substantially the following form:

Exemption Certificate

(For use by States and local governments. (section 4041(g)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code).)

Date __________, 19__.

I hereby certify that I am _______ of _______ (State or local government) that I am authorized to execute this certificate; and that

(Check applicable type of certificate)

___the liquid or liquids specified in the accompanying order, or on the reverse side hereof, (or)

___all orders placed by the purchaser for the period commencing _____ (Date) and ending _____ (Date) (period not to exceed 12 calendar quarters) are, or will be, purchased from _____ (Name of vendor) for the exclusive use of _____ (Governmental unit) of __________ (State or local government).

I understand that the exemption from tax in the case of sales of liquids under this exemption certificate is limited to the sale of articles purchased for the exclusive use of a State, etc. I understand that the fraudulent use of this certificate for the purpose of securing this exemption will subject me and all parties making such fraudulent use of this certificate to a fine of not more than $10,000, or to imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with costs of prosecution.

Signature __________

Address __________

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13516, Mar. 31, 1978. Redesignated by T.D. 8066, 51 FR 14, Jan. 2, 1986]

§ 48.4041-16   Sales for export.
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(a) General rule. In order for a sale to be exempt from tax under section 4041 as a sale for export, it is necessary that the liquid be (1) identified as having been sold by the retailer for export and (2) exported in due course. To establish exemption from tax in the case of a taxable article for export, it is necessary that the retailer maintain adequate records and have in his possession documentary evidence showing that the article was so sold.

(b) Proof of exportation. Exportation may be evidenced by any one of (1) a copy of the export bill of lading issued by the delivering carrier, (2) a certificate by the agent or representative of the export carrier showing actual exportation of the liquid, (3) a certificate of landing signed by a customs officer of the foreign country to which the liquid is exported, or (4) a statement of the foreign consignee showing receipt of the liquid.

(c) Shipment to possessions of the United States. The same provisions as relate to sales for export and proof of exportation will apply to sales for shipment to a possession of the United States, within the meaning of §48.0–2.

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13516, Mar. 31, 1978. Redesignated by T.D. 8066, 51 FR 14, Jan. 2, 1986]

§ 48.4041-17   Tax-free retail sales to certain nonprofit educational organizations.
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(a) In general. The taxes imposed by section 4041 do not apply in the case of a sale of any liquid by any person to a nonprofit educational organization (as defined in paragraph (b) of this section) for its exclusive use, or in the case of the use of any liquid by such an organization. In the case of a school operated as an activity of an organization described in section 501(c)(3), as referred to in paragraph (b) of this section, the liquid must be sold for the exclusive use of the school, or the liquid must be used exclusively by the school.

(b) Definition of nonprofit educational organization. For purposes of section 4041(g)(4) and this section, the term “nonprofit educational organization” means an organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii), that is exempt from income tax under section 501(a), whose primary function is the presentation of formal instruction and which normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are regularly carried on. The term also includes a school operated as an activity of an organization described in section 501(c)(3) which is exempt from income tax under section 501 (a), provided such school normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are regularly carried on.

(c) Evidence required to establish tax-free sales to a nonprofit educational organization; general rule. To establish the right to exemption, the retailer must obtain from the purchaser and retain in its possesson a properly executed certificate as set forth in paragraph (d) of this section.

(d) Forms of exemption certificates. The following forms of exemption certificates will be acceptable for the purpose of this section and must be adhered to in substance.

(1) Form of certificate for exemption from retailers excise taxes for use by a nonprofit educational organization, other than a school operated as an activity of a church or other exempt organization that in itself is not a nonprofit educational organization.

Exemption Certificate

(For use by a nonprofit educational organization (other than a school operated as an activity of a church or other exempt organization that in itself is not a nonprofit educational organization) purchasing articles subject to retailers excise tax for its exclusive use) _________, 19__ (Date) I hereby certify that I am _____ (Title) ____________________________________ of _____ (Exempt organization); that I am authorized to execute this certificate; and that the articles specified in the accompanying order or on the reverse side hereof are purchased by such organization exclusively for use in its educational activities.

I understand that this exemption certificate is for use only by a nonprofit educational organization in the tax-free purchase for its exclusive use of articles subject to the retailers excise tax; and it is agreed that if any article purchased tax free under this exemption certificate is used otherwise, such fact will be reported to the retailer from whom the tax-free purchase was made.

The organization claiming exemption under this certificate has received a determination letter (or a ruling) from the Internal Revenue Service holding the organization to be exempt from income tax as an organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) that is exempt from income tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (or has received a determination letter (or ruling) under the corresponding provisions of prior revenue laws). The date of such determination letter (or ruling) is ___ and such determination letter (or ruling) has not been withdrawn or revoked.

I understand that the fraudulent use of this certificate for the purpose of securing this exemption will subject me and all parties making such fraudulent use of this certificate to a fine of not more than $10,000, or to imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with costs of prosecution.

____________________

(Signature of authorized individual)

____________________

(Address)

(2) Form of certificate for exemption from retailers excise taxes for use by a school operated as an activity of a church or other organization described in section 501(c)(3) that in itself is not an educational organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code:

Exemption Certificate

(For use by or for a school operated as an activity of a church or other organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, that is not, in itself, an educational organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii), purchasing articles subject to retailers excise tax for the exclusive use of the school) — __________, 19__ (Date) I hereby certify that I am _____ (Title) ____________________________________ of _____ (School, church, parish, etc.); that I am authorized to execute this certificate; and that the articles specified in the accompanying order or on the reverse side hereof are purchased by such institution exclusively for use in its educational activities.

I understand that this exemption certificate is for use only by a school operated as an activity of a church or other organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, in the tax-free purchase for its exclusive use of articles subject to the retailers excise tax; or by a church, or other organization in the tax-free purchase of any such article for the exclusive use of its school which qualifies for the exemption; and it is agreed that if any article purchased tax free under this exemption certificate is used otherwise, such fact will be reported to the retailer from whom the tax-free purchase was made.

The school operated as an activity of the church or other organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are regularly carried on.

I understand that the fraudulent use of this certificate for the purpose of securing this exemption will subject me and all parties making such fraudulent use of this certificate to a fine of not more than $10,000, or to imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with costs of prosecution.

____________________

(Signature of authorized individual)

____________________

(Address)

(e) Frequency of certificates. Where only occasional sales are made by a retailer to a nonprofit educational organization, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section, a separate exemption certificate should be furnished for each order. However, where sales by the retailer to the educational organization are regularly or frequently made, a certificate covering all orders for a specified period not to exceed 12 calendar quarters will be acceptable. Such certificate and proper records of invoices, orders, etc., relative to tax-free sales must be readily accessible for inspection by internal revenue officers and retained as provided in section 6001 of the Code and the regulations thereunder.

(f) Prima facie evidence of exempt use. The exemption certificate procured by the retailer from the purchasing nonprofit educational organization will be acceptable as prima facie evidence that the article is purchased for the exclusive use of such organization.

(g) Exemption certificate not obtained prior to filing of retailer's excise tax return. If the sale is otherwise exempt but the exemption certificate is not obtained prior to the time the retailer files a return covering taxes due for the period in which the sale was made, the retailer must include the tax on such sale in its return for that period. However, if the certificate is later obtained, a credit may be taken on a subsequent return or a claim for refund of the tax paid on such sale may be filed, within the period of limitation prescribed by section 6511(b) of the Code and §301.6511(b)–1 of this chapter.

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13516, Mar. 31, 1978. Redesignated by T.D. 8066, 51 FR 14, Jan. 2, 1986]

§ 48.4041-18   Fuels containing alcohol.
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(a) In general—(1) Sale or use after December 31, 1984 and before January 1, 1993. Under section 4041(k) the rate of tax applicable to the sale or use after December 31, 1984 and before January 1, 1993, of any liquid fuel described in section 4041(a) (1) or (2) which consists of at least 10% alcohol by volume is:

(i) 9 cents for each gallon of alcohol mixture sold or used in the case of mixtures described in section 4041(a)(1); or

(ii) 3 cents for each gallon of alcohol mixture sold or used in the case of mixtures described in section 4041(a)(2). The amount of tax is based upon the total volume of fuel and not merely upon the volume of the nonalcohol components of such fuel. However, see section 4041(b)(2) and §48.4041–19 for rules relating to the complete exemption from taxes imposed by section 4041(a) where at least 85% of the fuel consists of alcohol produced from certain sources.

(2) Sale or use after March 31, 1983, and before January 1, 1985. For rules relating to the rate of tax imposed on the sale or use after March 31, 1983, and before January 1, 1985 of any liquid fuel described in section 4041(a) (1) or (2) which consists of at least 10% alcohol by volume, see section 4041(k) prior to the enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1984 (Pub. L. 98–369, 98 Stat. 1007).

(3) Sale or use before April 1, 1983. No tax is imposed upon the sale or use of any liquid fuel described in section 4041 (a)(1) or (a)(2) which consists of at least 10% alcohol if the sale or use occurs after December 31, 1978 and before April 1, 1983.

(4) Rate of tax for mixtures which fail to qualify. If an alcohol mixture fuel fails to qualify under this section, the entire mixture is taxed at the rate of tax specified under section 4041(a)(1) if the mixture contains diesel fuel, or section 4041(a)(2) if the mixture contains special motor fuel.

(b) Alcohol mixture fuels qualifying for special tax treatment. In order to qualify for the reduced rates of tax described in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section or the exemption from tax described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, at least 10% of an alcohol mixture fuel must consist of alcohol as defined in section 4081(c) and §48.4081—2(a)(4) of the regulations. The actual gallonage of each component of the mixture (without adjustment for temperature) shall be used in determining whether the 10 percent alcohol requirement has been met. Further, in determining whether a particular mixture containing less than 10 percent alcohol satisfies this percentage requirement, the District Director shall take into account the existence of any facts and circumstances that establish that but for the commercial and operational realities of the blending process, it may reasonably be concluded that the mixture would have contained at least 10 percent alcohol. A circumstance from which it might be concluded that the mixture would have contained 10 percent alcohol but for its existence is malfunctioning of the meter measuring the amount of a component pumped into a mixture. However, the necessary facts and circumstances will not be found to exist if over a period of time the mixtures blended by a blender show a consistent pattern of failing to contain 10 percent alcohol. In no case will any mixture containing less than 9.802 percent alcohol qualify for the reduced rates set forth in this section. See paragraph (f) of this section for rules relating to information required to be attached to the taxpayer's return of the tax imposed by chapter 31 relating to the alcohol content of the mixture for which tax is paid.

(c) Later separation. If a person separates out the alcohol from a mixture which has been taxed under the rates of section 4041(k), such separation will be treated as a sale of the liquid on the date separated and is subject to tax at the rates set forth under section 4041(a) (1) or (2). The tax liability incurred upon the separation is reduced by the amount of any tax previously imposed under section 4041. Thus, if Y buys 1000 gallons of alcohol mixture fuel taxed at the rate of 3 cents per gallon under section 4041(k) and later separates the fuel into 900 gallons of special motor fuel and 100 gallons of alcohol, the separation is treated as a sale of 900 gallons of special motor fuel, taxed at the rate of 9 cents per gallon under section 4041(a), and a sale of 100 gallons of alcohol, exempt from tax under section 4041(b)(2). The tax of $81 on the deemed sale of special motor fuel is reduced by the tax of $30 previously paid on the sale of the alcohol mixture fuel.

(d) Exemption from tax for alcohol mixture fuels sold or used in an aircraft in noncommercial aviation—(1) In general. No tax is imposed upon the sale or use of any liquid fuel described in section 4041 (a)(1) or (a)(2) which consists of at least 10% alcohol if such fuel is sold to or used by an owner, lessee or other operator of an aircraft as fuel in such aircraft in noncommercial aviation. See section 4041(c)(4) and the regulations thereunder for the definition of noncommercial aviation.

(2) Failure to use alcohol mixture fuel in an aircraft in noncommercial aviation. If fuel which is exempt from tax under paragraph (d)(1) of this section is not used as fuel in an aircraft in noncommercial aviation, any other use or sale of such fuel will be considered the use or sale of an alcohol mixture fuel subject to tax according to the rules of this section.

(e) Refunds relating to diesel, special motor and noncommercial aviation fuels. See section 6427 for rules which relate to the allowance of a refund or credit to a person who uses tax-paid diesel, special motor or noncommercial aviation fuels to produce an alcohol mixture fuel.

(f) Records required to be furnished by the taxpayer. A taxpayer making a return of the tax imposed by chapter 31 indicating payment of the tax under section 4041(k) and §48.4041–18 at the reduced rate must attach a statement to the return indicating the total number of gallons of alcohol mixture fuels containing at least 10 percent alcohol and the total number of gallons of alcohol mixture fuels containing less than 10 percent alcohol but more than 9.802 percent alcohol. However, the taxpayer does not have to specify the precise mixture ratio for every mixture blended for which tax is being paid. For example, the taxpayer pays tax for 10,000 gallons of alcohol mixture fuels. Of these mixtures, 1,000 gallons contain 9.9 percent alcohol, 1,500 gallons contain 9.91 percent alcohol and 7,500 gallons contain 10 percent alcohol. The taxpayer seeks to have all of the mixtures described above qualify for taxation at the reduced rate under the rules of paragraph (b) of this section. The blender must attach a statement to the return of tax filed for these mixtures indicating that of the 10,000 gallons, 7,500 gallons contain at least 10 percent alcohol and 2,500 gallons contain less than 10 percent alcohol.

(g) Alcohol mixture fuel within the tank of a vehicle—(1) Mixtures within the tank of a vehicle before April 1, 1983. If an alcohol mixture fuel is put into the tank of a vehicle prior to April 1, 1983, the fuel is considered used prior to that date. Thus, such fuel will not be subject to the tax described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section and will be exempt from tax according to the provision of paragraph (a)(3) of this section.

(2) Mixture within the tank of a vehicle before January 1, 1985. If an alcohol mixture is put into the tank of a vehicle prior to January 1, 1985, the fuel is considered used prior to that date. Thus, such fuel is subject to the tax described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.

[T.D. 8152, 52 FR 31616, Aug. 21, 1987]

§ 48.4041-19   Exemption for qualified methanol and ethanol fuel.
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(a) In general. Under section 4041(b)(2), the tax imposed upon the sale or use of motor fuels under section 4041(a) does not apply to the sale or use of qualified methanol or ethanol fuel.

(b) Qualified methanol or ethanol fuel defined. For purposes of section 4041(b)(2) and this section, qualified methanol or ethanol fuel is liquid motor fuel, 85% of the volume of which consists of alcohol, as defined in section 4081(c) and §48.4081–2(a)(4) of the regulations as modified by the following sentence. For purposes of section 4041(b)(2) and this section, the alcohol contained in a qualified methanol or ethanol fuel may be produced from coal. The actual gallonage of each component of the mixture (without adjustment for temperature) shall be used in determining whether the 85 percent alcohol has been met. Further, in determining whether a particular mixture containing less than 85 percent alcohol satisfies this percentage requirement, the District Director shall take into account the existence of any facts and circumstances, that establish that but for the commercial and operational realities of the blending process, it may reasonably be concluded that the mixture would have contained at least 85 percent alcohol. The necessary facts and circumstances will not be found to exist if over a period of time the mixtures blended by a blender show a consistent pattern of failing to contain 85 percent alcohol.

(c) Mixtures which do not qualify as qualified methanol or ethanol fuel. If a methanol or ethanol fuel does not qualify as qualified methanol or ethanol fuel under this section, the entire mixture is taxed at the rate of tax applicable to sales of special motor fuels under section 4041(a)(2) of the Code.

(d) Refunds relating to fuels used to produce qualified fuels. See section 6427 for rules which relate to the allowance of a refund or credit to a person who uses tax-paid diesel, special motor or noncommercial aviation fuels to produce a qualified methanol or ethanol fuel and section 6416 for rules which relate to the allowance of a refund or credit to a person who uses tax-paid gasoline to produce a qualified methanol or ethanol fuel.

(e) Later blending. If a qualified methanol or ethanol fuel is blended with other motor fuel in a mixture less than 85 percent of which consists of alcohol, the subsequent sale or use of such alcohol mixture fuel is taxable under the provisions of section 4041 or section 4081 subject to the requirements, limitations and exemptions of those sections. Thus, if the alcohol mixture fuel is at least 10% alcohol by volume, sale or use of the fuel is taxed at the rates provided in section 4041(k) or section 4081(c), but if the fuel is less than 10% alcohol, sale or use of the fuel is taxed at the rates provided in section 4041(a) or section 4081(a).

(f) Effective date. Section 4041(b)(2) applies to sales or uses after March 31, 1983, and before October 1, 1988.

[T.D. 8152, 52 FR 31617, Aug. 21, 1987]

§ 48.4041-20   Partially exempt methanol and ethanol fuel.
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(a) In general. Under section 4041(m), the sale or use of partially exempt methanol or ethanol fuel is taxed at the rate of 41/2 cents per gallon of fuel sold or used. The amount of tax is based upon the total volume of fuel and not merely upon the nonalcohol portion of the fuel.

(b) Partially exempt methanol or ethanol fuel defined. For purposes of section 4041(m) and this section, partially exempt methanol or ethanol fuel is liquid motor fuel, 85% of which by volume consists of alcohol, as defined in section 4081 and §48.4081–2(a)(4) of the regulations, as modified by the following sentence. For purposes of section 4041(m) and this section, the alcohol contained in partially exempt methanol or ethanol fuel must be produced from natural gas. The actual gallonage of each component of the mixture (without adjustment for temperature) shall be used in determining whether the 85 percent alcohol requirement has been met. Further, in determining whether a particular mixture containing less than 85 percent alcohol satisfies this percentage requirement, the District Director shall take into account the existence of any facts and circumstances that establish that but for the commercial and operational realities of the blending process, it may reasonably be concluded that the mixture would have contained at least 85 percent alcohol. The necessary facts and circumstances will not be found to exist if over a period of time the mixtures blended by a blender show a consistent pattern of failing to contain 85 percent alcohol. See paragraph (f) of this section for rules relating to information required to be attached to the taxpayer's return of the tax imposed by chapter 31 relating to the alcohol content of the partially exempt methanol or ethanol fuel for which tax is paid.

(c) Mixtures which do not qualify as partially exempt methanol or ethanol fuel. If methanol or ethanol fuel does not qualify as partially exempt methanol or ethanol fuel under this section, the entire mixture is taxed at the rate of tax applicable under section 4041(a)(2) of the Code.

(d) Refunds relating to fuels. See section 6427 for rules which relate to the allowance of a refund or credit to a person who uses tax-paid diesel, special motor or noncommercial aviation fuel to produce a partially exempt methanol or ethanol fuel and section 6416 for rules which relate to the allowance of a refund or credit to a person who uses tax-paid gasoline to produce a partially exempt methanol or ethanol fuel.

(e) Later blending. If a partially exempt methanol or ethanol fuel is blended with other motor fuel in a mixture less than 85 percent of which consists of alcohol, the subsequent sale or use of such blended motor fuel is taxable under the provisions of section 4041(a) or section 4081(a), subject to the requirements, limitations and exemptions of those sections.

(f) Records required to be furnished by the taxpayer. A taxpayer making a return of the tax imposed by chapter 31 indicating payment of the tax under section 4041(m) and §48.4041–20 at the reduced rate must attach a statement to the return indicating the total number of gallons of partially exempt methanol or ethanol fuel containing at least 85 percent alcohol and the total number of gallons of partially exempt methanol or ethanol fuel containing less than 85 percent alcohol, but qualifying for taxation at the reduced rate under the rules of paragraph (b) of this section. However, the taxpayer does not have to specify the precise mixture ratio of every mixture blended for which tax is being paid.

(g) Effective date. Section 4041(m) applies to sales and uses after July 31, 1984. If methanol or ethanol fuel meeting the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section was put into the tank of a vehicle prior to August 1, 1984, the fuel is considered used prior to that date and is subject to the tax described in paragraph (a) of section 4041.

[T.D. 8152, 52 FR 31617, Aug. 21, 1987]

§ 48.4041-21   Compressed natural gas (CNG).
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(a) Delivery of CNG into the fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle or motorboat—(1) Imposition of tax. Tax is imposed on the delivery of compressed natural gas (CNG) into the fuel supply tank of the propulsion engine of a motor vehicle or motorboat unless tax was previously imposed on the CNG under paragraph (b) of this section.

(2) Liability for tax. If the delivery of the CNG is in connection with a sale, the seller of the CNG is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (a)(1) of this section. If the delivery of the CNG is not in connection with a sale, the operator of the motor vehicle or motorboat, as the case may be, is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

(b) Bulk sales of CNG—(1) In general. Tax is imposed on the sale of CNG that is not in connection with the delivery of the CNG into the fuel supply tank of the propulsion engine of a motor vehicle or motorboat if, by the time of the sale—

(i) The buyer has given the seller a written statement stating that the entire quantity of the CNG covered by the statement is for use by the buyer for a taxable use as a fuel in a motor vehicle or motorboat; and

(ii) The seller has given the buyer a written acknowledgement of receipt of the statement described in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section.

(2) Liability for tax. The seller of the CNG is liable for the tax imposed under this paragraph (b).

(c) Exemptions—(1) In general. The taxes imposed under this section do not apply to a delivery or sale of CNG for a use described in section 4041(a)(3)(B), (b)(1), (f), (g), or (h). However, if the person otherwise liable for tax under this section is the seller of the CNG, the exemption under this section applies only if, by the time of sale, the seller receives an unexpired certificate (as described in this paragraph (c)) from the buyer and has no reason to believe any information in the certificate is false.

(2) Certificate; in general. The certificate to be provided by a buyer of CNG is to consist of a statement that is signed under penalties of perjury by a person with authority to bind the buyer, should be in substantially the same form as the model certificate provided in paragraph (c)(4) of this section, and should contain all information necessary to complete the model certificate. A new certificate must be given if any information in the current certificate changes. The certificate may be included as part of any business records normally used to document a sale. The certificate expires on the earliest of the following dates:

(i) The date one year after the effective date of the certificate (which may be no earlier than the date it is signed).

(ii) The date a new certificate is provided to the seller.

(iii) The date the seller is notified by the Internal Revenue Service or the buyer that the buyer's right to provide a certificate has been withdrawn.

(3) Withdrawal of the right to provide a certificate. The Internal Revenue Service may withdraw the right of a buyer of CNG to provide a certificate under this paragraph (c) if the buyer uses CNG to which a certificate applies in a taxable use. The Internal Revenue Service may notify any seller to whom the buyer has provided a certificate that the buyer's right to provide a certificate has been withdrawn.

(4) Model certificate.

Certificate of Person Buying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for a Nontaxable Use

(To support tax-free sales of CNG under section 4041 of the Internal Revenue Code.)

____________________
____________________

Name, address, and employer identification number of seller

__________ (“Buyer”) certifies the following under penalties of perjury:

The CNG to which this certificate relates will be used in a nontaxable use.

This certificate applies to the following (complete as applicable):

If this is a single purchase certificate, check here ___ and enter:

1. Invoice or delivery ticket number ________

2. ____ (number of MCFs) ____

If this is a certificate covering all purchases under a specified account or order number, check here ___ and enter:

1. Effective date ________

2. Expiration date ________ (period not to exceed 1 year after the effective date)

3. Buyer account or order number ________

Buyer will not claim a credit or refund under section 6427 of the Internal Revenue Code for any CNG to which this certificate relates.

Buyer will provide a new certificate to the seller if any information in this certificate changes.

Buyer understands that if Buyer violates the terms of this certificate, the Internal Revenue Service may withdraw Buyer's right to provide a certificate.

Buyer has not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that its right to provide a certificate has been withdrawn. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service has not notified Buyer that the right to provide a certificate has been withdrawn from a purchaser to which Buyer sells CNG tax free.

Buyer understands that the fraudulent use of this certificate may subject Buyer and all parties making any fraudulent use of this certificate to a fine or imprisonment, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

____________________

Printed or typed name of person signing

____________________

Title of person signing

____________________

Employer identification number

____________________

Address of Buyer

____________________

Signature and date signed

(d) Rate of tax. The rate of the tax imposed under this section is the rate prescribed by section 4041(a)(3).

(e) Effective date. This section is effective October 1, 1995.

[T.D. 8609, 60 FR 40082, Aug. 7, 1995; 60 FR 50245, Sept. 28, 1995; T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10453, Mar. 14, 1996; T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17155, Mar. 31, 2000; T.D. 9051, 69 FR 15941, Apr. 2, 2003]

Subpart G—Fuel Used on Inland Waterways
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Source:  T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13516, Mar. 31, 1978, unless otherwise noted.

§ 48.4042-1   Tax on fuel used in commercial waterway transportation.
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(a) In general. Section 4042(a) imposes an excise tax on the use of liquid fuel in the propulsion system of commercial transportation vessels while traveling on certain inland and intracoastal waterways (see §48.4042–1 (f)). The tax applies generally to all types of vessels, including ships, barges, and tugboats. It is in addition to all other taxes imposed on the sale or use of fuel.

(b) Amount of tax. For the amount of tax, see section 4042(b).

(c) Person liable for tax. The person operating the vessel in which the propulsion fuel is consumed is the user of liquid fuel for purposes of section 4042(a). Thus, a person who operates (or whose employees operate) a vessel is responsibile for filing returns and paying the tax. If a vessel owner (or lessee) contracts with an independent contractor to operate the vessel, the independent contractor is the user of liquid fuel for purposes of section 4042(a), regardless of who purchases the fuel.

(d) Time of use. Fuel is not taxed by section 4042(a) when put into a vessel's tanks. For purposes of section 4042(a), fuel is used when it is actually consumed by a vessel's engine.

(e) Liquid fuel. For purposes of the tax imposed under this section, liquid fuel means any liquid fuel including gasoline, diesel fuel, special motor fuel, or Bunker C residual fuel oil.

(f) Commercial waterway transportation—(1) In general. For purposes of section 4042(a) and §48.4042–2(c)(1), the term “commercial waterway transportation” means the use of a vessel on the waterways specified in paragraphs (g) (1) through (27) of this section if:

(i) Use of the vessel is in the business of transporting property for compensation or hire, or

(ii) Use of the vessel is in transporting property in the business of the owner, lessee, or operator of the vessel (whether or not a fee is charged).

Except for the operation of certain fishing vessels, the operation of all vessels satisfying the requirements of paragraph (f)(1)(i) or (1)(ii) of this section will be deemed “commercial waterway transportation,” regardless of whether the vessel is actually engaged in the transportation of property on a particular voyage. Thus, “commercial waterway transportation” includes the operation of vessels while moving empty of cargo, while awaiting passage through locks, while dislodging vessels grounded on a sandbar, while moving to or from a repair facility, while maneuvering around loading and unloading docks, and while fleeting barges into a single tow.

(2) Fishing vessels exception. A vessel does not transport property in the business of the owner, lessee, or operator, for purposes of paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section, by merely transporting fish or other aquatic animal life caught on the voyage. The tax imposed by section 4042(a) does not apply to fuel used by a fishing vessel while traveling to a fishing site, while engaged in fishing, or while returning from the fishing site with its catch. However, the tax applies to fuel used by a commercial vessel along the taxable waterways while traveling to pick up aquatic animal life caught by another vessel and while transporting the catch of such other vessel.

(g) Specified waterways. Only fuel used on those waterways specified in section 206 of the Inland Waterways Revenue Act of 1978 (specified waterways) is taxable. The specified waterways are as follows:

(1) Alabama-Coosa Rivers: From junction with the Tombigbee River at river mile (hereinafter referred to as RM) 0 to junction with the Coosa River at RM 314.

(2) Allegheny River: From confluence with the Monongahela River to form the Ohio River at RM 0 to the head of the existing project at East Brady, Pennsylvania, RM 72.

(3) Apalachicola-Chattachoochee and Flint Rivers: Apalachicola River from mouth at Apalachicola Bay (intersection with the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway) RM 0 to junction with Chattachoochee and Flint Rivers at RM 107.8. Chattachoochee River from junction with Apalachicola and Flint Rivers at RM 0 to Columbus, Georgia, at RM 155 and Flint River, from junction with Apalachicola and Chattachoochee Rivers at RM 0 to Bainbridge, Georgia, at RM 28.

(4) Arkansas River (McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System): From junction with Mississippi River at RM 0 to port of Catoosa, Oklahoma, at RM 448.2.

(5) Atchafalaya River: From RM 0 at its intersection with the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway at Morgan City, Louisiana, upstream to junction with Red River at RM 116.8.

(6) Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (A.I.W.W.): Two inland water routes approximately paralleling the Atlantic coast between Norfolk, Virginia, and Miami, Florida, for 1,192 miles via both the Albermarle and Chesapeake Canal and Great Dismal Swamp Canal routes. For vessels traveling along the A.I.W.W. no matter how short the distance, the A.I.W.W. includes the main channel, all alternate channels, and all adjoining bays and sounds, regardless of depth. However, vessels merely crossing the A.I.W.W. on route either to a coastal port or to a nonspecified waterway will not be treated as traveling on the A.I.W.W.

(7) Black Warrior-Tombigbee-Mobile Rivers: Black Warrior River System from RM 2.9, Mobile River (at Chickasaw Creek) to confluence with Tombigbee River at RM 45. Tombigbee River (to Demopolis at RM 215.4) to port of Birmingham, RM's 374—411 and upstream to head of navigation on Mulberry Fork (RM 429.6), Locust Fork (RM 407.8), and Sipsey Fork (RM 430.4).

(8) Columbia River (Columbia-Snake Rivers Inland Waterways): From The Dalles at RM 191.5 to Pasco, Washington (McNary Pool), at RM 330, Snake River from RM 0 at the mouth to RM 231.5 at Johnson Bar Landing, Idaho.

(9) Cumberland River: Junction with Ohio River at RM 0 to head of navigation, upstream to Carthage, Tennessee, at RM 313.5.

(10) Green and Barren Rivers: Green River from junction with the Ohio River at RM 0 to head of navigation at RM 149.1.

(11) Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (G.I.W.W.): From the mouth of St. Mark's River, Florida, to Brownsville, Texas, 1,134.5 miles. For vessels traveling along the G.I.W.W. no matter how short the distance, the G.I.W.W. includes the main channel, all alternate channels, and all adjoining bays and sounds, regardless of depth. However, vessels merely crossing the G.I.W.W. on route either to a coastal port or to a nonspecified waterway will not be treated as traveling on the G.I.W.W.

(12) Illinois Waterway: Illinois River from junction with the Mississippi River at RM 0 to the Des Plaines River and along the Des Plaines River to Lockport Lock and Dam at RM 291. Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal from Lockport Lock and Dam at RM 291 to the South Branch Chicago River and along the South Branch Chicago River to Lake Street, Chicago at RM 325.5 near Chicago Harbor. Calumet-Sag Channel from junction with the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal to the Little Calumet River and along the Little Calumet and Calumet Rivers to turning basin 5, near the entrance to Lake Calumet, an additional 23.8 RMS. Total waterway distance approximately 350 RMs.

(13) Kanawha River: From junction with Ohio River at RM 0 to RM 90.6 at Deepwater, West Virginia.

(14) Kaskaskia River: From junction with the Mississippi River at RM 0 to RM 36.2 at Fayetteville, Illinois.

(15) Kentucky River: From junction with Ohio River at RM 0 to confluence of Middle and North Forks at RM 258.6.

(16) Lower Mississippi River: From Baton Rouge, Louisiana, RM 233.9 to Cairo, Illinois, RM 953.8.

(17) Upper Mississippi River: From Cairo, Illinois, RM 953.8 to Minneapolis, Minnesota, RM 1,811.4.

(18) Missouri River: From junction with Mississippi River at RM 0 to Sioux City, Iowa, at RM 734.8.

(19) Monongahela River: From junction with Allegheny River to form the Ohio River at RM 0 to junction of the Tygart and West Fork Rivers, Fairmont, West Virginia, at RM 128.7.

(20) Ohio River: From junction with the Mississippi River at RM 0 to junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at RM 981.

(21) Ouachita-Black Rivers: From the mouth of the Black River at its junction with the Red River at RM 0 to RM 351 at Camden, Arkansas.

(22) Pearl River: From junction of West Pearl River with the Rigolets at RM 0 to Bogalusa, Louisiana, RM 58.

(23) Red River: From RM 0 to the mouth of Cypress Bayou at RM 236.

(24) Tennessee River: From junction with Ohio River at RM 0 to confluence with Holstein and French Rivers at RM 652.

(25) Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway: From its confluence with the Tennessee River to the Warrior River at Demopolis, Alabama.

(26) White River: From RM 9.8 to RM 255 at Newport, Arkansas.

(27) Willamette River: From RM 21 upstream of Portland, Oregon, to Harrisburg, Oregon, at RM 194.

[T.D. 7727, 45 FR 70861, Oct. 27, 1980. Redesignated by T.D. 8066, 51 FR 14, Jan. 2, 1986, as amended by T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10453, Mar. 14, 1996]

§ 48.4042-2   Special rules.
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(a) Dual use of liquid fuels—(1) Dual use by the propulsion engine. The tax imposed by section 4042(a) applies to all taxable liquid used as a fuel in the propulsion system of the vessel, regardless of whether the engine (or other propulsion system) is used for a purpose other than propulsion of the vessel. For purposes of this section, any engines generating movement of a vessel (including bow thrusters used for steering) are part of the propulsion system. The tax does not apply to fuel consumed in engines which are not used to generate movement of a vessel. When the propulsion engine operates special equipment by means of a power take-off or power transfer, the tax applies to all liquid fuel consumed by that engine. For example, the tax applies to all fuel used in the engine operating an alternator, a generator, or pumps, if that engine is used to generate movement of a vessel.

(2) Common tank. If the liquid fuel consumed by a nonpropulsion engine is drawn from the same tank as fuel consumed by a propulsion engine, a reasonable determination of the quantity of fuel used in such a separate engine will be acceptable for purposes of excluding from taxation a portion of the fuel consumed by the vessel. The determination of the amount of fuel consumed by the nonpropulsion engine may be based primarily on the operating experience of the person using the fuel; however, in order to exclude fuel from taxation under the rule set out in this paragraph (a)(2), the taxpayer must maintain records which will support the allocation used.

(b) Voyages crossing boundaries of the specified waterways. Fuel consumed by a vessel traveling along the specified waterways is taxable only to the extent of fuel consumed for propulsion while on the specified waterways. Generally, the operator may calculate the amount of fuel consumed while on the specified waterways during a particular voyage by mulitplying total fuel consumed in the propulsion engine by a fraction. The numerator of the fraction is the time spent operating on the specified waterways; the denominator is the total time spent operating on the specified and nonspecified waterways during the voyage. This calculation may not be used when it is unreasonable. It may be determined to be unreasonable by:

(1) Better evidence of fuel consumed (e.g., readings from an accurate fuel gauge or records from similar voyages); or

(2) The existence of factors causing a substantial discrepancy between the rate of fuel consumption on the specified and nonspecified waterways.

(c) Records required. (1) All operators of vessels used in commercial waterway transportation must maintain records sufficient to establish to the satisfaction of the district director the amount of fuel used for taxable purposes. Those records may include, when relevant to establish liability:

(i) Quantity of fuel and date of acquisition of all liquid fuels acquired for both taxable and nontaxable purposes, whether delivered to storage tanks or tanks on a vessel;

(ii) Date and quantity of fuel pumped into tanks on each vessel;

(iii) Identification number or name of each vessel using fuel; and

(iv) Departure time, departure point, route traveled, destination, and arrival time for each vessel.

(2) Vessel operators seeking a tax exemption provided by section 4042(c) must maintain records which will support any exemption claimed. Where applicable, the records shall contain:

(i) The draft of the vessel on each voyage (for exemption under section 4042(c)(1));

(ii) The type of vessel in which fuel is consumed and the type of vessel in which cargo is transported (for exemption under section 4042(c) (1), (2) or (4); and

(iii) The ultimate use of cargo transported (for exemption under section 4042(c)(3)).

[T.D. 7727, 45 FR 70862, Oct. 27, 1980, as amended by T.D. 8442, 57 FR 48186, Oct. 22, 1992]

§ 48.4042-3   Certain types of commercial waterway transportation excluded.
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(a) Deep draft ocean-going vessels—(1) In general. Under section 4042(c)(1), there is no tax imposed by section 4042(a) if:

(i) The vessel was designed primarily for use on the high seas; and

(ii) The vessel has a draft of more than 12 feet on the voyage for which the fuel tax exclusion is sought (e.g. 12 feet 1 inch).

(2) Meaning of “designed primarily for use on the high seas.” Section 4042(c)(1) requires a determination of the primacy of the design features rendering the vessel useful for service on the high seas, as opposed to the features which render the vessel useful for service on all less turbulent waters. Thus, whether a ship is “designed primarily for use on the high seas” must be determined from all the facts, including structural features and equipment. If the predominant use of a vessel is on the high seas, it shall be presumed to be “designed primarily for use on the high seas.” If the predominant use of a vessel is on waters other than the high seas, it shall be presumed not to be “designed primarily for use on the high seas.”

(3) Meaning of “high seas.” For purposes of this section, “high seas” shall mean waters other than the territorial waters of the United States or any other country. Thus, the high seas shall not include the internal waters of any country, the Great Lakes, harbors, or narrow coastal indentations.

(4) Twelve foot draft—(i) Definition. For purposes of section 4042(c)(1), “draft” shall mean the maximum vertical distance between the mean water line and the bottom of the keel. In cases where a vessel has a skeg or other appendage extending locally below the line of the keel, the draft shall be measured from the deepest appendage. A separage determination of draft must be made for each voyage when the vessel has its greatest load of cargo and fuel. For purposes of this determination, the term “voyage” means a round trip voyage. Therefore, if a vessel travels into the specified waterway system to pick up cargo and has a draft sufficient to qualify for the exclusion when loaded, then for purposes of section 4042(c)(1) the vessel satisfies the 12 foot draft requirement for the entire voyage. Similarly, if a vessel loaded with cargo travels into the specified waterway system with a draft sufficient to qualify for the exclusion provided by section 4042(c)(1), then the fuel consumed on the entire voyage may be excluded, regardless of the vessel's draft after the cargo is unloaded.

(ii) Example. The following example illustrates the application of paragraph (a)(4)(i) of this section:

Example.  A ship with a design draft of 20 feet (maximum certified draft when fully loaded) travels into a taxable waterway with only a partial load, such that the draft is 12 feet. The ship unloads and departs the waterway empty. The portion of the fuel consumed for propulsion of the vessel on the specified waterway is taxable because only vessels with a draft greater than 12 feet are eligible for the section 4042(c)(1) exemption from tax.

(b) Commercial passenger vessels. Under section 4042(c)(2), the tax imposed by section 4042(a) does not apply to fuel consumed by vessels used primarily for the transportation of persons. Thus, commercial passenger vessels while being operated as passenger vessels are not subject to tax, even if such vessels in fact transport property in addition to transporting passengers. Similarly, ferry boats carrying passengers are not subject to tax, even if such vessels carry the passengers' automobiles.

(c) Exemption for State or local governments—(1) In general. Under section 4042(c)(3), there is no tax imposed by section 4042(a) if:

(i) The vessel is being used by a State or local government; and

(ii) The vessel is being used in transporting property in the State or local government's business.

(2) State or local government. For purposes of paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section a “vessel is being used by a State or local government” if it is operated by any State, the District of Columbia, or any political subdivision of a State. If a private party is contracted to haul for a State or local government, the vessel is not “being used by a State or local government.” Similarly, if a person other than a State or local government is contracted to supply vessel operators, the fuel consumed by the vessel is not used “by a State or local government,” regardless of ownership of the vessel. However, when a local government leases barges and employees of the local government operate the barges, the vessel is being used by the local government.

(3) Government business. The test for whether a vessel is being used “in transporting in a State or local government's business,” within the meaning of paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section, is whether the ultimate use of the cargo is for a function which is ordinarily carried out by governmental units. For example, when the cargo transported is salt to be spread on icy roads, the vessel is being used “in transporting in a State or local business” because the use to which the cargo will be put (road maintenance) is a function ordinarily performed by governmental units. Fuel consumed in a vessel transporting property for compensation or in furtherance of a business not ordinarily carried out by a governmental unit is not exempt from taxation by section 4042(c)(3).

(d) Ocean-going barges. Under section 4042(c)(4), the tax imposed by section 4042(a) does not apply to fuel consumed by tugs moving exclusively barges released by ocean-going carriers solely to pick up or deliver international cargos. The tax exemption provided by section 4042(c)(4) applies to LASH barges, SEABEE barges, and all other ocean-going barges carried aboard ocean-going vessels. There is no exemption under section 4042(c)(4) while:

(1) One or more of the barges in the tow is not a LASH barge, SEABEE barge, or other ocean-going barge carried aboard on ocean-going vessel; or

(2) One or more of the barges in the tow is not on an international voyage; or

(3) Part of the cargo in the tow is not being transported internationally.

[T.D. 7727, 45 FR 70862, Oct. 27, 1980]

Subpart H—Motor Vehicles, Tires, Tubes, Tread Rubber, and Taxable Fuel
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Source:  T.D. 6648, 28 FR 3633, Apr. 13, 1963, unless otherwise noted.

Automotive and Related Items
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motor vehicles
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§ 48.4052-1   Heavy trucks and trailers; certification requirement.
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(a) In general. Tax is not imposed by section 4051 on the sale of an article for resale or leasing in a long-term lease if, by the time of sale, the seller has in good faith accepted from the buyer a statement that the buyer executed in good faith and that is in substantially the same form, and subject to the same conditions, as the certificate described in §145.4052–1(a)(6) of this chapter, except that the certificate must be signed under penalties of perjury and need not refer to Form 637 or include a registration number.

(b) References to §145.4052–1(a)(2) of this chapter. References to §145.4052–1(a)(2) of this chapter appearing in §145.4052–1 of this chapter apply also to paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) Effective date. This section is applicable after June 30, 1998. In addition, tax is not imposed on a sale occurring after December 31, 1997, and before July 1, 1998, if the conditions of paragraph (a) of this section are satisfied.

[T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17155, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.4061(a)   [Reserved]
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§ 48.4061(a)-1   Imposition of tax; exclusion for light-duty trucks, etc.
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(a) Imposition of tax—(1) In general. Section 4061(a)(1) imposes a tax on the sale by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of the following articles (including in each case parts and accessories therefor sold on or in connection therewith or with the sale thereof):

(i) Automobile truck and bus chassis and bodies;

(ii) Truck and bus trailer and semitrailer chassis and bodies; and

(iii) Tractors of the kind chiefly used for highway transportation in combination with a trailer or semitrailer.

For purposes of this section, a sale of an automobile truck or bus, or a truck or bus trailer or semitrailer, shall be considered to be a sale of a chassis and of a body enumerated in this paragraph (a)(1).

(2) Special rule applicable to chassis and bodies. A chassis or body enumerated in paragraph (a)(1) of this section is taxable under section 4061(a)(1) only if such chassis or body is, within the meaning of paragraph (e) of this section, sold for use as a component part of a highway vehicle (as defined in paragraph (d) of this section), which is an automobile truck or bus, a truck or bus trailer or semitrailer, or a tractor of the kind chiefly used for highway transportation in combination with a trailer or semitrailer. Furthermore, a chassis or body which is not enumerated in paragraph (a)(1) of this section is not taxable under section 4061(a)(1) even though such chassis or body is used as a component part of a highway vehicle (e.g., a chassis or body of a passenger automobile).

(3) Equipment installed on chassis or bodies. (i) For purposes of the tax imposed by section 4061(a)(1), equipment or machinery installed on a taxable chassis or body is considered to be an integral part of the taxable chassis or body if the machinery or equipment contributes toward the highway transportation function of the chassis or body, regardless of whether separate sales of the machinery or equipment would be subject to the tax on automotive parts or accessories imposed by section 4061(b). Therefore, the amount of the sale price of a taxable chassis or body that is attributable to such machinery or equipment must be included in the tax base when computing the tax due on a manufacturer's or importer's sale or use of a taxable chassis or body. Examples of the type of machinery or equipment that contribute to the highway transportation function of a chassis or body are the following: Loading and unloading equipment; towing winches; and all other machinery or equipment contributing to either the maintenance or safety of the vehicle, the preservation of cargo (other than refrigeration units), or the comfort or nvenience of the driver or passengers.

(ii) Amounts charged for machinery or equipment that is installed on a taxable chassis or body are not part of the taxable sale price of the chassis or body if (A) such machinery or equipment does not contribute toward the highway transportation function of the chassis or body and (B) the reasonableness of the charge for the machinery or equipment is supportable by adequate records. Examples of such machinery or equipment are the following: equipment designed to spread materials on the highway; machinery or equipment used solely in the operation of mobile amusement rides; television equipment mounted in a mobile television studio; machine shop equipment mounted in a mobile machine shop; and car crushing equipment mounted on the chassis of a mobile car crusher.

(4) Passenger automobile chassis and bodies, motorcycles, etc. No tax is imposed under section 4061(a) on the sale of a motorcycle or, in the case of a sale made after December 10, 1971, on the sale of automobile chassis and bodies not enumerated in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, or of trailer and semitrailer chassis and bodies suitable for use in combination with passenger automobiles. For tax on certain sales made after December 31, 1958, and before December 11, 1971, see paragraph (b)(4) of this section.

(5) Cross references. For additional rules relating to the sale of a chassis or body enumerated in this paragraph for use as a component part of a highway vehicle, see paragraph (e) of this section. For exclusion of certain light-duty highway vehicles, see paragraph (f) of this section. For provisions relating to the tax-free sale of bodies to certain manufacturers, see section 4063(b) and the regulations thereunder. For other exemptions from the tax imposed under section 4061(a), see sections 4063 and 4221 and the regulations thereunder. For special rules relating to the sale by a manufacturer of a vehicle consisting of a tax-paid chassis and a body manufactured by him, see §48.4061(a)–5.

(b) Rate and computation of tax—(1) In general. With respect to the articles enumerated in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the rate of tax imposed by section 4061(a)(1) is:

                                                                  Percent (i) For articles sold during the period beginning on January          10 1, 1959, and ending on September 30, 1979...................(ii) For articles sold on or after October 1, 1979...........          5 

(2) Determination of price subject to tax. The tax is computed by applying to the price for which the article is sold the rate in effect at the time of the sale. For definition of the term “price” and for application of the tax to leases of articles, see sections 4216 and 4217, respectively, and the regulations thereunder. If an article subject to tax under section 4061(a) has equipment mounted thereon to perform functions other than in connection with the transportation of persons or property, no tax under section 4061(a) attaches to that part of the selling price of the completed unit which is reasonably attributable to such equipment provided such part of the selling price is billed separately on the invoice to the customer or can otherwise be established by adequate records. For other rules relating to the sale of parts or accessories in connection with the sale of a chassis, body, or completed unit, see §48.4061(a)–4. For special rules relating to the determination of selling price when equipment or machinery is permanently installed on a taxable chassis or body, see paragraph (a)(3) of this section.

(3) Tax on trailers sold before December 11, 1971. With respect to sales made after December 31, 1958, and before December 11, 1971, the rate of tax imposed under section 4061(a) on a trailer or semitrailer chassis or body that is a highway vehicle within the meaning of paragraph (d) of this section depends upon a classification of the article. The sale during this period of a trailer or semitrailer chassis or body (other than a house trailer) suitable for use in combination with passenger automobiles is subject ot tax as set forth in paragraph (b)(4) of this section. A trailer suitable for use in combination with a passenger automobile which is designed for purposes other than living or sleeping, commonly referred to as a “utility trailer”, is an example of a trailer taxable at the 7 percent rate set forth in paragraph (b)(4) of this section. The sale of a trailer or semitrailer chassis or body that is not suitable for use in combination with passenger automobiles is subject to tax as set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

(4) Passenger automobile chassis and bodies and related articles sold before December 11, 1971. With respect to the sale after December 31, 1958, and before December 11, 1971, of (i) automobile chassis and bodies not enumerated in paragraph (a)(1) of this section or (ii) trailer and semitrailer chassis and bodies suitable for use in combination with passenger automobiles, the tax imposed by section 4016(a) is computed in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section at the rate of 10 percent for sales prior to June 22, 1965, and at the rate of 7 percent thereafter.

(c) Liability for tax. The tax imposed by section 4061(a) is payable by the manufacturer, producer, or importer making the sale.

(d) Highway vehicle—(1) Definition. For purposes of this subchapter, the term “highway vehicle” means any self-propelled vehicle, or any trailer or semitrailer, designed to perform a function of transporting a load over public highways, whether or not also designed to perform other functins, but does not include a vehicle described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section. For purposes of this definition, a vehicle consists of a chassis, or a chassis and a body if the vehicle has a body, but does not include the vehicle's load. Therefore, in determining whether a vehicle is a “highway vehicle”, it is immaterial that the vehicle is designed to perform a highway transportation function for only a particular kind of load, such as passengers, furnishings and personal effects (as in a house, office, or utility trailer), a special type of cargo, goods, supplies, or materials, or, except to the extent otherwise provided in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, machinery or equipment specially designed to perform some off-highway task unrelated to highway transportation. In the case of specially designed machinery or equipment, it is also immaterial, except as provided in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, that such machinery or equipment is permanently mounted on the vehicle. For purposes of paragraph (d) of this section, the term “transport” includes the term “tow”, and the term “public highway” includes any road (whether a Federal highway, State highway, city street, or otherwise) in the United States which is not a private roadway. A vehicle which is not a highway vehicle within the meaning of this paragraph shall be treated as a nonhighway vehicle for purposes of this subchapter. Examples of vehicles that are designed to perform a function of transporting a load over the public highways are passenger automobiles, motorcycles, buses, and highway-type trucks, truck tractors, trailers, and semi-trailers.

(2) Exceptions—(i) Certain specially designed mobile machinery for nontransportation functions. A self-propelled vehicle, or trailer or semi-trailer, is not a highway vehicle if it (A) consists of a chassis to which there has been permanently mounted (by welding, bolting, riveting, or other means) machinery or equipment to perform a construction, manufacturing, processing, farming, mining, drilling, timbering, or operation similar to any one of the foregoing enumerated operations if the operation of the machinery or equipment or equipment is unrelated to transportation on or off the public highways, (B) the chassis has been specially designed to serve only as a mobile carriage and mount (and a power source, where applicable) for the particular machinery or equipment involved, whether or not such machinery or equipment is in operation, and (C) by reason of such special design, such chassis could not, without substantial structural modification, be used as a component of a vehicle designed to perform a function of transporting any load other than that particular machinery or equipment or similar machinery or equipment requiring such a specially designed chassis.

(ii) Certain vehicles specially designed for offhighway transportation. A self-propelled vehicle, or a trailer or semitrailer, is not a highway vehicle if it is (A) specially designed for the primary function of transporting a particular type of load other than over the public highway in connection with a construction, manufacturing, processing, farming, mining, drilling, timbering, or operation similar to any one of the foregoing enumerated operations, and (B) if by reason of such special design, the use of such vehicle to transport such load over the public highways is substantially limited or substantially impaired. For purposes of applying the rule of (B) of this subdivision, account may be taken of whether the vehicle may travel at regular highway speeds, requires a special permit for highway use, is overweight, overheight or overwidth for regular use, and any other relevant considerations. Soley for purposes of determinations under this paragraph (d)(2)(ii), where there is affixed to the vehicle equiplment used for loading, unloading, storing, vending, handling, processing, preserving, or otherwise caring for a load transported by the vehicle over the public highways, the functions are related to the transportation of a load over the public highways even though such functions may be performed off the public highways.

(iii) Certain trailers and semi-trailers specially designed to perform non-transportation functions off the public highways. A trailer or semi-trailer is not a highway vehicle if it is specially designed to serve no purpose other than providing an enclosed stationary shelter for the carrying on of a function which is directly connected with and necessary to, and at the off-highway site of, a construction, manufacturing, processing, mining, drilling, farming, timbering, or operation similar to any one of the foregoing enumerated operations such as a trailer specially designed to serve as an office for such an operation.

(3) Optional application. For purposes of this subchapter, if any rules existing immediately prior to January 13, 1977 would, if applicable, unequivocally resolve an issue involving the definition of a highway vehicle with respect to a period prior to such date, at the option of the taxpayer, such rules existing prior to such date shall be applied to resolve the issue for all periods prior to such date, and the rules of paragraphs (d) (1) and (2) of this section, which define the term “highway vehicle”, shall not apply with respect to such issue for all periods prior to such date.

(4) Highway vehicles not subject to section 4061 tax. Although for purposes of this paragraph (d) passenger automobiles, automobile trailers and semitrailers, motor homes, motorcycles, light-duty trucks, etc., will be considered to be highway vehicles because they are designed to perform a function of transporting a load over public highways, the tax imposed under section 4061(a) does not apply to the sale of such vehicles because they either are not articles subject to tax under such section or are excluded from tax under section 4061 (a)(2). See also paragraphs (a)(4) and (f) of this section. Despite the fact that passenger automobiles, passenger automobile trailers and semi-trailers, motor homes, motorcycles, light-duty trucks, etc., are not subject to the manufacturers excise tax on highway vehicles imposed by section 4061(a), the fact that they are nevertheless considered highway vehicles for purposes of this subchapter can be of material significance in determining the applicability of such excise taxes as the tax imposed by section 4041 (relating to diesel and special motor fuels), the tax imposed by section 4071(a)(1) (relating to tires of the type used on highway vehicles), or the tax imposed by section 4481 (relating to highway use tax on highway motor vehicles). In addition, the definition of the term “highway vehicle” is material in determining the credits or refunds provided by section 6416(b)(2)(I) (relating to diesel fuel used in certain highway vehicles), section 6421(a) (relating to gasoline used for a nonhighway purpose), section 6424 (relating to lubricating oil used otherwise than in a highway motor vehicle), and section 6427(a) (relating to diesel or special motor fuel not used for a taxable purpose).

(e) Sale of a chassis or body for use as a component of a vehicle other than a highway vehicle—(1) In general. Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (a)(4), (e)(2), or (f) of this section, the sale of a chassis or body shall be deemed to be a sale of a chassis or body enumerated in paragraph (a)(1) of this section if such chassis or body is, in any sense, reasonably suitable for use as a component part of a highway vehicle that is either an automobile truck or bus, a truck or bus trailer or semitrailer, or a tractor of the kind chiefly used for highway transportation in combination with a trailer or semitrailer.

(2) Exceptions based on unitary concept—(i) Completed vehicles not qualifying as highway vehicles. With respect to the sale of a vehicle after January 13, 1977 which would otherwise be treated under paragraph (e)(1) of this section as a sale of a chassis or body enumerated in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the tax imposed under section 4061(a) shall not apply to such sale if the vehicle (considered as a completed unit) is not considered to be a highway vehicle within the meaning of paragraph (d) of this section.

(ii) Tax-free sales of chassis and bodies. With respect to the sale after January 13, 1977 of a chassis or body (not including the sale of a completed vehicle described in paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section) which would otherwise be treated under paragraph (e)(1) of this section as a sale of a chassis or body enumerated in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the tax imposed under section 4061(a) shall not apply to such sale if the chassis or body is actually sold for use, or for resale for use, as a component part of a vehicle that is not a highway vehicle within the meaning of paragraph (d) of this section. For purposes of determining the liability of the manufacturer or reseller for the tax imposed under section 4061(a), the test of the preceding sentence will be considered to be met if (A) the purchaser furnishes the statement set forth in paragraph (e)(2)(iv) of this section to the seller before the manufacturer files a return covering excise taxes for the period in which the sale was made, and (B) the manufacturer or reseller complies with the requirements set forth in paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section. However, even though the purchaser and manufacturer (or reseller) have complied with the foregoing, the tax imposed under section 4061(a), shall apply to such sale if the manufacturer or reseller has received a written notification (applicable with respect to such sale) from the Internal Revenue Service that sales of a specified type or types of chassis or bodies may not be made tax free pursuant to this paragraph (e)(2)(ii) until further notification. Any such notification issued by the Internal Revenue Service shall be effective only with respect to sales after the manufacturer has received such notification.

(iii) Requirements to be met. In order for a manufacturer or reseller to sell free of tax under paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section an otherwise taxable chassis or body, the manufacturer or reseller must:

(A) Retain in his possession the statement required to be furnished by the purchaser and such other evidence as may be furnished by the purchaser to support the tax-free sale. Such evidence shall be retained for at least 3 years from the due date of the tax that would be due if the transaction in question had been a taxable sale; and

(B) Indicate on the invoice with respect to the sale of the chassis or body that the sale of such article is made free of tax under paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section.

(iv) Form of statement. In order for an otherwise taxable chassis or body to be sold free of tax under paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section, the purchaser must execute and furnish to the manufacturer or reseller a statement that substantially complies with the following form:

_____________, 19__

Under the penalty of perjury, the undersigned certifies that he, or the ______________, (Name of purchaser if other than the undersigned) of which he is _________ (Title) ____________________________________ , is in the business of ___________ (State nature of business), and that the chassis and/or bodies covered by the accompanying order or contract for purchase from __________ (Name and address of seller) are purchased for (check One) __ o use, or for o resale for use, as components of the following type or types of nonhighway vehicles:

1.____________________
2.____________________
3.____________________

The undersigned understands that he must be prepared to establish by satisfactory evidence the actual use or disposition of such chassis or bodies and that, upon their use or disposition other than use as components of a nonhighway vehicle, he consents to be treated as the manufacturer of any such chassis or body purchased by him free of the tax imposed by section 4061(a).

The undersigned also understands that he and all guilty parties will, for use of this statement to willfully attempt to evade or defeat the tax imposed under section 4061, be subject, under section 7201, to a fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

The undersigned agrees to retain in his possession a copy of this statement for at least 3 years from its date.

____________________
(Signature) ________________________________ ____________________
(Address)

(v) Refund or credit of overpayment. If a purchaser furnished the manufacturer with the statement described in paragraph (e)(2)(iv) of this section after the time the manufacturer has filed a return covering excise taxes for the period in which the sale was made, the manufacturer must include the tax on the sale in his return for the period. However, in such case, if the conditions prescribed in paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section are met, a claim for refund of the tax paid on such sale may be filed by the manufacturer on Form 843, or a credit taken on a subsequent return, in accordance with the provisions of sections 6402(a) and 6416(a) and §48.6416(a)–1.

(vi) Cross reference. For special rules relating to the sale by a manufacturer of a vehicle consisting of a tax-paid chassis and a body manufactured by him, see §48.4061(a)–5.

(f) Exclusion of light-duty trucks, buses, and related articles from tax—(1) In general. (i) No tax is imposed by section 4061(a)(1) on the sale after December 10, 1971, of the following articles, if suitable for use with a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less (as determined under paragraph (f)(3) of this section):

(A) Automobile truck and bus chassis and bodies, and

(B) Truck trailer and semitrailer chassis and bodies, suitable for use with a trailer or semitrailer having a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less (as so determined).

(ii) For purposes of this part, a chassis or body is suitable for use with a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less (hereafter referred to in this paragraph (f) as a “light-duty vehicle”) if such chassis or body is commonly used with such a vehicle or possesses actual, practical, and commercial fitness for such use. A truck or bus chassis, sold after December 10, 1971, which is suitable for use with a light-duty vehicle, is not subject to the tax imposed by section 4061(a)(1) regardless of the body actually mounted thereon. Similarly, a truck trailer or semitrailer chassis sold after such date, suitable for use with a trailer or semitrailer having a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less, which trailer or semitrailer is suitable for use in connection with a light-duty towing vehicle, is not subject to such tax regardless of the body actually mounted thereon. A truck or bus body, sold after such date, which is suitable for use with a light-duty vehicle, is not subject to such tax even though it may also be suitable for use with (and is actually a component of) a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight in excess of 10,000 pounds. Similarly, a truck trailer or semitrailer body sold after such date, suitable for use with a trailer or semitrailer having a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less, which trailer or semitrailer is suitable for use with a light-duty towing vehicle, is not subject to such tax even though it may also be suitable for use with (and is actually a component of) a trailer or semitrailer having a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds, or is used in connection with a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds.

(iii) Where an exempt body is mounted on a taxable chassis, or a taxable body is mounted on an exempt chassis, the taxable chassis or taxable body, as the case may be, nevertheless remains subject to such tax, if the resulting vehicle is a highway vehicle as defined in paragraph (d) of this section.

(iv) Where the modification of an article, exempt from tax when sold by the original manufacturer, constitutes further manufacture after the original manufacturer's sale, a tax may be imposed on the subsequent manufacturer's sale or use of the modified article.

(2) Parts and accessories. (i) The sale of a part or accessory which, if sold on December 10, 1971, would be subject to the tax imposed by section 4061(a)(1) as in effect at such time, is not subject to the tax imposed by section 4061(a)(1) as in effect after such date if:

(A) It is sold by the manufacturer on or in connection therewith, or with the sale of, a vehicle enumerated in paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section which is not subject to such tax, and

(B) It is not a replacement part (as defined in paragraph (f)(2)(ii) of this section).

(ii) For purposes of this paragraph (f)(2), a part or accessory is considered sold with a vehicle if, as of the time the article is sold by the manufacturer, the part or accessory has been ordered from such manufacturer for use with the vehicle. Thus, for example, original equipment sold after December 10, 1971, with a light-duty vehicle, consisting of parts and accessories which are ordered from the manufacturer of the vehicle not later than the time at which such vehicle is sold by him (whether or not installed as of such time) are not subject to such tax. For purposes of this paragraph (f)(2), a part is a replacement part, regardless of when ordered,if its use with a vehicle is as a replacement for a part of such vehicle. Therefore, spare parts or accessories sold separately or ordered with a light-duty truck are subject to the tax imposed on sales of parts or accessories by section 4061(b)(1), unless they are excluded from tax as articles used interchangeably between truck and passenger vehicles under the provisions of section 4061(b)(2).

(3) Gross vehicle weight. (i) For purposes of paragraph (f)(1) of this section gross vehicle weight means the maximum total weight of a loaded vehicle. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (f)(3), such maximum total weight shall be the gross vehicle weight rating of the article (as manufactured) as secified or established by the manufacturer of the completed article, unless such rating is unreasonable in light of the facts and circumstances in a particular case.

(ii) A manufacturer must specify or establish a weight rating for each chassis, body, or vehicle sold by him after September 22, 1971, if such article requires no additional manufacture other than (A) the addition of readily attachable articles, such as tire or rim assemblies or minor accessories, (B) the performance of minor finishing operations, such as painting, or (C) in the case of a chassis, the addition of a body. If an article is specially manufactured to the purchaser's specifications, such specifications may be used to establish the gross vehicle weight of the article.

(iii) A manufacturer shall maintian a record of the gross vehicle weight rating of each truck, bus, trailer, and semitrailer sold by him and excluded from the tax imposed by section 4061(a)(1) by reason of section 4061(a)(2) and this paragraph (f). For this purpose, a record of the serial number of each such article shall be treated as a record of the gross vehicle weight rating of the article if such rating is indicated by the serial number.

(iv) If (A) the manufacturer's rating indicated in a label or identifying device affixed to an article, (B) the rating set forth in his sales invoice or warranty agreement, and (C) his advertised rating for that article (or two or more identical articles) are inconsistent, the highest of such ratings will be considered to be the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating specified or established for purposes of the tax imposed by section 4061(a)(1).

(v) With respect to articles sold after January 31, 1972, the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating must take into account the strength of the chassis frame, the axle capacity and placement, and the spring, brake, rim, and tire capacities. The component with the lowest weight rating ordinarily shall be considered determinative of the gross vehicle weight. If the capacity of any of the readily attachable components (springs, brakes, rims, or tires) would otherwise be determinative of a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, no readily attachable component will be taken into account in determining such rating unless the rating determined solely on the basis of the chassis frame or the total of the axle ratings is 12,000 pounds or less.

(vi) For purposes of paragraph (f)(3)(v) of ths section, the term “total of the axle ratings” means the sum of the maximum load carrying capability (capacity and placement) of the axles (without regard to springs, brakes, rims, and tires) and, in the case of a trailer or semitrailer, the weight, if any, that is to be borne by a vehicle used in combination with the trailer or semitrailer for which gross vehicle weight is determined.

[T.D. 7461, 42 FR 2672, Jan. 13, 1977, as amended by T.D. 7461, 42 FR 5695, Jan. 31, 1977; T.D. 7566, 43 FR 41389, Sept. 18, 1978]

§ 48.4061(a)-2   Bonding of importers.
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(a) Authority for requiring bond. Section 623 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1623), provides as follows:

Sec. 623. Bonds and other security. (a) In any case in which bond or other security is not specifically required by law, the Secretary of the Treasury may by regulation or specific instruction require, or authorize collectors of customs to require, such bonds or other security as he, or they, may deem necessary for the protection of the revenue or to assure compliance with any provision of law, regulation, or instruction which the Secretary of the Treasury or the Customs Service may be authorized to enforce.

(b) Whenever a bond is required or authorized by a law, regulation, or instruction which the Secretary of the Treasury or the Customs Service is authorized to enforce, the Secretary of the Treasury may—

(1) Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, prescribe the conditions and form of such bond, and fix the amount of penalty thereof, whether for the payment of liquidated damages or of a penal sum: Provided, That when a consolidated bond authorized by paragraph 4 of this subsection is taken, the Secretary of the Treasury may fix the penalty of such bond without regard to any other provision of law, regulation, or instruction.

(2) Provide for the approval of the sureties on such bond, without regard to any general provision of law.

(3) Authorize the execution of a term bond the conditions of which shall extend to and cover similar cases of importations over such period of time, not to exceed one year, or such longer period as he may fix when in his opinion special circumstances existing in a particular instance require such longer period.

(4) Authorize, to the extent that he may deem necessary, the taking of a consolidated bond (single entry on term), in lieu of separate bonds to assure compliance with two or more provisions of law, regulations, or instructions which the Secretary of the Treasury or the Customs Service is authorized to enforce. A consolidated bond taken pursuant to the authority contained in this subsection shall have the same force and effect in respect of every provision of law, regulation, or instruction for the purposes for which it is required as though separate bonds had been taken to assure compliance with each such provision.

(c) The Secretary of the Treasury may authorize the cancellation of any bond provided for in this section, or of any charge that may have been made against such bond, in the event of a breach of any condition of the bond, upon the payment of such lesser amount or penalty or upon such other terms and conditions as he may deem sufficient.

(d) No condition in any bond taken to assure compliance with any law, regulation, or instruction which the Secretary of the Treasury or the Customs Service is authorized to enforce shall be held invalid on the ground that such condition is not specified in the law, regulation, or instruction authorizing or requiring the taking of such bond.

(e) The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to permit the deposit of money or obligations of the United States, in such amount and upon such conditions as he may by regulation prescribe, in lieu of sureties on any bond required or authorized by a law, regulation, or instruction which the Secretary of the Treasury or the Customs Service is authorized to enforce.

(b) Application for determination whether bond required—(1) Requirement of application—(i) In general. Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (2) of this paragraph, every importer of articles taxable under section 4061(a) shall make application for a determination whether the importer is required to give bond in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section. Such application shall be submitted in writing to the district director for the district in which the importer will file returns of any tax under section 4061(a) for which he may incur liability.

(ii) Form of application. No form is prescribed for making the application required under subdivision (i) of this subparagraph, but such application shall include the following information:

(a) The name of the person making the application and the address of his principal place of business, and, if the principal place of business of such person is outside the United States, the address of his principal place of business, office, or agency in the United States.

(b) Information establishing that the person making the application is an importer of articles taxable under section 4061(a).

(c) The kind and approximate number of automobiles, trucks, buses, etc., which the importer may be expected to import during an average calendar quarter and the approximate amount of tax under section 4061(a) for which the importer may be expected to incur liability in respect of such articles.

(d) Whether the importer has filed returns of tax under chapter 31 or chapter 32 within the 2-year period immediately preceding the date on which the application is filed, and, if so, the internal revenue district in which such returns were filed.

(e) Facts pertaining to the importer's assets and liabilities which will aid the district director in determining whether a bond shall be required.

(2) Exceptions. The provisions of subparagraph (1) of this paragraph shall have no application in any case where an article taxable under section 4061(a) is:

(i) Incidentally imported by an individual for his personal use.

(ii) Brought into the United States for export to a foreign country or possession of the United States.

(iii) Admitted to the United States free of duty as an instrument of international traffic.

(iv) Admitted to the United States free of duty as a temporary importation under bond.

(v) Returned to the United States after having been sold in the United States and exported.

(c) Requirement of bond—(1) In general. If the district director determines that a bond is necessary in order to insure payment of the tax under section 4061(a), and to assure compliance with all provisions of the Code and regulations thereunder, with respect to articles imported by any importer required to make application for a determination under paragraph (b) of this section, such bond shall be given by such importer. Such bond shall be submitted, in duplicate, to the district director for the district in which the importer will file returns of any tax under section 4061(a) for which he may incur liability.

(2) Execution of bond—(i) In general. The bond required under this paragraph shall be executed with satisfactory surety. (For provisions as to what will be considered “satisfactory surety”, see subparagraph (3) of this paragraph.) Such bond shall be conditioned that the principal shall not engage in any attempt, by himself or by collusion with others, to defraud the United States of any tax under section 4061(a); that he shall render truly and completely all returns, statements, and other documents required of him by law or regulations in respect of such tax; that he shall timely pay all such tax for which he is liable; and, in the case of any such tax in respect of an article released from customs custody by reason of such bond that he shall pay such tax whether the liability therefor is incurred by him or by some other person as the importer of the articles covered by the bond, unless such other person makes payment of such tax on or before the due date. The bond shall be in an amount which the district director believes to be sufficient to protect the interests of the United States with respect to all articles taxable under section 4061(a) which are released from customs custody by reason of such bond, but in no event shall the bond be in an amount less than the approximate amount of tax under section 4061(a) for which the principal may be expected to incur liability during an average calendar quarter. Such bond shall be signed by the individual, if the principal is an individual; the president, vice president, or other principal officer, if the principal is a corporation; a responsible and duly authorized member or officer having knowledge of its affairs, if the principal is a partnership or other unincorporated organization; or the fiduciary, if the principal is a trust or estate.

(ii) Cancellation clause. The bond required under this paragraph may be accepted with a cancellation clause incorporated therein. Such cancellation clause shall provide that:

(a) Any surety on the bond may at any time give notice to the principal and the district director that he desires to be relieved of liability under said bond after a date named, which shall be at least 60 days after the receipt of notice by the district director.

(b) If the notice is not withdrawn in writing prior to the date named in the notice, the rights of the principal as supported by said bond shall be terminated on such date (unless supported by another bond or bonds). The surety shall, however, remain liable with respect to any tax under section 4061(a) (plus penalties and interest) the liability for which is incurred in respect of articles released from customs custody by reason of the bond.

(c) Said notice may not be given by an agent of the surety, unless it is accompanied by power of attorney duly executed by the surety authorizing the agent to give such notice or by a verified statement that such power of attorney is on file with the Treasury Department.

(iii) Changes in bond. After filing of the bond required under this paragraph, no change may be made in the terms thereof except with the consent of the surety or sureties and subject to the approval of the district director.

(3) Satisfactory surety—(i) Approved surety company or bonds or notes of the United States. For purposes of subparagraph (2) of this paragraph, a bond shall be considered executed with satisfactory surety if:

(a) It is executed by a surety company holding a certificate of authority from the Secretary as an acceptable surety on Federal bonds; or

(b) It is secured by bonds or notes of the United States as provided in 6 U.S.C. 15 (see 31 CFR Part 225).

(ii) Other surety acceptable in discretion of district director. For purposes of subparagraph (2) of this paragraph, a bond may, in the discretion of the district director, be considered executed with satisfactory surety if, in lieu of being executed or secured as provided in subdivision (i) of this subparagraph, it is:

(a) Executed by a corporate surety (other than a surety company), provided such corporate surety establishes that it is within its corporate powers to act as surety for another corporation or an individual;

(b) Executed by two or more individual sureties, provided such individual sureties meet the conditions contained in subdivision (iii) of this subparagraph;

(c) Secured by a mortgage on real or personal property;

(d) Secured by a certified, cashier's, or treasurer's check drawn on any bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of the United States or any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or by a United States postal, bank, express, or telegraph money order;

(e) Secured by corporate bonds or stocks, or by bonds issued by a State or political subdivision thereof, of recognized stability; or

(f) Secured by any other acceptable collateral. Collateral shall be deposited with the district director or, in his discretion, with a responsible financial institution acting as escrow agent.

(iii) Conditions to be met by individual sureties. If a bond is executed by two or more individual sureties, the following conditions must be met by each such individual surety:

(a) He must reside within the State in which the principal place of business or legal residence of the primary obligor is located;

(b) He must have property subject to execution of a current market value, above all encumbrances, equal to at least the penalty of the bond;

(c) All real property which he offers as security must be located in the State in which the principal place of business or legal residence of the primary obligor is located;

(d) He must agree not to mortgage, or otherwise encumber, any property offered as security while the bond continues in effect without first securing the permission of the district director; and

(e) He must file with the bond, and annually thereafter so long as the bond continues in effect, an affidavit as to the adequacy of his security, executed on the appropriate form furnished by the district director.

Partners may not act as sureties upon bonds of their partnership. Stockholders of a corporate principal may be accepted as sureties provided their qualifications as such are independent of their holdings of the stock of the corporation.

(iv) Adequacy of surety. No surety or security shall be accepted if it does not adequately protect the interest of the United States.

(4) New or additional bond. The district director may require a new or additional bond under this section in any case where he deems it necessary or desirable in order to protect the interests of the United States.

(d) Termination of requirement—(1) Application for relief from requirement. Any importer who has given bond as required under paragraph (c) of this section may make application for relief from such requirement at any time after the last day of the first month following the close of the calendar quarter in which the bond was given. Any such application shall be submitted to the district director to whom the bond was furnished and shall set forth such facts as will be of assistance to the district director in determining whether the relief shall be granted.

(2) Relief from requirement. In any case where the district director determines that the bond required under paragraph (c) of this section to be given by an importer is no longer necessary to insure payment of any tax under section 4061(a) for which liability may be incurred by such importer, such importer shall no longer be required to give such bond.

(e) Evidence required for release of imported articles from customs custody—(1) In general. Each article taxable under section 4061(a) which arrives in the United States from any foreign country or possession of the United States on or after the first day of the first calendar quarter beginning more than 60 days after the date of publication of this Treasury decision in the Federal Register, and which is imported by any person required under paragraph (b) of this section to make application for a determination whether bond shall be given, shall not, if subject to customs examination and release, be released from customs custody until the evidence prescribed in subparagraph (2) (i) or (ii) of this paragraph has been furnished by such person to the collector of customs.

(2) Form of evidence. The evidence required under subparagraph (1) of this paragraph shall be in the form of a statement, executed, signed, and dated by the district director. Such statement shall show the following:

(i) Bond required. If the importer is required to give bond under this section the statement shall show:

(a) The total number of articles in respect of which the statement is given.

(b) The model number of each such article.

(c) The name and address of the importer of such articles.

(d) If the articles are to be released from customs custody to a person other than the importer, the name and address of such other person.

(e) That the importer has given a bond which the district director finds sufficient to protect the interests of the United States with respect to any tax under section 4061(a) for which liability may be incurred in respect of such articles.

A statement under this subdivision shall be furnished to the importer by the district director, upon request of the importer, in every case where such importer furnishes the district director with information which establishes to the satisfaction of the district director that the importer has given bond in an amount sufficient to protect the interests of the United States with respect to any tax under section 4061(a) which may become due in respect of the articles to which the request relates, and with such other information as is required under this subdivision to be shown in the statement. Such request, together with such information, shall be submitted by the importer immediately upon receipt by him of notice that articles taxable under section 4061(a) have been exported to his order. A separate request shall be made in respect of each shipment. Each statement given under this subdivision shall be executed in duplicate. The original of such statement shall be furnished by the district director to the importer and the copy shall be retained by the district director.

(ii) No bond required. If the importer is not required to give bond under this section, the statement shall show:

(a) The name and address of the importer.

(b) That bond under this section is not required of such importer.

A statement under this subdivision shall be furnished to the importer by the district director on the date on which the district director determines that the importer is not required to give a bond under this section. Such statement shall be executed in triplicate. The original of such statement and one signed copy shall be furnished by the district director to the importer, and one copy shall be retained by the district director. Additional signed copies of such statement will be furnished by the district director to the importer upon request of the importer. However, once such statement, or a signed copy thereof, has been furnished by the importer to a collector of customs, the requirements imposed by subparagraph (1) of this paragraph are deemed to be satisfied in respect of all articles taxable under section 4061(a) which thereafter arrive in the United States for release to or for the importer in a port under the jurisdiction of such collector of customs, until such time, if any, as such collector of customs receives written notification from the district director or the Commissioner of Customs that such statement has been withdrawn.

(46 Stat. 759; 19 U.S.C. 1623)

[T.D. 6499, 25 FR 10347, Oct. 28, 1960, as amended by T.D. 7517, 42 FR 58935, Nov. 14, 1977]

§ 48.4061(a)-3   Definitions.
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For purposes of the tax imposed by section 4061, unless otherwise expressly indicated:

(a) Automobile truck. The term “automobile truck” includes automobile buses, and truck and bus trailers and semitrailers.

(b) Other automobile. The term “other automobile” means all automobiles other than automobile trucks, and includes trailers and semitrailers suitable for use in connection with passenger automobiles, but does not include house trailers.

(c) Tractor. The term “tractor” means any tractor chiefly used for highway transportation in combination with a trailer or semitrailer.

§ 48.4061(a)-4   Parts or accessories sold on or in connection with chasis, bodies, etc.
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(a) In general. The tax attaches in respect of parts or accessories for articles specified in section 4061(a) sold on or in connection therewith or with the sale thereof at the rate applicable to the sale of the basic article. The tax attaches in such case whether or not the parts or accessories are billed separately. For the tax applicable to parts or accessories which are not sold on or in connection with the sale of a taxable chassis, body, or tractor, see §48.4061(b)–1.

(b) Essential equipment. If taxable chassis, bodies, or tractors are sold by the manufacturer, producer, or importer without parts or accessories which are considered equipment essential for the operation or appearance of such articles, the sale of such parts or accessories will be considered, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, to have been made in connection with the sale of the basic article even though they are shipped separately at the same time or on a different date. For example, if a manufacturer sells to any person a chassis and the bumpers for such chassis, or sells a taxable tractor and the fifth wheel and attachments, the tax applies to such parts or accessories at the same rate as on the chassis or tractor regardless of the method of billing or the time at which the shipments were made.

§ 48.4061(a)-5   Sale of automobile truck bodies and chassis.
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(a) Sale of completed vehicle. An automobile truck (as defined by §48.4061(a)–3(a)) for purposes of the tax imposed by section 4061(a) consists of two parts, namely, a body and a chassis. Generally, the tax applies to the sale by the manufacturer of each. Thus, if the purchaser of a tax-paid chassis attaches to it a taxable body manufactured by him and sells the completed vehicle, he is liable for tax based on the sale price of the body only. However, in such a case, the tax attaches to the selling price of the entire vehicle unless adequate records are available to show the portion of the total selling price attributable to the body.

(b) Cross references. For special rules relating to the sale of a chassis or body to a purchaser who will use it in the manufacture or assembly of a nonhighway vehicle, see §48.4061(a)–1(e). With respect to bodies sold to a chassis manufacturer, see also section 4063(b) and the regulations thereunder.

[T.D. 7461, 42 FR 2675, Jan. 13, 1977]

§ 48.4061(b)   [Reserved]
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§ 48.4061(b)-1   Imposition of tax.
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(a) In general. Section 4061(b) imposes a tax on the sale by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of parts or accessories (other than tires and inner tubes and other than automobile radio and television receiving sets) for any of the articles enumerated in section 4061 (a) (see paragraph (a) of §48.4061 (a)–1).

(b) Rates of tax. Tax is imposed on the sale of parts or accessories for any of the articles enumerated in section 4061(a) at the rates specified below:

                                                                  Percent (1) Parts or accessories sold during the period January 1,             8 1959, to June 30, 1965, inclusive...........................(2) Parts or accessories sold on or after July 1, 1965.......          5 

The tax is computed by applying to the price for which the part or accessory is sold the rate in effect at the time of the sale. For definition of the term “price” see section 4216 and the regulations thereunder contained in Subpart M of this part.

(c) Liability for tax. The tax imposed by section 4061(b) is payable by the manufacturer, producer, or importer making the sale.

[T.D. 6648, 28 FR 3633, Apr. 13, 1963, as amended by T.D. 6753, 29 FR 12717, Sept. 9, 1964]

§ 48.4061(b)-2   Definition of parts or accessories.
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(a) In general. The term “parts or accessories” includes (1) any article the primary use of which is to improve, repair, replace, or serve as a component part of an automobile truck or bus chasis or body, or other automobile chassis or body, or taxable tractor, (2) any article designed to be attached to or used in connection with such chassis, body, or tractor to add to its utility or ornamentation, and (3) any article the primary use of which is in connection with such chassis, body, or tractor, whether or not essential to its operation or use. The term “parts or accessories” includes all articles which have reached such a stage of manufacture as to be commonly known as parts or accessories whether or not fitting operations are required in connection with their installation. An article shall not be deemed to be a taxable part or accessory even though it is designed to be attached to the vehicle or to be primarily used in connection therewith if the article is in effect the load being transported and the primary function of the article is to serve a purpose unrelated to the vehicle as such. For example, a construction derrick attached to a truck is not a taxable part or accessory inasmuch as the derrick is the load of the truck and its use is in connection with construction work at a construction site rather than in connection with the transportation or loading or unloading function of the truck. On the other hand, an article such as a towing cradle or loading or unloading equipment designed to be attached to or to be primarily used in connection with a truck is a taxable part or accessory inasmuch as the articles contributes to the load-carrying function of the truck. The term “parts or accessories” does not include tires, inner tubes, or automobile radio or television receiving sets, since these articles are expressly exempted by section 4061(b) from the tax. However, the term “parts or accessories” includes tire valves designed for use on tires or tubes for articles taxable under section 4061(a).

(b) Articles of a general use. The term “parts or accessories” does not include articles which are not used primarily in the manufacture, repair, etc., of automobile trucks, other automobiles, or tractors, but have a general use in the manufacture, repair, etc., of various articles. For example, commodities such as ball and roller bearings, bolts, nuts, washers, screws, nails, tacks, rivets, pins, studs, cotters, pipe fittings such as plugs, tees, ells, and elbows, drain cocks, grease cups, oilers, and similar articles are not of themselves parts or accessories unless so constructed as to be used primarily in the manufacture, repair, etc., of automobile trucks, other automobiles, or tractors. On the other hand, parts for automobile parts or accessories are in themselves taxable unless they are articles of a type not specifically designed for use primarily in the automobile field. For example, the tax applies to the sale of gears, flexible shafts and flexible housings designed as replacement parts for automotive speedometers; as well as replacement parts for automobile engines, transmissions, differentials, steering mechanisms, timers, windshild-wiper motors, and other automobile parts or accessories.

(c) Materials of a general use—(1) General rule. The term “parts or accessories” also does not include material such as glass, cloth, leather, matting linoleum, and other materials sold in rolls or by the foot, such as brake lining, tape, binding, wire, cable, metal and rubber tubing, packing, conduit, and similar material. However, except as provided in subparagraph (2) of this paragraph, when any such material is cut or otherwise transformed by any person into an automobile part or accessory, tax attaches at the time such part or accessory is sold by such person.

(2) Articles made for immediate installation or repair. If in connection with an immediate installation in an automobile truck, other automobile, or tractor an article is produced through the use of special machinery or as a result of specialized skills from lengths or rolls of material, the person producing such article is considered to have manufactured an automobile part or accessory and the tax applies to his sale of such part or accessory. For example, tax applies to the sale of automobile glass cut to size to replace broken glass, or automobile seat covers, automobile floor mats, or fitted truck top covers produced to replace worn seat covers, floor mats, or truck top covers. However, if an article of a minor nature is produced by simple operation from lengths or rolls of material for immediate use by a repairman in the repair of an automobile truck, other automobile, or tractor on which he is then working, the person producing such article is not considered to have manufactured an automobile part or accessory and tax does not apply on his sale of such article. For example, tax does not apply where a wire, hose, or board is cut to size in order to replace a damaged wire, hose, or board of an automobile truck, other automobile, or tractor.

(d) Examples of articles taxable as parts or accessories. Examples of articles which are taxable as parts or accessories are: Automobile air conditioners; baby seats for automobiles; automobile beds; automobile hammocks; automobile clutches; bottle warmers and heating pads designed to operate from an automobile cigarette lighter; automobile radio antennae; automobile license plate frames; automobile clocks; automobile mirrors and mirror brackets; purses for carrying parking meter coins or cases for carrying registration cards when designed for attachment to an automobile; safes primarily designed for use in taxable motor vehicles; electric bulbs primarily designed and adapted for use on automobiles; automobile floor mats; jacks of the mechanical or hydraulic bumper, screw, ratchet, scissors, or other type primarily designed to be carried as accessories in automobiles as distinguished from jacks designed especially for use in garages and repair shops; dollies of the type commonly known as converter dollies which are used as connectors to convert semitrailers to full trailers; tool kits recommended for use with automobiles; automobile seat covers of any construction whether they are ready-made or custom fitted; fitted truck top covers; glass cut to size for installation in automobiles; and automobile bearings, such as automobile crankshaft or connecting rod bearings.

(e) Effective date. This section shall be effective with respect to sales made on or after January 1, 1964. For the definition of parts or accessories applicable to sales thereof prior to such date, see §40.4061(b)–2 of this chapter (Manufacturers and Retailers Excise Tax Regulations).

(f) Cross references. For provisions relating to the tax imposed upon:

(1) Tires and inner tubes, see section 4071 and the regulations thereunder contained in Subpart H of this part;

(2) Automobile radio and television receiving sets, see section 4141 and the regulations thereunder contained in Subpart J of this part; and

(3) Fare registers and fare boxes for use on buses and automobiles, see section 4191 and the regulations thereunder contained in Subpart L of this part.

[T.D. 6648, 28 FR 3633, Apr. 13, 1963, as amended by T.D. 6655, 28 FR 5235, May 25, 1963]

§ 48.4061(b)-3   Rebuilt, reconditioned, or repaired parts or accessories.
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(a) Rebuilt parts or accessories. Rebuilding of automobile parts or accessories, as distinguished from reconditioning or repairing, constitutes manufacturing, and the rebuilder of such parts or accessories is liable for the tax imposed by section 4061(b) with respect to his sales of such rebuilt parts or accessories. Reboring or other machining, rewinding, and comparable major operations constitute rebuilding. The person owning the part or accessory being rebuilt is the manufacturer of the article and is liable for the tax on his sale of the rebuilt part or accessory. The tax attaches whether the machining or other operation is performed by the rebuilder himself or by some other person in his behalf. For example, the tax attaches with respect to sales of (1) rebuilt batteries, (2) rebabbited or machined connecting rods, (3) reassembled clutches after operations such as the resurfacing of clutch plates, (4) rewound armatures, (5) reassembled generators with armatures rewound by or for the person reassembling the generator, (6) reground or remetalized crankshafts, and (7) engines in which blocks are machined (such as cylinders rebored or new sleeves inserted with or without cylinders being rebored) or new blocks installed. For provisions relating to the sale price of rebuilt parts or accessories, see §48.4062(b)–1.

(b) Reconditioned parts or accessories. The mere disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling (with any necessary replacements of worn parts) of automobile parts or accessories, such as fuel pumps, water pumps, carburetors, distributors, shock absorbers, windshield-wiper motors, brake shoes, clutch disks, voltage regulators, and other parts or accessories, are regarded as reconditioning operations rather than the manufacturing or production of rebuilt parts or accessories. The sale of a reconditioned part or accessory is not subject to tax if previous to the reconditioning there had been a prior sale of such part or accessory in the United States. Any new taxable parts or accessories produced, or purchased tax free for use in further manufacture, and used as replacements in reconditioning such units are subject to tax when used by the reconditioner.

(c) Repaired parts or accessories. The tax does not apply to the amount paid for the repair of automobile parts or accessories for the owner thereof. Repairing consists of the restoration, whether by rebuilding or reconditioning, of an owner's part or accessory to usable condition for his own use rather than for sale. The person who performs the repairing must retain in his possession evidence or documents from which the nontaxable nature of the operation can be ascertained. Any person engaged in rebuilding parts or accessories for purposes of sale incurs liability for tax with respect to his own use of any part or accessory rebuilt by him for sale.

§ 48.4061-1   Temporary regulations with respect to floor stock refunds or credits on cement mixers.
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(a) In general—(1) Refund or credit. Pub. L. 91–678 (84 Stat. 2062, Jan. 12, 1971) provides that if:

(i) A manufacturer, producer, or importer paid the tax imposed by section 4061 (relating to imposition of tax on motor vehicles) on the sale of a cement mixer after June 30, 1968, and before January 1, 1970, and

(ii) Such cement mixer was held by a dealer on January 1, 1970, for purposes of resale and was not used,

the manufacturer, producer, or importer is entitled to a credit or refund (without interest) of the amount of tax he paid on his sale of such cement mixer.

(2) Time for filing claim. The manufacturer, producer, or importer entitled to a credit or refund under subparagraph (1) of this paragraph shall file his claim for credit or refund on or before October 31, 1971, based upon a request submitted to the manufacturer, producer, or importer on or before July 31, 1971, by the dealer who held the cement mixer in respect of which the credit or refund is claimed. Before he files his claim for credit or refund, the manufacturer, producer, or importer shall either reimburse the dealer for the amount of tax he is claiming with respect to the cement mixer or obtain written consent from the dealer to claim such tax.

(3) Other provisions applicable. All provisions of law, including penalties, applicable in respect of the taxes imposed by section 4061 of such Code shall, insofar as applicable and not inconsistent with Pub. L. 91–678 apply in respect of the credits and refunds provided for in this section to the same extent as if the credits or refunds constituted overpayments of the taxes.

(b) Definitions. For purposes of this section:

(1) Cement mixer. The term “cement mixer” means:

(i) Any article designed to be placed or mounted on an automobile truck chassis or truck trailer or semitrailer chassis and to be used to process or prepare concrete, and

(ii) Parts or accessories designed primarily for use on or in connection with an article described in subdivision (i) of this subparagraph.

(2) Dealer. The term “dealer” includes a wholesaler, jobber, distributor, or retailer.

(3) Held by a dealer. A cement mixer shall be considered as “held by a dealer” if title thereto has passed to the dealer (whether or not delivery to him has been made), and if for purposes of consumption title to the cement mixer or possession thereof had not at any time prior to January 1, 1970, been transferred to any person other than a dealer. For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section and notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a cement mixer shall be considered as “held by a dealer” and not to have been used, although possession of such cement mixer has been transferred to another person, if such cement mixer is returned to the dealer in a transaction under which any amount paid or deposited by the transferee for such cement mixer is refunded to him (other than amounts retained by the dealer to cover damage to the cement mixer). Moreover, such a cement mixer shall be considered as held by a dealer on January 1, 1970, even though it was in the possession of the transferee on such day, if it was returned to the dealer (in a transaction described in the preceding sentence) before January 31, 1970. The determination as to the time title passes or possession is obtained for purposes of consumption shall be made under applicable local law. (See subdivisions (iii), (iv), and (v) of paragraph (b)(4) of §145.2–1 of this subchapter for examples illustrating the provisions of this subparagraph.)

(c) Other requirements. All the requirements of paragraph (c) (relating to participation of dealers), paragraph (d) (relating to claim for credit or refund), paragraph (e) (relating to evidence to be retained), and paragraph (f) (relating to effect on other claims for refund or credit) of §48.6412–1 are applicable (to the extent they are not inconsistent with section 4061 and Pub. L. 91–678) with respect to a claim for credit or refund under this section. With respect to claims for credit or refund under this section, the term “dealer request limitation date” and “claim limitation date” used in paragraphs (c) and (d) of §48.6412–1 means July 31, 1971, and October 31, 1971, respectively.

[T.D. 7090, 36 FR 3893, Mar. 2, 1971]

§ 48.4062(a)   [Reserved]
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§ 48.4062(a)-1   Specific parts or accessories.
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Spark plugs, storage batteries, leaf springs, coils, timers, and tire chains, which are suitable for use on or in connection with, or as component parts of, automobile trucks, other automobiles, tractors, or other vehicles enumerated in section 4061(a), are considered parts of, or accessories for, such articles whether or not primarily designed or adapted for such use.

§ 48.4062(b)   [Reserved]
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§ 48.4062(b)-1   Rebuilt parts or accessories sold on an exchange basis.
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The sale price of a rebuilt part or accessory on which the tax is to be computed shall not include the value of a like part or accessory accepted in exchange. The total amount charged in excess of the amount allowed for a like article accepted in an exchange will be the basis for tax. For example, if a rebuilt automobile engine is sold for $100, plus another automobile engine, the tax on the rebuilt engine will be computed on the basis of $100.

§ 48.4063-1   Tax-free sales of bodies to chassis manufacturers.
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Under the provisions of section 4063(b), the tax imposed by section 4061(a) shall not apply to bodies sold by the manufacturer thereof to a manufacturer (but not an importer) of automobile trucks (as defined by §48.4061(a)–3(a)) to be sold by the purchaser. Thus, a manufacturer of automobile truck bodies is permitted to sell such bodies tax free to manufacturers of automobile truck chassis. This section does not apply with respect to the sale of an automobile truck chassis to manufacturers of automobile truck bodies. However, see §48.4061(a)–1(e) with respect to the sale of an automobile truck chassis for use in the manufacture or assembly of a nonhighway vehicle (within the meaning of §48.4061(a)–1(d)). In order to effect a tax-free sale of a body as provided in this section, both the seller and purchaser must comply with the registration and other requirements of section 4222 and the regulations thereunder. A chassis manufacturer who purchases a body tax free as provided in this section shall, for purposes of application of the tax imposed by section 4061(a), be considered the manufacturer of such body.

[T.D. 7461, 42 FR 2675, Jan. 13, 1977]

§ 48.4063-2   Tax-free sales of parts or accessories sold for resale on or in connection with the first retail sale of a light-duty truck.
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(a) In general. Under section 4063(e), the 8-percent manufacturers excise tax imposed by section 4061(b) on the sale of truck parts or accessories does not apply to the sale by the manufacturer, producer, or importer of any parts which are to be resold by the purchaser on or in connection with the first retail sale of a light-duty truck as defined in section 4061(a)(2), or which are to be resold by the purchaser to a second purchaser for resale by the second purchaser on or in connection with the first retail sale of a light-duty truck. A tax-free sale is also allowed under section 4063(e) if an ultimate purchaser makes a direct purchase from a manufacturer of a part or accessory for use on or in connection with a substantially contemporaneous purchase of a new light-duty truck.

(b) Evidence required for tax-free sales of light-duty truck parts and accessories—(1) In general. The provisions of section 4063(e) do not apply with respect to any sale unless the manufacturer, the first purchaser, and the second purchaser, if any, are all registered as required under section 4222, and unless they comply with all the requirements under that section relating to tax-free sales. To effectuate a tax-free sale directly from the manufacturer, first or second purchaser to an ultimate purchaser, the ultimate purchaser must, in every case, satisfy the provisions of paragraphs (b)(3)(i), (ii) and (iii) of this section. Persons not required to be registered under section 4222(b) may purchase articles tax free by following the same procedures that apply to them in the case of other tax-free sales. See §48.4222(b)–1.

(2) Revocation or suspension of registration or right to use exemption certificate. A person's registration and right to sell or purchase articles tax free through the use of an exemption certificate may be revoked or suspended. See §48.4222(c)–1. Such a revocation or suspension shall be in addition to any other penalties that may apply. Any person who purchases articles tax free and who sells or uses them for a non-exempt purpose shall notify its vendor of the taxable sale or use.

(3) Exemption certificate. (i) To establish exemption from tax under section 4061(b) in those instances where a sale is made directly to an ultimate purchaser, the manufacturer, first, or second purchaser must obtain (prior to or at the time of sale) from the ultimate purchaser and retain in its possession a properly executed exemption certificate in the form prescribed in paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this section.

(ii) Where only occasional sales are made, a separate exemption certificate shall be furnished for each order. However, where sales are regularly or frequently made to a purchaser for such exempt use, a certificate covering all sales for a specified period not to exceed 12 calendar quarters will be acceptable. Such certificates and proper records of invoices, orders, etc. relative to tax-free sales must be kept for inspection by the district director as provided in section 6001 and the regulations thereunder.

(iii) The following form of exemption certificate will be acceptable for purposes of this section and must be adhered to in substance.

Exemption Certificate

(For use by ultimate purchaser who purchase parts or accessories from a manufacturer, producer, importer, first or second purchaser for use on or in connection with the first retail sale of a light-duty truck. (Section 4063 of the Internal Revenue Code.))

(Date) ___________ 19__.

1. I, the undersigned, certify that I am, or the (Name of company _________ of which I am (Position held _____, is purchasing from the manufacturer, producer, importer, first or second purchaser the parts or accessories specified in section 2 below (or in the purchase order or invoice attached hereto) for use on or in connection with a substantially contemporaneous purchase of a new light-duty truck specified in section 3 below. I also certify that (check applicable type of certificate) ___ the article or articles specified in the accompanying order, as described below, or _____ all orders placed by the purchaser for the period commencing (Date) ___ and ending (Date) ___ (period not to exceed 12 calendar quarters), will be used only for the above stated tax-exempt purposes and will not be used as a replacement part.

I understand that the willful use of this exemption certificate to evade or defeat the manufacturers excise tax otherwise applicable to these parts or accessories will subject me to a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with cost of prosecution.

(Signature) ________________________________ __________.

(Address) __________.

2. Description of parts and accessories

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------                  Type                    Quantity    Price      Total------------------------------------------------------------------------                                         .........  .........  .........                                         .........  .........  .........------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Description of new light-duty truck

(a) Type: (b) Quantity, (c) Serial Number.

(d) GVWR: (e) Date of Sale, (f) Invoice Number.

(g) Name and Address of Vendor of Vehicle.

(c) Information; records—(1) Information to be furnished to vendee. A vendor (including the manufacturer) selling light-duty truck parts and accessories tax free under section 4063(e) shall indicate to its vendee that the vendee is obtaining the parts or accessories tax free for the purpose of resale (or use) on or in connection with the first retail sale of a light-duty truck. This information may be transmitted by any convenient means, such as coding of sales invoices, provided that the information is presented with sufficient particularity so that the purchaser is informed that the purchaser has obtained the light-duty truck parts or accessories tax free.

(2) Records of vendor. A manufacturer or vendor selling light-duty truck parts or accessories tax free under section 4063(e) shall maintain in its records the identity of the purchaser, a signed statement of the exempt purpose for purchasing the light-duty truck parts or accessories, and the quantity of light-duty truck parts or accessories sold tax free to each purchaser.

(3) Records of vendee. A person purchasing light-duty truck parts or accessories tax free under section 4063(e) must maintain sufficient records to establish that the parts or accessories purchased tax free have actually been resold (or used) on or in connection with the first retail sale of a light-duty truck or have been resold to a second purchaser for such a resale by the second purchaser.

(d) Duty of selling manufacturer to ascertain validity of tax-free sale. The selling manufacturer of light-duty truck parts is not relieved of liability under the provisions of section 4063(e) by reason of section 4221(c) for the tax imposed by section 4061(b) if at the time of sale the selling manufacturer has knowledge or reason to believe that the light-duty truck parts or accessories sold by it to the purchaser are not intended for resale (or use) on or in connection with the first retail sale of a light-duty truck. The selling manufacturer is also not relieved of liability if it has knowledge or reason to believe that the purchaser has failed to register, refused to execute an exemption certificate, or that its registration or its right to purchase tax free through the use of an exemption certificate has been revoked or suspended.

(e) Cross reference. For credit or refund, see section 6416(b)(2).

(f) Effective date. Section 4063(e) (relating to light-duty truck parts and accessories) applies to sales on or after December 1, 1978. Light-duty truck parts or accessories sold prior to that date are not exempt from tax under section 4061(b) by reason of section 4063(e).

[T.D. 7834, 47 FR 42344, Sept. 27, 1982]

§ 48.4063-3   Other tax-free sales.
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For provisions relating to tax-free sales of articles referred to in section 4061, see:

(a) Section 4221, relating to certain tax-free sales;

(b) Section 4222, relating to registration; and

(c) Section 4223, relating to special rules pertaining to further manufacture;

and the regulations thereunder contained in Subpart N of this part.

[T.D. 7727, 28 FR 3633, Apr. 13, 1963. Redesignated by T.D. 7834, 47 FR 42344, Sept. 27, 1982]

§ 48.4064-1   Gas guzzler tax.
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(a) General rule—(1) In general. Section 4064 imposes on the sale by the manufacturer of an automobile a tax determined in accordance with the tables in section 4064(a) (1) through (7), and in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. The tax is applicable to model types of 1980 and later model year automobiles that have a fuel economy level below the applicable tax-free fuel economy level. Paragraph (b) of this section defines the following terms: sale, manufacturer, automobile, model year, model type, fuel economy, and fuel. Paragraph (c) of this section contains rules relating to the determination of fuel economy. Paragraph (d) of this section contains a special rule for certain small manufacturers. Paragraph (e) of this section contains rules relating to the tax-free sales of emergency vehicles.

(2) Tables. (i) In the case of a 1980 model year automobile:

If the fuel economy of the model type in which the automobile falls is:

                                                                   The tax                                                                   is_ Miles per gallon:    At least 15...............................................         0    At least 14 but less than 15..............................      $200    At least 13 but less than 14..............................       300    Less than 13..............................................       550 

(ii) In the case of a 1981 model year automobile:

If the fuel economy of the model type in which the automobile falls is:

                                                                   The tax                                                                   is_ Miles per gallon:    At least 17...............................................         0    At least 16 but less than 17..............................      $200    At least 15 but less than 16..............................       350    At least 14 but less than 15..............................       450    At least 13 but less than 14..............................       550    Less than 13..............................................       650 

(iii) In the case of a 1982 model year automobile:

If the fuel economy of the model type in which the automobile falls is:

                                                                   The tax                                                                   is_ Miles per gallon:    At least 18.5.............................................         0    At least 17.5 but less than 18.5..........................      $200    At least 16.5 but less than 17.5..........................       350    At least 15.5 but less than 16.5..........................       450    At least 14.5 but less than 15.5..........................       600    At least 13.5 but less than 14.5..........................       750    At least 12.5 but less than 13.5..........................       950    Less than 12.5............................................     1,200 

(iv) In the case of a 1983 model year automobile:

If the fuel economy of the model type in which the automobile falls is:

                                                                   The tax                                                                   is_ Miles per gallon:    At least 19...............................................         0    At least 18 but less than 19..............................      $350    At least 17 but less than 18..............................       500    At least 16 but less than 17..............................       650    At least 15 but less than 16..............................       800    At least 14 but less than 15..............................     1,000    At least 13 but less than 14..............................     1,250    Less than 13..............................................     1,550 

(v) In the case of a 1984 model year automobile:

If the fuel economy of the model type in which the automobile falls is:

                                                                   The tax                                                                   is_ Miles per gallon:    At least 19.5.............................................         0    At least 18.5 but less than 19.5..........................      $450    At least 17.5 but less than 18.5..........................       600    At least 16.5 but less than 17.5..........................       750    At least 15.5 but less than 16.5..........................       950    At least 14.5 but less than 15.5..........................     1,150    At least 13.5 but less than 14.5..........................     1,450    At least 12.5 but less than 13.5..........................     1,750    Less than 12.5............................................     2,150 

(vi) In the case of a 1985 model year automobile:

If the fuel economy of the model type in which the automobile falls is:

                                                                   The tax                                                                   is_ Miles per gallon:    At least 21...............................................         0    At least 20 but less than 21..............................      $500    At least 19 but less than 20..............................       600    At least 18 but less than 19..............................       800    At least 17 but less than 18..............................     1,000    At least 16 but less than 17..............................     1,200    At least 15 but less than 16..............................     1,500    At least 14 but less than 15..............................     1,800    At least 13 but less than 14..............................     2,200    Less than 13..............................................     2,650 

(vii) In the case of a 1986 or later model year automobile:

If the fuel economy of the model type in which the automobile falls is:

                                                                   The tax                                                                   is_ Miles per gallon:    At least 22.5.............................................         0    At least 21.5 but less than 22.5..........................      $500    At least 20.5 but less than 21.5..........................       650    At least 19.5 but less than 20.5..........................       850    At least 18.5 but less than 19.5..........................     1,050    At least 17.5 but less than 18.5..........................     1,300    At least 16.5 but less than 17.5..........................     1,500    At least 15.5 but less than 16.5..........................     1,850    At least 14.5 but less than 15.5..........................     2,250    At least 13.5 but less than 14.5..........................     2,700    At least 12.5 but less than 13.5..........................     3,200    Less than 12.5............................................     3,850 

(3) Liability for tax. The tax imposed by section 4064 is payable by the manufacturer making the sale. An automobile sold before the time a determination of fuel economy is made for the model type (as defined in paragraph (b)(6) of this section) is subject to tax if it is subsequently determined that the fuel economy level of that model type of automobile is within the taxable range (see paragraph (a)(1) of this section).

(b) Definitions—(1) Sale. Sale includes the use (within the meaning of section 4218) or the first lease (within the meaning of section 4217(e)) of an automobile by the manufacturer.

(2) Manufacturer. The term “manufacturer” has the same meaning assigned to such term under §48.0–2(a)(4). The term “manufacturer” includes a producer or importer. An importer is a person who imports an automobile whether or not in connection with a trade or business.

(3) Automobile. The term “automobile” means any four-wheeled vehicle—

(i) Propelled by an engine powered by fuel;

(ii) Manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads, and highways (except any vehicle operated exclusively on a rail or rails);

(iii) Rated at 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less; and

(iv) Requiring no further manufacturing operations to perform its intended function, other than the addition of readily attachable components, such as mirrors or tire and rim assemblies, or minor finishing operations, such as painting. For this purpose, gross vehicle weight means the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum design loaded weight of a single vehicle. An automobile does not include a nonpassenger automobile as defined in regulations in effect on November 9, 1978 (49 CFR 523.5 (1978)), which were prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation for section 501 of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 2001). In addition, an automobile does not include the following: any vehicle sold for use and used primarily as an ambulance or combination ambulance-hearse; any vehicle sold for use and used by the United States or by a State or local government primarily for police or other law enforcement purposes; or any vehicle sold for use and used primarily for firefighting purposes.

(4) Model year. The term “model year” means the manufacturer's annual production period (as determined by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency) which includes January 1 of any particular calendar year. If the manufacturer has no annual production year, the model year is the calendar year.

(5) Model type. The term “model type” means a particular class of automobile, as determined by regulations in effect on November 9, 1978 (40 CFR 600.002–79(a)(19) (1978)), which were prescribed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

(6) Fuel economy. The term “fuel economy” means the average number of miles traveled by an automobile per gallon of fuel consumed, rounded to the nearest .1 mile per gallon. The fuel economy for any model type is determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (as determined in accordance with the procedures provided in paragraph (c) of this section). For this purpose, the fuel economy is a combined (urban-highway weighted average) mileage figure estimated in connection with the determination (or redetermination) of general label value (fuel economy information displayed on a sticker that is affixed to new automobiles) mandated under section 506 of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (15 U.S.C. 2006) and regulations thereunder (40 CFR Part 600).

(7) Fuel. The term “fuel” means gasoline and diesel fuel.

(c) Determination of fuel economy. For purposes of this section, the fuel economy for any model type is determined (or redetermined) in accordance with the testing and calculation procedures utilized by the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator for model year 1975 (weighted 55 percent urban cycle and 45 percent highway cycle), or any other procedures (yielding comparable results) established by the Administrator. The Environmental Protection Agency's determination (or redetermination) of a model type's fuel economy is made at the time the general label fuel economy value is calculated (or recalculated). This determination (or redetermination) is conclusive for purposes of this section. A redetermination of a model type's fuel economy value shall be effective only with respect to those automobiles for which the manufacturer is required (or is permitted and chooses) under Environmental Protection Agency regulations to affix labels with the recalculated general label fuel economy value.

(d) Special rule for small manufacturers—(1) In general. A small manufacturer (as defined in subparagraph (2)(i) of this paragraph) may apply for a determination that it is not feasible for that manufacturer to meet the statutory tax-free fuel economy level for the model year, with respect to all automobiles produced by that manufacturer, or with respect to a particular model type. For this purpose, the Commissioner (or his delegate) will make a determination of maximum feasible fuel economy level with respect to the automobiles that are the subject of the determination, but only after consultation with the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (or their delegates) to obtain their views. A finding that it is not feasible for the manufacturer to meet the statutory tax-free fuel economy level will be made by the Internal Revenue Service if the maximum feasible fuel economy level (as defined in subparagraph (3)(i) of this paragraph) of the automobiles that are the subject of the determination is lower than the statutory tax-free fuel economy level for those automobiles. If it is determined that it is not feasible for a small manufacturer to meet the statutory tax-free fuel economy level, the Secretary (or his delegate) has the discretion to grant to the manufacturer the alternate rate schedule prescribed in paragraph (d)(3)(iii) of this section in lieu of the applicable statutory tax table prescribed in section 4064(a). The decision whether to grant the alternate rate schedule shall be based on the consideration set forth in paragraph (d)(3)(ii) of this section. If a small manufacturer for which an alternate rate schedule under this paragraph (d) is applicable sells an automobile to an importer, the alternate rate schedule applies to the sale by the importer of such automobile if such automobile is of the model year and type to which such alternate schedule applies.

(2) Definitions—(i) Small manufacturer. A small manufacturer is any manufacturer who produced (whether or not in the United States) fewer than 10,000 automobiles in the second model year preceding the affected model year (the model year for which the determination under this paragraph is being made), and who can reasonably be expected to produce (whether or not in the United States) fewer than 10,000 automobiles in the affected model year.

(ii) Manufacturer. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “manufacturer” does not include a person who is only an importer, but does include a producer of automobiles outside the United States who is also an importer.

(iii) Members of a controlled group. For purposes of this paragraph, persons who are members of a controlled group of corporations (as defined in section 1563(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, except that “more than 50 percent” is substituted for “at least 80 percent” each place it appears in section 1563(a)) are treated as one manufacturer.

(3) Basis for determination—(i) Maximum feasible fuel economy level. For purposes of this paragraph, the maximum feasible fuel economy level is determined by taking into account the same factors used in determining the maximum feasible fuel economy level under section 502(e) of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (as amended) and the regulations thereunder in effect on November 9, 1978. (Those regulations for small manufacturers are prescribed in 49 CFR Part 525 (1978).) In making this determination, the Commissioner (or his delegate) will consult with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the Department of Transportation.

(ii) Decision to grant alternate rate schedule. In deciding whether to grant an alternate rate schedule, the Secretary (or his delegate) will consider whether the use (in the United States) of the automobile serves an important public policy (e.g., providing public transportation or transportation for the handicapped) that overrides the United States' need to conserve energy. The manufacturer has the burden of demonstrating that the public policy consideration involved overrides the United States' need to conserve energy. The Commissioner (or his delegate), after consultation with the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Administratior of the Environmental Protection Agency (or their delegates), will review the information submitted by the manufacturer and report findings and recommendations to the Secretary (or his delegate).

(iii) Alternate rate schedule and tax. If an alternate rate schedule is granted, the maximum feasible fuel economy level shall be deemed to be the statutory tax-free fuel economy level. Accordingly, a tax is imposed only on automobiles sold that fail to meet the deemed tax-free fuel economy level. The alternate rate schedule shall be determined by substituting the maximum feasible fuel economy level for the tax-free fuel economy level in the applicable statutory tax table set forth in section 4064(a), and by substituting for the miles per gallon amount prescribed in that applicable table an amount that is the tax-free level decreased by one mile per gallon increments, while keeping the same corresponding tax amount prescribed in the applicable table. The rule for determining an alternate rate schedule may be illustrated by the following example:

Example.  Manufacturer X, a small manufacturer of automobiles specifically designed to accommodate disabled passengers, applied for a determination that it is not feasible for X to meet the statutory tax-free fuel economy level for a particular model type of X's 1982 model year automobiles. It was determined that the maximum feasible fuel economy level for that model type was 15 miles per gallon. The Secretary decided to grant X an alternate rate schedule. The alternate rate schedule for the model type would be as follows:

If the fuel economy of the automobile is:

                                                                   The tax                                                                   is_ Miles per gallon:    At least 15...............................................         0    At least 14 but less than 15..............................      $200    At least 13 but less than 14..............................       350    At least 12 but less than 13..............................       450    At least 11 but less than 12..............................       600    At least 10 but less than 11..............................       750    At least 9 but less than 10...............................       950    Less than 9...............................................     1,200 

Thus, if X's 1982 automobiles of that model year and type attain only 12 miles per gallon (because X fails to modify them to reach the maximum feasible fuel economy level before they are sold), the tax imposed upon the sale of each automobile is $450 (instead of the $1,200 tax (see the applicable statutory tax table set forth in section 4064(a)(3)), which would have been imposed had no alternate rate schedule been prescribed).

(4) Duration of determination. A determination under this paragraph does not apply to more than three model years.

(5) Requirements for application. Each application for a determination under this section must—

(i) Identify the model year or years, and particular model type or types for which a determination is requested;

(ii) (A) In the case of an application for model year 1980, be submitted not later than May 8, 1980;

(B) In case of an application for model year 1981, be submitted not later than 9 months before the beginning of that model year or March 10, 1980, whichever is later;

(C) In the case of an application for model year 1982 or any subsequent model year, be submitted not later than 9 months before that model year;

(iii) Be submitted in three copies to: Commissioner of Internal Revenue, Attention: Associate Chief Counsel (Technical), 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224;

(iv) Be written in the English language;

(v) Set forth the full name, address, and title of the official responsible for preparing the application;

(vi) State whether the applicant is a member of a controlled group of corporations (as defined in paragraph (d) (2) (iii) of this section);

(vii) State the total number of automobiles manufactured (whether or not in the United States) by the applicant (or the controlled group of corporations in the case where the applicant is a member of the group) in the second model year immediately preceding each affected model year and the total number of automobiles likely to be manufactured in the affected model year;

(viii) Set forth the same information required by an application pursuant to section 502 (c) of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (as amended) and the regulations thereunder (see 49 CFR Part 525 (1978)) and state whether or not the applicant under this paragraph has also made an application pursuant to such Act; and

(ix) Set forth the reasons why an alternate rate schedule should be granted under paragraph (d) (3) (ii) of this section.

(6) Update of application. A manufacturer making an application under this section must update the application when a material change of circumstances occurs or material information not available at the time of applying becomes available. The manufacturer must also furnish any further information that may be required by the Internal Revenue Service.

(7) Processing of applications. If a manufacturer's application is found not to contain the information required by this paragraph, the applicant will be informed of the areas of insufficiency. The application will not receive further consideration until the required information is submitted. Each applicant will be informed in writing whether an application has been granted or denied.

(e) Tax-free sales of emergency vehicles—(1) In general. The tax imposed by section 4064 (a) shall not apply to vehicles sold by a manufacturer for use and used (i) primarily as an ambulance or combination ambulance-hearse, (ii) by the United States or by a State or local government primarily for police or other law enforcement purposes, or (iii) primarily for fire-fighting purposes. A vehicle may be sold tax-free by the manufacturer under this paragraph only in those cases where the sale is made directly to a purchaser for an emergency use prescribed in this subparagraph. In order to effect a tax-free sale, the requirements of section 4222 and the regulations thereunder must be met.

(2) Credit or refund. Where tax is paid on the sale of a vehicle, but the vehicle is used or resold for an emergency use prescribed in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph, a claim for refund of the tax paid on such sale may be filed by the manufacturer on Form 8849 (or on such other form as the Commissioner may designate), or a credit may be taken on a subsequent return, in accordance with the provisions of sections 6402 (a) and 6416 (a) and §48.6416 (a)–1.

[T.D. 8036, 50 FR 29960, July 23, 1985, as amended by T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10453, Mar. 14, 1996]

Tires, Tubes, and Tread Rubber
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§ 48.4071-1   Imposition and rates of tax.
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(a) Imposition of tax—(1) Imposition of tax before January 1, 1984. Section 4071 imposes a tax at the rates set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section on tires made wholly or in part of rubber, inner tubes (for tires) made wholly or in part of rubber and tread rubber which are sold by the manufacturer thereof before January 1, 1984.

(2) Imposition of tax after December 31, 1983. Section 4071 imposes a tax at the rates set forth in paragraph (b)(2) of this section on tires of the type used on highway vehicles and made wholly or in part of rubber which are sold by the manufacturer thereof after December 31, 1983.

(3) Definitions. For definitions of the terms “tires,” “inner tubes,” “tread rubber,” “rubber” and “manufacturer,” see §48.4072–1 of the regulations.

(b) Rates and computation of tax—(1) Rates of tax before January 1, 1984.

(i) Tires:

(A) Of the type used on highway vehicles:

(1) For the period July 1, 1965 to December 31, 1980, inclusive—10 cents per pound.

(2) For the period January 1, 1981 to December 31, 1983, inclusive—9.75 cents per pound.

(B) Of the type used on other than highway vehicles:

(1) For the period July 1, 1965, to December 31, 1980, inclusive—5 cents per pound.

(2) For the period January 1, 1981 to December 31, 1983, inclusive—4.875 cents per pound.

(C) Laminated tires for the period July 1, 1965 to December 31, 1983, inclusive—1 cent per pound.

(ii) Inner tubes:

For the period July 1, 1965 to December 31, 1983, inclusive—10 cents per pound.

(iii) Tread Rubber:

For the period July 1, 1965 to December 31, 1983, inclusive—5 cents per pound.

(2) Rates of tax on or after January 1, 1984. Tires of the type used on highway vehicles:

(i) Tires weighing not more than 40 pounds—0 cents.

(ii) Tires weighing more than 40 pounds but not more than 70 pounds—15 cents for each pound in excess of 40 pounds.

(iii) Tires weighing more than 70 pounds but not more than 90 pounds—$4.50 plus 30 cents for each pound in excess of 70 pounds.

(iv) Tires weighing more than 90 pounds—$10.50 plus 50 cents for each pound in excess of 90 pounds.

(3) Computation of tax. The tax on tires, inner tubes, and tread rubber is computed by applying to the total weight (including a fractional part of a pound) of the article the rate in effect at the time the article is sold. See §48.4071–2, relating to determination of weight.

(c) Liability for tax. The tax imposed by section 4071 is payable by the manufacturer when the manufacturer makes a sale of a taxable article, or as provided in section 4071 (b) and §48.4071–3 for a manufacturer who sells at retail, when the manufacturer delivers a taxable article to a retail store, or to a retail outlet, of the manufacturer.

(d) Recapped or retreaded tires. The recapping or retreading of a tire, whether from shoulder-to-shoulder or bead-to-bead, does not constitute manufacture of a taxable tire. The tax on tires imposed by section 4071 does not apply to the sale of a recapped or retreaded tire, except that a used tire or carcass not previously sold in the United States that is recapped or retreaded from shoulder-to-shoulder or bead-to-bead in a foreign country and imported into the United States is subject to the tax imposed by section 4071 when such tire is sold or used by the importer. This paragraph (d) is effective for recapped and retreaded tires sold on or after January 1, 1984.

(Secs. 4071(b), 4071(c), 4073(c), and 7805, Internal Revenue Code of 1954. (80 Stat. 331, 26 U.S.C. 4071(b); 68A Stat. 482, 26 U.S.C. 4071(c); 70 Stat. 389, 26 U.S.C. 4073(c); 68A Stat. 917, 26 U.S.C. 7805))

[T.D. 7809, 47 FR 6005, Feb. 10, 1982, as amended by T.D. 8057, 50 FR 41491, Oct. 11, 1985; T.D. 8152, 52 FR 31618, Aug. 21, 1987]

§ 48.4071-2   Determination of weight.
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(a) In general—(1) Tires. (i) Metal rims or rim bases are not to be included in determining the total weight of a tire. However, the wire, staples, darts, clips, and other material or fastening devices which form a part of the tire or are required for its use must be included in determining the total weight of the tire. Studs are considered to be part of a tire and are to be included when determining the weight of a tire. In the case of a tubeless tire, the total weight includes the weight of the air valve and stem or any other mechanism that functions as a part of the tire and is used in connection with inflating the tire or maintaining its air pressure.

(ii) When tires are sold with metal rims or rim bases attached, the manufacturer must maintain records that will establish what portion of the total weight of the finished product represents the tire exclusive of the metal rim or rim base.

(2) Inner tubes. The total weight of an inner tube includes the weight of the air valve and stem or any other mechanism attached to the inner tube that is used in connection with inflating the tube or maintaining its air pressure.

(b) Alternative method of determining weight of tires after December 31, 1983. A manufacturer who has received permission from the Commissioner may, subject to such conditions as the Commissioner may prescribe, determine total weight of tires manufactured and sold by the manufacturer on the basis of the average weight for each type, size, grade, and classification. The average weights must be established in accordance with the method approved by the Commissioner and apply for such periods as the Commissioner may prescribe. The Commissioner may terminate the approval granted any manufacturer. In the case of the termination of the approval granted any manufacturer, the termination becomes effective 10 days from the date of the receipt by the manufacturer of the notice of termination. A manufacturer may effect termination, as of a specified date, of the privilege to determine total weight in accordance with provisions of this paragraph by giving no less than 10 days written notice of such intention to the Commissioner. The termination of the approval given a manufacturer does not affect a manufacturer's tax liability for tires sold prior to the effective date of the notice of termination.

(Secs. 4071(b), 4071(c), 4073(c), and 7805, Internal Revenue Code of 1954. (80 Stat. 331, 26 U.S.C. 4071(b); 68A Stat. 482, 26 U.S.C. 4071(c); 70 Stat. 389, 26 U.S.C. 4073(c); 68A Stat. 917, 26 U.S.C. 7805))

[T.D. 7809, 47 FR 6005, Feb. 10, 1982, as amended by T.D. 8152, 52 FR 31618, Aug. 21, 1987]

§ 48.4071-3   Imposition of tax on tires and tubes delivered to manufacturer's retail outlet.
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(a) General rule. If, on or after October 1, 1966, a tire or inner tube is delivered by the manufacturer thereof to a retail outlet of the manufacturer, the manufacturer is liable for tax in respect of the tire or tube at the rate set forth in section 4071 in the same manner as if the tire or tube had been sold at the time it was delivered to the retail outlet. The amount of tax payable shall be computed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (b)(2) of §48.4071–1, and of §48.4071–2.

(b) Definition of retail outlet. For purposes of this section, the term “retail outlet” includes the term “retail store.” A retail outlet is a facility maintained by a manufacturer for selling tires or tubes at retail. A facility may be a retail outlet even though some sales are made at wholesale at such facility; see paragraph (d)(1) of this section. A facility may also be considered to a retail outlet for the purposes of this section notwithstanding that its main activity is in another area than selling tires or inner tubes. For example, if a manufacturer operates a facility for both automotive repair and the selling of tires at retail, the facility is considered a retail outlet for the purposes of this section even if the primary activity of the facility is automotive repair. No facility is considered a retail outlet for the purposes of this section if it is determined that less than 15 percent of the taxable tires and inner tubes removed from such facility are sold at retail by such facility. The determination described in the preceding sentence is made on the basis of the experience of a representative period, of at least 12 consecutive calendar months during the 2-year period immediately preceding the first day included in the return period for which tax under section 4071(b) is reported. If a facility has not been in existence during such a 12-month period, the determination is made on the basis of the available experience of the manufacturer. See also paragraph (c)(3) of this section, relating to imposition of tax where a retail outlet is maintained as an adjunct to a production facility or distribution center.

(c) Delivery—(1) In general. A manufacturer of tires or inner tubes may, at its option, treat either of the following events as constituting delivery to a retail outlet:

(i) Delivery of tires or inner tubes to a common carrier (or, where the tires or tubes are transported by the manufacturer, the placing of the tires or tubes into the manufacturer's over-the-road vehicle) for shipment from the plant in which the tires or tubes are manufactured, or from a regional distribution center of tires and inner tubes, to a retail outlet or to a location in the immediate vicinity of a retail outlet primarily for future delivery to the retail outlet.

(ii) Arrival of the tires or tubes at the retail outlet, or, where shipment is to a location in the immediate vicinity of a retail outlet primarily for future delivery to the retail outlet, the arrival of the tires or tubes at such location.

In its excise tax return for the first return period beginning after September 30, 1966, a manufacturer of tires or inner tubes must elect to determine the date of delivery to retail outlets in accordance with one of the two subdivisions of this paragraph (c)(1) and must determine the dates of all deliveries made to all retail outlets in accordance with the subdivision which the manufacturer has elected to apply. The election may be made in a statement attached to the return for such period. Having elected to treat one of the events listed in subdivision (i) or (ii) of this paragraph (c)(1) as constituting delivery to a retail outlet for purposes of its return for the first return period after September 30, 1966, the manufacturer may not use a different criterion for a subsequent return period unless permission of the district director is obtained in advance.

(2) Deliveries made in the immediate vicinity of a retail outlet primarily for future delivery to the retail outlet. (i) For purposes of this section, any delivery which is made in the immediate vicinity of a retail outlet primarily for future delivery to the retail outlet is deemed to be a delivery to the retail outlet. For the purpose of the preceding sentence, a location is considered to be in the immediate vicinity of a retail outlet if the distance between the location and the retail outlet is sufficiently small so that it is feasible to transport tires and inner tubes between the location and the retail outlet by means of dollies, fork lift trucks, pushcarts, and similar vehicles of the type normally used around the premises of factories and similar establishments, as opposed to highway motor vehicles. For the purpose of the preceding sentence, it is immaterial that a public thoroughfare must be used in order to transport tires or inner tubes to a retail outlet from another location. Tires and inner tubes delivered to a location in the immediate vicinity of a retail outlet are considered to be delivered to the location “primarily for future delivery” to the retail outlet if it is determined that a majority (by number) of the tires and tubes removed from the location are delivered to the retail outlet. The determination described in the preceding sentence is made on the basis of the experience of a representative period of at least 12 consecutive calendar months during the 2-year period immediately preceding the first day included in the return period for which tax under section 4071(b) is reported. If a facility has not been in existence during such a 12-month period, the determination is made on the basis of the available experience of the manufacturer. If it is determined that the majority of all tires and inner tubes removed from a given location are delivered to a retail outlet of the manufacturer in the immediate vicinity of the location, tax is imposed upon all tires and tubes delivered by the manufacturer to the location, even though all or part of the tires or tubes comprising a particular shipment to the location may be intended for further transportation to a location other than the retail outlet. If it is determined that a majority of all tires and inner tubes removed from a given location are not delivered to a retail outlet of the manufacturer in the immediate vicinity of the location, tax is imposed upon the removal of a tire or inner tube from the location to the premises of the retail outlet. See also paragraph (d)(2) of this section, relating to sales by the manufacturer at facilities other than retail outlets.

(ii) The provisions of this paragraph (c)(2) may be illustrated by the following examples.

Example.  A manufacturer of tires and tubes whose plant is located in City X operates two facilities in City Y; Warehouse A and Store Q. Store Q is a retail outlet within the meaning of paragraph (b) of this section, and Warehouse A is in the immediate vicinity of Store Q. During the 12-month period ending September 30, 1966, 60 percent of the tires and inner tubes removed from Warehouse A were delivered to Store Q. All tires or inner tubes delivered by the manufacturer to Warehouse A are subject to a tax under section 4071(b) and this section (unless, before such delivery, tax was imposed on the same tires and tubes).

(3) Retail outlet maintained as adjunct of production or distribution facility. If a retail outlet is maintained as an adjunct to and in the immediate vicinity of a facility which is not a retail outlet (as, for example, a production plant or a regional distribution center), delivery to the retail outlet is deemed to occur at the earlier of:

(i) The date when a tire or inner tube is removed from the general storage facilities in the facility which is not a retail outlet for transfer to the premises of the retail outlet, or

(ii) The date when a tire or inner tube is designated to be sold by or at the retail outlet.

(d) Special rules—(1) Retail outlets which also sell at wholesale. Tax applies to all shipments of tires and inner tubes delivered to a retail outlet as defined in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. Thus, for the purposes of section 4071(b) and this section, it is immaterial that all or part of the tires or inner tubes of a particular delivery to a retail outlet are intended for sale at wholesale. See also paragraph (d)(3) of this section.

(2) Sales by manufacturer at facilities other than retail outlets. Sales by the manufacturer of tires and inner tubes at facilities other than retail outlets are subject to tax under section 4071(a).

(3) Deliveries of tires or tubes on which tax has been previously imposed. (i) Tax is not imposed under section 4071(b) and this section on any tire or inner tube in respect of which there was previously imposed a tax under section 4071(a). Similarly, a tire or inner tube is taxed only once under section 4071(b) and this section.

(ii) The provisions of this paragraph (d)(3) may be illustrated by the following example:

Example.  A manufacturer has two selling facilities, Store No. 1 and Store No. 2. Only retail sales are made at Store No. 2, which obtains its merchandise from Store No. 1. Assume that, although wholesaling and distribution activities are conducted at Store No. 1, the sale of tires and tubes at retail is conducted at Store No. 1 to the extent that Store No. 1 is a retail outlet within the meaning of paragraph (b) of this section, with the result that tax is imposed on deliveries by the manufacturer of tires and tubes to Store No. 1. Tax is not imposed on a delivery of tires or inner tubes from Store No. 1 to Store No. 2.

(Secs. 4071(b), 4071(c), 4073(c), and 7805, Internal Revenue Code of 1954. (80 Stat. 331, 26 U.S.C. 4071(b); 68A Stat. 482, 26 U.S.C. 4071(c); 70 Stat. 389, 26 U.S.C. 4073(c); 68A Stat. 917, 26 U.S.C. 7805))

[T.D. 7809, 47 FR 6005, Feb. 10, 1982]

§ 48.4071-4   Original equipment tires on imported articles.
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The tax imposed by section 4071(a) applies with respect to tires and inner tubes (other than bicycle tires and inner tubes) that are original equipment for an imported article upon which no tax is imposed under section 4061 if the article is sold on or after December 11, 1971. In such a case, the importer of the article is treated as the manufacturer and vendor of the tires and inner tubes with which the article is equipped. However, the tax imposed by section 4071(a) is not imposed with respect to tires and inner tubes if the imported article is an automobile bus chassis or an automobile bus body. Solely for purposes of this section, the provisions of section 4218 (relating to use by a manufacturer or importer considered a sale) do not apply in cases where an individual imports an article having original equipment tires and tubes and on which article no tax is imposed under section 4061 if the article is imported solely for the individual's personal use and is so used.

(Secs. 4071(b), 4071(c), 4073(c), and 7805, Internal Revenue Code of 1954. (80 Stat. 331, 26 U.S.C. 4071(b); 68A Stat. 482, 26 U.S.C. 4071(c); 70 Stat. 389, 26 U.S.C. 4073(c); 68A Stat. 917, 26 U.S.C. 7805))

[T.D. 7809, 47 FR 6006, Feb. 10, 1982]

§ 48.4072-1   Definitions.
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For purposes of the regulations in this part, unless otherwise expressly indicated:

(a) Rubber. The term “rubber” includes synthetic and substitute rubber.

(b) Tread rubber. The term “tread rubber” means any material (1) which is commonly or commercially known as tread rubber or camelback, or (2) which is a substitute for any material commonly or commercially known as tread rubber or camelback and is of a type used in recapping or retreading tires. The term includes, for example, strips of material, wholly or partially of rubber, natural or synthetic, intended to be vulcanized or otherwise affixed to a tire casing to form the outside perimeter of the tire, smooth or treaded. It also includes treading material produced by reprocessing scrap, salvage, or junk rubber and a continuous rubber ribbon produced through an extrusion process for direct application in recapping or retreading a tire casing. The term does not include rubber in various forms such as strip, slab, pellet, etc. which is used as raw material for the extrusion process. Tread rubber loses its identity as such when it has been used in the recapping or retreading of a tire of a type used on a highway vehicle (without regard to the actual use ultimately made of the tire) or has deteriorated in quality to the point where it is no longer suitable for use in recapping or retreading of a tire. (In the case of such deterioration, see section 6416(b)(2) and §48.6416(b)–2 to secure a refund or credit of the tax paid.)

(c) Tires of the type used on highway vehicles. (1) The term “tires of the type used on highway vehicles”, for purposes of §§48.4071–1 through 48.4073–3 means tires of the type used on:

(i) Motor vehicles that are highway vehicles (within the meaning of §48.4061(a)–1(d)), or

(ii) Vehicles of the type used in connection with motor vehicles that are highway vehicles (within the meaning of §48.4061(a)–1(d)).

The term “tires of the type used on highway vehicles” does not include bicycle tires. Bicycle tires, however, are included in the term “other tires” as used in section 4071(a)(2).

(2) For purposes of paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section, tires of the type used on motor vehicles that are highway vehicles include tires used on motor trucks, buses, passenger automobiles, motor homes, highway tractors, trolley buses or coaches, and motorcycles.

(3) For purposes of paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section, tires of the type used on vehicles of the type used in connection with motor vehicles that are highway vehicles include tires used on truck or bus trailers, truck semitrailers, mobile homes, housetrailers, or utility trailers.

(d) Inner tubes. The term “inner tubes” includes air containers of all types made wholly or in part of rubber and designed and manufactured for use in pneumatic tires.

(e) Tires. The term “tires” includes rubber casings, hoops, and strips or bands of all kinds designed and shaped or built to form the tread of or to fit a vehicle wheel. Tires of either the pneumatic or solid type which fit or form the tread for wheels of any article which is capable of use as a means of transporting a person or burden are taxable as tires. Examples of articles which may be equipped with taxable tires are motor scooters, minibikes, industrial trucks, farm tractors, wheelbarrows, and similar articles. See section 4073(a) and §48.4073–1 with respect to the exemption of tires of certain sizes, and section 4073(b) and §48.4073–2 with respect to the exemption for tires with internal wire fastening.

(f) Laminated tires. For purposes of the tax imposed by section 4071, the term “laminated tires” means tires (1) which are not “tires of the type used on highway vehicles” within the meaning of paragraph (c) of this section, and (2) which consist wholly of scrap rubber from used tire casings with an internal metal fastening agent.

(g) Manufacturer. The term “manufacturer” means manufacturer, producer, or importer. A person who converts, by any process, a new tire taxable under section 4071 at one rate of tax into a tire taxable under section 4071 at a different rate (as for example, an off highway-type tire converted into a highway-type tire) is considered to be a manufacturer of the converted tire. If a conversion results in a reduced rate of tax for the converted tire, see section 6416(b)(2) and §48.6416(b)–2 to secure a credit or refund of part of the tax paid. The term “manufactured” includes “produced” and “imported”.

(h) Cross references. For other definitions, see §48.0–2.

(Secs. 4071(b), 4071(c), 4073(c), and 7805, Internal Revenue Code of 1954. (80 Stat. 331, 26 U.S.C. 4071(b); 68A Stat. 482, 26 U.S.C. 4071(c); 70 Stat. 389, 26 U.S.C. 4073(c); 68A Stat. 917, 26 U.S.C. 7805))

[T.D. 7809, 47 FR 6007, Feb. 10, 1982]

§ 48.4073   [Reserved]
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§ 48.4073-1   Exemption of tires of certain sizes.
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The tax does not apply to sales of tires of all-rubber construction (whether hollow center or solid) if they have no fabric or metal reinforcement and do not exceed either of these measurements: (a) 20 inches in diameter measured to the outside circumferences, and (b) 13/4 inches in cross-section. The exemption provided by section 4073(a) is to be determined solely on the measurements of the tire and not on the purpose for which it is designed or used.

(Secs. 4071(b), 4071(c), 4073(c), and 7805, Internal Revenue Code of 1954. (80 Stat. 331, 26 U.S.C. 4071(b); 68A Stat. 482, 26 U.S.C. 4071(c); 70 Stat. 389, 26 U.S.C. 4073(c); 68A Stat. 917, 26 U.S.C. 7805))

[T.D. 7809, 47 FR 6007, Feb. 10, 1982]

§ 48.4073-2   Exemption of tires with internal wire fastening.
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The tax does not apply to sales of tires of any size or dimension manufactured from extruded tiring that is fastened or held together by means of internal wire or other metallic material.

(Secs. 4071(b), 4071(c), 4073(c), and 7805, Internal Revenue Code of 1954. (80 Stat. 331, 26 U.S.C. 4071(b); 68A Stat. 482, 26 U.S.C. 4071(c); 70 Stat. 389, 26 U.S.C. 4073(c); 68A Stat. 917, 26 U.S.C. 7805))

[T.D. 7809, 47 FR 6007, Feb. 10, 1982]

§ 48.4073-3   Exemption of tread rubber used for recapping nonhighway tires.
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(a) Sold direct by manufacturer for nontaxable use. The tax does not apply to the sale of tread rubber by the manufacturer to any person for use by that person otherwise than in the recapping or retreading of tires of the type used on highway vehicles. In determining whether tread rubber is sold for a taxable or nontaxable use, the type of vehicle on which the recapped or retreaded tire is to be used, or the actual or intended use of the recapped or retreaded tire, is immaterial. The controlling factor is whether the tire resulting from the recapping or retreading is of a type that is used otherwise than on a highway vehicle. For definition of “tires of the type used on highway vehicles”, see paragraph (c) of §48.4072–1.

(b) Sales for resale for nontaxable use. No sale of tread rubber may be made tax free for resale even though it is known at the time of the sale that the tread rubber will be resold for use otherwise than in the recapping or retreading of tires of the type used on highway vehicles. However, where the tread rubber is resold for such use, the manufacturer who paid the tax on a sale of the tread rubber may secure a refund or credit in accordance with the provisions of section 6416(b)(2) and §48.6416(b)–2.

(c) Evidence required to establish exemption. (1) To establish the right to sell tread rubber tax free under section 4073(c), the manufacturer must obtain from the purchaser and retain in its possession a properly executed exemption certificate.

(2) Where only occasional sales of tread rubber for exempt use are made to a purchaser, a separate exemption certificate should be furnished for each order. However, where sales are regularly and frequently made to a purchaser for exempt use, a certificate covering all purchases during the period not to exceed 12 calendar quarters is acceptable. The certificates and proper records of invoices, orders, etc., relative to tax-free sales must be kept for inspection by the district director as provided in section 6001 and the regulations in Subpart Q.

(d) Acceptable form of exemption certificate. The following form of exemption certificate is acceptable for the purposes of this section and must be adhered to in substance:

Exemption Certificate

(For use by persons who purchase tread rubber from the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof for use otherwise than in recapping or retreading tires of the type used on highway vehicles (section 4073(c) of the Internal Revenue Code).)

(Date) ____________, 19__

I, the undersigned, certify that I am the purchaser, or the (Title) ____________________________________ ___ of (Name of purchaser if other than the undersigned) _____ who is the purchaser of: __ The tread rubber specified in the accompanying order or contract, or __ All tread rubber specified in contracts or orders entered into or placed with (Name of seller) ___ for the period commencing ___ and ending ___ (period not to exceed 12 calendar quarters), and that such tread rubber will not be used in the recapping or retreading of tires of the type used on highway vehicles, but will be used for the following purposes:

____________________
____________________
____________________

The undersigned understands that if the tread rubber is used for the recapping or retreading of tires of the type used on highway vehicles, or is sold or otherwise disposed of, such fact must be promptly reported to the manufacturer. The undersigned also understands that the fraudulent use of this certificate for the purpose of securing this exemption will subject the undersigned or any other party making such fraudulent use to a fine of not more than $10,000, or to imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with costs of prosecution. The purchaser also understands that the purchaser must be prepared to establish by satisfactory evidence the purpose for which the tread rubber was used.

(Signature) ________________________________ ____________________
(Address)____________________

(e) Exemption certificate not obtained prior to filing of manufacturer's excise tax return. If the sale is otherwise exempt but the exemption certificate is not obtained prior to the time the manufacturer files a return covering taxes due for the period during which the sale was made, the manufacturer must include the tax on the sale in its return for that period. However, if the certificate is later obtained, a claim for refund of the tax paid on the sale may be filed, or a credit for the amount may be taken upon a subsequent return, as provided by section 6416(b)(2) and §48.6416(b)–2.

(Secs. 4071(b), 4071(c), 4073(c), and 7805, Internal Revenue Code of 1954. (80 Stat. 331, 26 U.S.C. 4071(b); 68A Stat. 482, 26 U.S.C. 4071(c); 70 Stat. 389, 26 U.S.C. 4073(c); 68A Stat. 917, 26 U.S.C. 7805))

[T.D. 7809, 47 FR 6007, Feb. 10, 1982]

§ 48.4073-4   Other tax-free sales.
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(a) Cross references. For provisions relating to tax-free sales of articles referred to in section 4071, see:

(1) Section 4221, relating to certain tax-free sales, and the regulations thereunder in Subpart H;

(2) Section 4222, relating to registration, and the regulations thereunder in Subpart H;

(3) Section 4223, relating to special rules pertaining to further manufacture, and the regulations thereunder in Subpart H; and

(4) 28 FR 348, January 12, 1963, relating to the authorization of an exemption from the tax imposed by section 4071 by the Secretary of the Treasury under section 4293 for sales of certain tires and inner tubes sold to the American Red Cross on or after March 1, 1963.

(Secs. 4071(b), 4071(c), 4073(c), and 7805, Internal Revenue Code of 1954; 80 Stat. 331, 26 U.S.C. 4071(b); 68A Stat. 482, 26 U.S.C. 4071(c); 70 Stat. 389, 26 U.S.C. 4073(c); 68A Stat. 917, 26 U.S.C. 7805)

[T.D. 7809, 47 FR 6008, Feb. 10, 1982]

Taxable Fuel
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Source:  T.D. 8421, 57 FR 32424, July 22, 1992, unless otherwise noted.

§ 48.4081-1   Taxable fuel; definitions.
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(a) Overview. This section provides definitions for purposes of the tax on taxable fuel imposed by section 4081.

(b) Definitions.

Approved terminal or refinery means a terminal or refinery that is operated, respectively, by a taxable fuel registrant that is a terminal operator, or by a taxable fuel registrant that is a refiner.

Aviation gasoline means all special grades of gasoline that are suitable for use in aviation reciprocating engines and covered by ASTM specification D 910 or military specification MIL-G-5572. For availability of ASTM and military specifications, see paragraph (d) of this section.

Blender means any person that produces blended taxable fuel.

Bulk transfer means any transfer of taxable fuel by pipeline or vessel.

Bulk transfer/terminal system means the taxable fuel distribution system consisting of refineries, pipelines, vessels, and terminals. Thus, taxable fuel in a refinery, pipeline, vessel, or terminal is in the bulk transfer/terminal system. Taxable fuel in the fuel supply tank of any engine, or in any tank car, rail car, trailer, truck, or other equipment suitable for ground transportation is not in the bulk transfer/terminal system.

Bus means automobile bus.

Diesel-powered bus means any bus that is propelled by a diesel-powered engine.

Diesel-powered highway vehicle means a highway vehicle, as defined in §48.4061(a)–1(d), that is propelled by a diesel-powered engine.

Diesel-powered train means any diesel-powered equipment or machinery that rides on rails. Thus, for example, the term includes a locomotive, work train, switching engine, and track maintenance machine.

Enterer generally means the importer of record (under customs law) with respect to the taxable fuel. However, if the importer of record is acting as an agent (for example, the importer of record is a customs broker engaged by the owner of the taxable fuel), the person for whom the agent is acting is the enterer. If there is no importer of record for taxable fuel entered into the United States, the owner of the taxable fuel at the time it is brought into the United States is the enterer. This definition of enterer does not apply with respect to an entry if the definition of enterer in §48.4081–1T(b) is applicable with respect to that entry.

Entry of taxable fuel into the United States occurs when—

(1) The taxable fuel is brought into the United States and applicable customs law requires that the taxable fuel be entered into the United States for consumption, use, or warehousing; or

(2) The taxable fuel is brought into the United States from Puerto Rico and applicable customs law would require that the taxable fuel be entered into the United States for consumption, use, or warehousing if the taxable fuel were brought into the United States from somewhere other than Puerto Rico.

Excluded liquid means any liquid that—

(1) Contains less than four percent normal paraffins; or

(2) Has a—

(i) Distillation range of 125° F. or less;

(ii) Sulfur content of 10 ppm or less; and

(iii) Minimum color of +27 Saybolt.

Finished gasoline means all products (including gasohol (as defined in §48.4081–6(b)(2))) that are commonly or commercially known or sold as gasoline and are suitable for use as a motor fuel, other than products that have an ASTM octane number of less than 75 as determined by the motor method.

Gasoline means finished gasoline and gasoline blendstocks.

Industrial user means any person that receives gasoline blendstocks by bulk transfer for its own use in the manufacture of any product other than finished gasoline.

Kerosene means any liquid that meets the specifications for kerosene or would meet those specifications but for the presence in the liquid of a dye of the type described in §48.4082–1(b). A liquid meets the specifications for kerosene if it is one of the two grades of kerosene (No. 1–K and No. 2–K) covered by ASTM specification D 3699, or kerosene-type jet fuel covered by ASTM specification D 1655 or military specification MIL-DTL-5624T (Grade JP–5) or MIL-DTL-83133E (Grade JP–8). For availability of ASTM and military specifications, see paragraph (d) of this section. However, the term does not include excluded liquid.

Position holder means, with respect to taxable fuel in a terminal, the person that holds the inventory position in the taxable fuel, as reflected on the records of the terminal operator. A person holds the inventory position in taxable fuel when that person has a contractual agreement with the terminal operator for the use of storage facilities and terminaling services at a terminal with respect to the taxable fuel. The term also includes a terminal operator that owns taxable fuel in its terminal.

Rack means a mechanism capable of delivering taxable fuel into a means of transport other than a pipeline or vessel.

Refiner means any person that owns, operates, or otherwise controls a refinery.

Refinery means a facility used to produce taxable fuel and from which taxable fuel may be removed by pipeline, by vessel, or at a rack. However, the term does not include a facility where only blended fuel or gasohol (as defined in §48.4081–6(b)(2)), and no other type of taxable fuel, is produced. For this purpose blended fuel is any mixture that, if produced outside the bulk transfer/terminal system, would be blended taxable fuel.

Removal means any physical transfer of taxable fuel, and any use of taxable fuel other than as a material in the production of taxable fuel or special fuels. However, taxable fuel is not removed when it evaporates or is otherwise lost or destroyed.

Sale means—

(1) The transfer of title to, or substantial incidents of ownership in, taxable fuel (other than taxable fuel in a terminal) to the buyer for a consideration, which may consist of money, services, or other property; or

(2) The transfer of the inventory position in the taxable fuel in a terminal if the transferee becomes the position holder with respect to the taxable fuel.

State includes any State, any political subdivision of a State, the District of Columbia, the American Red Cross, and, to the extent provided by section 7871, any Indian tribal government.

Taxable fuel means gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene.

Taxable fuel registrant means an enterer, industrial user, refiner, terminal operator, or throughputter that is registered as such under section 4101.

Terminal means a taxable fuel storage and distribution facility that is supplied by pipeline or vessel and from which taxable fuel may be removed at a rack. However, the term does not include any facility at which gasoline blendstocks are used in the manufacture of products other than finished gasoline and from which no gasoline is removed. Also, effective January 2, 1998, the term does not include any facility where finished gasoline, undyed diesel fuel, or undyed kerosene is stored if the facility is operated by a taxable fuel registrant and all such taxable fuel stored at the facility has been previously taxed under section 4081 upon removal from a refinery or terminal.

Terminal operator means any person that owns, operates, or otherwise controls a terminal.

Throughputter means any person that—

(1) Owns taxable fuel within the bulk transfer/terminal system (other than in a terminal); or

(2) Is a position holder.

Vessel means a waterborne taxable fuel transporting vessel.

(c) Blended taxable fuel, diesel fuel, and gasoline blendstocks; definitions—(1) Blended taxable fuel—(i) In general. Except as provided in paragraphs (c)(1)(ii) and (c)(1)(iii) of this section, blended taxable fuel means any taxable fuel that is produced outside the bulk transfer/terminal system by mixing—

(A) Taxable fuel with respect to which tax has been imposed under section 4041(a)(1) or 4081(a) (other than taxable fuel for which a credit or payment has been allowed); and

(B) Any other liquid on which tax has not been imposed under section 4081.

(ii) Exclusion; minor blending. A mixture described in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section is not blended taxable fuel if, during the calendar quarter in which the blender removes or sells the mixture, all such mixtures removed or sold by the blender contain, in the aggregate, less than 400 gallons of liquid described in paragraph (c)(1)(i)(B) of this section.

(iii) Exclusion; gasohol. Blended taxable fuel does not include any gasohol (as defined in §48.4081–6(b)(2)) if, disregarding the alcohol, the gasohol is not blended taxable fuel and contains, in addition to permitted amounts of liquids described in paragraph (c)(1)(i)(B) of this section, only gasoline with respect to which—

(A) Tax was imposed under section 4081(a) at a rate described in §48.4081–6(e) (relating to the gasohol production tax rate and the gasohol tax rate); or

(B) A valid claim is made under section 6427(f).

(2) Diesel fuel—(i) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section, diesel fuel means any liquid that, without further processing or blending, is suitable for use as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle or diesel-powered train. A liquid is suitable for this use if the liquid has practical and commercial fitness for use in the propulsion engine of a diesel-powered highway vehicle or diesel-powered train. A liquid may possess this practical and commercial fitness even though the specified use is not the liquid's predominant use. However, a liquid does not possess this practical and commercial fitness solely by reason of its possible or rare use as a fuel in the propulsion engine of a diesel-powered highway vehicle or diesel-powered train.

(ii) Exclusion. Diesel fuel does not include gasoline, kerosene, excluded liquid, No. 5 and No. 6 fuel oils covered by ASTM specification D 396, or F–76 (Fuel Naval Distillate) covered by military specification MIL-F-16884. For availability of ASTM and military specifications, see paragraph (d) of this section.

(3) Gasoline blendstocks—(i) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section, gasoline blendstocks means—

(A) Alkylate;

(B) Butane;

(C) Butene;

(D) Catalytically cracked gasoline;

(E) Coker gasoline;

(F) Ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE);

(G) Hexane;

(H) Hydrocrackate;

(I) Isomerate;

(J) Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE);

(K) Mixed xylene (not including any separated isomer of xylene);

(L) Natural gasoline;

(M) Pentane;

(N) Pentane mixture;

(O) Polymer gasoline;

(P) Raffinate;

(Q) Reformate;

(R) Straight-run gasoline;

(S) Straight-run naphtha;

(T) Tertiary amyl methyl ether (TAME);

(U) Tertiary butyl alcohol (gasoline grade) (TBA);

(V) Thermally cracked gasoline;

(W) Toluene; and

(X) Transmix containing gasoline.

(ii) Exclusion. Gasoline blendstocks does not include any product that cannot, without further processing, be used in the production of finished gasoline. For example, a mixed hydrocarbon stream that is produced in a natural gas processing plant is not a gasoline blendstock if the stream cannot be used to produce finished gasoline without further processing.

(d) ASTM and military specifications. ASTM specifications may be obtained from the American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. Military specifications may be obtained from the Standardization Document Order Desk, Building 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111.

(e) Other definitions. For other definitions relating to taxable fuel, see §§48.4081–6(b), 48.4082–5(b), 48.4082–6(b), 48.4082–7(b), 48.4101–1(b), 48.6427–9(b), 48.6427–10(b), and 48.6427–11(b).

(f) Effective date. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(2) of this section, this section is applicable after December 31, 1993.

(2) In paragraph (b) of this section, the definition of aviation gasoline and the third sentence in the definition of terminal are applicable after January 1, 1998, and the definitions of kerosene, excluded liquid, and taxable fuel are applicable after June 30, 1998. Paragraph (c)(2) of this section is applicable after December 31, 1997.

[T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10453, Mar. 14, 1996, as amended by T.D. 8748, 63 FR 25, Jan. 2, 1998; T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17155, Mar. 31, 2000; T.D. 9051, 68 FR 15940, Apr. 2, 2003; T.D. 9145, 69 FR 45588, July 30, 2004]

§ 48.4081-1T   Taxable fuel; definitions (temporary).
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(a) [Reserved] For further guidance, see §48.4081–1(a).

(b) Definitions. Definitions of approved terminal or refinery through diesel-powered train [Reserved]

Enterer generally means, in the case of an entry of taxable fuel on or after September 28, 2004, the importer of record (under customs law) with respect to the taxable fuel, except that—

(1) If the importer of record is a customs broker engaged by the owner of the taxable fuel, the person for whom the broker is acting is the enterer; and

(2) If there is no importer of record for taxable fuel entered into the United States, the owner of the taxable fuel at the time it is brought into the United States is the enterer.

Definition of entry through (f)(2) [Reserved] For further guidance, see §48.4081–1(b) definition of entry through (f)(2).

[T.D. 9145, 69 FR 45588, July 30, 2004]

§ 48.4081-2   Taxable fuel; tax on removal at a terminal rack.
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(a) Overview. This section provides the general rule that all removals of taxable fuel at a terminal rack are subject to tax and the position holder with respect to the fuel is liable for the tax.

(b) Imposition of tax. Tax is imposed on the removal of taxable fuel from a terminal if the taxable fuel is removed at the rack.

(c) Liability for tax—(1) In general. The position holder with respect to the taxable fuel is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (b) of this section.

(2) Joint and several liability of terminal operator; unregistered position holder—(i) In general. The terminal operator is jointly and severally liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (b) of this section if—

(A) The position holder with respect to the taxable fuel is a person other than the terminal operator and is not a taxable fuel registrant; and

(B) The terminal operator has not met the conditions of paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section.

(ii) Conditions for avoidance of liability. A terminal operator is not liable for tax under this paragraph (c)(2) if, at the time of the removal, the terminal operator—

(A) Is a taxable fuel registrant;

(B) Has an unexpired notification certificate (as described in §48.4081–5) from the position holder; and

(C) Has no reason to believe that any information in the notification certificate is false.

(3) Joint and several liability of terminal operator; incorrect information provided. The terminal operator is jointly and severally liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (b) of this section if, in connection with the removal of diesel fuel or kerosene that is not dyed and marked in accordance with §48.4082–1, the terminal operator provides any person (including the position holder with respect to the fuel) with any bill of lading, shipping paper, record, or similar document indicating that the diesel fuel or kerosene is dyed and marked in accordance with §48.4082–1.

(4) Example. The following example illustrates this paragraph (c) and §48.4082–1:

Example.  (i) TO is a terminal operator and PH is the position holder with respect to, and owner of, 8,000 gallons of diesel fuel stored in TO's terminal. TO and PH are taxable fuel registrants. When the fuel is removed from the terminal at the rack, the fuel is not dyed and marked in accordance with §48.4082–1, and TO does not provide any person with any paperwork indicating that the fuel is dyed and marked. After the removal from the terminal, PH sells the fuel to individuals for use as heating oil, a nontaxable use.

(ii) Because PH is the position holder of the fuel at the time of the removal from the terminal, PH is liable for the tax imposed by section 4081. The removal is subject to tax because the fuel is not dyed and marked in accordance with §48.4082–1, and later use of the fuel in a nontaxable use does not make the removal from the terminal exempt from tax.

(iii) Because PH is a taxable fuel registrant and TO did not provide any person with any paperwork indicating that the fuel is dyed and marked, TO is not jointly and severally liable for tax under paragraph (c) (2) or (3) of this section.

(d) Rate of tax. For the rate of tax generally, see section 4081(a). For the rate of tax on gasohol and on gasoline removed for gasohol production, see §48.4081–6.

(e) Exemptions. For exemptions from the tax imposed under this section, see §§48.4081–4 (relating to gasoline blendstocks), 48.4082–1 (relating to dyed diesel fuel and dyed kerosene), 48.4082–5 (relating to diesel fuel and kerosene used in Alaska), 48.4082–6 (relating to aviation-grade kerosene), and 48.4082–7 (relating to kerosene used for a feedstock purpose).

(f) Effective date. This section is applicable after December 31, 1993.

[T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10455, Mar. 14, 1996, as amended by T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17156, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.4081-3   Taxable fuel; taxable events other than removal at the terminal rack.
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(a) Overview. Although tax is imposed when taxable fuel is removed from the terminal at the rack, tax also is imposed in certain other situations described in this section.

(b) Tax on removal from a refinery—(1) Imposition of tax. Tax is imposed on the following removals from a refinery:

(i) A removal of taxable fuel by bulk transfer if the refiner or the owner of the taxable fuel immediately before the removal is not a taxable fuel registrant.

(ii) A removal of taxable fuel at the rack.

(iii) After September 30, 1995, a removal of a batch of gasohol from an approved refinery by bulk transfer if the refiner treats itself with respect to the removal as a person that is not registered under section 4101. See §48.4101–1(a). For the rule providing that no deposit is required in the case of the tax imposed under this paragraph (b)(1)(iii), see §40.6302(c)–1(f)(4) of this chapter. For the rule allowing inspections of facilities where gasohol is produced, see section 4083.

(2) Exception for certain refineries. The tax imposed under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section does not apply to a removal of taxable fuel if—

(i) The taxable fuel is removed from an approved refinery that is not served by pipeline (other than a pipeline for the receipt of crude oil) or vessel;

(ii) The taxable fuel is received at a facility that is operated by a taxable fuel registrant and is located within the bulk transfer/terminal system;

(iii) The removal from the refinery is by—

(A) Rail car; or

(B) In the case of diesel fuel, a trailer or semi-trailer that is used exclusively for the transport service described in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) and (b)(2)(ii) of this section;

(iv) In the case of taxable fuel removed by rail car, the facility at which the fuel is received is operated by the same person that operates the refinery from which the fuel was removed; and

(v) In the case of diesel fuel removed by a trailer or semi-trailer, the facility at which the fuel is received is less than 20 miles from the refinery from which the diesel fuel was removed.

(3) Liability for tax. The refiner is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

(c) Tax on entry into the United States—(1) Imposition of tax. Tax is imposed on the entry of taxable fuel into the United States if—

(i) The entry is by bulk transfer and the enterer is not a taxable fuel registrant; or

(ii) The entry is not by bulk transfer.

(2) Liability for tax—(i) In general. The enterer is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

(ii) through (iv) For further guidance, see §48.4081–3T(c)(2)(ii) through (iv).

(d) Tax on bulk transfers from a terminal by an unregistered position holder—(1) Imposition of tax. Tax is imposed on the removal by bulk transfer of taxable fuel from a terminal if the position holder with respect to the taxable fuel is not a taxable fuel registrant.

(2) Liability for tax—(i) In general. The position holder with respect to the taxable fuel is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (d)(1) of this section.

(ii) Joint and several liability of terminal operator. The terminal operator is jointly and severally liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (d)(1) of this section if—

(A) The position holder with respect to the taxable fuel is a person other than the terminal operator; and

(B) The terminal operator has not met the conditions of paragraph (d)(2)(iii) of this section.

(iii) Conditions for avoidance of liability. A terminal operator is not liable for tax under this paragraph (d)(2) if, at the time of the bulk transfer, the terminal operator—

(A) Is a taxable fuel registrant;

(B) Has an unexpired notification certificate (described in §48.4081–5) from the position holder; and

(C) Has no reason to believe that any information in the notification certificate is false.

(e) Tax on bulk transfers not received at an approved terminal or refinery—(1) Imposition of tax. Tax on taxable fuel is imposed if—

(i) Taxable fuel is removed by bulk transfer from a refinery or terminal, or entered by bulk transfer into the United States;

(ii) No tax was imposed on such removal or entry under paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of this section; and

(iii) Upon removal from the pipeline or vessel, the taxable fuel is not received at an approved terminal or refinery (or at another pipeline or vessel).

(2) Liability for tax—(i) In general. The owner of the taxable fuel when it is removed from the pipeline or vessel is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the owner has not met the conditions of paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section.

(ii) Conditions for avoidance of liability. An owner of taxable fuel is not liable for tax under paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section if, at the time the taxable fuel is removed from the pipeline or vessel, the owner of the taxable fuel—

(A) Is a taxable fuel registrant;

(B) Has an unexpired notification certificate (described in §48.4081–5) from the operator of the terminal or refinery where the taxable fuel is received; and

(C) Has no reason to believe that any information in the notification certificate is false.

(iii) Liability of the operator of the facility where the taxable fuel is received. The operator of the facility where the taxable fuel is received is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the owner of the taxable fuel has met the conditions of paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section and is jointly and severally liable for the tax if the owner has not met such conditions.

(f) Tax on sales within the bulk transfer/terminal system—(1) Imposition of tax. Tax is imposed on the sale of taxable fuel located within the bulk transfer/terminal system if the sale is to a person that is not a taxable fuel registrant and tax has not been imposed on such taxable fuel under §48.4081–2, or paragraph (b), (c), (d), or (e) of this section.

(2) Exception for certain sales of taxable fuel for export. The tax imposed under paragraph (f)(1) of this section does not apply to a sale of taxable fuel if—

(i) The buyer's principal place of business is not within the United States;

(ii) The sale of the fuel occurs as the fuel is delivered into a transport vessel;

(iii) The vessel has a capacity of at least 20,000 barrels of fuel;

(iv) The seller is a taxable fuel registrant and the exporter of record of the fuel; and

(v) The fuel was exported in due course.

(3) Liability for tax—(i) In general. The seller of the taxable fuel is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (f)(1) of this section if the seller has not met the conditions of paragraph (f)(3)(ii) of this section.

(ii) Conditions for avoidance of liability. A seller is not liable for tax under paragraph (f)(3)(i) of this section if, at the time of the sale, the seller—

(A) Is a taxable fuel registrant;

(B) Has an unexpired notification certificate (described in §48.4081–5) from the buyer; and

(C) Has no reason to believe that any information in the certificate is false.

(iii) Liability of the buyer. The buyer of the taxable fuel is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (f)(1) of this section if the seller of the taxable fuel has met the conditions of paragraph (f)(3)(ii) of this section and is jointly and severally liable for the tax if the seller has not met such conditions.

(4) Example. The following example illustrates this paragraph (f) and the definition of the term sale in §48.4081–1:

Example.  PH owns one million gallons of untaxed gasoline that is stored in TO's terminal. PH also is the position holder with respect to the gasoline. While the gasoline remains stored in the terminal, PH transfers title to 200,000 gallons of the gasoline to A, a person that is not a taxable fuel registrant. PH continues to hold the inventory position on TO's records with respect to the one million gallons. Because PH continues as the position holder with respect to the gasoline, the transfer of title to the gasoline from PH to A is not a sale of gasoline. Because this transfer of title from PH to A is not a sale of gasoline, the tax imposed under paragraph (f) of this section does not apply to the transfer.

(g) Tax on removal or sale of blended taxable fuel by the blender—(1) Imposition of tax. A tax is imposed on the removal or sale of blended taxable fuel by the blender thereof. Tax is computed on the difference between the total number of gallons of blended taxable fuel removed or sold and the number of gallons of previously taxed taxable fuel used to produce the blended taxable fuel. For this purpose, the alcohol in gasohol is treated as previously taxed taxable fuel.

(2) Liability for tax—(i) Liability of the blender. The blender is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (g)(1) of this section.

(ii) Liability of seller of untaxed liquid. On and after April 2, 2003, a person that sells any liquid that is used to produce blended taxable fuel is jointly and severally liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (g)(1) of this section on the removal or sale of that blended taxable fuel if the liquid—

(A) Is described in §48.4081–1(c)(1)(i)(B) (relating to liquids on which tax has not been imposed under section 4081); and

(B) Is sold by that person as gasoline, diesel fuel, or kerosene that has been taxed under section 4081.

(3) Examples. The following examples illustrate the provisions of this paragraph (g) and the definitions of blended taxable fuel and diesel fuel in §48.4081–1(c):

Example 1.  (i) Facts. W is a wholesale distributor of petroleum products and R is a retailer of petroleum products. W sells to R 1,000 gallons of an untaxed liquid (a liquid described in §48.4081–1(c)(1)(i)(B)) and delivers the liquid into a storage tank (tank) at R's retail facility. However, W's invoice to R states that the liquid is undyed diesel fuel. At the time of the delivery, the tank contains 4,000 gallons of undyed diesel fuel, a taxable fuel that has been taxed under section 4081. The resulting 5,000 gallon mixture is suitable for use as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle because it has practical and commercial fitness for use in the propulsion engine of a diesel-powered highway vehicle. The mixture does not satisfy the dyeing requirements of §48.4082–1. R sells the mixture from the tank to a construction company for off-highway business use.

(ii) Analysis—(A) Production of blended taxable fuel. R is a blender within the meaning of §48.4081–1 because R has produced blended taxable fuel, as defined in §48.4081–1, by mixing 1,000 gallons of a liquid that has not been taxed under section 4081 with 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel that has been taxed under section 4081. The mixing occurs outside of the bulk transfer/terminal system and the resulting product is diesel fuel because it is suitable for use as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle.

(B) Imposition of tax. Under paragraph (g)(1) of this section, tax is imposed on R's sale of the 5,000 gallons of blended taxable fuel to the construction company. Even though the blended taxable fuel is sold for off-highway business use, which is a nontaxable use as defined in section 4082(b), the sale is not exempt from tax because the blended taxable fuel does not satisfy the dyeing requirements of §48.4082–1. Tax is computed on 1,000 gallons, which is the difference between the number of gallons of blended taxable fuel R sells (5,000) and the number of gallons of previously taxed taxable fuel used to produce the blended taxable fuel (4,000).

(C) Liability for tax. R, as the blender, is liable for this tax under paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section. W is jointly and severally liable for this tax under paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this section because the blended taxable fuel is produced using an untaxed liquid that W sold as undyed diesel fuel (that is, as diesel fuel that was taxed under section 4081).

Example 2.  (i) Facts. W, a wholesale distributor of petroleum products, buys 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel at a terminal rack. The diesel fuel is delivered into a tank trailer. Tax is imposed on the diesel fuel under §48.4081–2 when the diesel fuel is removed at the rack. W then goes to another location where X, the operator of a chemical plant, sells W 1,000 gallons of an untaxed liquid (a liquid described in §48.4081–1(c)(1)(i)(B)). However, X's invoice to W states that the liquid is undyed diesel fuel. This liquid is delivered into the tank trailer already containing the 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel. The resulting 8,000 gallon mixture is suitable for use as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle because it has practical and commercial fitness for use in the propulsion engine of a diesel-powered highway vehicle. The mixture does not satisfy the dyeing requirements of §48.4082–1. W sells the mixture to R, a retailer of petroleum products, and delivers the mixture into a storage tank at R's retail facility. R sells the mixture to its customers.

(ii) Analysis—(A) Production of blended taxable fuel. W is a blender within the meaning of §48.4081–1 because W has produced blended taxable fuel, as defined in §48.4081–1, by mixing 1,000 gallons of a liquid that has not been taxed under section 4081 with 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel that has been taxed under section 4081. The mixing occurs outside of the bulk transfer/terminal system and the resulting product is diesel fuel because it is suitable for use as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle. Thus, R has bought blended taxable fuel.

(B) Imposition of tax. Under paragraph (g)(1) of this section, tax is imposed on W's sale of the 8,000 gallons of blended taxable fuel to R. Tax is computed on 1,000 gallons, which is the difference between the number of gallons of blended taxable fuel W sells (8,000) and the number of gallons of previously taxed taxable fuel used to produce the blended taxable fuel (7,000). No tax is imposed on R's subsequent sale of the blended taxable fuel because tax is imposed only with respect to a removal or sale by the blender.

(C) Liability for tax. W, as the blender, is liable for this tax under paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section. X is jointly and severally liable for this tax under paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this section because the blended taxable fuel is produced using an untaxed liquid that X sold as undyed diesel fuel (that is, as diesel fuel that was taxed under section 4081). R has no liability for tax because R is not a blender and did not sell any untaxed liquid as a taxed taxable fuel. R only sold taxed taxable fuel, the blended taxable fuel bought from W.

(h) Rate of tax. For the rate of tax generally imposed under this section, see section 4081(a). For the rate of tax on gasohol and on gasoline removed or entered for gasohol production, see §48.4081–6.

(i) Exemptions. For exemptions from the taxes imposed under this section, see §§48.4081–4 (relating to gasoline blendstocks), 48.4082–1 (relating to dyed diesel fuel and dyed kerosene), 48.4082–5 (relating to diesel fuel and kerosene used in Alaska), 48.4082–6 (relating to aviation-grade kerosene), and 48.4082–7 (relating to kerosene used for a feedstock purpose).

(j) Effective date. This section is applicable January 1, 1994.

[T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10455, Mar. 14, 1996, as amended by T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17156, Mar. 31, 2000; T.D. 9051, 68 FR 15941, Apr. 2, 2003; T.D. 9145, 69 FR 45588, July 30, 2004]

§ 48.4081-3T   Taxable fuel; taxable events other than removal at the terminal rack (temporary).
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(a) through (c)(2)(i) [Reserved] For further guidance, see §48.4081–3(a) through (c)(2)(i).

(c)(2)(ii) Joint and several liability of the importer of record. In the case of an entry of taxable fuel on or after September 28, 2004, the importer of record with respect to the taxable fuel is jointly and severally liable with the enterer for the tax imposed under §48.4081–3(c)(1) if—

(A) The importer of record is not the enterer of the taxable fuel; and

(B) The enterer is not a taxable fuel registrant.

(iii) Conditions for avoidance of liability. The importer of record is not liable for the tax under paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section if, at the time of the entry, the importer of record—

(A) Has an unexpired notification certificate (as described in §48.4081–5) from the enterer; and

(B) Has no reason to believe that any information in the notification certificate is false.

(iv) Customs bond. In the case of an entry of taxable fuel on or after September 28, 2004, the Customs bond posted with respect to the importation of the fuel will not be charged for the tax imposed on the entry of the fuel if the enterer is a taxable fuel registrant. A surety bond will not be charged for the tax imposed on the entry of the fuel covered by the bond, if at the time of entry, the surety—

(A) Has an unexpired notification certificate (as described in §48.4081–5) from the enterer; and

(B) Has no reason to believe that any information in the notification certificate is false.

(d) through (j) [Reserved] For further guidance, see §48.4081–3(d) through (j).

[T.D. 9145, 69 FR 45588, July 30, 2004]

§ 48.4081-4   Gasoline; special rules for gasoline blendstocks.
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(a) Overview. This section provides rules exempting from tax certain removals, entries, and sales of gasoline blendstocks. Generally, under prescribed conditions, tax is not imposed on gasoline blendstocks that are not used to produce finished gasoline or that are received at an approved terminal or refinery.

(b) Nonbulk removals and entries of gasoline blendstocks not used to produce gasoline—(1) Removals and entries not in connection with sales. Tax is not imposed under §48.4081–2(b), §48.4081–3(b)(1)(ii), or §48.4081–3(c)(1)(ii) on the removal or entry of gasoline blendstocks not in connection with a sale if—

(i) The person otherwise liable for tax under §48.4081–2(c)(1) (the position holder), §48.4081–3(b)(3) (the refiner), or §48.4081–3(c)(2) (the enterer) is a taxable fuel registrant; and

(ii) Such person does not use the gasoline blendstocks to produce finished gasoline.

(2) Removals and entries in connection with sales. Tax is not imposed under §48.4081–2(b), §48.4081–3(b)(1)(ii), or §48.4081–3(c)(1)(ii) on the removal or entry of gasoline blendstocks in connection with a sale if—

(i) The person otherwise liable for tax under §48.4081–2(c)(1) (the position holder), §48.4081–3(b)(3) (the refiner), or §48.4081–3(c)(2) (the enterer) is a taxable fuel registrant; and

(ii) At the time of the sale, such person has an unexpired certificate (described in paragraph (e) of this section) from the buyer and has no reason to believe any information in the certificate is false.

(3) Tax on sales after certain nonbulk removals or entries—(i) In general. If paragraph (b) (1) or (2) of this section applies to the removal or entry of gasoline blendstocks, tax is imposed on any sale of such blendstocks unless, at the time of the sale, the seller—

(A) Has an unexpired certificate (described in paragraph (e) of this section) from its buyer; and

(B) Has no reason to believe any information in the certificate is false.

(ii) Liability for tax. The seller is liable for the tax imposed under this paragraph (b)(3).

(iii) Rate of tax. For the rate of tax, see section 4081.

(c) Nonbulk removals and entries of gasoline blendstocks received at an approved terminal or refinery. Tax is not imposed under §48.4081–2(b), §48.4081–3(b)(1)(ii), or §48.4081–3(c)(1)(ii) on the removal or entry of gasoline blendstocks that are received at a terminal or refinery if the person otherwise liable for tax under §48.4081–2(c)(1) (the position holder), §48.4081–3(b)(3) (the refiner), or §48.4081–3(c)(2) (the enterer)—

(1) Is a taxable fuel registrant;

(2) Has an unexpired notification certificate (described in §48.4081–5) from the operator of the terminal or refinery where the gasoline blendstocks are received; and

(3) Has no reason to believe that any information in the certificate is false.

(d) Bulk transfer to a registered industrial user. Tax is not imposed under §48.4081–3(e)(1) if, upon the removal of gasoline blendstocks from a pipeline or vessel, the gasoline blendstocks are received by a taxable fuel registrant that is an industrial user.

(e) Certificate—(1) In general. The certificate to be provided by a buyer of gasoline blendstocks consists of a statement that is signed under penalties of perjury by a person with authority to bind the buyer, is in substantially the same form as the model certificate provided in paragraph (e)(3) of this section, and contains all information necessary to complete such model certificate. A new certificate must be given if any information in the current certificate changes. The certificate may be included as part of any business records normally used to document a sale. The certificate expires on the earliest of the following dates:

(i) The date one year after the effective date of the certificate (which may be no earlier than the date it is signed).

(ii) The date a new certificate is provided to the seller.

(iii) The date the seller is notified by the Internal Revenue Service or the buyer that the buyer's right to provide a certificate has been withdrawn.

(2) Withdrawal of right to provide certificate. The Internal Revenue Service may withdraw the right of a buyer of gasoline blendstocks to provide a certificate under this paragraph (e) if such buyer uses gasoline blendstocks to which a certificate applies in the production of finished gasoline or resells the gasoline blendstocks without obtaining a certificate from its buyer. The Internal Revenue Service may notify any seller to whom the buyer has provided a certificate that the buyer's right to provide a certificate has been withdrawn.

(3) Model certificate.

Certificate of Person Buying Gasoline Blendstocks for use Other Than in the Production of Finished Gasoline

(To support tax-free sales under section 4081 of the Internal Revenue Code)

____________________
____________________

Name, address, and employer identification number of seller

The undersigned buyer (“Buyer”) hereby certifies the following under penalties of perjury:

The gasoline blendstocks to which this certificate relates will not be used to produce finished gasoline.

This certificate applies to the following (complete as applicable):

If this is a single purchase certificate, check here ___ and enter:

1. Invoice or delivery ticket number ___

2. ___ (number of gallons) of ___ (type of gasoline blendstocks)

If this is a certificate covering all purchases under a specified account or order number, check here ___ and enter:

1. Effective date ___

2. Expiration date ___

(period not to exceed 1 year after the effective date)

3. Type (or types) of gasoline blendstocks ___

4. Buyer account or order number ___

Buyer will not claim a credit or refund under section 6427(h) of the Internal Revenue Code for any gasoline blendstocks covered by this certificate.

Buyer will provide a new certificate to the seller if any information in this certificate changes.

If Buyer resells the gasoline blendstocks to which this certificate relates, Buyer will be liable for tax unless Buyer obtains a certificate from the purchaser stating that the gasoline blendstocks will not be used to produce finished gasoline and otherwise complies with the conditions of §48.4081–4(b)(3) of the Manufacturers and Retailers Excise Tax Regulations.

Buyer understands that if Buyer violates the terms of this certificate, the Internal Revenue Service may withdraw Buyer's right to provide a certificate.

Buyer has not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that its right to provide a certificate has been withdrawn. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service has not notified Buyer that the right to provide a certificate has been withdrawn from a purchaser to which Buyer sells gasoline blendstocks tax free.

Buyer understands that the fraudulent use of this certificate may subject Buyer and all parties making such fraudulent use of this certificate to a fine or imprisonment, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

____________________

Signature and date signed

____________________

Printed or typed name of person signing

____________________

Title of person signing

____________________

Name of Buyer

____________________

Employer identification number

____________________

Address of Buyer

(f) Effective date. This section is effective January 1, 1994.

[T.D. 8421, 57 FR 32424, July 22, 1992; 57 FR 39421, Aug. 31, 1992, as amended by T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10457, Mar. 14, 1996]

§ 48.4081-5   Taxable fuel; notification certificate of taxable fuel registrant.
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(a) Overview. This section sets forth requirements for the notification certificate used under §§(c)(2)(ii), 48.4081–3T(c)(2)(iii) and (iv), 48.4081–3(d)(2)(iii), 48.4081–3(e)(2)(iii), 48.4081–3(f)(2)(ii), and 48.4081–4(c) to notify another person of the taxable fuel registrant's registration status.

(b) Certificate.—(1) In general. The certificate to be provided by a taxable fuel registrant consists of a statement that is signed under penalties of perjury by a person with authority to bind the registrant, is in substantially the same form as the model provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, and contains all information necessary to complete such model. A new certificate must be given if any information in the most recently provided certificate changes. The certificate may be included as part of any business records normally used to document a sale. The certificate expires on the earlier of the following dates:

(i) The date the registrant provides a new certificate.

(ii) The date the recipient of the certificate is notified by either the Internal Revenue Service or the registrant that the registrant's registration has been revoked or suspended.

(2) Model certificate.

Notification Certificate of Taxable Fuel Registrant

____________________
____________________

Name, address, and employer identification number of person receiving certificate

The undersigned taxable fuel registrant (“Registrant”) hereby certifies under penalties of perjury that Registrant is registered by the Internal Revenue Service with registration number ___ and that Registrant's registration has not been revoked or suspended by the Internal Revenue Service.

Registrant understands that the fraudulent use of this certificate may subject Registrant and all parties making such fraudulent use of this certificate to a fine or imprisonment, or both, together with the cost of prosecution.

____________________

Signature and date signed

____________________

Printed or typed name of person signing

____________________

Title of person signing

____________________

Name of registrant

____________________

Employer identification number

____________________

Address of registrant

(3) Use of Form 637 or letter of registration as a notification certificate prohibited. A copy of the certificate of registry (Form 637) or letter of registration issued to a registrant by the Internal Revenue Service is not a notification certificate described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

(c) Effective date. This section is effective January 1, 1994.

[T.D. 8421, 57 FR 32424, July 22, 1992; 57 FR 39422, Aug. 31, 1992, as amended by T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10457, Mar. 14, 1996; T.D. 9145, 69 FR 45588, July 30, 2004]

§ 48.4081-6   Gasoline; gasohol.
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(a) Overview. This section provides rules for determining the applicability of reduced rates of tax on a removal or entry of gasohol or of gasoline used to produce gasohol. Rules are also provided for the imposition of tax on the separation of gasoline from gasohol and the failure to use gasoline that has been taxed at a reduced rate to produce gasohol.

(b) Explanation of terms—(1) Alcohol—(i) In general; source of the alcohol. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, alcohol means any alcohol that is not a derivative product of petroleum, natural gas, or coal (including peat). Thus, the term includes methanol and ethanol that are not derived from petroleum, natural gas, or coal (including peat). The term also includes alcohol produced either within or outside the United States.

(ii) Proof and denaturants. Alcohol does not include alcohol with a proof of less than 190 degrees (determined without regard to added denaturants). If the alcohol added to a fuel/alcohol mixture (the added alcohol) includes impurities or denaturants, the volume of alcohol in the mixture is determined under the following rules:

(A) The volume of alcohol in the mixture includes the volume of any impurities (other than added denaturants and any fuel with which the alcohol is mixed) that reduce the purity of the added alcohol to not less than 190 proof (determined without regard to added denaturants).

(B) The volume of alcohol in the mixture includes the volume of any approved denaturants that reduce the purity of the added alcohol, but only to the extent that the volume of the approved denaturants does not exceed five percent of the volume of the added alcohol (including the approved denaturants). If the volume of the approved denaturants exceeds five percent of the volume of the added alcohol, the excess over five percent is considered part of the nonalcohol content of the mixture.

(C) For purposes of this paragraph (b)(1)(ii), approved denaturants are any denaturants (including gasoline and nonalcohol fuel denaturants) that reduce the purity of the added alcohol and are added to such alcohol under a formula approved by the Secretary.

(iii) Products derived from alcohol. If alcohol described in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section has been chemically transformed in producing another product (that is, the alcohol is no longer present as a separate chemical in the other product) and there is no significant loss in the energy content of the alcohol, any mixture containing the product includes the volume of alcohol used to produce the product. Thus, for example, a mixture of gasoline and ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE), or of gasoline and methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), includes any alcohol described in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section that is used to produce the ETBE or MTBE, respectively, in a chemical reaction in which there is no significant loss in the energy content of the alcohol.

(2) Gasohol—(i) In general—(A) Gasohol is a mixture of gasoline and alcohol that is 10 percent gasohol, 7.7 percent gasohol, or 5.7 percent gasohol. The determination of whether a particular mixture is 10 percent gasohol, 7.7 percent gasohol, or 5.7 percent gasohol is made on a batch-by-batch basis. A batch of gasohol is a discrete mixture of gasoline and alcohol.

(B) If a particular mixture is produced within the bulk transfer/terminal system (for example, at a refinery), the determination of whether the mixture is gasohol is made at the time of the taxable removal or entry of the mixture.

(C) If a particular mixture is produced outside of the bulk transfer/terminal system (for example, by splash blending after the gasoline has been removed from the terminal at the rack), the determination of whether the mixture is gasohol is made immediately after the mixture is produced. In such a case, the contents of the batch typically correspond to a gasoline meter delivery ticket and an alcohol meter delivery ticket, each of which shows the number of gallons of liquid delivered into the mixture. The volume of each component in a batch (without adjustment for temperature) ordinarily is determined by the number of metered gallons shown on the delivery tickets for the gasoline and alcohol delivered. However, if metered gallons of gasoline and alcohol are added to a tank already containing more than a minor amount of liquid, the determination of whether a batch satisfies the alcohol-content requirement will be made by taking into account the amount of alcohol and non-alcohol fuel contained in the liquid already in the tank. Ordinarily, any amount in excess of 0.5 percent of the capacity of the tank will not be considered minor.

(ii) 10 percent gasohol—(A) In general. A batch of gasoline/alcohol mixture is 10 percent gasohol if it contains at least 9.8 percent alcohol by volume, without rounding.

(B) Batches containing less than 10 percent but at least 9.8 percent alcohol. If a batch of mixture contains less than 10 percent alcohol but at least 9.8 percent alcohol, without rounding, only a portion of the batch is considered to be 10 percent gasohol. That portion equals the number of gallons of alcohol in the batch multiplied by 10. Any remaining liquid in the mixture is excess liquid.

(iii) 7.7 percent gasohol—(A) In general. A batch of gasoline/alcohol mixture is 7.7 percent gasohol if it contains less than 9.8 percent alcohol but at least 7.55 percent alcohol by volume, without rounding.

(B) Batches containing less than 7.7 percent but at least 7.55 percent alcohol. If a batch of mixture contains less than 7.7 percent alcohol but at least 7.55 percent alcohol, without rounding, only a portion of the batch is considered to be 7.7 percent gasohol. That portion equals the number of gallons of alcohol in the batch multiplied by 12.987. Any remaining liquid in the mixture is excess liquid.

(iv) 5.7 percent gasohol—(A) In general. A batch of gasoline/alcohol mixture is 5.7 percent gasohol if it contains less than 7.55 percent alcohol but at least 5.59 percent alcohol by volume, without rounding.

(B) Batches containing less than 5.7 percent but at least 5.59 percent alcohol. If a batch of mixture contains less than 5.7 percent alcohol but at least 5.59 percent alcohol, without rounding, only a portion of the batch is considered to be 5.7 percent gasohol. That portion equals the number of gallons of alcohol in the batch multiplied by 17.544. Any remaining liquid in the mixture is excess liquid.

(v) Tax on excess liquid. If tax was imposed on the excess liquid in any gasohol at the gasohol production tax rate (as defined in paragraph (e)(1) of this section), the excess liquid in the batch is considered to be gasoline with respect to which there is a failure to blend into gasohol for purposes of paragraph (f) of this section. If tax was imposed on the excess liquid at the rate of tax described in section 4081(a), a credit or refund under section 6427(f) is not allowed with respect to the excess liquid.

(vi) Examples. The following examples illustrate this paragraph (b)(2). In these examples, a gasohol blender creates a gasoline/alcohol mixture by pumping a specified amount of gasoline into an empty tank and then adding a specified amount of alcohol.

Example 1.  Mixtures containing exactly 10 percent alcohol. The applicable delivery tickets show that the mixture is made with 7200 metered gallons of gasoline and 800 metered gallons of alcohol. Accordingly, the mixture contains 10 percent alcohol (as determined based on the delivery tickets provided to the blender) and qualifies as 10 percent gasohol.

Example 2.  Mixtures containing less than 10 percent alcohol but at least 9.8 percent alcohol. The applicable delivery tickets show that the mixture is made with 7205 metered gallons of gasoline and 795 metered gallons of alcohol. Because the mixture contains less than 10 percent alcohol, but more than 9.8 percent alcohol (as determined based on the delivery tickets provided to the blender), 7950 gallons of the mixture qualify as 10 percent gasohol. If tax was imposed on the gasoline in the mixture at the gasohol production rate applicable to 10 percent gasohol, the remaining 50 gallons of the mixture (the excess liquid) are treated as gasoline with respect to which there was a failure to blend into gasohol for purposes of paragraph (f) of this section. If tax was imposed on the gasoline in the mixture at the rate of tax described in section 4081(a), a credit or refund under section 6427(f) is allowed only with respect to 7155 gallons of gasoline.

Example 3.  Mixtures containing less than 5.59 percent alcohol. The applicable delivery tickets show that the mixture is made with 7568 metered gallons of gasoline and 436 metered gallons of alcohol. Because the mixture contains only 5.45 percent alcohol (as determined based on the delivery tickets provided to the blender), the mixture does not qualify as gasohol.

(3) Gasohol blender. Gasohol blender means any person that regularly produces gasohol outside of the bulk transfer/terminal system for sale or use in its trade or business.

(4) Registered gasohol blender. Registered gasohol blender means a person that is registered under section 4101 as a gasohol blender.

(c) Rate of tax on gasoline removed or entered for gasohol production—(1) In general. The rate of tax imposed on gasoline under §48.4081–2(b) (relating to tax imposed at the terminal rack), §48.4081–3(b)(1) (relating to tax imposed at the refinery), or §48.4081–3(c)(1) (relating to tax imposed on entries) is the gasohol production tax rate if—

(i) The person liable for tax under §48.4081–2(c)(1) (the position holder), §48.4081–3(b)(3) (the refiner), or §48.4081–3(c)(2) (the enterer) is a taxable fuel registrant and a registered gasohol blender, and such person produces gasohol with the gasoline within 24 hours after removing or entering the gasoline; or

(ii) The gasoline is sold in connection with the removal or entry, the person liable for tax under §48.4081–2(c)(1) (the position holder), §48.4081–3(b)(3) (the refiner), or §48.4081–3(c)(2) (the enterer) is a taxable fuel registrant and the person, at the time of the sale,—

(A) Has an unexpired certificate (as described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section) from the buyer; and

(B) Has no reason to believe that any information in the certificate is false.

(2) Certificate—(i) In general. The certificate referred to in paragraph (c)(1)(ii)(A) of this section is a statement that is to be provided by a registered gasohol blender that is signed under penalties of perjury by a person with authority to bind the registered gasohol blender, is in substantially the same form as the model certificate provided in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section, and contains all information necessary to complete such model certificate. A new certificate must be given if any information in the current certificate changes. The certificate may be included as part of any business records normally used to document a sale. The certificate expires on the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date one year after the effective date of the certificate (which may be no earlier than the date it is signed).

(B) The date the registered gasohol blender provides a new certificate to the seller.

(C) The date the seller is notified by the Internal Revenue Service or the gasohol blender that the gasohol blender's registration has been revoked or suspended.

(ii) Model certificate.

Certificate of Registered Gasohol Blender

(To support sales of gasoline at the gasohol production tax rate under section 4081(c) of the Internal Revenue Code)

____________________

Name, address, and employer identification number of seller

__________ (Buyer) certifies the following under penalties of perjury:

Buyer is registered as a gasohol blender with registration number ________. Buyer's registration has not been suspended or revoked by the Internal Revenue Service.

The gasoline bought under this certificate will be used by Buyer to produce gasohol (as defined in §48.4081–6(b) of the Manufacturers and Retailers Excise Tax Regulations) within 24 hours after buying the gasoline.

Type of gasohol Buyer will produce (check one only):

___ 10% gasohol

___ 7.7% gasohol

___ 5.7% gasohol

If the gasohol the Buyer will produce will contain ethanol, check here: ___

This certificate applies to the following (complete as applicable):

If this is a single purchase certificate, check here ___ and enter:

1. Account number ________

2. Number of gallons ________

If this is a certificate covering all purchases under a specified account or order number, check here ___ and enter:

1. Effective date ________

2. Expiration date ________ (period not to exceed 1 year after the effective date)

3. Buyer account or order number ________

Buyer will not claim a credit or refund under section 6427(f) of the Internal Revenue Code for any gasoline covered by this certificate.

Buyer agrees to provide seller with a new certificate if any information on this certificate changes.

Buyer understands that Buyer's registration may be revoked if the gasoline covered by this certificate is resold or is used other than in Buyer's production of the type of gasohol identified above.

Buyer will reduce any alcohol mixture credit under section 40(b) by an amount equal to the benefit of the gasohol production tax rate under section 4081(c) for the gasohol to which this certificate relates.

Buyer understands that the fraudulent use of this certificate may subject Buyer and all parties making any fraudulent use of this certificate to a fine or imprisonment, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

____________________

Printed or typed name of person signing

____________________

Title of person signing

____________________

Employer identification number

____________________

Address of Buyer

____________________

Signature and date signed

(iii) Use of Form 637 or letter of registration as a gasohol blender's certificate prohibited. A copy of the certificate of registry (Form 637) or letter of registration issued to a gasohol blender by the Internal Revenue Service is not a gasohol blender's certificate described in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section.

(d) Rate of tax on gasohol removed or entered. The rate of tax imposed on removals or entries of any gasohol under §§48.4081–2(b), 48.4081–3(b)(1), and 48.4081–3(c)(1) is the gasohol tax rate. The rate of tax imposed on removals and entries of excess liquid described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section is the rate of tax applicable to gasoline under section 4081(a).

(e) Tax rates—(1) Gasohol production tax rate. The gasohol production tax rate is the applicable rate of tax determined under section 4081(c)(2)(A).

(2) Gasohol tax rate. The gasohol tax rate is the applicable alcohol mixture rate determined under section 4081(c)(4)(A).

(f) Later separation and failure to blend—(1) Later separation—(i) Imposition of tax. A tax is imposed on the removal or sale of gasoline separated from gasohol with respect to which tax was imposed at a rate described in paragraph (e) of this section or with respect to which a credit or payment was allowed or made by reason of section 6427(f)(1).

(ii) Liability for tax. The person that owns the gasohol at the time gasoline is separated from the gasohol is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section.

(iii) Rate of tax. The rate of tax imposed under paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section is the difference between the rate of tax applicable to gasoline not described in this section and the applicable gasohol production tax rate.

(2) Failure to blend—(i) Imposition of tax. Tax is imposed on the entry, removal, or sale of gasoline (including excess liquid described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section) with respect to which tax was imposed at a gasohol production tax rate if—

(A) The gasoline was not blended into gasohol; or

(B) The gasoline was blended into gasohol but the gasohol production tax rate applicable to the type of gasohol produced is greater than the rate of tax originally imposed on the gasoline.

(ii) Liability for tax. (A) In the case of gasoline with respect to which tax was imposed at the gasohol production tax rate under paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section, the person liable for the tax imposed by paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this section is the person that was liable for tax on the entry or removal.

(B) In the case of gasoline with respect to which tax was imposed at the gasohol production tax rate under paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section, the person that bought the gasoline in connection with the entry or removal is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this section.

(iii) Rate of tax. The rate of tax imposed on gasoline described in paragraph (f)(2)(i)(A) of this section is the difference between the rate of tax applicable to gasoline not described in this section and the rate of tax previously imposed on the gasoline. The rate of tax imposed on gasoline described in paragraph (f)(2)(i)(B) of this section is the difference between the gasohol production tax rate applicable to the type of gasohol produced and the rate of tax previously imposed on the gasoline.

(iv) Example. The following example illustrates this paragraph (f)(2):

Example.  (i) A registered gasohol blender bought gasoline in connection with a removal described in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section. Based on the blender's certification (described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section) that the blender would produce 10 percent gasohol with the gasoline, tax at the gasohol production tax rate applicable to 10 percent gasohol was imposed on the removal.

(ii) The blender then produced a mixture by splash blending in a tank holding approximately 8000 gallons of mixture. The applicable delivery tickets show that the mixture was blended by first pumping 7220 metered gallons of gasoline into the empty tank, and then pumping 780 metered gallons of alcohol into the tank. Because the mixture contains 9.75 percent alcohol (as determined based on the delivery tickets provided to the blender) the entire mixture qualifies as 7.7 percent gasohol, rather than 10 percent gasohol.

(iii) Because the 7220 gallons of gasoline were taxed at the gasohol production tax rate applicable to 10 percent gasohol but the gasoline was blended into 7.7 percent gasohol, a failure to blend has occurred with respect to the gasoline. As the person that bought the gasoline in connection with the taxable removal, the blender is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this section. The amount of tax imposed is the difference between—

  (A) 7220 gallons times the gasohol production tax rate applicable to 7.7 percent gasohol; and  (B) 7220 gallons times the gasohol production tax rate applicable to 10 percent gasohol.  (iv) Because the gasohol does not contain exactly 7.7 percent alcohol, the benefit of the gasohol production tax rate with respect to the alcohol is less than the amount of the alcohol mixture credit under section 40(b) (determined before the application of section 40(c)). Accordingly, the blender may be entitled to claim an alcohol mixture credit for the alcohol used in the gasohol. Under section 40(c), however, the amount of the alcohol mixture credit must be reduced to take into account the benefit provided with respect to the alcohol by the gasohol production tax rate.

(g) Effective date. This section is effective August 7, 1995.

[T.D. 8609, 60 FR 40082, Aug. 7, 1995, as amended by T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10457, Mar. 14, 1996; T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17157, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.4081-7   Taxable fuel; conditions for refunds of taxable fuel tax under section 4081(e).
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(a) Overview. This section provides reporting requirements and other conditions that a person paying tax to the government under section 4081 must satisfy to receive a refund (but not a credit) under section 4081(e) with respect to taxable fuel on which a prior tax was paid to the government under section 4081. No credit against any tax imposed under the Internal Revenue Code is allowed under this section.

(b) Conditions to allowance of refund. A claim for refund of tax imposed by section 4081 with respect to taxable fuel is allowed under section 4081(e) and this section only if—

(1) A tax imposed by section 4081 with respect to the taxable fuel was paid to the government and not credited or refunded (the “first tax”);

(2) After imposition of the first tax, another tax was imposed by section 4081 with respect to the same taxable fuel and was also paid to the government (the “second tax”);

(3) The person that paid the second tax to the government has filed a timely claim for refund that contains the information required under paragraph (d) of this section; and

(4) The person that paid the first tax to the government has met the reporting requirements of paragraph (c) of this section.

(c) Reporting requirements—(1) Reporting by persons paying the first tax. Except as provided in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, the person that paid the first tax under §48.4081–3 (the first taxpayer) must file a report that is in substantially the same form as the model report provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section (or such other model report as the Commissioner may prescribe) and contains all information necessary to complete such model report (the first taxpayer's report). A first taxpayer's report must be filed with the return to which the report relates (or at such other time, or in such other manner, as prescribed by the Commissioner).

(2) Model first taxpayer's report.

First Taxpayer's Report

1.____________________
____________________

First Taxpayer's name, address, and employer identification number

2.____________________
____________________

Name, address, and employer identification number of the buyer of the taxable fuel subject to tax

3.____________________

Date and location of removal, entry, or sale

4.____________________

Volume and type of taxable fuel removed, entered, or sold

5. Check type of taxable event:

_____ Removal from refinery

_____ Entry into United States

_____ Bulk transfer from terminal by unregistered position holder

_____ Bulk transfer not received at an approved terminal

_____ Sale within the bulk transfer/terminal system

_____ Removal at the terminal rack

_____ Removal or sale by the blender

6.____________________

Amount of Federal excise tax paid on account of the removal, entry, or sale

The undersigned taxpayer (the “Taxpayer”) has not received, and will not claim, a credit with respect to, or a refund of, the tax on the taxable fuel to which this form relates.

Under penalties of perjury, the Taxpayer declares that Taxpayer has examined this statement, including any accompanying schedules and statements, and, to the best of Taxpayer's knowledge and belief, they are true, correct and complete.

____________________

Signature and date signed

____________________

Printed or typed name of person signing this report

____________________

Title

(3) Optional reporting for certain taxable events. Paragraph (c)(1) of this section does not apply with respect to a tax imposed under §48.4081–2 (removal at a terminal rack), §48.4081–3(c)(1)(ii) (nonbulk entries into the United States), or §48.4081–3(g) (removals or sales by blenders). However, if the person liable for the tax expects that another tax will be imposed under section 4081 with respect to the taxable fuel, that person should (but is not required to) file a first taxpayer's report.

(4) Information provided to subsequent owners, etc.—(i) By person required to file first taxpayer's report. A first taxpayer required to file a first taxpayer's report under paragraph (c)(1) of this section must give a copy of the report to—

(A) The person to whom the first taxpayer sells (within the meaning of §48.4081–1)) the taxable fuel within the bulk transfer/terminal system; or

(B) The owner of the taxable fuel immediately before the imposition of the first tax, if the first taxpayer is not the owner at that time.

(ii) By person filing optional first taxpayer's report. A first taxpayer filing a first taxpayer's report under paragraph (c)(3) of this section should (but is not required to) give a copy of the report to—

(A) The person to whom the first taxpayer sells the taxable fuel; or

(B) The owner of the taxable fuel immediately before the imposition of the first tax, if the first taxpayer is not the owner at that time.

(iii) By person receiving first taxpayer's report. A person that receives a copy of the first taxpayer's report and subsequently sells (within the meaning of §48.4081–1)) the taxable fuel within the bulk transfer/terminal system must give the copy and a statement that satisfies the requirements of paragraph (c)(4)(iv) of this section to the buyer. A person that receives a copy of the first taxpayer's report and subsequently sells the taxable fuel outside the bulk transfer/terminal system should (but is not required to) give the copy and a statement that satisfies the requirements of paragraph (c)(4)(iv) of this section to the buyer, if that person expects that another tax will be imposed under section 4081 with respect to the taxable fuel.

(iv) Form of statement—(A) In general. A statement satisfies the requirements of this paragraph (c)(4)(iv) if it is provided at the bottom or on the back of the copy of the first taxpayer's report (or in an attached document). This statement must contain all information necessary to complete the model statement provided in paragraph (c)(4)(iv)(B) of this section (or such other model statement as the Commissioner may prescribe) but need not be in the same format.

(B) Model statement describing subsequent sale.

Statement of Subsequent Seller

1.____________________
____________________

Name, address, and employer identification number of seller in subsequent sale

2.____________________
____________________

Name, address, and employer identification number of buyer in subsequent sale

3.____________________

Date and location of subsequent sale

4.____________________

Volume and type of taxable fuel sold

The undersigned seller (the “Seller”) has received the copy of the first taxpayer's report provided with this statement in connection with Seller's purchase of the taxable fuel described in this statement.

Under penalties of perjury, Seller declares that Seller has examined this statement, including any accompanying schedules and statements, and, to the best of Seller's knowledge and belief, they are true, correct and complete.

____________________

Signature and date signed

____________________

Printed or typed name of person signing this statement

____________________

Title

(v) Sale to multiple buyers. If the first taxpayer's report relates to taxable fuel divided among more than one buyer, multiple copies of the first taxpayer's report must be made at the stage that the taxable fuel is divided and each buyer must be given a copy of the report.

(d) Form and content of claim—(1) In general. The following rules apply to claims for refund under section 4081(e):

(i) The claim must be made by the person that paid the second tax to the government and must include all the information described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(ii) The claim must be made on Form 8849 (or such other form as the Commissioner may designate) in accordance with the instructions on the form. The form should be marked Section 4081(e) Claim at the top. Section 4081(e) claims must not be included with a claim for a refund under any other provision of the Internal Revenue Code.

(2) Information to be included in the claim. Each claim for a refund under section 4081(e) must contain the following information with respect to the taxable fuel covered by the claim:

(i) Volume and type of taxable fuel.

(ii) Date on which the claimant incurred the tax liability to which this claim relates (the second tax).

(iii) Amount of second tax that claimant paid to the government and a statement that claimant has not included the amount of this tax in the sales price of the taxable fuel to which this claim relates and has not collected that amount from the person that bought the taxable fuel from claimant.

(iv) Name, address, and employer identification number of the person that paid the first tax to the government.

(v) A copy of the first taxpayer's report that relates to the taxable fuel covered by the claim.

(vi) If the taxable fuel covered by the claim was bought other than from the first taxpayer, a copy of the statement of subsequent seller that the claimant received with respect to that taxable fuel.

(e) Time for filing claim. A claim for refund under section 4081(e) may be filed any time after the claimant has filed the return of the second tax and before the end of the period prescribed by section 6511 for the filing of a claim for a refund.

(f) Examples. The following examples illustrate the provisions of this section.

Example 1.  (i) A is a taxable fuel registrant that owns 10,000 gallons of gasoline, and on April 5, 1996, is transporting the gasoline by barge on a waterway in the United States. That day, A sells the gasoline to B, a person that is not a taxable fuel registrant. A is liable for tax on the sale under §48.4081–3(f). A pays this tax to the government and attaches to its return of the gasoline tax for the 2nd quarter of 1996 the first taxpayer's report described in paragraph (c) of this section. A also gives a copy of this report to B.

(ii) On April 9, 1996, B sells the gasoline to C, a taxable fuel registrant. B also gives C a copy of the first taxpayer's report and the statement of subsequent seller (required under paragraph (c)(4) of this section). On April 14, 1996, the gasoline is removed from a terminal at the rack. C is the position holder of the gasoline at the time of the removal and thus is liable for tax on the removal under §48.4081–2(c)(1). C pays this tax to the government.

(iii) After C has filed a return of the second tax and before the end of the period prescribed by section 6511 for filing a claim for a refund, C files a claim for a refund of the second tax. The claim is in the form prescribed in paragraph (d)(2) of this section. C includes with its claim a copy of the first taxpayer's report and statement of subsequent seller. Because the conditions to allowance of a refund under paragraph (b) of this section have been met, C is allowed a refund of the second tax.

Example 2.  The facts are the same as in Example 1 except that A does not pay the tax to the government. Because the first tax was not paid to the government as required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the conditions to allowance of a refund under paragraph (b) of this section have not been met. Therefore, C is not allowed a refund of the second tax.

(g) Effective date. This section is effective in the case of taxable fuel with respect to which the first tax is imposed after September 30, 1995.

[T.D. 8421, 57 FR 32424, July 22, 1992, as amended by T.D. 8609, 60 FR 40086, Aug. 7, 1995; T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10457, Mar. 14, 1996; T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17157, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.4081-8   Taxable fuel; measurement.
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(a) In general. Volumes of taxable fuel may be measured on the basis of actual volumetric gallons or gallons adjusted to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

(b) Effective date. This section is applicable January 1, 1994.

[66 FR 27597, May 18, 2001]

§ 48.4082-1   Diesel fuel and kerosene; exemption for dyed fuel.
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(a) Exemption. Tax is not imposed by section 4081 on the removal, entry, or sale of any diesel fuel or kerosene if—

(1) The person otherwise liable for tax is a taxable fuel registrant;

(2) In the case of a removal from a terminal, the terminal is an approved terminal; and

(3) The diesel fuel or kerosene satisfies the dyeing and marking requirements of paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section.

(b) Dyeing requirements. Diesel fuel or kerosene satisfies the dyeing requirement of this paragraph (b) only if the diesel fuel or kerosene contains—

(1) The dye Solvent Red 164 (and no other dye) at a concentration spectrally equivalent to at least 3.9 pounds of the solid dye standard Solvent Red 26 per thousand barrels of diesel fuel or kerosene; or

(2) Any dye of a type and in a concentration that has been approved by the Commissioner.

(c) Marking requirements. [Reserved]

(d) [Reserved] For further guidance, see §48.4082–1T(d).

(e) Effective date—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, this section is applicable March 14, 1996.

(2) [Reserved] For further guidance, see §48.4082–1T(e)(2).

[T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10457, Mar. 14, 1996, as amended by T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17157, Mar. 31, 2000; T.D. 9199, 70 FR 21333, Apr. 26, 2005]

§ 48.4082-1T   Diesel fuel and kerosene; exemption for dyed fuel (temporary).
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(a) through (c) [Reserved] For further guidance, see §48.4082–1(a) through (c).

(d) Time and method for adding dye—(1) In general. Except as provided by paragraph (d)(6) of this section, diesel fuel or kerosene satisfies the dyeing requirements of this paragraph (d) only if the dye required by §48.4082–1(b) is combined with the diesel fuel or kerosene by means of a mechanical injection system that is approved by the Commissioner for use at the facility where the dyeing occurs. Application for approval must be made in the form and manner required by the Commissioner. Rules similar to the rules of §48.4101–1(g) apply to the Commissioner's action on the applications.

(2) Mechanical injection system; requirements. The Commissioner will approve a mechanical injection system only if—

(i) The system has features that automatically inject an amount of dye that satisfies the concentration requirements of §48.4082–1(b) into diesel fuel or kerosene as the diesel fuel or kerosene is delivered from the bulk transfer/terminal system into the transport compartment of a truck, trailer, railroad car, or other means of nonbulk transfer;

(ii) The system has calibrated devices that accurately measure and record the amount of dye and the amount of diesel fuel and kerosene that is dispensed for each removal;

(iii) The system has automatic shut-off devices that prevent the removal of more than 100 gallons of undyed diesel fuel or kerosene in the case of a system malfunction;

(iv) The system is secured by either—

(A) Unbroken seals that are issued, installed, and maintained by the terminal operator and secure the measurement devices, shut-off devices, and other access points to the injection system; or

(B) A secured container that controls access to the measurement devices, shut-off devices, and other access points and is secured by an unbroken seal issued, installed, and maintained by the terminal operator;

(v) Each seal securing the system bears a unique identifying number or code and is produced in a manner that provides adequate assurance against duplication; and

(vi) The operator of the facility has written procedures in place for complying with its duty, described in paragraph (d)(4) of this section, to maintain the system's security standards.

(3) Mechanical injection system; basis for approval. In determining whether to approve a mechanical injection system, the Commissioner will take into account the individual circumstances of each facility, including local fire and safety codes, to ensure that the cost of acquiring and maintaining the appropriate levels of security are reasonable for that facility.

(4) Mechanical injection system; duty of the operator of a mechanical injection system to maintain the system's security standards. Each operator of a mechanical injection system must—

(i) Maintain a record for each seal, including its identifying number or code, the location of the seal, the date(s) on which the seal was issued and installed, and the reason for the installation;

(ii) Visually inspect each installed seal not less than once during every 24 hour period to ascertain that each seal and lock mechanism, if applicable, has not been physically altered;

(iii) Check the identifying number or code for each seal against the records maintained by the terminal operator no less frequently than once during each seven day period and record each inspection and verification;

(iv) Promptly notify the Commissioner if inspection of a seal reveals any inconsistency in the records pertaining to that seal, or if the seal has been damaged or removed (other than a removal authorized by the operator for testing or maintenance);

(v) Maintain a record of each seal that has been replaced to include the seal number or code, the date the seal was issued, the location of the seal, the date the seal was replaced, and the reason the seal was replaced;

(vi) Promptly destroy and replace seals that have been removed from the system;

(vii) Restrict access to unused seal inventory to individuals specifically designated by the operator and maintain a record of such individuals;

(viii) Maintain a record of each installation, inspection, and destruction described in this paragraph (d)(4), including the name of the individual who conducts the installation, inspection, or destruction;

(ix) Make available for the Commissioner's immediate inspection the seals and records described in this paragraph (d)(4); and

(x) Promptly notify the Commissioner if, and when, the dye injection system is placed out of service.

(5) Mechanical injection system; revocation or suspension of approval. The Commissioner may revoke or suspend its approval of a dye injection system if the Commissioner determines that the system does not meet the standards of paragraph (d)(2) of this section or if the operator of the system has not complied with the requirements of paragraph (d)(4) of this section.

(6) Sales and entries. For purposes of determining whether tax is imposed by section 4081 on a sale or entry of diesel fuel or kerosene, such fuel satisfies the dyeing requirements of this paragraph (d) only if the dye required by §48.4082–1(b) is combined with the fuel before the sale or entry and the seller or enterer has in its records evidence (such as a certificate from the terminal operator providing the fuel) establishing that the dye was combined with the fuel by means of a mechanical injection system. Thus, for example, diesel fuel or kerosene that is entered into the United States by means of nonbulk transfer (such as a railroad car) does not satisfy the requirements of this paragraph (d) if the required dye and marker are combined with diesel fuel or kerosene after the diesel fuel or kerosene has been entered into the United States.

(7) Cross reference. For the penalty relating to mechanical dye injection systems, see section 6715A.

(e) and (e)(1) [Reserved] For further guidance, see §48.4082–1(e) and (e)(1).

(2) This section is applicable on October 24, 2005.

[T.D. 9199, 70 FR 21333, Apr. 26, 2005]

§ 48.4082-2   Diesel fuel and kerosene; notice required for dyed fuel.
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(a) In general. A legible and conspicuous notice stating “DYED DIESEL FUEL, NONTAXABLE USE ONLY, PENALTY FOR TAXABLE USE” must be posted by a seller on any retail pump or other delivery facility where it sells dyed diesel fuel for use by its buyer. A legible and conspicuous notice stating “DYED KEROSENE, NONTAXABLE USE ONLY, PENALTY FOR TAXABLE USE” must be posted by a seller on any retail pump or other delivery facility where it sells dyed kerosene for use by its buyer. Any seller that fails to post the required notice on any retail pump or other delivery facility where it sells dyed fuel is, for purposes of the penalty imposed by section 6715, presumed to know that the fuel will not be used for a nontaxable use.

(b) Cross reference; terminal operators. For the requirement that terminal operators provide a notice with respect to dyed fuel, see §48.4101–1(h)(3) (relating to terms and conditions of registration for terminal operators).

(c) Effective date. This section is applicable with respect to diesel fuel after December 31, 1993, and with respect to kerosene after June 30, 1998.

[T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17157, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.4082-3   Diesel fuel and kerosene; visual inspection devices. [Reserved]
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§ 48.4082-4   Diesel fuel and kerosene; back-up tax.
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(a) Imposition of tax—(1) In general. Tax is imposed by section 4041 on the delivery into the fuel supply tank of the propulsion engine of a diesel-powered highway vehicle (other than a diesel-powered bus) of—

(i) Any diesel fuel or kerosene on which tax has not been imposed by section 4081;

(ii) Any diesel fuel or kerosene for which a credit or payment has been allowed under section 6427; or

(iii) Any liquid (other than taxable fuel) for use as fuel.

(2) Liability for tax—(i) In general. The operator of the highway vehicle into which the fuel is delivered is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

(ii) Joint and several liability of the seller. The seller of the fuel is jointly and severally liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (a)(1) of this section if the seller knows or has reason to know that the fuel will not be used in a nontaxable use.

(3) Rate of tax. The rate of tax is the rate imposed on diesel fuel by section 4081(a).

(b) Tax on diesel fuel and kerosene; buses and trains—(1) In general. Tax is imposed by section 4041 on the delivery into the fuel supply tank of the propulsion engine of a diesel-powered bus or a diesel-powered train of—

(i) Any diesel fuel or kerosene on which tax has not been imposed by section 4081;

(ii) Any diesel fuel or kerosene for which a credit or payment has been allowed under section 6427; or

(iii) Any liquid (other than taxable fuel) for use as fuel.

(2) Liability for tax—(i) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, the operator of the bus or train into which the fuel is delivered is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

(ii) Special rule for certain train operators. The person that delivers the fuel into the fuel supply tank of a train, rather than the train operator, is liable for the tax imposed under paragraph (b)(1) of this section if, at the time of the delivery—

(A) The deliverer of the fuel and the operator of the train are both registered as train operators under §48.4101–1; and

(B) A written agreement between the deliverer of the fuel and the operator requires the deliverer to pay the tax imposed under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

(3) Rate of tax—(i) Buses—(A) In general. The rate of tax under paragraph (b)(1) of this section is the sum of the rates described in sections 4041(a)(1)(C)(iii)(I) and 4041(d)(1) (the bus rate) if the bus is used to furnish (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public and either such transportation is scheduled and along regular routes or the seating capacity of the bus is at least 20 adults (not including the driver). A bus is available to the general public if the bus is available for hire to more than a limited number of persons, groups, or organizations.

(B) Other uses. The rate of tax under paragraph (b)(1) of this section is the rate of tax imposed on diesel fuel by section 4081(a) if the bus is used for a purpose other than that described in paragraph (b)(3)(i)(A) of this section.

(ii) Trains. The rate of tax under paragraph (b)(1) of this section is the rate prescribed in section 4041 for diesel fuel sold for use in a train (the train rate).

(4) Cross reference. For the registration requirement relating to certain bus and train operators, see §48.4101–1(c)(2).

(c) Exemptions. The taxes imposed under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to a delivery of any liquid for—

(1) Use on a farm for farming purposes as that term and related terms are defined in §48.6420–4 (a) through (g);

(2) The exclusive use of a State;

(3) Use described in section 4041(h) (relating to use in a vehicle owned by an aircraft museum);

(4) Use in a bus while the bus is engaged in the transportation of students and employees of schools (as defined in the last sentence of section 4221(d)(7)(C));

(5) Use in a qualified local bus (as defined in section 6427(b)(2)(D)) while the bus is engaged in furnishing (for compensation) intracity passenger land transportation that is available to the general public and is scheduled and along regular routes;

(6) Use in a highway vehicle that—

(i) Is not registered (and is not required to be registered) for highway use under the laws of any State or foreign country; and

(ii) Is used in the operator's trade or business or in an activity of the operator described in section 212 (relating to the production of income);

(7) The exclusive use of a nonprofit educational organization, as defined in §48.4221–6(b); or

(8) Use in a highway vehicle that is owned by the United States and is not used on the highway.

(d) Effective date. This section is applicable after December 31, 1993, except that references to kerosene are applicable after June 30, 1998.

[T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10458, Mar. 14, 1996, as amended by T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17157, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.4082-5   Diesel fuel and kerosene; Alaska.
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(a) Application. This section applies to diesel fuel or kerosene removed, entered, or sold in Alaska for ultimate sale or use in an exempt area of Alaska.

(b) Definitions.

Exempt area of Alaska means the area of Alaska in which the sulfur content requirements for diesel fuel (see section 211(i) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(i))) do not apply because the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency has granted an exemption under section 211(i)(4) of that Act.

Nontaxable use means a use described in section 4082(b).

Qualified dealer means any person that holds a qualified dealer license from the state of Alaska or has been registered by the district director as a qualified retailer. The district director will register a person as a qualified retailer only if the district director—

(1) Determines that the person, in the course of its trade or business, regularly sells diesel fuel or kerosene for use by its buyer in a nontaxable use; and

(2) Is satisfied with the filing, deposit, payment, and claim history for all federal taxes of the person and any related person.

(c) Tax-free removals and entries. Notwithstanding §48.4082–1, tax is not imposed by section 4081 on the removal or entry of any diesel fuel or kerosene in an exempt area of Alaska if—

(1) The person that would be liable for tax under §48.4081–2 or 48.4081–3 is a taxable fuel registrant and satisfies the requirements of paragraph (e) of this section;

(2) In the case of a removal from a terminal, the terminal is an approved terminal; and

(3) The owner of the diesel fuel or kerosene immediately after the removal or entry holds the fuel for its own use in a nontaxable use or is a qualified dealer.

(d) Sales after removals and entries—(1) In general. Paragraph (c) of this section does not apply with respect to diesel fuel or kerosene that is subsequently sold by a qualified dealer unless—

(i) The fuel is sold in an exempt area of Alaska;

(ii) The buyer purchases the fuel for its own use in a nontaxable use or is a qualified dealer; and

(iii) The seller satisfies the requirements of paragraph (e) of this section.

(2) Tax imposed at time of sale; liability for tax. Notwithstanding §§48.4081–2 and 48.4081–3, in any case in which paragraph (c) of this section does not apply with respect to diesel fuel or kerosene because of a subsequent sale by a qualified dealer, the tax with respect to that fuel is imposed at the time of the subsequent sale and the qualified dealer is liable for the tax.

(3) Rate of tax. For the rate of tax, see section 4081.

(e) Evidence of tax-free transactions. The requirements of section 4082(c)(2) (relating to certification) and this paragraph (e) are satisfied if the person otherwise liable for tax is able to show the district director satisfactory evidence of the exempt nature of the transaction and has no reason to believe that the evidence is false. Satisfactory evidence may include copies of qualified dealer licenses or exemption certificates obtained for state tax purposes.

(f) Registration. With respect to each person that has been registered as a qualified retailer by the district director, the rules of §48.4101–1(g), (h), and (i) apply.

(g) Cross reference. For the tax on previously untaxed diesel fuel or kerosene that is used for a taxable purpose, see §48.4082–4.

(h) Effective date. This section is applicable with respect to diesel fuel removed or entered after December 31, 1996, and with respect to kerosene removed or entered after June 30, 1998. A person registered by the district director as a qualified retailer before April 2, 1998 may be treated, to the extent the district director determines appropriate, as a qualified dealer for the period before that date.

[T.D. 8693, 61 FR 66216, Dec. 17, 1996. Redesignated and amended by T.D. 8748, 63 FR 25, Jan. 2, 1998; T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17157, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.4082-6   Kerosene; exemption for aviation-grade kerosene.
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(a) Overview. This section prescribes the conditions under which tax does not apply to the removal or entry of aviation-grade kerosene that is destined for use as a fuel in an aircraft.

(b) Definition. For purposes of this section, aviation-grade kerosene means kerosene-type jet fuel covered by ASTM specification D 1655 or military specification MIL-DTL-5624T (Grade JP–5) or MIL-DTL-83133E (Grade JP–8). For availability of ASTM and military specifications, see §48.4081–1(d).

(c) Exemption for certain removals and entries. Tax is not imposed under §48.4081–2(b), 48.4081–3(b)(1)(ii), or 48.4081–3(c)(1)(ii) on the removal or entry of aviation-grade kerosene if—

(1) The person otherwise liable for tax is a taxable fuel registrant;

(2) In the case of a removal from a terminal, the terminal is an approved terminal; and

(3)(i) The person otherwise liable for tax delivers the kerosene into the fuel supply tank of an aircraft and this delivery is not in connection with a sale; or

(ii) The kerosene is sold for use as a fuel in an aircraft and, at the time of the sale, the person otherwise liable for tax has an unexpired certificate (described in paragraph (e) of this section) from the buyer and has no reason to believe any information in the certificate is false.

(d) Certain later sales—(1) In general. Paragraph (c) of this section does not apply with respect to kerosene that is sold as described in paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section if there is a later disqualifying sale of the kerosene. A later disqualifying sale is any later sale other than a later sale—

(i) By a person that, at the time of the sale, has an unexpired certificate (described in paragraph (e) of this section) from the buyer and has no reason to believe that any information in the certificate is false; or

(ii) In connection with the delivery of the kerosene into the fuel supply tank of an aircraft.

(2) Imposition of tax; liability for tax. Notwithstanding §§48.4081–2 and 48.4081–3, in any case in which paragraph (d)(1) of this section applies, tax is imposed with respect to that kerosene at the time of the first later disqualifying sale and the seller in that sale is liable for the tax.

(3) Rate of tax. For the rate of tax, see section 4081.

(e) Certificate—(1) In general. The certificate described in this paragraph (e) is a statement by a buyer that is signed under penalties of perjury by a person with authority to bind the buyer, is in substantially the same form as the model certificate provided in paragraph (e)(3) of this section, and contains all information necessary to complete the model certificate. A new certificate or notice that the current certificate is invalid must be given if any information in the current certificate changes. The certificate may be included as part of any business records normally used to document a sale. The certificate expires on the earliest of the following dates:

(i) The date one year after the effective date of the certificate (which may be no earlier than the date it is signed).

(ii) The date the buyer provides the seller a new certificate or notice that the current certificate is invalid.

(iii) The date the Internal Revenue Service or the buyer notifies the seller that the buyer's right to provide a certificate has been withdrawn.

(2) Withdrawal of the right to provide a certificate. The Internal Revenue Service may withdraw the right of a buyer of aviation-grade kerosene to provide a certificate under this section if the buyer uses the aviation-grade kerosene to which a certificate relates other than as a fuel in an aircraft or sells the kerosene without first obtaining a certificate from its buyer. The Internal Revenue Service may notify any seller to whom the buyer has provided a certificate that the buyer's right to provide a certificate has been withdrawn.

(3) Model certificate.

CERTIFICATE OF PERSON BUYING AVIATION-GRADE KEROSENE FOR USE AS A FUEL IN AN AIRCRAFT

(To support tax-free removals and entries of aviation-grade kerosene under section 4082 of the Internal Revenue Code.)

_____(Buyer)  certifies  the  following

Name of Buyer

under penalties of perjury:

The aviation-grade kerosene to which this certificate applies will be used by Buyer as a fuel in an aircraft or resold by Buyer for that use.

This certificate applies to ____ percent of Buyer's purchases from ____________ (name, address, and employer identification number of seller) as follows (complete as applicable):

1. A single purchase on invoice or delivery ticket number ______.

2. All purchases between ______ (effective date) and ______ (expiration date) (period not to exceed one year after the effective date) under account or order number(s) ______. If this certificate applies only to Buyer's purchases for certain locations, check here ____ and list the locations.

____________________
____________________
____________________

Buyer is buying the kerosene for (check either or both as applicable): __ Buyer's use as a fuel in an aircraft. __ Resale for use as a fuel in an aircraft.

Buyer will provide a new certificate to the seller if any information in this certificate changes.

If Buyer sells the aviation-grade kerosene to which this certificate relates and does not deliver it into the fuel supply tank of an aircraft, Buyer will be liable for tax unless Buyer obtains a certificate from its buyer stating that the aviation-grade kerosene will be used as a fuel in an aircraft.

If Buyer violates the terms of this certificate, the Internal Revenue Service may withdraw Buyer's right to provide a certificate.

Buyer has not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that its right to provide a certificate has been withdrawn.

The fraudulent use of this certificate may subject Buyer and all parties making any fraudulent use of this certificate to a fine or imprisonment, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

____________________

Printed or typed name of person signing

____________________

Title of person signing

____________________

Employer identification number

____________________

Address of Buyer

____________________

Signature and date signed

(f) Effective date. This section is applicable after March 30, 2000, except that paragraph (d) of this section is applicable after June 30, 2000.

[T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17158, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.4082-7   Kerosene; exemption for feedstock purposes.
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(a) Overview. This section prescribes the conditions under which tax does not apply to the removal or entry of kerosene for use for a feedstock purpose.

(b) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section:

Feedstock purpose means the use of kerosene for nonfuel purposes in the manufacture or production of any substance other than gasoline, diesel fuel, or special fuels referred to in section 4041. Thus, for example, kerosene is used for a feedstock purpose when it is used as an ingredient in the production of paint and is not used for a feedstock purpose when it is used to power machinery at a factory where paint is produced.

Feedstock user means a person that uses kerosene for a feedstock purpose.

Registered feedstock user means a feedstock user that is—

(1) Registered under section 4101 as a feedstock user; or

(2) With respect to removals and entries before October 1, 2000, a taxable fuel registrant.

(c) Exemption for removals and entries. Tax is not imposed on the removal or entry of kerosene if—

(1) The person otherwise liable for tax is a taxable fuel registrant;

(2) In the case of a removal from a terminal, the terminal is an approved terminal; and

(3)(i) The person otherwise liable for tax uses the kerosene for a feedstock purpose; or

(ii) The kerosene is sold for use by the buyer for a feedstock purpose and, at the time of the sale, the person otherwise liable for tax has an unexpired certificate (described in paragraph (e) of this section) from the buyer and has no reason to believe any information in the certificate is false.

(d) Later sale—(1) In general. Paragraph (c) of this section does not apply with respect to kerosene that is sold as described in paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section if the buyer in that sale (the certifying buyer) sells the kerosene.

(2) Imposition of tax; liability for tax. Notwithstanding §§48.4081–2 and 48.4081–3, in any case in which paragraph (d)(1) of this section applies, tax with respect to that kerosene is imposed at the time of the sale by the certifying buyer and the certifying buyer is liable for the tax.

(3) Rate of tax. For the rate of tax, see section 4081.

(e) Certificate—(1) In general. The certificate described in this paragraph (e) is a statement by a buyer that is signed under penalties of perjury by a person with authority to bind the buyer, is in substantially the same form as the model certificate provided in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, and contains all information necessary to complete the model certificate. A new certificate or notice that the current certificate is invalid must be given if any information in the current certificate changes. The certificate may be included as part of any business records normally used to document a sale. The certificate expires on the earliest of the following dates:

(i) The date one year after the effective date of the certificate (which may be no earlier than the date it is signed).

(ii) The date the buyer provides the seller a new certificate or notice that the current certificate is invalid.

(iii) The date the seller is notified by the Internal Revenue Service or the buyer that the buyer's registration has been revoked or suspended.

(2) Model certificate.

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTERED FEEDSTOCK USER

(To support tax-free removals and entries of kerosene under section 4082 of the Internal Revenue Code.)

_____(Buyer)  certifies  the  following

Name of Buyer

under penalties of perjury:

Buyer is a registered feedstock user with registration number ____. Buyer's registration has not been revoked or suspended.

The kerosene to which this certificate applies will be used by Buyer for a feedstock purpose.

This certificate applies to ____ percent of Buyer's purchases from ____________ (name, address, and employer identification number of seller as follows (complete as applicable):

1. A single purchase on invoice or delivery ticket number ______.

2. All purchases between ______ (effective date) and ______ (expiration date) (period not to exceed one year after the effective date) under account or order number(s) ______. If this certificate applies only to Buyer's purchases for certain locations, check here ____ and list the locations.

____________________
____________________
____________________

If Buyer sells the kerosene to which this certificate relates, Buyer will be liable for tax on that sale.

Buyer will provide a new certificate to the seller if any information in this certificate changes.

If Buyer violates the terms of this certificate, the Internal Revenue Service may revoke Buyer's registration.

Buyer understands that the fraudulent use of this certificate may subject Buyer and all parties making any fraudulent use of this certificate to a fine or imprisonment, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

____________________

Printed or typed name of person signing

____________________

Title of person signing

____________________

Employer identification number

____________________

Address of Buyer

____________________

Signature and date signed

____________________

(f) Effective date. This section is applicable after March 30, 2000, except that paragraph (d) of this section is applicable after June 30, 2000.

[T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17158, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.4083-1   Taxable fuel; administrative authority.
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(a) In general—(1) Authority to inspect. Officers or employees of the IRS designated by the Commissioner, upon presenting appropriate credentials and a written notice to the owner, operator, or agent in charge, are authorized to enter any place and to conduct inspections in accordance with paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section.

(2) Reasonableness. Inspections will be performed in a reasonable manner and at times that are reasonable under the circumstances, taking into consideration the normal business hours of the place to be entered.

(b) Place of inspection—(1) In general. Inspections may be at any place at which taxable fuel is (or may be) produced or stored or at any inspection site where evidence of activities described in section 6715(a) may be discovered. These places may include, but are not limited to—

(i) Any terminal;

(ii) Any fuel storage facility that is not a terminal;

(iii) Any retail fuel facility; or

(iv) Any designated inspection site.

(2) Designated inspection sites. A designated inspection site is any State highway inspection station, weigh station, agricultural inspection station, mobile station, or other location designated by the Commissioner to be used as a fuel inspection site. A designated inspection site will be identified as a fuel inspection site.

(c) Scope of inspection—(1) Inspection. Officers or employees may physically inspect, examine or otherwise search any tank, reservoir, or other container that can or may be used for the production, storage, or transportation of fuel, fuel dyes, or fuel markers. Inspection may also be made of any equipment used for, or in connection with, production, storage, or transportation of fuel, fuel dyes, or fuel markers. This includes any equipment used for the dyeing or marking of fuel. This also includes books and records, if any, that are maintained at the place of inspection and are kept to determine excise tax liability under section 4081.

(2) Detainment. Officers or employees may detain any vehicle or train for the purpose of inspecting its fuel tanks and storage tanks. Detainment will be either on the premises under inspection or at a designated inspection site. Detainment may continue for such reasonable period of time as is necessary to determine the amount and composition of the fuel.

(3) Removal of samples. Officers or employees may take and remove samples of fuel in such quantities as are reasonably necessary to determine the composition of the fuel.

(d) Refusal to submit to inspection. For the penalty for any refusal to permit an entry or inspection authorized by this section, see section 4083(c)(3). This penalty is in addition to any tax that may be imposed by section 4041 or 4081 and any penalty that may be imposed by section 6715.

(e) Effective date. This section is effective January 1, 1994.

[T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10458, Mar. 14, 1996, as amended by T.D. 8685, 61 FR 58007, Nov. 12, 1996; T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17159, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.4091-3   Aviation fuel; conditions to allowance of refunds of aviation fuel tax under section 4091(d).
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(a) Overview. This section provides the conditions under which a refund of tax imposed by section 4091 is allowable with respect to taxed aviation fuel that is held by a registered aviation fuel producer. No credit against any tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Code is allowed under section 4091(d).

(b) Conditions to allowance of refund. A claim for refund of tax imposed by section 4091 with respect to aviation fuel is allowed under section 4091(d) and this section only if—

(1) A tax imposed by section 4091 with respect to the aviation fuel was paid to the government by an importer or producer (the first producer) and the tax has not been otherwise credited or refunded;

(2) After imposition of the tax, the aviation fuel is acquired by a person that is a registered aviation fuel producer (the second producer);

(3) The second producer has filed a timely claim for refund that contains the information required under paragraph (d) of this section; and

(4) The first producer and any person that owns the fuel after its sale by the first producer and before its purchase by the second producer (a subsequent seller) have met the reporting requirements of paragraph (c) of this section.

(c) Reporting requirements—(1) In general. The reporting requirements of this paragraph (c)(1) are met if the first producer files a report (the first producer's report) that—

(i) Is in substantially the same form as the model report provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section (or such other model report as the Commissioner may prescribe);

(ii) Contains all information necessary to complete such model report; and

(iii) Is filed at the time and in the manner prescribed by the Commissioner.

(2) Model first producer's report.

First Producer's Report

____________________
____________________

First Producer's name, address, and employer identification number

____________________
____________________

Buyer's name, address, and employer identification number

____________________

Date and location of taxable sale

____________________

Volume and type of aviation fuel sold

____________________

Amount of federal excise tax paid on account of the sale

Under penalties of perjury, First Producer declares that First Producer has examined this statement, including any accompanying schedules and statements, and, to the best of First Producer's knowledge and belief, it is true, correct and complete.

____________________

Printed or typed name of the person signing

____________________

Title of person signing

____________________

Signature and date signed

(3) Information provided to buyers. The reporting requirements of this paragraph (c)(3) are met if a first producer that filed a first producer's report under paragraph (c)(1) of this section gives a copy of the report to the person to whom the first producer sells the aviation fuel.

(4) Statement of subsequent seller—(i) In general. The reporting requirements of this paragraph (c)(4) are met if—

(ii)(A) Each subsequent seller gives to its buyer a copy of a statement that provides all information (whether or not in the same format) necessary to complete the model statement prescribed in paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of this section (or such other model statement as the Commissioner may prescribe); and

(B) The statement is provided at the bottom or on the back of the copy of the first producer's report (or in an attached document).

(iii) Model statement describing subsequent sale.

Statement of Subsequent Seller (Aviation Fuel)

____________________
____________________

Name, address, and employer identification number of seller in subsequent sale

____________________
____________________

Name, address, and employer identification number of buyer in subsequent sale

____________________

Date and location of subsequent sale

____________________

Volume and type of aviation fuel sold

The undersigned seller (the Seller) has received the copy of the first producer's report provided with this statement in connection with Seller's purchase of the aviation fuel described in this statement.

Under penalties of perjury, Seller declares that Seller has examined this statement, including any accompanying schedules and statements, and, to the best of Seller's knowledge and belief, it is true, correct and complete.

____________________

Printed or typed name of person signing

____________________

Title of person signing

____________________

Signature and date signed

(5) Sale to multiple buyers. If a first producer's report relates to aviation fuel that is divided among more than one buyer, multiple copies of the first producer's report should be made at the stage that the aviation fuel is divided and a copy given to each buyer. The reporting requirements of this paragraph (c) will be met only with respect to the fuel purchased by buyers that are given a copy of the report including any statement required under paragraph (c)(4) of this section.

(d) Form and content of claim—(1) In general. The following rules apply to claims for refund under section 4091(d):

(i) The claim must be made by the second producer and must include all the information described in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(ii) The claim must be made on Form 8849 (or such other form as the Commissioner may designate) in accordance with the instructions on the form. The form should be marked Section 4091(d) Claim at the top. Section 4091(d) claims must not be included with a claim for a refund under any other provision of the Internal Revenue Code.

(2) Information to be included in the claim. Each claim for a refund under section 4091(d) must contain the following information with respect to the aviation fuel covered by the claim:

(i) Volume and type of aviation fuel.

(ii) Date on which the second producer acquired the aviation fuel to which the claim relates.

(iii) Amount of tax that the first producer paid to the government and a statement that the second producer has not included the amount of that tax in the sales price of the aviation fuel to which the claim relates and has not collected that amount from the person that bought the aviation fuel from the second producer, if any.

(iv) Name, address, and employer identification number of the first producer that paid the tax to the government.

(v) A copy of the first producer's report that relates to the aviation fuel covered by the claim.

(vi) A copy of any statement of a subsequent seller that the second producer received with respect to that aviation fuel.

(e) Time for filing claim. A claim for refund under section 4091(d) may be filed any time after the first producer has filed the return of the tax to which the claim relates and before the end of the period prescribed by section 6511 for the filing of a claim for refund of that tax.

(f) Effective date. This section is applicable with respect to refunds of tax imposed by section 4091 after December 31, 1998.

[T.D. 8774, 63 FR 35802, July 1, 1998. Redesignated by T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17159, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.4101-1   Taxable fuel; registration.
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(a) In general. (1) This section provides rules relating to registration under section 4101 for purposes of the federal excise tax on taxable fuel imposed by sections 4041(a)(1) and 4081 and the credit or payment allowed to certain ultimate vendors of diesel fuel and kerosene under section 6427.

(2) A person is registered under section 4101 only if the district director has issued a registration letter to the person and the registration has not been revoked or suspended. However, the United States is treated as registered under section 4101.

(3) A refiner that is registered under section 4101 may, with respect to the bulk removal of any batch of gasohol from its refinery, treat itself as a person that is not registered. See §48.4081–3(b)(1)(iii).

(4) Each business unit that has, or is required to have, a separate employer identification number is treated as a separate person. Thus, two business units (for example, a parent corporation and a subsidiary corporation, or a proprietorship and a related partnership), each of which has a different employer identification number, are two persons.

(5) A registration in effect on December 31, 1993, with respect to the tax on gasoline or diesel fuel is subject to the district director's review, and to revocation or suspension, under the standards set forth in this section, but remains in effect until the earlier of—

(i) The effective date of a registration issued under paragraph (g)(3) of this section; or

(ii) The effective date of the revocation or suspension of the registration under paragraph (i) of this section.

(6)(i) A person is treated as a taxable fuel registrant if on June 30, 1998, the person—

(A) Is an enterer, refiner, terminal operator, or throughputter with respect to kerosene and is registered under section 4101 as a producer or importer of aviation fuel;

(B) Operates one or more terminals that store kerosene (and no other type of taxable fuel); or

(C) Is a commercial airline, an operator of aircraft in noncommercial aviation, or a fixed base operator and is also a position holder with respect to kerosene.

(ii) A person treated as registered under paragraph (a)(6)(i) of this section is treated as registered from July 1, 1998, until the earlier of—

(A) The date of a subsequent denial of an application for registration under paragraph (g)(2) of this section;

(B) The effective date of a subsequent registration issued under paragraph (g)(3) of this section;

(C) The effective date of a subsequent revocation or suspension of registration under paragraph (i) of this section; or

(D) July 1, 1999.

(b) Definitions—(1) Applicant. An applicant is a person that has applied for registration under paragraph (e) of this section.

(2) Bonded registrant. A bonded registrant is a person that has given a bond to the district director under paragraph (j) of this section as a condition of registration.

(3) Gasohol bonding amount. The gasohol bonding amount is the product of—

(i) The rate of tax applicable to later separation, as described in §48.4081–6(f)(1)(iii); and

(ii) The total number of gallons of gasoline expected to be bought at the gasohol production tax rate by the gasohol blender during a representative 6-month period (as determined by the district director).

(4) Penalized for a wrongful act. A person has been penalized for a wrongful act if the person has—

(i) Been assessed any penalty under chapter 68 of the Internal Revenue Code (or similar provision of the law of any State) for fraudulently failing to file any return or pay any tax, and the penalty has not been wholly abated, refunded, or credited;

(ii) Been assessed any penalty under chapter 68 of the Internal Revenue Code, such penalty has not been wholly abated, refunded, or credited, and the district director determines that the conduct resulting in the penalty is part of a consistent pattern of failing to deposit, pay, or pay over a substantial amount of tax;

(iii) Been convicted of a crime under chapter 75 of the Internal Revenue Code (or similar provision of the law of any State), or of conspiracy to commit such a crime, and the conviction has not been wholly reversed by a court of competent jurisdiction;

(iv) Been convicted, under the laws of the United States or any State, of a felony for which an element of the offense is theft, fraud, or the making of false statements, and the conviction has not been wholly reversed by a court of competent jurisdiction;

(v) Been assessed any tax under section 4103 and the tax has not been wholly abated, refunded, or credited; or

(vi) Had its registration under section 4101 or 4222 revoked.

(5) Related person. A related person is a person that—

(i) Directly or indirectly exercises control over an activity of the applicant if the activity is described in paragraph (c)(1) or (d) of this section;

(ii) Owns, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of the applicant;

(iii) Is under a duty to assure the payment of a tax for which the applicant is responsible;

(iv) Is a member, with the applicant, of a group of organizations (as defined in §1.52–1(b) of this chapter) that would be treated as a group of trades or businesses under common control for purposes of §1.52–1 of this chapter; or

(v) Distributed or transferred assets to the applicant in a transaction in which the applicant's basis in the assets is determined by reference to the basis of the assets in the hands of the distributor or transferor.

(6) Registrant. A registrant is a person that the district director has, in accordance with paragraph (g)(3) of this section, registered under section 4101 and whose registration has not been revoked or suspended.

(7) Pipeline operator. A pipeline operator is any person that operates a pipeline within the bulk transfer/terminal system.

(8) Vessel operator. A vessel operator is any person that operates a vessel within the bulk transfer/terminal system. However, for purposes of this definition, vessel does not include a deep draft ocean-going vessel (as defined in §48.4042–3(a)).

(9) Other definitions. For other definitions relating to taxable fuel, see §§48.4081–1, 48.4081–6(b), 48.4082–5(b), 48.4082–6(b), 48.4082–7(b), 48.6427–9(b), 48.6427–10(b), and 48.6427–11(b).

(c) Persons required to be registered—(1) In general. A person is required to be registered under section 4101 if the person is—

(i) A blender;

(ii) An enterer;

(iii) A pipeline operator;

(iv) A position holder;

(v) A refiner;

(vi) A terminal operator; or

(vii) A vessel operator.

(2) Bus and train operators. Every operator of a bus or train is required to be registered under section 4101 at any time it incurs any liability for tax under section 4041 at the bus rate (as described in §48.4082–4(b)(3)(i)) or the train rate (as described in §48.4082–4(b)(3)(ii)).

(3) Consequences of failing to register. For the criminal penalty imposed for failure to register, see section 7232. For the civil penalty imposed for failure to register, see section 7272.

(d) Persons that may, but are not required to, be registered. A person may, but is not required to, be registered under section 4101 if the person is—

(1) A feedstock user;

(2) A gasohol blender;

(3) An industrial user;

(4) A throughputter that is not a position holder;

(5) An ultimate vendor; or

(6) An ultimate vendor (blocked pump).

(e) Application instructions. Application for registration under section 4101 must be made in accordance with the instructions for Form 637 (or such other form as the Commissioner may designate).

(f) Registration tests—(1) In general—(i) Persons other than ultimate vendors, pipeline operators, and vessel operators. Except as provided in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this section, the district director will register an applicant only if the district director determines that the applicant meets the following three tests (collectively, the registration tests):

(A) The activity test of paragraph (f)(2) of this section.

(B) The acceptable risk test of paragraph (f)(3) of this section.

(C) The adequate security test of paragraph (f)(4) of this section.

(ii) Ultimate vendors, pipeline operators, and vessel operators. The district director will register an applicant as an ultimate vendor, ultimate vendor (blocked pump), pipeline operator, or vessel operator only if the district director—

(A) Determines that the applicant meets the activity test of paragraph (f)(2) of this section; and

(B) Is satisfied with the filing, deposit, payment, and claim history for all federal taxes of the applicant and any related person.

(2) The activity test. An applicant meets the activity test of this paragraph (f)(2) only if the district director determines that the applicant—

(i) Is, in the course of its trade or business, regularly engaged as an operator of a bus or train or in the characteristic activity of a person described in paragraph (c)(1) or (d) of this section; or

(ii) Is likely to be (because of such factors as the applicant's business experience, financial standing, or trade connections), in the course of its trade or business, regularly engaged as an operator of a bus or train or in the characteristic activity of a person described in paragraph (c)(1) or (d) of this section within a reasonable time after becoming registered under section 4101.

(3) Acceptable risk test—(i) In general. An applicant meets the acceptable risk test of this paragraph (f)(3) only if—

(A) Neither the applicant nor a related person has been penalized for a wrongful act; or

(B) Even though the applicant or a related person has been penalized for a wrongful act, the district director determines, after review of evidence offered by the applicant, that the registration of the applicant does not create a significant risk of nonpayment or late payment of the tax imposed by sections 4041(a)(1) and 4081.

(ii) Significant risk of nonpayment or late payment of tax. In making the determination described in paragraph (f)(3)(i)(B) of this section, the district director may consider factors such as the following:

(A) The time elapsed since the applicant or related person was penalized for a wrongful act.

(B) The present relationship between the applicant and any related person that was penalized for any wrongful act.

(C) The degree of rehabilitation of the person penalized for any wrongful act.

(D) The amount of bond given by the applicant. In this regard, the district director may accept a bond under paragraph (j) of this section, without regard to the limits on the amount of the bond set by paragraph (j)(2) of this section.

(4) Adequate security test—(i) In general. An applicant meets the adequate security test of this paragraph (f)(4) only if the district director determines that the applicant has both adequate financial resources and a satisfactory tax history, or the applicant gives the district director a bond (under the provisions of paragraph (j) of this section).

(ii) Adequate financial resources—(A) In general. An applicant has adequate financial resources only if the district director determines that the applicant is financially capable of paying—

(1) Its expected tax liability under sections 4041(a)(1) and 4081 for a representative 6-month period (as determined by the district director);

(2) In the case of a terminal operator, the expected tax liability under section 4081 of persons other than the terminal operator with respect to taxable fuel removed at the racks of its terminals during a representative 1-month period (as determined by the district director); and

(3) In the case of a gasohol blender, the gasohol bonding amount.

(B) Basis for determination. The determination under this paragraph (f)(4)(ii) must be based on financial information such as the applicant's income statement, balance sheet or bond ratings, or other information related to the applicant's financial status.

(iii) Satisfactory tax history. An applicant has a satisfactory tax history only if the district director is satisfied with the filing, deposit, and payment history for all federal taxes of the applicant and any related person.

(g) Action on the application by the district director—(1) Review of application. The district director may investigate the accuracy and completeness of any representations made by an applicant, request any additional relevant information from the applicant, and inspect the applicant's premises during normal business hours without advance notice.

(2) Denial. If the district director determines that an applicant does not meet all of the applicable registration tests described in paragraph (f) of this section, the district director must notify the applicant, in writing, that its application for registration is denied and state the basis for the denial.

(3) Approval. If the district director determines that an applicant meets all of the applicable registration tests described in paragraph (f) of this section, the district director must register the applicant under section 4101 and issue the applicant a letter of registration containing the effective date of the registration. The effective date of the registration must be no earlier than the date on which the district director signs the letter of registration. A copy of an application for registration (Form 637) is not a letter of registration.

(h) Terms and conditions of registration—(1) Affirmative duties. Each registrant must—

(i) Make deposits, file returns, and pay taxes required by the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations;

(ii) Keep records sufficient to show the registrant's tax liability under sections 4041(a)(1) and 4081 and payments or deposits of such liability;

(iii) Make all information reports required under section 4101(d);

(iv) Make available for inspection on demand by the Internal Revenue Service during normal business hours records relevant to a determination of tax liability under sections 4041(a)(1) and 4081; and

(v) Notify the district director of any change (such as a change in ownership) in the information the registrant submitted in connection with its application for registration, or previously submitted under this paragraph (h)(1)(v), within 10 days after the change occurs.

(2) Prohibited actions. A registrant may not—

(i) Sell, lease or otherwise allow another person to use its registration;

(ii) Make any false statement to the district director in connection with a submission under paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(3) of this section;

(iii) Make any false statement on, or violate the terms of, any certificate given to another person to support an exemption from, or a reduced rate of, the tax imposed by section 4081; or

(iv) In the case of an ultimate vendor (blocked pump), deliver kerosene (or allow kerosene to be delivered) into the fuel supply tank of a diesel-powered highway vehicle or diesel-powered train from a blocked pump.

(3) Additional terms and conditions for terminal operators—(i) Notice required with respect to dyed diesel fuel and dyed kerosene. A legible and conspicuous notice stating “DYED DIESEL FUEL, NONTAXABLE USE ONLY, PENALTY FOR TAXABLE USE” must be provided by each terminal operator to any person that receives dyed diesel fuel at a terminal rack of that operator. A legible and conspicuous notice stating “DYED KEROSENE, NONTAXABLE USE ONLY, PENALTY FOR TAXABLE USE” must be provided by each terminal operator to any person that receives dyed kerosene at a terminal rack of that operator. These notices must be provided by the time of the removal and must appear on all shipping papers, bills of lading, and similar documents that are provided by the terminal operator to accompany the removal of the fuel.

(ii) Records to be maintained relating to removals of diesel fuel or kerosene. Each terminal operator must keep the following information with respect to each rack removal of diesel fuel or kerosene at each terminal it operates:

(A) The bill of lading or other shipping document.

(B) The record of whether the fuel was dyed and marked in accordance with §48.4082–1.

(C) The volume and date of the removal.

(D) The identity of the person, such as a common carrier, that physically received the fuel.

(E) Any other information required by the Commissioner.

(iii) Records to be maintained relating to dye. With respect to each of its terminals, a terminal operator must keep records relating to dye inventories and usage.

(iv) [Reserved] For further guidance, see §48.4101–1T(h)(3)(iv).

(v) Prohibition on providing incorrect information. In connection with the removal of diesel fuel or kerosene that is not dyed and marked in accordance with §48.4082–1, a terminal operator may not provide any person (including the position holder with respect to the fuel) with any bill of lading, shipping paper, or similar document indicating that the diesel fuel or kerosene is dyed and marked in accordance with §48.4082–1.

(i) Adverse actions by the district director against a registrant—(1) Mandatory revocation or suspension. The district director must revoke or suspend the registration of any registrant if the district director determines that the registrant, at any time—

(i) Does not meet one or more of the applicable registration tests under paragraph (f) of this section and has not corrected the deficiency within a reasonable period of time after notification by the district director;

(ii) Has used its registration to evade, or attempt to evade, the payment of any tax imposed by section 4041(a)(1) or 4081, or to postpone or in any manner to interfere with the collection of any such tax, or to make a fraudulent claim for a credit or payment;

(iii) Has aided or abetted another person in evading, or attempting to evade, payment of any tax imposed by section 4041(a)(1) or 4081, or in making a fraudulent claim for a credit or payment; or

(iv) Has sold, leased, or otherwise allowed another person to use its registration.

(2) Remedial action permitted in other cases. If the district director determines that a registrant has, at any time, failed to comply with the terms and conditions of registration under paragraph (h) of this section, made a false statement to the district director in connection with its application for registration or retention of registration, or otherwise used its registration in a manner that creates a significant risk of nonpayment or late payment of tax, then the district director may—

(i) Revoke or suspend the registrant's registration;

(ii) In the case of a registrant other than an ultimate vendor or an ultimate vendor (blocked pump), require the registrant to give a bond under the provisions of paragraph (j) of this section as a condition of retaining its registration; and

(iii) In the case of a registrant other than an ultimate vendor or an ultimate vendor (blocked pump), require the registrant to file monthly or semimonthly returns under §40.6011(a)–1(b) of this chapter as a condition of retaining its registration.

(3) Action by the district director to revoke or suspend a registration. If the district director revokes or suspends a registration, the district director must so notify the registrant in writing and state the basis for the revocation or suspension. The effective date of the revocation or suspension may not be earlier than the date on which the district director notifies the registrant.

(j) Bonds—(1) Form. Each bond given to the district director as a condition of registration under paragraph (f)(4)(i) or (i)(2)(ii) of this section must be executed in the form prescribed by the district director. Each bond must be—

(i) A public debt obligation of the United States Government;

(ii) An obligation the principal and interest of which are unconditionally guaranteed by the United States Government;

(iii) A bond executed by a surety company listed in Department of the Treasury Circular 570 as an acceptable surety or reinsurer of federal bonds (a surety bond); or

(iv) Any other bond with security (including liens under section 4101(b)(1)(B)) considered acceptable by the district director.

(2) Amount of bond. A bond given under this paragraph (j) must be in an amount that the district director determines will ensure timely collection of the taxes imposed by sections 4041(a)(1) and 4081, taking into account the applicant's financial capabilities, tax history, and expected liability under sections 4041(a)(1) and 4081. The district director may increase or decrease the amount of the required bond to take into account changes in the applicant's financial capabilities, tax history, and expected liability under sections 4041(a)(1) and 4081. However, in no case may the amount of the bond be greater than the amount that the district director determines is equal to—

(i) The applicant's expected tax liability under sections 4041(a)(1) and 4081 for a representative 6-month period (as determined by the district director);

(ii) In the case of a terminal operator, the expected tax liability of persons other than the terminal operator under section 4081 with respect to taxable fuel removed at the racks of its terminals (determined as if all removals of taxable fuel were taxable) during a representative 1-month period (as determined by the district director); and

(iii) In the case of a gasohol blender, the gasohol bonding amount.

(3) Collection of taxes from a bond. If a bonded registrant does not pay the amount of tax it incurs under section 4041(a)(1) or 4081 by the time prescribed in section 6151 for paying that tax, the district director may collect the amount of the unpaid tax (including penalties and interest with respect to that tax) from the bonded registrant's bond.

(4) Termination of bonds—(i) Surety bonds. A surety on a bond may give written notice to the district director and the bonded registrant that the surety desires to be relieved of liability under the bond after a certain date, which date must be at least 60 days after the receipt of the notice by the district director. The surety will be relieved of any liability that the bonded registrant incurs after the date named in the notice. However, the surety remains liable for the amount of tax that the bonded registrant incurred under sections 4041(a)(1) and 4081 during the term of the bond and for penalties and interest with respect to that tax.

(ii) Other bonds. A bond (other than a surety bond) given to the district director may be returned to the bonded registrant only after the earlier of—

(A) The district director's determination that the bonded registrant has paid all taxes that the bonded registrant incurred under sections 4041(a)(1) and 4081 during the period covered by the bond and any penalties and interest with respect to the taxes;

(B) The expiration of the period for assessment of the taxes that the bonded registrant incurred under sections 4041(a)(1) and 4081 taxes during the period covered by the bond, as determined under the provisions of subchapter A of chapter 66 of the Internal Revenue Code; or

(C) The date that the district director receives from the registrant a substitute bond given under this paragraph (j).

(5) Determination that bond is no longer required. If the district director determines that the bonded registrant meets the adequate security test of paragraph (f)(4) of this section without a bond, the registrant is to be released from the obligation to give a bond as a condition of registration under section 4101.

(k) Cross references. For a rule relating to the filing of monthly and semimonthly returns by certain persons that are registered under section 4101, see §40.6011(a)–1(b)(2) of this chapter. For rules relating to the tax on taxable fuel, see §§48.4081–1 through 48.4083–1. For rules relating to claims by registered ultimate vendors, see §48.6427–9. For rules relating to claims by registered ultimate vendors (blocked pump), see §48.6427–10.

(l) Effective dates. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph (l), this section is applicable as of January 1, 1994.

(2) Paragraph (c)(1) of this section (relating to persons required to be registered) is applicable as of January 1, 1995, except that paragraphs (c)(1)(iii) and (c)(1)(vii) of this section are applicable after March 31, 2001.

(3) Paragraph (h)(3)(iii) of this section (relating to certain recordkeeping requirements) is applicable as of July 1, 1996.

(4) References in this section to kerosene are applicable after June 30, 1998.

[T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10459, Mar. 14, 1996; 61 FR 28053, June 4, 1996, as amended by T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17159, Mar. 31, 2000; 65 FR 26488, May 8, 2000; T.D. 9199, 70 FR 21334, Apr. 26, 2005]

§ 48.4101-1T   Taxable fuel; registration (temporary).
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(a) through (h)(3)(iii) [Reserved] For further guidance, see §48.4101–1(a) through (h)(3)(iii).

(iv) Retention of information. In addition to any other requirement relating to the retention of records, the terminal operator must—

(A) Maintain the information described in §48.4101–1(h)(3)(ii) at the terminal from which the removal occurred for at least 3 months after the removal to which it relates in the case of information relating to removals before January 1, 2006, and at least 12 months after the removal to which it relates in the case of information relating to removals after December 31, 2005; and

(B) Maintain the information described in §48.4101–1(h)(3)(iii) at the terminal where the dye was received for at least 3 months after the receipt in the case of receipts before January 1, 2006, and at least 12 months after the receipt in the case of receipts after December 31, 2005.

(h)(3)(v) through (l) [Reserved] For further guidance see §48.4101–1(h)(3)(v) through (l).

[T.D. 9199, 70 FR 21334, Apr. 26, 2005]

§ 48.4101-2   Information reporting.
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(a) In general. Each information report under section 4101(d) must be—

(1) Made in the form required by the Commissioner;

(2) Made for a period of one calendar month; and

(3) Filed by the last day of the first month following the month for which the report is made, except that a report relating to any month during 2000 must be filed by February 28, 2001.

(b) Effective date. This section is applicable after March 30, 2000.

[T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17160, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.4102-1   Inspection of records by State or local tax officers.
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(a) Inspection of records maintained by taxpayer. The records that a taxpayer is required to keep with respect to the taxes imposed by section 4081 or 4091 must be open to inspection by any officer of any State or political subdivision thereof, or of the District of Columbia, who is charged with the enforcement or collection of any tax on taxable fuel or aviation fuel.

(b) Inspection of records maintained by Internal Revenue Service—(1) In general. The records maintained by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the taxes imposed by sections 4081 and 4091 shall, upon the request of an officer (described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section) of a State or political subdivision thereof, or of the District of Columbia, be open to inspection by the officer for purposes of collection or enforcement.

(2) Requests for inspection. Requests for inspection under this paragraph shall be made in writing, signed by any officer of a State, political subdivision, or the District of Columbia, who is charged with the enforcement or collection of any tax on taxable fuel or aviation fuel imposed by the State, political subdivision, or the District of Columbia, and shall be addressed to the director of the Internal Revenue Service Center having custody of the records which it is desired to inspect. Each such request shall state (i) the kind of records (whether pertaining to taxable fuel or aviation fuel) it is desired to inspect, (ii) the period or periods covered by the records involved, (iii) the name of the officer by whom the inspection is to be made, (iv) the name of the representative of the officer who has been designated to make the inspection, (v) by specific reference, the law of the State, political subdivision, or the District of Columbia imposing the tax which the officer is charged with collecting or enforcing, and the law under which the officer is so charged, and (vi) the purpose for which the inspection is to be made. The service center director will notify the person making the request upon approval or disapproval of the request.

(3) Time and place for inspection. In any case where a request for inspection under this paragraph (b) is approved, the inspection shall be made in the office of the service center director having custody of the records which it is desired to inspect, but only in the presence of an internal revenue officer or employee and during the regular hours of business of the office.

[T.D. 7908, 48 FR 40222, Sept. 6, 1983, as amended by T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10462, Mar. 14, 1996]

Subpart I—Coal
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§ 48.4121-1   Imposition and rate of tax on coal.
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(a) Imposition of tax—(1) In general. Section 4121(a) imposes a tax on coal mined at any time in this country if the coal is sold or used by the producer after March 31, 1978 (see section 4218 and the regulations under that section for rules relating to the use of coal being treated as a sale of coal). For purposes of this section, the term “producer” means the person in whom is vested ownership of the coal under state law immediately after the coal is severed from the ground, without regard to the existence of any contractual arrangement for the sale or other disposition of the coal or the payment of any royalties between the producer and third parties. The term includes any person who extracts coal from coal waste refuse piles or from the silt waste product which results from the wet washing (or similarly processing) of coal. However, the excise tax does not apply to a producer who sells the silt waste product without extracting the coal from it, or to the producer who uses the silt waste product without extracting the coal from it. Furthermore, the excise tax does not apply to the sale or use of the silt waste product after any coal has been extracted from it.

(2) Examples. Paragraph (a)(1) of this section may be illustrated by the following examples:

Example (1).  A, a limited partnership, is the owner of land on which a coal mine is located. A contracts with XYZ Company to extract the coal for a set price per ton. XYZ Company is an independent contractor and has no ownership interest in the coal mined. Under state law, A is the owner of the coal immediately after severance. After XYZ extracts the coal from the mine, A sells the coal. A is the producer of the coal and is responsible for the payment of the excise tax.

Example (2).  A, a limited partnership, is the owner of land on which a coal mine is located. A leases the land to XYZ Company, and XYZ Company extracts coal from the mine and sells it. Under state law, XYZ is the owner of the coal immediately after the coal is severed from the ground. XYZ Company is the producer and must pay the excise tax. This is true even though the lease agreement requires XYZ to pay a royalty to A.

Example (3).  XYZ Company purchases a coal waste refuse pile from B and extracts the coal from the waste refuse pile and sells the coal. XYZ is the producer and must pay the excise tax.

Example (4).  XYZ Company is a producer of coal and operates its own cleaning plant. After wet washing the coal, it sells the coal and the silt waste product. The sale of the coal is subject to the excise tax whereas the sale of the silt is not.

Example (5).  Assume the same facts as in example (4) except that before selling the silt waste product XYZ Company extracts a small quantity of finely sized coal from the silt waste product and then sells both the finely sized coal and the silt waste product. The sale of the finely sized coal is subject to the excise tax whereas the sale of the silt is not.

(b) Rate of tax—(1) Underground mines; surface mines. The rate of tax imposed on coal from underground mines located in the United States is the lower of 50 cents per ton (2,000 pounds), or 2 percent of the sale price. The rate of tax imposed on coal from surface mines located in the United States is the lower of 25 cents per ton (2,000 pounds) or 2 percent of the sale price. If a sale or use includes a portion of a ton, the tax is applied proportionately. Thus, if 1,200 pounds of coal from an underground mine are sold for $35.00, the tax is 30 cents.

(2) Combination. If a single mine yields coal from both surface and underground mining, the producer must determine the rate (50 cents or 25 cents per ton) for each ton of coal mined: It is presumed that coal is mined from underground mines (50 cents per ton) unless the producer keeps sufficient records to establish to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the coal was mined from a surface mine.

(c) Exemptions—(1) Lignite or imported coal. The excise tax of coal does not apply to lignite or imported coal. Lignite is defined in accordance with the standard specification for classification of coals by rank of the American Society for Testing and Materials (Annual Book of ASTM Standards Part 26, D 388). The procedures specified in D 388 must be followed. If a producer extracts both taxable coal and lignite, then the producer must maintain adequate records to establish the portion of the mineral mined that is exempt from the tax. In determining whether all or a portion of the mineral extracted is lignite, the Service will consider all the facts and circumstances. For example, if a producer sells lignite and coal, the Service will examine all the facts and circumstances, including the contract price, contract specifications, and the amount of lignite extracted as it compares to the amount of lignite sold.

(2) Other exemptions not applicable. There are no exemptions for sales for further manufacture, for export, for use as supplies for vessels or aircraft, for the use of a State or local government, or for the use of a nonprofit educational organization. Furthermore, the Secretary does not have discretion to exempt sales of coal for use of the United States from the tax. There is also no exemption from the coal excise tax when the coal is used in further manufacture of another article that is subject to manufacturers excise tax. For example, if a producer of coal converts coal into gasoline which the producer then sells, the producer is liable for the coal excise tax when the coal is converted into gasoline and also liable for the manufacturers excise tax on gasoline when the gasoline is sold.

(d) Definitions and special rules—(1) Coal produced from surface mine. Coal is treated as produced from a surface mine if all of the geological matter (e.g., trees, earth, rock) above the coal is removed before the coal is mined. In addition, both coal mined by auger and coal that is reclaimed from coal waste refuse piles are treated as produced from a surface mine.

(2) Coal produced from underground mine. Coal is treated as produced from an underground mine if it is not produced from a surface mine.

(3) Coal used by the producer. For purposes of this section, the term “coal used by the producer” means use by the producer in other than a mining process. A mining process is determined the same way it is determined for percentage depletion purposes. For example, a producer who mines coal does not “use” the coal and thereby becomes liable for the tax merely because, before selling the coal, the producer breaks it, cleans it, sizes it, or applies one of the other processes listed in section 613(c)(4)(A) of the Code. In such a case, the producer will be liable for the tax only when he sells the coal. On the other hand, a producer who mines coal does become liable for the tax when he uses the coal as fuel, as an ingredient in making coke, or in another process not treated as “mining” under section 613(c).

(4) Tonnage sold and sales price. For purposes of determining both the amount of coal sold by a producer and the sales price of the coal, the point of sale is f.o.b. mine, or f.o.b. cleaning point if the producer cleans the coal before selling it. This is true even if the producer sells the coal on the basis of a delivered price. Accordingly, f.o.b. mine or cleaning point is the point at which the number of tons sold is to be determined for purposes of applying the applicable tonnage rate, and the point at which the sales price is to be determined for purposes of the tax under the 2 percent rate.

(5) Constructive sale price. If a producer uses coal mined by the producer in other than a mining process, a constructive sale price must be used in determining the tax under the 2 percent rate. This constructive price is determined under sections 613(c) and 4218(e) of the Code, and is based on sales of like kind and grade of coal by the producer or other producers made f.o.b. mine (if the coal is used without first being cleaned) or f.o.b. cleaning plant (if the coal is cleaned before it is used). Normally, this constructive price will be the same as the constructive price used in determining the producer's percentage depletion deduction.

[T.D. 7726, 45 FR 66453, Oct. 7, 1980; 45 FR 69214, Oct. 20, 1980; T.D. 8448, 57 FR 48186, Oct. 22, 1992]

Subpart J [Reserved]
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Subpart K—Sporting Goods
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Source:  Sections 48.4161(a)–1 through 48.4161(b)–5 contained in T.D. 7328, 39 FR 36586, Oct. 11, 1974 unless otherwise noted. Sections 48.4181–1 through 48.4182–2 contained in T.D. 6454, 25 FR 1774, Mar. 1, 1960, unless otherwise noted.

§ 48.4161(a)   [Reserved]
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§ 48.4161(a)-1   Imposition and rate of tax; fishing equipment.
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(a) Imposition of tax. Section 4161(a) imposes a tax on the sale of the following articles of fishing equipment (including in each case parts or accessories of such articles sold on or in connection therewith or with the sale thereof) by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof:

(1) Fishing rods;

(2) Fishing creels;

(3) Fishing reels; and

(4) Artificial lures, baits, and flies.

The tax applies only to those items of fishing equipment specified in section 4161(a) and this paragraph. Therefore, other items of fishing equipment, such as fishing nets, lines, hooks, sinkers, gaffs, etc., are not subject to the tax. Furthermore, the tax applies only to those specified articles of fishing equipment that are designed or constructed for use in the sport of fishing. Accordingly, the tax does not apply to those articles which, although nominally articles that are specified in section 4161(a), are in the nature of toys or novelties that merely simulate articles of a type referred to in section 4161(a), and are not designed or constructed for practical use in the sport of fishing.

(b) Rate of tax. Tax is imposed on the sale of the articles enumerated in section 4161(a) and paragraph (a) of this section at the rate of 10 percent of the price for which such articles are sold. For the definition of the term “price” see section 4216 and the regulations thereunder.

(c) Liability for tax. The tax imposed by section 4161(a) is payable by the manufacturer, producer, or importer making the sale. For determining who is the manufacturer, producer, or importer, see §48.0–2(a)(4).

[T.D. 7328, 39 FR 36586, Oct. 11, 1974, as amended by T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32014, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.4161(a)-2   Meaning of terms.
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(a) Fishing rods. The term “fishing rods” includes all articles, however, designated, that are designed or constructed for use in conjunction with a fishing reel for casting a line and hook in the sport of fishing. The term does not include any article that is neither designed for use in casting, nor suitable for such use. A so-called fishing rod “blank” is not considered to be a “fishing rod” unless the blank contains an affixed handle and reel seat, or is sold in the form of a kit that contains a rod blank, a handle, and a reel seat.

(b) Fishing creels. The term “fishing creels” includes all portable containers, of whatever material made, that are designed for storing and carrying fish from the time they are caught until such time as they are removed from the container for consumption or preservation. The term does not include any article primarily designed for use in the commercial fishing industry, or an article such as a collapsible wire basket designed to be hung over the side of a boat to keep fish captive and alive in the water.

(c) Fishing reels. The term “fishing reels” includes all mechanical and electrical devices that contain a spool for dispensing and recovering fishing line, and are designed for use with fishing rods in casting and in reeling in hooked fish in the sport of fishing. The term also includes reels designed for use with bows, in the sport of bowfishing.

(d) Artificial lures, baits, and flies. The term “artificial lures, baits, and flies” includes all artifacts, of whatever materials made, that simulate an article considered edible by fish and are designed to be attached to a line or hook to attract fish so that they may be captured. Thus, the term includes such artifacts as imitation flies, blades, spoons, and spinners, and edible materials that have been processed so as to resemble a different edible article considered more attractive to fish, such as bread crumbs treated so as to simulate salmon eggs, and pork rind cut and dyed to resemble frogs, eels, or tadpoles.

[T.D. 7328, 39 FR 36586, Oct. 11, 1974, as amended by T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32014, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.4161(a)-3   Parts and accessories.
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(a) In general. The tax attaches with respect to parts and accessories for articles specified in section 4161(a) and §48.4161(a)–1 that are sold on or in connection with such articles, or with the sale thereof, at the same rate applicable to the sale of the basic articles. The tax attaches in such cases whether or not charges for the parts or accessories are billed separately. To be considered a part or accessory for an article specified in section 4161(a), an item must be either essential to the operation of the specified article, or be designed to directly improve the performance of the specified article, or to improve its appearance. For example, a carrying case for a fishing rod is not considered to be a part or accessory for a fishing rod, despite the fact that it is designed for use with the rod, because it is neither essential to the use of the rod, nor does it in any way improve its performance or appearance. A sale of a part or accessory which would otherwise be considered a sale “on or in connection with” the sale of an article taxable under section 4161(a), is not subject to tax if the part or accessory is sold as a replacement for an identical part or accessory being sold with the taxable article.

(b) Essential equipment. If taxable articles are sold by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof, without parts or accessories that are essential for their operation, or are designed directly to improve the performance or appearnace of the articles, the separate sale of the parts accessories to the same vendee will be considered, in the absense of evidence to the contrary, to have been made in connection with the sale of the basic article, even though the parts or accessories are shipped separately at the same time or on a different date.

[T.D. 7328, 39 FR 36586, Oct. 11, 1974, as amended by T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32014, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.4161(a)-4   Use considered sale.
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For provisions relating to the tax on use of taxable articles by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof, see section 4218 relating to use by a manufacturer being considered a sale, and the regulations thereunder.

§ 48.4161(a)-5   Tax-free sales.
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For provisions relating to the tax-free sales of articles referred to in section 4161(a) see:

(a) Section 4221, relating to certain tax-free sales;

(b) Section 4222, relating to registration;

(c) Section 4223, pertaining to special rules relating to further manufacture; and

(d) Section 4225, relating to exemption of articles manufactured or produced by Indians;

and the regulations thereunder.

§ 48.4161(b)   [Reserved]
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§ 48.4161(b)-1   Imposition and rates of tax; bows and arrows.
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(a) Imposition of tax. Section 4161(b) imposes a tax on the sale of the following articles by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof:

(1) Any bow that has a draw weight of 10 pounds or more;

(2) Any arrow that measures 18 inches overall or more in length;

(3) Any part or accessory (other than a fishing reel) suitable for inclusion in or attachment to a bow or arrow described in subparagraph (1) or (2) of this paragraph; and

(4) Any quiver suitable for use with arrows described in subparagraph (2) of this paragraph.

(b) Rate of tax. The tax is imposed on the sale of articles enumerated in section 4161(b) and paragraph (a) of this section at the rate of 11 percent of the price for which such articles are sold. For the definition of the term “price”, see section 4216 and the regulations thereunder.

(c) Liability for tax. (1) The tax imposed by section 4161(b) is payable by the manufacturer, producer, or importer making the sale. For determining who is the manufacturer, producer, or importer, see §48.0–2(a)(4).

[T.D. 7328, 39 FR 36586, Oct. 11, 1974, as amended by T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32014, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.4161(b)-2   Meaning of terms.
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(a) For purposes of the tax imposed by section 4161(b), and unless otherwise expressly indicated:

(1) Bows. The term “bows” includes all articles made of flexible materials, that are designed to be equipped with a string and used for the propelling of arrows in the sport of archery (target shooting), or in hunting or fishing.

(2) Arrows. The term “arrows” includes all articles designed or constructed to be propelled by a bow in the sport of archery (target shooting), or in hunting or fishing. The overall length of an arrow is to be measured from the point of the tip or arrow-head to the end of the arrow nock. In the case of arrows sold by the manufacturer without heads, tips, or nocks, the overall length is to include the length of the shaft plus the length of the nock and head or tip that is normally used with the particular type of arrow shaft.

(b) Parts and accessories—(1) In general. “Parts and accessories” for bows and arrows include all articles (other than fishing reels) suitable for inclusion in, or attachment to, a bow or arrow of the type described in section 4161(b)(1) and paragraph (a) of this section. Examples of parts and accessories for bows are bow handles, bow limbs, bow strings, bow string silencers, bow stabilizers, arrow rests, bow slings, bow sights, bow levels, bow tip protectors, brush buttons, camouflaged bow covers, and all other articles designed to be attached to or included in a bow to assist in aiming or propelling an arrow, or to protect the bow while in use. Example of parts and accessories for arrows are arrow shafts, nocks, tips, heads, head adapters, and feathers.

(2) General purpose materials and articles. General purpose materials and articles that are not specifically designed to directly improve the performance or appearance of bows or arrows, or to protect them while in use, are not considered to be “parts and accessories” for bows or arrows, even though such materials may be intended, after further processing, to be included in or attached to bows or arrows. An example of a nontaxable article that is designed for use with a bow, but is neither attached to a bow, nor serves a purpose directly related to the efficient use of a bow, is a carrying case for a bow. Examples of nontaxable general purpose materials or articles are glues and cements, feathers before they are prepared for use with arrows, and bowstring thread before it is processed into bowstrings. Arrow-shaft material is considered to be a taxable part for an arrow, unless the manufacturer, producer, or importer can establish that the particular material is unsuitable for use in the manufacture of arrows that are subject to the tax imposed by section 4161(b)(1)(B). In addition, the term “parts and accessories” does not include articles in the nature of expendable supplies, even though such articles are designed to be applied to, or used with, bows or arrows. Examples of such supply materials are bowstring wax, and archery powder.

(c) Quivers. The term “quivers” includes all articles, of whatever material made, that are designed to contain, and to provide ready access to, taxable arrows during the time an archer is engaged in target shooting, hunting, or fishing. The term does not include any article designed solely for storing or transporting arrows during times when the arrows are not in use.

§ 48.4161(b)-3   Use considered sale.
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For provisions relating to the tax on use of taxable articles by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof, see section 4218 relating to use by a manufacturer considered a sale, and the regulations thereunder.

§ 48.4161(b)-4   Tax-free sales.
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For provisions relating to tax-free sales of articles referred to in section 4161(b) see:

(a) Section 4221, relating to certain tax-free sales;

(b) Section 4222, relating to registration;

(c) Section 4223, pertaining to special rules relating to further manufacture; and

(d) Section 4225, relating to exemption of articles manufactured or produced by Indians;

and the regulations thereunder.

§ 48.4161(b)-5   Effective date.
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The taxes imposed by section 4161(b) are effective with respect to sales made on and after January 1, 1975.

Subpart L [Reserved]
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Subpart M—Special Provisions Applicable to Manufacturers Taxes
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§ 48.4216(a)-1   Charges to be included in sale price.
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(a) In general. The “price” for which an article is sold includes the total consideration paid for the article, whether that consideration is in the form of money, services, or other things. See §48.0–2 (a) (5). However, for purposes of the taxes imposed under Chapter 32 certain collateral charges made in connection with the sale of a taxable article must be included in the taxable sale price, whereas others may be excluded. Any charge which is required by a manufacturer, producer, or importer to be paid as a condition of its sale of a taxable article and which is not attributable to an expense falling within one of the exclusions provided in section 4216 or the regulations thereunder is includible in the taxable sale price. It is immaterial for this purpose that the charge may be paid to a person other than the manufacturer, producer, or importer, or that it may be separately billed to the purchaser as a charge earmarked for expenses incurred or to be incurred in his behalf, such as charges for demonstration or display of the article, for sales promotion programs, or otherwise. With respect to the rules relating to exclusion (in the case of sales after December 31, 1960) of charges for local advertising of a manufacturer's products, see section 4216(e) and §48.4216(e)–1. In the case of sales on credit, a carrying, finance, or service charge is excludable from the sale price if it is reasonably related to the costs of carrying the deferred portion of the sale price (such as interest on the deferred portion of the sale price, expenses of bookkeeping necessary to keep the records of such sales, and expenses of correspondence and other communication in connection with collection).

(b) Tools and dies. Separate charges for tools and dies used in the manufacture or production of a taxable article are to be included, in whole or in part, in the sale price on which the tax is based. It is immaterial whether the charges for such items are billed in a lump sum or are amortized or allocated to each of the taxable articles. If, at the termination of a contract to manufacture taxable articles, the tools and dies used in production pass to the purchaser, only the amount of depreciation of the tools and dies incurred in production, computed on a “production output” basis, should be included in the sale price. If the purchaser furnishes the tools and dies, the amount of the cost thereof, to the extent that such cost has been depreciated in the production of the taxable articles (computed on a “production output” basis), shall be included in determining the sale price of the articles for purposes of computing the tax. This paragraph applies to sales by manufacturers after May 5, 1974.

(c) Charges for warranty. A charge for a warranty of an article which the manufacturer, producer, or importer requires the purchaser to pay in order to obtain the article shall be included in the sale price of the article on which the tax is computed. On the other hand, a charge for a warranty of a taxable article paid at the purchaser's option shall not be included in the sale price for purposes of computing tax thereon.

(d) Charges for coverings, containers, and packing. Any charge by the manufacturer, producer, or importer for coverings and containers of whatever nature used to pack an article for shipment shall be included as part of the sale price for the purpose of computing the tax, whether or not the charges are identified as such on the invoice or are billed separately. Even though there is an agreement that the manufacturer, producer, or importer will repay all or a portion of the charge for the coverings or containers upon the return thereof, the full charge nevertheless shall be included in the sale price. It is immaterial whether the charge made at the time of sale is more or less than the actual value of the covering or container. See paragraph (b)(4) of §48.6416(b)–1 for provisions relating to the claiming of a credit or refund in the case of a price readjustment due to the return or repossession of a covering or container. Packing charges are to be included in the sale price whether the charges cover normal packing or special packing services, such as for extra protection of the article or for odd-lot quantities. This rule shall apply whether the packing services are initiated by the manufacturer, producer, or importer or are furnished at the request of the purchaser and whether the packing is performed by the manufacturer, producer, or importer or by another person at his request. If the purchaser supplies packing materials, the fair market value of such materials must be included in the tax base when computing tax liability on the sale of the article.

(e) Taxable and nontaxable articles sold as a unit. Where a taxable article and a nontaxable article are sold by the manufacturer as a unit, the tax attaches to that portion of the manufacturer's sale price of the unit which is properly allocable to the taxable article. For example, where a fishing reel (an article subject to tax under section 4161(a)) is equipped with a fishing line (a nontaxable article) and the reel and line are sold as a unit, the tax imposed by section 4161(a) applies only to that portion of the manufacturer's sale price of the unit which is properly allocable to the fishing reel. Normally, the taxable portion of such a unit may be determined by applying to the manufacturer's sale price of the unit the ratio which the manufacturer's separate sale price of the taxable article bears to the sum of the sale prices of both the taxable and nontaxable articles, if such articles are sold separately by the manufacturer. Where the articles (or either one of them) are not sold separately by the manufacturer and do not have established sale prices, the taxable portion is to be determined from a comparison of the actual costs of the articles to the manufacturer. Thus, if the cost of the taxable article represents four-fifths of the total cost of the complete unit, the tax applies to four-fifths of the price charged by the manufacturer for the unit.

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13517, Mar. 31, 1978]

§ 48.4216(a)-2   Exclusions from sale price.
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(a) Tax—(1) Tax not part of taxable sale price. The tax imposed by Chapter 32 of the Code on the sale of an article is not part of the taxable sale price of the article. Thus, if a manufacturer computes the tax on a sale price which is determined without regard to the tax, and it charges the proper tax as a separate item, the amount of tax so charged does not become a part of the taxable sale price and no tax is due on the tax so charged. Where no separate charge is made as tax, it will be presumed that the price charged to the purchaser for the article includes the proper tax, and the proper percentage of such price will be allocated to the tax.

(2) Computation of tax. If an article subject to tax at the rate of 10 percent is sold for $100 and an additional item of $10 is billed as tax, $100 is the taxable selling price and $10 is the amount of tax due thereon. However, if the article is sold for $100 with no separate billing or indication of the amount of the tax, it will be presumed that the tax is included in the $100, and a computation will be necessary to determine what portion of the total amount represents the sale price of the article and what portion represents the tax. The computation is as follows:

Taxable sale price = sale price including tax/100+rate of tax.

Thus, if the tax rate is 10 percent and the sale price including tax is $100, the taxable sale price is $90.91 (that is, $100 divided by (100+10)), and the tax is 10 percent of $90.91, or $9.09.

(b) Transportation, delivery, insurance, or installation charges—(1) Charges incurred pursuant to sale. Charges for transportation, delivery, insurance, installation, and other expenses actually incurred in connection with the delivery of an article to a purchaser pursuant to a bona fide sale shall be excluded from the sale price in computing the tax. Such charges include all items of transportation, delivery, insurance, installation, and similar expense incurred after shipment to a customer begins, in response to the customer's order, pursuant to a bona fide sale. However, costs of such nature incurred by a manufacturer, producer, or importer in transporting, in the normal course of business and for its benefit and convenience, articles from a factory or port of entry to a warehouse or other facility (regardless of the location of such warehouse or facility) are not considered as being incurred in connection with the delivery of an article to a purchaser pursuant to a bona find sale, and charges therefor cannot be excluded from the sale price in computing tax liability. Similarly, an allowance granted by a manufacturer as reimbursement for expenses incurred by the purchaser in shipping used articles to the manufacturer for credit against the purchase price of taxable articles shall not be excluded from the sale price when computing tax due on the sale of the taxable articles. In any event, no charge may be excluded from the sale price unless the conditions set forth in subparagraph (2) of this paragraph are complied with. Said conditions are prescribed under the authority granted the Secretary or his delegate in section 4216(a).

(2) Only actual expenses to be excluded. Where a separate charge is made for transportation or other expenses incurred in connection with the delivery of an article to the purchaser pursuant to a bona fide sale, there shall be excluded in arriving at the sale price subject to tax only that portion of the charge which represents the actual expenses incurred for the transportation or other excludible expenses. Where a separate charge is less than the actual expense, the difference is presumed to be included in the billed price. Such difference, together with the separate charge, shall be excluded in arriving at the sale price on which the tax is computed. Similarly, where no separate charge is made but the manufacturer, producer, or importer incurs an expense of the type to which this paragraph has application, the amount of such expense actually incurred shall be excluded from the sale price on which the tax is computed. Where transportation expense is incurred in conjunction with a shipment composed of both taxable and nontaxable articles, only the portion of the expense allocable to the taxable articles shall be excludible. In general, unless the taxpayer establishes to the satisfaction of the district director that another method reasonably apportions such freight expense between taxable and nontaxable articles, such expense should be apportioned on the basis of the relative weights (or, if available, the relative published tariff rates applicable to) the taxable and nontaxable articles. Where it is not feasible to apportion such expense on the basis of relative weights or tariff rates, the expense shall be apportioned on another reasonable basis; for example, in the case of a shipment including both taxable and nontaxable automotive parts which are subject to the same tariff rate, it may be appropriate to apportion the transportation expense on the basis of the relative sale prices. A charge for insurance in connection with the delivery of an article to a purchaser is considered to represent an expense actually incurred only to the extent that an amount equivalent to such charge is paid or payable by the manufacturer to a person authorized to assume such insurance risk.

(3) Transportation, delivery, or installation services performed by manufacturer. For purposes of computing the taxable sale price of articles, it is immaterial whether the transportation, delivery, or other services of the type to which this paragraph has application are performed by a common carrier or independent agency for or on behalf of the manufacturer, producer, or importer, or are performed by the manufacturer, producer, or importer with the use of its own vehicles or other facilities. Thus, where a manufacturer, producer, or importer performs the transportation, delivery, or other services with its equipment, tools, employees, etc., the cost of such services allocable to the sale of the taxable article shall be excluded. In determining whether an expense is an excludible transportation or delivery expense, only those expenses incurred by reason of the fact that the purchaser accepts delivery at some point other than the manufacturer's place of business shall be considered excludible transportation or delivery expenses. All expenses incurred in placing an article packed, ready for shipment on the loading dock at the manufacturer's factory are not excludible transportation or delivery expenses. An allowance granted by the manufacturer, producer, or importer to the purchaser for transportation, delivery, or other expenses incurred or to be incurred by the purchaser in connection with the sale shall be excluded in computing the taxable sale price, if charges for similar expenses would be excludible if incurred by the manufacturer.

(4) Records in support of exclusion. Every manufacturer, producer, or importer making sales of taxable articles shall keep records which will disclose the amount of transportation, delivery, insurance, installation or other expense actually incurred by it in connection with the delivery of a taxable article to a purchaser pursuant to a bona fide sale.

(c) Other charges. A charge or expense not within the scope of paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, whether or not separately stated, may not be excluded in computing the taxable sale price unless it can be shown by adequate records that the charge or expense properly is not to be included as a manufacturing or selling expense or is in no way incidental to placing the article in condition packed ready for shipment. Commissions to manufacturers' agents, or allowances, payments, or adjustments made to, and for the benefit of, persons other than the purchaser may not be excluded or deducted, under any condition, in computing the sale price upon which the tax is computed.

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13518, Mar. 31, 1978; T.D. 7536, 43 FR 16974, Apr. 21, 1978]

§ 48.4216(a)-3   Other items relating to tax on sale price.
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(a) Exchanges. If, in connection with the sale of an article subject to a tax imposed under Chapter 32 on the price for which sold, a manufacturer receives from its vendee another article in exchange, the tax on the manufacturer's sale shall be computed on the basis of the amount allowed for the article received from the vendee, plus any additional amount charged the vendee.

(b) Replacements under warranty. If an article, subject to a tax imposed under Chapter 32 on the price for which sold, is returned to the manufacturer by reason of the failure of the article under a warranty as to its quality or service, and a new article is given by the manufacturer, free, or at a reduced price, the tax on the new article shall be computed on the actual amount, if any, to be paid to the manufacturer for the new article. See paragraph (b)(2) of §48.6416(b)–1 for the circumstances under which the allowance made by the manufacturer, producer, or importer upon the return of the first article constitutes a price readjustment of the sale price of first article and the extent, if any, to which a credit may be allowed, or refund made, of the tax paid by the manufacturer, producer, or importer on the sale of the first article.

(c) Readjustments in sale price. Readjustment in sale price (such as allowable discounts, rebates, bonuses, etc.) cannot be anticipated. The tax must be based upon the original price unless the readjustments have actually been made prior to the close of the period for which the tax upon the sale is returned. However, if the price upon which the tax was computed is subsequently readjusted, credit may be taken against the tax due on a subsequent return or a claim for refund filed as provided by section 6416(b)(1) and the regulations thereunder.

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13519, Mar. 31, 1978]

§ 48.4216(b)-1   Constructive sale price; scope and application.
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(a) In general. Section 4216(b) pertains to those taxes imposed under Chapter 32 that are based on the price for which an article is sold, and contains the provisions for constructing a tax base other than the actual sale price of the article, under certain defined conditions.

(b) Specific applications. (1) Section 4216(b)(1) applies to:

(i) Arm's-length sales at retail or on consignment, other than those sales at retail and to retailers to which section 4216(b)(2) and §48.4216(b)–3 apply; and

(ii) Sales otherwise than at arm's length, and at less than fair market price.

(2) Section 4216(b)(2) applies generally to arm's-length sales of an article at retail or to retailers, or both, where the manufacturer also sells the same article to wholesale distributors.

(3) Section 4216(b)(3) provides a formula for determining a constructive sale price for sales of taxable articles between members of an affiliated group of corporations (as “affiliated group” is defined in section 1504(a)) in those instances where the purchasing corporation regularly resells to retailers but does not regularly resell to wholesale distributors, and except for situations where section 4216(b) (4) or (5) applies.

(4) Section 4216(b)(4) provides a special method for computing a constructive sale price for sales of taxable articles between affiliated corporations where the purchasing corporation sells only to retailers, and the normal method of selling within the industry is for manufacturers to sell to wholesale distributors.

(5) Section 4216(b)(5) provides a special method for computing a constructive sale price for sales of articles subject to a tax imposed by section 4061(a) (trucks, buses, tractors, etc.) between affiliated corporations, where the purchasing corporation regularly sells such articles in arm's-length transactions to independent retailers.

(c) Definitions. For purposes of section 4216(b) and the regulations thereunder and unless otherwise indicated:

(1) Sale at retail. A “sale at retail,” or a “retail sale”, is a sale of an article to a purchaser who intends to use or lease the article rather than resell it. The fact that articles are sold in wholesale lots, or at wholesale prices, will not change the character of such sales as “sales at retail” if the purchaser is not engaged in the business of reselling such articles, and acquires them for the purpose of using them rather than reselling them.

(2) Retail dealers. A “retail dealer”, or “retailer”, is a person engaged in the business of selling articles at retail.

(3) Wholesale distributor. The term “wholesale distributor” means a person engaged in the business of selling articles to persons engaged in the business of reselling such articles.

[T.D. 7613, 44 FR 23824, Apr. 23, 1979]

§ 48.4216(b)-2   Constructive sale price; basic rules.
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(a) In general. Section 4216(b)(1) sets forth the conditions that require the Secretary to construct a sale price on which to compute a tax imposed under Chapter 32 on the price for which an article is sold. The section requires a constructive sale price to be established where a taxable article is (1) sold at retail, (2) sold while on consignment, or (3) sold otherwise than through an arm's-length transaction at less than fair market price. See §48.4216 (b)–2 (c) for the treatment of articles taxable under section 4061(a).

(b) Sales at retail. Section 4216(b)(1)(A) relates to the determination of a constructive sale price for sales of taxable articles sold at arm's length and at retail. In the case of such sales, the constructive sale price is the highest price for which such articles are sold to wholesale distributors, in the ordinary course of trade, by manufacturers or producers thereof, as determined by the Secretary. If the constructive sale price is less than the actual sale price, the constructive sale price shall be used as the tax base. If the constructive sale price is not less than the actual sale price, the actual sale price shall be considered as not less than fair market, and shall be used as the tax base. In determining the highest price for which articles are sold by manufacturers to wholesale distributors, there must be taken into consideration the normal industry practices with respect to section 4216 (a) and (f) inclusions and exclusions. However, once a constructive sale price has been determined by the Secretary or his delegate, no further adjustment of such price shall be made. The provisions of section 4216(b)(1)(A) and this paragraph shall not apply in those instances where the provisions of section 4216(b)(2) and §48.4216(b)–3 apply.

(c) Sales of articles taxable under section 4061(a). With respect to sales made after December 31, 1978, in the case of an article the sale of which is taxable under section 4061(a) and which is sold at retail, the tax under this chapter shall be computed on a percentage (as determined by the Secretary but not greater than 100 percent) of the actual selling price based on the highest price for which such articles are sold by manufacturers and producers in the ordinary course of trade. The constructive sale price under this section shall be determined without regard to any individual manufacturer's or producer's cost.

(d) Sales on consignment. As in the case of sales at retail, the constructive sale price for sales on consignment shall be the price for which such articles are sold, in the ordinary course of trade, by manufacturers or producers thereof, as determined by the Secretary or his delegate. For purposes of section 4216(b)(1)(B) and this paragraph, an article is considered to be sold on consignment if it is sold while it is on consignment to a person which has the right to sell, and does sell, such article in its own name, but never receives title to the article from the manufacturer. Ordinarily, the constructive sale price of an article sold on consignment is the net price received by the manufacturer from the consignee. The provisions of section 4216(b)(1)(B) and this paragraph shall not apply if the provisions of section 4216(b)(2) and §48.4216(b)–3 apply.

(e) Sales not at arm's length. For purposes of section 4216(b)(1)(C) and this paragraph, a sale is considered to be made under circumstances otherwise than at “arm's length” if:

(1) One of the parties is controlled (in law or in fact) by the other, or there is common control, whether or not such control is actually exercised to influence the sale price, or

(2) The sale is made pursuant to special arrangements between a manufacturer and a purchaser.

In the case of an article sold otherwise than at arm's length, and at less than fair market price, the constructive sale price shall be the price for which such articles are sold, in the ordinary course of trade, by manufacturers or producers thereof, as determined by the Secretary. Once such a constructive sale price has been determined, no further adjustment of such price shall be made. See sections 4216(b) (3), (4), and (5), and §48.4216 (b)–4, for specific methods for determining constructive sale prices for intercompany sales under certain defined conditions.

[T.D. 7613, 44 FR 23825, Apr. 23, 1979; 44 FR 47767, Aug. 15, 1979]

§ 48.4216(b)-3   Constructive sale price; special rule for arm's-length sales.
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(a) In general. Section 4216 (b)(2) provides a special rule under which a manufacturer shall determine a constructive sale price for his sales of taxable articles at retail, and to retail dealers, under certain conditions. The rule is applicable where:

(1) The manufacturer regularly sells such articles at retail, or to retailers, or both, as the case may be,

(2) The manufacturer also regularly sells such articles to one or more wholesale distributors in arm's-length transactions, and the manufacturer establishes that its prices in such cases are determined without regard to any benefit to be derived under section 4216(b)(2),

(3) The transactions are arm's-length transactions, and

(4) With respect to articles to which the tax imposed by section 4061(a) applies (relating to trucks, buses, tractors, etc.), the normal method of sales for such articles within the industry is not to sell such articles at retail or to retailers, or combinations thereof.

A manufacturer meeting the foregoing requirements shall base its tax liability for sales at retail and sales to retailers on the lower of its actual sale price or the highest price for which it sells the same articles under the same conditions to wholesale distributors.

(b) Definitions. For purposes of section 4216(b)(2) and this section:

(1) Actual sale price. “Actual sale price” means the actual selling price of an article determined in the same manner as sale price is determined for a taxable sale. Accordingly, such price must reflect the inclusions and exclusions set forth in sections 4216 (a) and (f), and any price adjustments described in section 6416(b)(1).

(2) Highest price to wholesale distributors. The “highest price” charged wholesale distributors for an article by a manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof, is the highest price at which the manufacturer, producer, or importer sells the article to wholesale distributors, determined without regard to quantity. Such price shall be determined in the same manner as sale price is determined for a taxable sale with respect to sections 4216 (a) and (f) inclusions and exclusions; however, since the price is to be a “highest” price, no further adjustment may be made for price readjustments under section 6416(b)(1).

(3) Regular sales. An article is considered to sold “regularly” at retail or to retailers if sales are made at retail or to retailers periodically and recurringly as a regular part of the seller's business. If a seller makes only isolated or casual sales of an article at retail or to retailers, it is not considered to be selling “regularly” at retail or to retailers. Similarly, a manufacturer is considered to be making regular sales for an article to one or more distributors if it sells the article to at least one distributor periodically and recurringly as a regular part of its business.

(4) Normal method of sales in industry. In the absence of a showing to the Commissioner of Internal Revenue of a more appropriate manner of determining the normal method of sales within an industry which is practical in application, the normal method of sales within an industry shall be regarded as not being at retail or to retailers, or both, if the industry dollar volume of sales which are at retail or to retailers, or both, is less than half the total industry dollar volume of sales at all levels of distribution by manufacturers, producers, or importers, including sales to other manufacturers, producers, or importers.

(5) Industry. Each of the following categories of articles upon which tax is imposed by section 4061(a) constitutes a separate “industry”:

(i) Taxable automobile trucks (consisting of automobile truck bodies and chassis);

(ii) Taxable automobile buses (consisting of automobile bus bodies and chassis);

(iii) Taxable truck and bus trailers and semitrailers (consisting of chassis and bodies of such trailers and semi-trailers); and

(iv) Taxable tractors of the kind chiefly used for highway transportation in combination with a trailer or semi-trailer.

(6) Application of section 4216(b)(2) to certain sales before June 22, 1965. In the case of sales before June 22, 1965, of articles then taxable under section 4121 (relating to electric, gas, and oil appliances), section 4216(b)(2) also applied in the case of a sale of such an article to a special dealer. The applicability of section 4216(b)(2) to such a sale may be determined by inserting “or to a special dealer” following “or to a retailer” in so much of section 4216(b)(2) as precedes subparagraph (A); by inserting “or to special dealers” following “retailers” in section 4216(b)(2)(A); and by inserting “(other than special dealers)” after “wholesale distributors” in section 4216(b)(2)(B) and so much of section 4216(b)(2) as follows section 4216(b)(2)(D). A “special dealer” was a distributor of articles taxable under section 4121 who did not maintain a sales force to resell the article whose constructive sale price was established under section 4216(b)(2) but relied on salesmen of the manufacturer, producer, or importer of the article. In the case of sales before June 22, 1965, of articles taxable under section 4191 (relating to business machines) or section 4211 (relating to matches), section 4216(b)(2) was applicable in the same manner as in the case of articles taxable under section 4061(a). With respect to sales after September 30, 1972, section 4216(b)(2)(C) applied only to articles taxable under section 4061(a), 4191, or 4211. Section 4216(b)(2)(C) was applicable to sales before October 1, 1962, of all articles subject to tax under Chapter 32.

[T.D. 7613, 44 FR 23825, Apr. 23, 1979]

§ 48.4216(b)-4   Constructive sale price; affiliated corporations.
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(a) In general. Sections 4216(b) (3), (4), and (5) establish procedures for determining a constructive sale price under section 4216(b)(1)(C) for sales between corporations that are members of the same “affiliated group”, as that term is defined in section 1504(a).

(b) Sales to which section 4216(b)(3) applies. Section 4216(b)(3), which applies to articles sold after December 31, 1969, provides a procedure for determining a constructive sale price under section 4216(b)(1)(C) in those instances where:

(1) A manufacturer, producer or importer regularly sells a taxable article (other than an article subject to a tax imposed by section 4061(a) (trucks, buses, etc.)) to a wholesale distributor which is a member of the same affiliated group as the manufacturer, producer or importer, and

(2) The wholesale distributor regularly sells such article to one or more independent retailers, but does not regularly sell to wholesale distributors.

Under such circumstances the constructive sale price for the article shall be an amount equal to 90 percent of the lowest price for which the distributor regularly sells the article in arm's-length transactions to such independent retailers. Once the constructive sale price has been determined, no adjustment shall be made for sections 4216 (a) and (f) inclusions or exclusions or section 6416(b)(1) price readjustments. If both section 4216(b)(3) and section 4216(b)(4) apply with respect to the sale of an article, the constructive sale price for such article shall be the lower of the prices computed under section 4216(b)(3) and section 4216(b)(4).

(c) Sales to which section 4216(b)(4) applies. Section 4216(b)(4), which applies to articles sold after December 31, 1969, provides a procedure for determining a constructive sale price under section 4216(b)(1)(C) in those instances where:

(1) A manufacturer, producer, or importer regularly sells (except for tax-free sales) a taxable article only to a wholesale distributor which is a member of the same affiliated group as the manufacturer, producer, or importer,

(2) The distributor regularly sells (except for tax-free sales) such article only to retail dealers, and

(3) The normal method of sales for such articles within the industry is to sell such articles in arm's-length transactions to wholesale distributors.

Section 4216(b)(4) applies with respect to articles taxable under section 4061(a) (relating to trucks, buses, etc.) only as to sales after December 31, 1969, and before January 1, 1971. Under section 4216(b)(4), the constructive sale price of such article shall be the median price at which the distributor, at the time of the sale by the manufacturer, resells the article to retail dealers, reduced by a percentage of such price equal to the percentage which:

(i) The difference between the median price for which comparable articles are sold to wholesale distributors, in the ordinary course of trade, by manufacturers of producers thereof, and the median price at which such wholesale distributors in arm's-length transactions sell such comparable articles to retailers, is of

(ii) The median price at which such wholesale distributors in arm's-length transactions sell such comparable articles to retailers.

For purposes of this paragraph, the “median price” for which an article is sold at a particular level of distribution is the price midway between the highest and lowest prices charged vendees at the particular level of distribution. Where only one price is charged at a level of distribution, “median price” is equivalent to “actual price”. All sale prices referred to in paragraphs (b), (c), (d), and (e) of this section are prices that must reflect the inclusions and exclusions set forth in sections 4216(a) and (f). However, once a constructive sale price has been determined under these paragraphs, no further adjustment of such price is allowed.

(d) Application of section 4216(b)(4). The application of section 4216(b)(4) and paragraph (c) of this section may be illustrated by the following example:

Example.  M, a corporation engaged in the manufacture of article X, sold 100 of such articles at $10.00 per article to a wholesale distributor N, a corporation engaged in the business of selling X articles to independent retail dealers. N is a member of the same affiliated group of corporations as M. M sells X articles only to N. The normal method of manufacturers' sales of X articles in the industry is to sell to independent wholesale distributors. N corporation sells X articles to retailers for $15.00 each. The price for which comparable X articles are sold to wholesale distributors in the ordinary course of trade by manufacturers thereof is $12.00 per article. Wholesale distributors sell X articles to retailers in the ordinary course of trade for $16.00 per article. Under the foregoing facts the constructive sale price determined under section 4216(b)(4) and this paragraph is $11.25, computed as follows:

(e) Sales to which section 4216(b)(5) applies. Section 4216(b)(5), which applies to articles sold after December 31, 1970, provides a procedure for determining a constructive sale price under section 4216(b)(1)(C) in those circumstances where:

(1) A manufacturer, producer, or importer of an article subject to a tax imposed by section 4061(a) (trucks, buses, etc.) regularly sells such article to a wholesale distributor that is a member of the same affiliated group of corporations as the manufacturer, producer, or importer, and

(2) Such distributor regularly sells such articles to independent retail dealers.

Under such circumstances the constructive sale price of such articles shall be 981/2 percent of the lowest price for which such distributor regularly sells the article in arms's-length transactions to the independent retail dealers. Once the constructive sale price has been determined, no adjustment shall be made for section 4216 (a) and (f) inclusions or exclusions or section 6416(b)(1) price readjustments.

(f) Determination of “lowest price”. (1) In addition to other considerations, in determining a “lowest price” for purposes of section 4216(b) (1), (3), and (5) and §48.4216(b)–4(b), and 48.4216(b)–4(e), such price shall be determined:

(i) Without requiring that a given percentage of sales be made at that price (provided that the volume of sales made at that price is great enough to indicate that those sales have not been engaged in primarily to establish a lower tax base), and

(ii) Without including any charge for a fixed amount that the purchaser has an unconditional right to recover on the basis of a contractual arrangement existing at the time of sale.

(2) For purposes of applying section 4216(b)(1) and §48.4216(b)–2, section 4216(b)(6) and this paragraph apply to articles sold after June 30, 1962. For purposes of applying section 4216(b)(3) and paragraph (b) of this section, section 4216(b)(6) and this paragraph apply to articles sold after December 31, 1969. For purposes of applying section 4216(b)(5) and paragraph (e) of this section, section 4216(b)(6) and this paragraph apply to articles sold after December 31, 1970.

(g) Definitions. For purposes of this section and paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of section 4216(b), the term “regularly sells” has the same meaning as that accorded the term “regular sales” in subparagraph (3) of §48.4216(b)–3(b), and the term “normal method of sales in the industry” has the same meaning as accorded that term in subparagraph (4) of §48.4216(b)–3(b).

[T.D. 7613, 44 FR 23826, Apr. 23, 1979; 44 FR 47767, Aug. 15, 1979]

§ 48.4216(c)-1   Computation of tax on leases and installment sales.
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(a) Leases. When a taxable article is leased by a manufacturer, producer, or importer, liability for tax is incurred, except as provided by section 4217(b) and §48.4217–2, on each payment made with respect to such lease. Tax is payable on each lease payment as long as the article is leased by the manufacturer, producer, or importer. The tax payable with respect to each lease payment is a percentage of each payment based on the rate of tax, if any, in effect on the date the lease payment is due. If the article is subsequently sold by the manufacturer, producer, or importer, the tax applies also to such sale, without regard to the tax paid when the article was leased. For definition of the term “lease”, see paragraph (a) of §48.4217–1(a).

(b) Installment sales. When a taxable article is sold under an installment payment contract with title reserved in the seller, or under a conditional sale contract, chattel mortgage arrangement or other arrangement creating a security interest with payments to be made in installments, tax shall be computed and paid on each payment made by the purchaser. The tax payable with each payment is a percentage of each payment based on the rate of tax, if any, in effect on the date the payment is due. The part of each payment that is subject to tax is that portion of the payment equal to the percentage of the total charge for the article that is subject to tax. For example, if the total charge for the article is $1,000, and of the total amount charged only 90 percent thereof, or $900, is subject to tax by reason of exclusions, then only 90 percent of the installment payment is subject to tax. If the tax base is a constructive sale price computed under section 4216(b) that is less than the actual sale price of the article, the portion of each payment subject to tax is the percentage of such payment equal to the percentage that the constructive sale price bears to the actual sale price. For example, if an article is sold at retail for $100, and the constructive sale price for such an article computed under the provisions of section 4216(b)(1)(A) is $75, the percentage which the constructive sale price bears to the actual sale price is 75 percent. Accordingly, only 75 percent of each installment payment is subject to tax.

(c) Sales on credit. Where articles are sold on credit under conditions other than those specified in paragraph (b) of this section, the entire tax shall be reported and paid with the return covering the period in which the sale is made, even though the price may not be paid to the manufacturer, producer, or importer until a later date, or not paid at all.

(d) Effective dates of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. The rules set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section are effective as of June 22, 1965. As in effect before June 22, 1965, section 4216(c) required, in the case of a transaction described in section 4216(c) (1), (2), (3), or (4), that there be paid upon each payment with respect to an article that portion of the total tax which was proportionate to the portion of the total amount to be paid represented by such payment.

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13519, Mar. 31, 1978]

§ 48.4216(d)-1   Sales of installment accounts.
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(a) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, in case of a sale or other disposition by a manufacturer, producer, or importer of an installment account of the type specified in section 4216(c), the tax shall not apply to subsequent installment payments on such account. Instead, there shall be paid an amount equal to the difference between the tax previously paid on such installment account and the total tax computed by applying:

(1) To each installment due before the sale of the installment account, the rate of tax applicable at the time payment thereof was due, and

(2) To each installment, the time for payment of which has not arrived, the rate of tax which, under the provisions of Chapter 32 as in effect on the date of the sale of the installment account, is (or is to be) in effect on the date such installment is due.

However, see paragraph (b) of this section if the sale is made in a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding. The tax due under this paragraph shall be included in the return for the period in which the account is sold.

(b) Sale in bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding. In the case of a sale of an installment account of a manufacturer, producer, or importer pursuant to the order of, or subject to the approval of, a court of competent jurisdiction in a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, the amount of tax due shall be computed and paid as provided in paragraph (a) of this section but shall not exceed the amount of tax computed by multiplying (1) the proportionate share of the amount for which such accounts are sold which is allocable to each unpaid installment payment, by (2) the rate of tax which, under the provisions of chapter 32 as in effect on the date of the sale of the installment account, is (or is to be) in effect on the date such payment is due.

(c) Collection of installment accounts on behalf of the manufacturer. Where a manufacturer, producer, or importer retains title to an installment account but turns it over to another person for collection on a fee basis, no sale of such account (or other disposition as contemplated in section 4216(d)) has been made. The tax shall continue to be paid as provided by section 4216(c).

(d) Returned installment accounts. Where an installment account which has been sold or otherwise disposed of is returned to the manufacturer, producer, or importer who sold it under an agreement under which the account was sold, and credit or refund has been allowed under section 6416(b)(5) and the regulations thereunder, the manufacturer, producer, or importer shall pay tax as provided by section 4216(c) and §48.4216(c)–1 on any subsequent payments made on such returned installment account until such time as there shall have been paid the total tax liability with respect to the account as computed under paragraph (a) of this section.

(e) Limitation. The sum of the amounts payable under this section and §48.4216(c)–1 on an installment account shall not exceed the total amount of tax which would be payable if such installment account had not been sold or otherwise disposed of (computed as provided in subsection (c)).

(f) Applicability of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. The rules set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section apply in the case of installment accounts sold after June 21, 1965. In the case of installment accounts sold before June 22, 1965, paragraph (b) of this section shall be applied by substituting, in lieu of subparagraph (2) thereof, “the rate of tax, as set forth in chapter 32 of the Code, which applied on the day on which the transaction giving rise to such installment accounts took place.”

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13520, Mar. 31, 1978]

§ 48.4216(e)-1   Exclusion of local advertising charges from sale price.
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(a) In general. Section 4216(e) deals with the treatment to be accorded charges made by a manufacturer for, and reimbursements by a manufacturer of expenditures in connection with, the advertising of certain articles subject to excise tax under chapter 32 of the Code. Section 4216(e) provides an exclusion (which is in addition to the exclusions provided by section 4216(a) and the regulations thereunder) in respect of charges for local advertising, as defined in paragraph (b) of this section, for purposes of determining the price for which an article is sold. See paragraph (c) of this section. The exclusion provided by section 4216(e) and paragraph (c) of this section has application only if:

(1) In the case of articles sold during the period January 1, 1961, through December 31, 1962, the advertising is broadcast over a radio or television station, or appears in a newspaper; and

(2) In the case of articles sold on or after January 1, 1963, the advertising is broadcast over a radio or television station, appears in a newspaper or magazine, or is displayed by means of an outdoor advertising sign or poster.

Section 4216(e) also provides an overall limitation in respect of the sum of the amount of the exclusions from price as charges for local advertising and the amount of the readjustments authorized under section 6416(b)(1) (relating to credits or refunds for price readjustments) in respect of reimbursements by a manufacture of expenditures for local advertising. See §48.4216(e)–2. For provisions prohibiting exclusion from price or readjustment of price in respect of charges for, and reimbursements of expenditures for, advertising other than local advertising, see §48.4216(e)–3.

(b) Definition of local advertising—(1) In general. For purposes of the regulations under sections 4216(e) and 6416(b)(1), the term “local advertising” means advertising which relates to an article with respect to which tax is imposed under Chapter 32 of the Code on the price for which sold and which:

(i) Is initiated or obtained by the purchaser or any subsequent vendee,

(ii) Names the article for which the price is determinable under section 4216 and states the location at which such article may be purchased at retail, and

(iii)(a) In the case of articles sold on or after January 1, 1961, and before January 1, 1963, is broadcast over a radio station or television station or appears in a newspaper, or

(b) In the case of articles sold on or after January 1, 1963, is broadcast over a radio station or television station, appears in a newspaper or magazine, or is displayed by means of an outdoor advertising sign or poster.

(2) Initiating or obtaining advertising. For purposes of subparagraph (1) of this paragraph, the advertising must be initiated or obtained by one or more of the persons in the chain of distribution of the article (wholesale distributor, jobber, dealer, etc.) who purchased the article for resale. For purposes of this subparagraph, the manufacturer is not considered to be one of the persons in the chain of distribution of the article. In general, advertising of an article is considered to be initiated or obtained by one or more persons in the chain of distribution of the article if any such person:

(i) Takes an active part in the actual planning and development, or in the arrangements or negotiations leading to the development, of the form and content of the advertising, or

(ii) Contracts for the placement of the advertising.

The participation by the manufacturer of the article in the planning, development, or placement of the advertising is immaterial provided the advertising is in fact initiated or obtained by one or more persons in the chain of distribution of the article. Furthermore, it is immaterial whether or not the advertising is subject to the approval of the manufacturer of the article. However, if no person in the chain of distribution of the article takes an active part in the actual planning and development, or in the arrangements or negotiations leading to the development, of the form and content of the advertising, but, rather, all such planning, development, arrangements, and negotiations are accomplished by the manufacturer of the article, then such manufacturer is considered to have initiated the advertising, and if he also contracts for the placement of the advertising, such advertising does not qualify as “local advertising”.

(3) Identification of article and sales location. To meet the requirements of subparagraph (1) of this paragraph, the advertising must identify the article for which the price is determinable under section 4216 and give the location or locations at which the article may be purchased at retail. All products taxable at the same rate under the same section of chapter 32 of the Code shall be considered to be an “article” for purposes of the preceding sentence. No specific method or means of identification is prescribed. The identification of the article may be made through the use of the name of the manufacturer or the use of an established trade-mark, such as a seal, picture, letter or letters, etc., or a combination thereof. The advertising must identify the particular retail establishment or establishments at which the article may be purchased at retail but need not specify the location of any such establishment in terms of the number by which the premises are designated or the name of the street on which the retail premises are situated. However, the location of the retail premises must be described sufficiently, as, for example, by reference to a particular named shopping area or shopping center, to enable consumers to find the retail establishment.

(4) Determination of costs of local advertising. Where an advertisement identifies more than one article, and all such articles are not taxable, or are not taxable at the same rate under the same section of Chapter 32 of the Code, a reasonable allocation of the cost of the advertisement must be made among (i) articles taxable at the same rate under the same section of the Code and (ii) articles which are not taxable under Chapter 32 of the Code. For example, in the case of a single page newspaper or magazine advertisement, an allocation of costs reflecting the lineage or space devoted to the specified categories will be considered to reflect a reasonable allocation of the cost of advertising the different articles. As a general rule, only the cost of the “spot” portion identifying the retail establishment is considered “local advertising” in the case of national television or radio programs.

(5) Meaning of “newspaper”. The term “newspaper”, as used in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph, is limited to those publications which are commonly understood to be newspapers and which are printed and distributed periodically at daily, weekly, or other short intervals for the dissemination of news of a general character and of a general interest. The term does not include handbills, circulars, flyers, or the like, unless printed and distributed as a part of a publication which constitutes a newspaper within the meaning of this subparagraph. Neither does the term include any publication which is issued to supply information on certain subjects of interest to particular groups unless such publication otherwise qualifies as a newspaper within the meaning of this subparagraph. For purposes of this subparagraph, advertising is not considered to be news of a general character and of a general interest.

(6) Meaning of “magazine”. The term “magazine”, as used in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph, is limited to those publications which are (i) commonly understood to be magazines, (ii) printed and distributed periodically at least twice a year, and (iii) published for the dissemination of information of a general nature or of special interest to particular groups. The term does not include handbills, circulars, flyers or the like, unless printed and distributed as a part of a publication which constitutes a magazine within the meaning of this subparagraph. For purposes of this subparagraph, advertising is not considered to be information of a general nature or information of special interest to particular groups within the contemplation of subdivision (iii) of this subparagraph.

(7) Meaning of “outdoor advertising sign or poster”. The term “outdoor advertising sign or poster”, as used in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph, means a sign or poster displaying advertising matter, which is located outside of a roofed enclosure. This term includes both signs or posters on billboards, whether placed on or affixed to land, buildings, or other structures, and those which are displayed on or attached to moving objects, provided the signs or posters are located outside of a roofed enclosure. The term “roofed enclosure” means a roof structure which is enclosed on more than one-half of its sides by walls, fences, or other barriers.

(c) Exclusion—(1) Conditions and limitations. A charge for local advertising which is required by a manufacturer to be paid as a condition to his sale of an article is not a part of the taxable price of the article, to the extent that such charge meets each of the following conditions and limitations:

(i) Such charge does not exceed 5 percent of the difference between (a) an amount which would constitute to taxable price of the article (computed at the time of the sale of the article) if no part of any charge for local advertising were excludable in computing taxable price and (b) the amount of any separate charge for local advertising, whatever the amount of such charge may be,

(ii) Such charge is specifically shown as a separate charge for local advertising on the invoice or statement covering the sale of the article.

(iii) Such charge is billed by the manufacturer with the intention on his part of repaying the amount of the charge to the person purchasing the article from him, or to any person who subsequently purchases the article for resale, in reimbursement of costs incurred or local advertising of such article or some other article or articles taxable at the same rate under the same section of the Code. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, the fact of such intention will be assumed in all cases where the manufacturer and his vendees are parties to an advertising plan which calls for such repayments, or the manufacturer can otherwise establish that the vendees to whom he bills such charges understand and expect that such repayments will be made.

(2) When exclusion ceases to apply. To the extent that charge for local advertising meets the conditions and limitations stated in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph, such charge is excludable in computing the taxable price of the article in respect of which the charge was made. However, the exclusion will cease to apply in respect of any part of such charge which the manufacturer fails to repay, before May 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the article was sold, to the person who purchased the article from him, or to some other person who subsequently purchases the article for resale, in reimbursement of costs incurred for local advertising of such article or some other article or articles taxable at the same rate under the same section of the Code. If, before such May 1, any part of the charge so excluded has not been so repaid, the manufacturer becomes liable for tax on such May 1 in the same manner as if an article taxable under such section of the Code had been sold by him on such May 1 at a taxable price equivalent to that part of the charge not so repaid. However, see paragraph (c)(2) of §48.6416(b)–1, relating to price readjustments in cases where local advertising charges are not repaid before such May 1 but are subsequently paid over by the manufacturer to his vendees in reimbursement of costs for local advertising. For provisions relating to the method of determining whether a payment by a manufacturer is or is not attributable to an excluded local advertising charge, see paragraph (b)(3) of §48.4216(e)–2. In any case where the payment is determined to be attributable to such a charge, the date of the sale in connection with which the charge was made shall be determined on a first-in-first-out basis in respect of the vendee to whom the charge was billed by the manufacturer.

(d) Examples. The application of this section may be illustrated by the following examples:

Example (1).  During the first calendar quarter of 1961, a manufacturer sold refrigerators to one of his distributors at a total charge of $10,500, exclusive of tax, transportation charges, delivery charges, or other charges which are excludable in computing taxable price pursuant to section 4216(a). This total charge of $10,500 was billed as follows:

   Refrigerators...............................................     $10,000Local advertising charge....................................         500                                                             -----------  Total charge..............................................      10,500 

At the time of the manufacturer's sales of the refrigerators, it was his intention, in accordance with the agreement between him and the distributor, to make repayment to the distributor of the local advertising charge, to the extent of expenditures by the distributor for radio, television, or newspaper advertising specifically naming refrigerators or other articles taxable at the same rate under section 4111 which were manufactured by the manufacturer, and giving the location of various retail stores within the distributor's territory where such articles may be purchased. Pursuant to such agreement, the selection of the advertising medium to be employed is to be made by the distributor, who is to plan the advertising subject to approval by the manufacturer, and contract for its placement. In this example, the advertising for which the charge is made qualifies as local advertising, the charge is billed to the manufacturer's vendee as a separate charge, the manufacturer intends to repay the charge to his vendee in reimbursement of costs incurred by the vendee for local advertising, and the charge does not exceed 5 percent of $10,000. Accordingly, the manufacturer's charge of $500 for local advertising is not includible in the taxable price of the refrigerators for purposes of computing and paying the tax imposed by section 4111.

Example (2).  Assume the same facts as those stated in Example (1), and assume further that prior to May 1, 1962, the manufacturer has repaid to the distributor, in reimbursement of local advertising expenses incurred by the distributor in connection with refrigerators or other articles taxable at the same rate under section 4111 sold to him by the manufacturer, $400 of the $500 billed as a local advertising charge by the manufacturer in connection with his sale of refrigerators to the distributor in the first quarter of 1961. The manufacturer is liable, as of May 1, 1962, for tax in respect of the $100 which has not been repaid to the distributor. The amount of the tax is determinable at the rate in effect under section 4111 on May 1, 1962, in respect of refrigerators and is includible in the manufacturer's return of tax under such section for the second quarter of 1962.

Example (3).  During the first calendar quarter of 1961, a manufacturer sold refrigerators to one of his distributors at a total charge of $11,000, exclusive of tax, transportation charges, delivery charges, or other charges which are excludable in computing taxable price under section 4216(a). This total charge of $11,000 was billed as follows:

   Refrigerators...............................................     $10,000Local advertising charge....................................       1,000                                                             -----------  Total charge..............................................      11,000 

At the time of the manufacturer's sales of the refrigerators, it was his intention, in accordance with the terms of a cooperative advertising plan to which the manufacturer and the distributor were parties, to make repayment to the distributor of the local advertising charge. Pursuant to the plan, the repayment would be made to the extent of expenditures by the distributor for radio, television, or newspaper advertising, initiated or obtained by him, specifically naming refrigerators or other articles taxable at the same rate under section 4111 which were manufactured by the manufacturer, and giving the location of various retail stores within the distributor's territory where such articles may be purchased. In this example, only $500 of the manufacturer's charge of $1,000 for local advertising may be excluded in determining the taxable price of the refrigerators for purposes of reporting and paying the tax imposed by section 4111. The remaining $500 may not be excluded in computing the taxable price of the refrigerators since this is the amount by which the $1,000 local advertising charge exceeds 5 percent of $10,000. Thus, the taxable price of the refrigerators in this example is $10,500.

Example (4).  Assume the same facts as those stated in Example (1), except that, pursuant to the agreement between the manufacturer and the distributor, the manufacturer is to contract for the placement of the local advertising. Payment of the $500 local advertising charge is to be made by the manufacturer to the person with whom the advertising is placed in satisfaction of the manufacturer's contractual liability to such person. Under these circumstances, the manufacturer's payment of the $500 charge to the person with whom the advertising is placed does not constitute a refund to the purchaser in reimbursement of costs incurred for local advertising.

[T.D. 6635, 28 FR 1201, Feb. 7, 1963, as amended by T.D. 6686, 28 FR 11410, Oct. 24, 1963. Redesignated and amended by T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13520, Mar. 31, 1978]

§ 48.4216(e)-2   Limitation on aggregate of exclusions and price readjustments.
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(a) In general. The sum of the amount excluded from taxable price in respect of charges for local advertising, as provided in section 4216(e)(1) and §48.4216(e)–1, plus the amount of the readjustments for which credits or refunds may be claimed in respect of local advertising, as provided in section 6416(b)(1) and paragraph (c) of §48.6416(b)–1, is subject to an over-all 5 percent limitation. This limitation applies to each manufacturer, as of the close of each calendar quarter, in respect of all articles taxable under the same section of Chapter 32 which were sold by such manufacturer in such quarter (and the preceding quarter of quarters, if any, in the calendar year). For example, a manufacturer selling articles taxable under section 4061 (relating to automobiles, trucks, buses, etc.), and also selling articles taxable under section 4111 (relating to refrigerators, quick-freeze units, etc.), who makes separate charges for local advertising in connection with his sales, or who makes reimbursement of local advertising expenses to his vendees out of moneys previously included in taxable price, in respect of any one or more articles in each of the two groups must apply the limitation separately in relation to the articles taxable under section 4061 and in relation to the articles taxable under section 4111. However, in such case, no breakdown of the separate articles taxable under section 4061, or of the separate articles taxable under section 4111, is required.

(b) Computation of over-all 5 percent limitation—(1) In general. The limitation prescribed by section 4216(e)(2) (the “over-all 5 percent limitation” referred to in paragraph (a) of this section) as to the total of the exclusions from price and readjustments of price which may be claimed for local advertising in respect of all articles taxable under the same section of Chapter 32 of the Code shall be computed as of the close of each calendar quarter of the calendar year. The over-all 5 percent limitation is 5 percent of the difference between (i) the amount which would constitute the total taxable price (computed at the time of sale) of all articles taxable under the same section of Chapter 32 of the Code sold by the manufacturer during the elapsed calendar quarters of the calendar year, if no part of any charge for local advertising were excludable in computing taxable price, and (ii) the total of all amounts billed as separate charges for local advertising of such articles (whatever the amount of any single charge of the total of all charges). In making the computations under subdivisions (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph, credits or refunds under section 6416(b) of tax paid on the sale of any such articles are to be disregarded and articles sold tax-free by the manufacturer are to be excluded. The amount by which the over-all 5 percent limitation computed as of the close of a particular calendar quarter in respect of articles taxable under the same section of the Code exceeds the sum of the charges for local advertising excluded in computing the taxable price and the amount of reimbursements for local advertising of such articles made during the elapsed calendar quarters of the calendar year, in respect of which credit or refund has been claimed, represents the unused portion of the over-all 5 percent limitation. Such unused portion is the maximum amount of reimbursements for local advertising in respect of which credit or refund may be claimed at the close of the particular calendar quarter, subject to the applicable conditions and limitations governing the right to claim a credit or refund in respect of local advertising (see §48.6416(b)–1). The unused portion of the over-all 5 percent limitation as of the close of the fourth calendar quarter of a calendar year in respect of which credit or refund may not be claimed as of the close of such quarter must be disregarded in computing the over-all 5 percent limitation for any subsequent calendar quarter. Moreover, the amount of any reimbursements for local advertising made by a manufacturer in a calendar year which is in excess of the amount of such reimbursements in respect of which credit or refund may be claimed, within the over-all limitation, as of the close of the calendar year, may not subsequently serve as the basis for a credit or refund.

(2) Alternative method of computation in certain cases. If during the portion of the calendar year ending with the date as of which the over-all 5 percent limitation is being computed the amount of the local advertising charge separately billed by the manufacturer has not, in respect of any sale of any articles taxable under the same section of Chapter 32 of the Code, exceeded the amount excludable pursuant to paragraph (c) of §48.4216(e)–1 in computing taxable price, the over-all 5 percent limitation as of the close of a particular calendar quarter in respect of articles taxable under such section is 5 percent of the total taxable price (computed at the time of the sale) of all such articles sold taxpaid during the calendar year.

(3) Allocation of amounts paid in reimbursement of expenditures for local advertising. If a manufacturer makes contributions to a local advertising program in connection with which he makes excludable local advertising charges, it is necessary that reimbursements by the manufacturer for local advertising be attributed to the charges for local advertising, to the manufacturer's contributions, or allocated between them. Whether an amount paid by a manufacturer in reimbursement of expenses for local advertising is or is not a repayment of a local advertising charge which was excluded from taxable price under section 4216(e)(1) and §48.4216(e)–1, shall be determined on the basis of an allocation made under the agreement between the manufacturer and his vendee (or any subsequent vendee).

(c) Examples. The application of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section may be illustrated by the following examples:

Example (1).  During the first and second calendar quarters of 1961, a manufacturer makes sales of articles taxable under section 4111 to his distributors. The total charges for such sales, exclusive of the tax, transportation charges, delivery charges, or other charges which are excludable, pursuant to section 4216(a), in computing taxable price, are as follows:

                              First Quarter   Articles taxable under section 4111.........................    $100,000Local advertising charges...................................       3,000                                                             -----------  Total charge..............................................    $103,000 
                             Second Quarter   Articles taxable under section 4111.........................    $150,000Local advertising charges...................................       4,000                                                             -----------  Total charge..............................................    $154,000 

Assume further that the manufacturer contributes to the advertising plan and that the manufacturer pays $5,500 and $1,000 during the first and second calendar quarters of 1961, respectively, to his distributors in reimbursement of expenses incurred by them for local advertising of the articles purchased from the manufacturer.

            Computation as of close of first calendar quarter   1. Amount which would constitute total taxable price            $103,000 (computed at time of sale) if not part of any charge for local advertising were excludable in computing taxable price......................................................2. Amounts billed as separate charges for local advertising.       3,000                                                             -----------3. Difference...............................................    $100,0004. Over-all 5 percent limitation (5 percent of item 3)......      $5,0005. Amount excluded in computing taxable price...............       3,000                                                             -----------6. Unused portion of limitation.............................      $2,0007. Allocation, pursuant to agreement, or $5,500 paid to distributors:    Charges for local advertising...........................      $3,000    Contributions by manufacturer...........................       2,500 

Readjustment may be claimed in respect of that portion of the total amount repaid to the distributors which is allocated to the manufacturer's contribution ($2,500) to the extent that such portion does not exceed the unused portion of the over-all 5 percent limitation ($2,000). Accordingly, as of the close of the first calendar quarter the manufacturer may claim credit or refund in respect of a readjustment or price in the amount of $2,000.

           Computation as of close of second calendar quarter   1. Amount which would constitute total taxable price            $257,000 (computed at time of sale) if not part of any charge for local advertising were excludable in computing taxable price $103,000+ $154,000)..................................2. Amounts billed as separate charges for local advertising        7,000 ($3,000+$4,000)............................................                                                             -----------3. Difference...............................................    $250,0004. Over-all 5 percent limitation (5 percent of item 3)......     $12,5005. Amount excluded in computing taxable price                      9,000 ($3,000+$4,000) plus readjustment claimed at end of first calendar quarter ($2,000)..................................                                                             -----------6. Unused portion of limitation.............................      $3,5007. Allocation, pursuant to agreement, of $6,500 ($5,500+$1,000) paid to distributors:    Charges for local advertising...........................      $3,500    Contributions by manufacturer...........................       3,000 

Although the total reimbursements for local advertising expenses attributable to contributions by the manufacturer ($3,000) does not exceed the unused portion of the over-all 5 percent limitation ($3,500), the manufacturer having taken, at the close of the first calendar quarter, a price readjustment in the amount of $2,000 in respect of his contributions is entitled at the close of the second calendar quarter to claim credit or refund in respect of a price readjustment in the amount of $1,000 ($3,000−$2,000).

Example (2).  During the first calendar quarter of 1961, a manufacturer sold articles taxable under section 4111 to his distributors at a total charge of $106,000, exclusive of the tax, transportation charges, delivery charges, or other charges which are excludable, pursuant to section 4216(a), in computing taxable price. This total charge of $106,000 was billed as follows:

   Articles taxable under section 4111.........................    $100,000Local advertising charges...................................       6,000                                                             -----------    Total charge............................................    $106,000 

Assume further that the manufacturer contributes to the advertising plan and that the manufacturer pays $3,000 during the first calendar quarter of 1961 to his distributors in reimbursement of expenses incurred by them for local advertising of the articles purchased from the manufacturer.

            Computation as of close of first calendar quarter   1. Amount which would constitute total taxable price            $106,000 (computed at time of sale) if not part of any charge for local advertising were excludable in computing taxable price......................................................2. Amounts billed as separate charges for local advertising.       6,000                                                             -----------3. Difference...............................................    $100,000                                                             -----------4. Over-all 5 percent limitation (5 percent of item 3)......      $5,0005. Amount excluded in computing taxable price (see paragraph       5,000 (c) of § 48.4216(e)-1)................................                                                             -----------6. Unused portion of limitation.............................          $0                                                             -----------7. Allocation, pursuant to agreement, of $3,000 paid to distributors:    Charges for local advertising...........................      $2,000    Contributions by manufacturer...........................       1,000 

Credit or refund may not be claimed in respect of that portion of the total amount repaid to the distributors ($3,000) which is allocated to the manufacturer's contribution ($1,000) since the amount excluded in computing taxable price is equal to the over-all 5 percent limitation.

[T.D. 6635, 28 FR 1203, Feb. 7, 1963. Redesignated and amended by T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13520, Mar. 31, 1978]

§ 48.4216(e)-3   No exclusion or readjustment for other advertising charges or reimbursements.
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(a) Exclusions from price. No exclusion in computing the taxable price of any article sold by the manufacturer may be allowed in respect of any charge for advertising if, and to the extent that, such charge:

(1) Is for advertising which does not qualify as local advertising within the meaning of section 4216(e)(4) and paragraphs (a) and (b) of §48.4216(e)–1, or

(2) Does not satisfy all of the conditions and limitations stated in section 4216(e)(1) and paragraph (c) of §48.4216(e)–1.

(b) Readjustments of price. No credit or refund under section 6416(b)(1) may be allowed in respect of any amount which was included in the taxable price of an article sold by the manufacturer and which was later paid by him to his vendee in reimbursement of costs incurred for advertising, if, and to the extent that, the amount so paid:

(1) Is for advertising which does not qualify as local advertising within the meaning of section 4216(e)(4) and paragraph (b) of §48.4216(e)–1, or

(2) Is not within the limitation provided in section 4216(e)(2), as computed in accordance with §48.4216(e)–2, as of the close of the calendar quarter in which the amount is so paid over or as of the close of any subsequent calendar quarter in the same calendar year. See, however, paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of §48.6416(b)–1, relating to redetermination of price readjustments in cases where local advertising charges excluded from taxable price in one calendar year become taxable as of May 1 of the following calendar year.

[T.D. 6686, 28 FR 11411, Oct. 24, 1963. Redesignated and amended by T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13521, Mar. 31, 1978]

§ 48.4216(f)-1   Value of used components excluded from price of certain trucks.
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For purposes of the tax imposed by section 4061(a)(1) (relating to trucks, buses, etc.), in determining the price for which an article is sold, the value of any previously used component of such article shall be excluded from the price if the person furnishing the component is the first user of the finished article. For example, where a manufacturer builds a truck for a customer who intends to use, rather than resell the truck, incorporating used parts furnished by the customer, the value of the previously used parts shall not be included in the price for which the truck is considered sold by the manufacturer.

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13521, Mar. 31, 1978]

§ 48.4217-1   Lease considered as sale.
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For purposes of Chapter 32 of the Code, the lease of an article by a manufacturer, producer, or importer shall be considered a sale of the article. The term “lease” means a contract or agreement, written or verbal, which gives the lessee an exclusive, continuous right to the possession or use of a particular article for a period of time. The term includes any renewal or extension of a lease or any subsequent lease of the article. However, in the case of the lease of an automobile the sale of which by the manufacturer would be taxable under section 4064, the term includes only the first lease (excluding any renewal or extension of the lease) of such automobile by the manufacturer.

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13521, Mar. 31, 1978, as amended by T.D. 8036, 50 FR 29963, July 23, 1985]

§ 48.4217-2   Limitation on amount of tax applicable to certain leases.
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(a) Conditions for eligibility. Section 4217(b) provides for a limitation on the amount of tax that shall apply to the lease, any renewal, or further lease, of an article which, if sold, would be subject to tax on the basis of sale price. Such limitation on the amount of the tax applies with respect to the lease of an article only if, at the time of making the lease, the lessor is engaged in the business of selling in arm's length transactions the same type and model of article. In case of a lease to which section 4217(b) does not apply, tax shall be computed and paid as provided in section 4216(c) and paragraph (a) of §48.4216(c)–1.

(b) Lessor engaged in business of selling. The lessor will be regarded as being engaged in the business of selling in arm's length transactions the same type and model of an article as the one being leased if it periodically and recurringly makes bona fide offers for sale of such articles in the regular course of operation of its business, which offers if accepted would constitute sales at arm's length. Whether the offers are bona fide shall be determined on the basis of the facts in each case, such as sales actually made, the nature of the advertising, sales literature, and other means used to effectuate sales. It is not necessary that the offers for sale be made to the same class of purchasers as those to whom the article is being leased.

(c) Same type and model of article. To qualify as the “same type and model of article”, the article offered for sale must be an unused article essentially the same in size, design, and function as the article being leased. For example, a van-type truck trailer would not be the same type and model as a stake-body of flat-bed truck trailer. Neither would a 25-foot van-type trailer be the same type and model as a 35-foot van-type trailer. Slight differences in appearance or accessories will not render articles dissimilar which are identical in all other respects.

(d) Basis for tax—(1) Tax payable until total tax is paid. In case of a lease of an article to which section 4217 (b) applies, tax shall be paid on each lease payment in an amount computed by applying to such lease payment a percentage equal to the rate of tax in effect on the date of the lease payment. Such tax payments shall continue to be made under such lease, or any subsequent lease of the article, until the cumulative total of the tax payments equals the total tax. Lease payments made thereafter with respect to that article shall not be subject to tax. For definition of the term “total tax”, see paragraph (e) of this section.

(2) Changes in tax rates. Except as provided in:

(i) Section 701 (a) (3) of the Excise Tax Reduction Act of 1965 (79 Stat. 155) in the case of certain reductions in tax rates effective June 22, 1965, or January 1, 1966, and

(ii) Section 401(h)(3) of the Revenue Act of 1971 (85 Stat. 534) in the case of certain reductions in tax rates effective December 11, 1971, if the rate of tax is increased or decreased during a lease period, the new rate shall apply to the lease payments made on and after the date of the change, but the amount of the total tax shall remain the same.

(e) Total tax. For purposes of this section, the term “total tax” means the amount of tax, computed at the rate in effect on the date of the first lease of the article to which section 4217(b) applies, which would be due on the constructive sale price of the article as determined under section 4216(b) and §48.4216(b)–2, as if the article had been sold by a manufacturer at retail on such date.

(f) Sale of article before total tax becomes payable. If the lessor sells the article before the total tax has become payable, the tax payable on the sale shall be the lesser of the following amounts:

(1) The difference between (i) the total tax, and (ii) the aggregate tax applicable to lease payments already received; or

(2) A tax computed, at the rate in effect on the date of the sale, on the price for which the article is sold.

For purposes of subparagraph (2) of this paragraph, the provisions of section 4216(b) for determining a constructive sale price shall not apply if the sale is at arm's length. If the sale is not at arm's length, the tax referred to in subparagraph (2) of this paragraph shall be computed on a constructive sale price as provided in §48.4216(b)–2.

(g) Sale of article after total tax has become payable. If the lessor sells an article after the total tax has become payable, the tax imposed under Chapter 32 of the Code shall not apply to such sale.

(h) Special rules applicable to certain leases entered into before January 1, 1959. For purposes of this section, in the case of any lease entered into before, and existing on, January 1, 1959:

(1) Such lease shall be considered to have been entered into on January 1, 1959.

(2) The total tax shall be computed on the fair market value of the article on January 1, 1959.

(3) The lease payments under such lease shall include only payents attributable to periods beginning after December 31, 1958.

(i) Cross-reference. In the case of the lease of an automobile the sale of which by the manufacturer would be taxable under section 4064, the foregoing provisions of this section shall not apply. See section 4217 (e) for the rules relating to the payment of the gas guzzler tax.

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13521, Mar. 31, 1978, as amended by T.D. 8036, 50 FR 29963, July 23, 1985]

Use by Manufacturer or Importer Considered Sale
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§ 48.4218-1   Tax on use by manufacturer, producer, or importer.
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(a) In general. Section 4218 imposes tax in respect of certain uses of articles by the actual manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof. This section also applies in respect of the use of articles by any other person who, pursuant to a provision of Chapter 32 of the Code, is considered to be, or is treated as, the manufacturer or producer of the articles. See, for example, section 4223 relating to articles purchased tax free for use in further manufacture.

(b) Taxable articles in general—(1) Application of tax. If the manufacturer, producer, or importer of an article taxable under Chapter 32 of the Code (other than an article referred to in paragraph (a), (d), or (e) of this section) uses the article for any purpose other than that indicated in subparagraph (3) or (4) of this paragraph, he shall be liable for tax with respect to the use of such article in the same manner as if the article were sold by him.

(2) Taxable use in manufacture of nontaxable articles—(i) In general. In the case of an article to which subparagraph (1) of this paragraph applies, tax attaches when the manufacturer, producer, or importer of the article uses it as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part of, another article which is not taxable under Chapter 32 of the Code, regardless of the disposition made of such other article. (See paragraph (c) of §48.4218–5 for computation of tax on such use.)

(ii) Types of use in manufacture of nontaxable articles. Taxable use may consist of the incorporation of a taxable article, such as an electric light bulb, into a nontaxable article, such as a flashlight. Taxable use may also result from the combining of a taxable article (or the components thereof) with a nontaxable article (or the components of a nontaxable article) resulting in a combination end article which itself is not taxable. Although the taxable article may not be a completely separable unit, within the contemplation of the law a taxable article has been produced and incorporated in the combination end article. The following are examples of taxable articles so used:

(a) Household type electric or gas clothes drier incorporated in a combination washer-drier.

(b) Household type electric, gas, or oil cooking range combined either with a range using other means of heating or with a nontaxable space heater.

(c) Taxable radio receiving set incorporated in a combination radio receiver-transmitter or in a combination radio receiver-intercommunication system.

If an automobile part or accessory, radio or television component, or camera lens is used as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part of, a taxable article to which subparagraph (1) of this paragraph has application and such article in turn is used in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part of, a nontaxable article, the part or accessory, component, or lens is considered to have been used in the manufacture of the taxable article, and not in the manufacture of the nontaxable article. For example, the use of taxable radio components in the production of a taxable radio receiving set is exempt from tax (see paragraph (d) of this section), but the use of the radio receiving set in the production of a nontaxable combination radio receiver-transmitter is subject to tax. See section 6416(b)(2) or 6416(b)(3) and the regulations thereunder contained in Subpart O for credit or refund of tax paid in respect of such radio receiver if the combination radio receiver-transmitter is by any person exported, sold to a State or local government for its exclusive use, sold to a nonprofit educational organization for its exclusive use, or used or sold for use as supplies for vessels or aircraft.

(3) Nontaxable use in manufacture of taxable articles. The tax on the use of an article to which subparagraph (1) of this paragraph has application shall not apply if the article is used by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part of, another article taxable under Chapter 32 to be manufactured or produced by him. It is immaterial what disposition is made of such other article.

(4) Gasoline. The tax on the use of an article shall not apply in the case of gasoline used on or after October 1, 1961, by any person, for nonfuel purposes, as a material in the manufacture or production of another article to be manufactured or produced by him. See section 4221 and the regulations thereunder contained in Subpart N. For provisions applicable to use of gasoline by a producer or importer otherwise than in the production of other gasoline, or special motor fuel taxable under section 4041(b), see section 4082(c) and paragraph (c) of §48.4082–1 contained in subpart H.

(c) Tires, inner tubes, and automobile radio or television receiving sets. If the manufacturer, producer, or importer of a tire or inner tube taxable under section 4071 (other than a bicycle tire or inner tube referred to in paragraph (e) of this section), or an automobile radio or television receiving set taxable under section 4141, sells such article on or in connection with the sale of any other article or uses it for any purpose, he shall be liable for tax with respect to such tire, inner tube, or radio or television receiving set in the same manner as if it were sold by him as a separate article. However, tax does not apply where the manufacturer, producer, or importer of the tire, inner tube, or automobile radio or television receiving set sells such article on or in connection with the sale of another article manufactured by him for any of the exempt purposes specified in paragraphs (2) to (5), inclusive, of section 4221(a) and the regulations thereunder contained in Subpart N.

(d) Automobile parts or accessories, radio or television components, and camera lenses—(1) Application of tax. If the manufacturer, producer, or importer of an automobile part or accessory taxable under section 4061(b), a radio or television component taxable under section 4141, or a camera lens taxable under section 4171, uses the article for any purpose other than that indicated in subparagraph (2) of this paragraph, he shall be liable for tax with respect to the use of the article in the same manner as if the article were sold by him. For example, tax applies if the manufacturer, producer, or importer uses the article referred to in this subparagraph for repair or replacement purposes in connection with equipment used by him in the operation of his business.

(2) Nontaxable use in manufacture of other articles. The tax on the use of an article referred to in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph shall not apply if the article is used by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part of, any other article (whether or not taxable under Chapter 32) to be manufactured or produced by him. It is immaterial what disposition is made of such other article.

(e) Bicycle tires and inner tubes—(1) Application of tax. If the manufacturer, producer, or importer of a bicycle tire as defined in section 4221(e)(4)(B) or an inner tube for such a tire uses the tire or inner tube for any purpose other than as indicated in subparagraph (2) of this paragraph, he shall be liable for tax with respect to the use of the tire or inner tube in the same manner as if the article were sold by him.

(2) Nontaxable use in manufacture of other articles. The tax on the use of a bicycle tire or inner tube referred to in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph shall not apply if the tire or inner tube is used by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part of, a new bicycle to be manufactured or produced by him. It is immaterial what disposition is made of the new bicycle. Tax, however, applies in the case of the use of a bicycle tire or inner tube by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof in the rebuilding or reconditioning of a used bicycle.

(3) Effective date. The provisions of this paragraph shall apply to the use on or after May 1, 1960, of a bicycle tire or inner tube by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof. Liability for tax on the use prior to that date of a bicycle tire or inner tube by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof shall be based on the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section which apply to tires and inner tubes in general.

(f) Use after lease. If the manufacturer, producer, or importer of a taxable article leases such article and thereafter uses the article, he incurs liability for tax on such use as provided in these regulations to the same extent as if the article were sold after being leased. See section 4217 and the regulations thereunder in this subpart for application and computation of tax in case of leased articles.

(g) Time of application of tax. In the case of a taxable use of an article by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof, the tax attaches at the time such use begins. If tax applies by reason of the sale of an article by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof on or in connection with his sale of another article, the tax attaches at the time of the sale of such other article.

(h) Exemptions because of other statutory provisions. Tax does not apply on the use of an article by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof if under the applicable provisions of the Code the sale of the article for a similar use would not be subject to tax. For example, the use of gasoline by the producer thereof to propel tankers engaged in foreign trade which are owned or leased by the producer would not be subject to tax under section 4218 since a sale for such use would be exempt from tax as provided in section 4221(a)(3). Also, tax need not be paid with respect to the use of an article by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof if such use would qualify, under the provisions of section 6416(b), for credit or refund of the tax paid.

[T.D. 6687, 28 FR 11780, Nov. 5, 1963]

§ 48.4218-2   Business or personal use of articles.
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(a) Business use. Section 4218 applies to the use by a person, in the operation of any business in which he is engaged, of a taxable article which has been manufactured, produced, or imported by him or his agent. For example, a person engaged in the operation of a dairy business incurs liability for tax with respect to a truck body manufactured by him and used in the operation of his dairy business.

(b) Personal use. The tax on use of a taxable article does not attach in cases where an individual incidentally manufactures, produces, or imports a taxable article for his personal use or causes a taxable article to be manufactured, produced, or imported for his personal use.

[T.D. 6687, 28 FR 11781, Nov. 5, 1963]

§ 48.4218-3   Events subsequent to taxable use of article.
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Liability for tax incurred on the use of an article is not extinguished or reduced because of any subsequent sale or lease of the article even if such sale or lease would have been exempt if the article had been so sold or leased prior to use. If a manufacturer, producer, or importer of an article incurs liability for tax on his use thereof, and thereafter sells or leases the article in a transaction which otherwise would be subject to tax, liability for tax is not incurred on such sale or lease.

[T.D. 6687, 28 FR 11781, Nov. 5, 1963]

§ 48.4218-4   Use in further manufacture.
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For purposes of section 4218 and §48.4218–1, an article is used as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part of, another article, if it is incorporated in, or is a part or accessory of, the other article. Lubricating oil in the crankcase of a new truck is an example of a taxable article use as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part of, another article. In addition, an article (other than gasoline used as a fuel) is considered to be used as material in the manufacture of another article if it is partly or entirely consumed in testing such other article; for example, shells or cartridges used in testing new firearms. similarly, if an article is partly or wholly consumed in quality testing a production run of like articles (as, for example, an automotive part destroyed in stress testing) such article is also considered to have been used as material in the manufacture of another article. However, if a taxable article that has been used tax free and only partly consumed in testing is later sold, or put to a taxable use, by the manufacturer, tax attaches to such sale or use. An article that is consumed in the manufacturing process other than in testing, so that it is not a physical part of the manufactured article, is not used as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part of, such other article. Thus, lubricating oil consumed in operating plant machinery in the course of the manufacture of automobile truck chassis is not used as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part of, the truck chassis.

[T.D. 6687, 28 FR 11781, Nov. 5, 1963, as amended by T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13521, Mar. 31, 1978]

§ 48.4218-5   Computation of tax.
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(a) Tax based on price. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, tax liability incurred on the use of an article shall be computed on the price at which such or similar articles are sold in the ordinary course of trade by manufacturers, producers, or importers thereof and in the absence of special arrangements. For additional provisions applicable in computing the tax in the case of the use of an article by a manufacturer and producer who purchased the article free of tax under section 4221(a)(1) for use by him in further manufacture, see section 423(b) and the regulations thereunder.

(b) Articles regularly sold by manufacturer. If the manufacturer, producer, or importer of an article regularly sells such articles at wholesale in arm's length transactions, tax liability on his use of any such article shall be computed on his lowest established wholesale price for such articles in effect at the time of the taxable use. In establishing such price, there shall be included and excluded, as applicable, the charges and readjustments specified in sections 4216(a), 4216(f), and 6416(b)(1), as in effect at the time tax liability on the use of the article is incurred, and the regulations thereunder contained in this subpart and Subpart O. If the manufacturer, producer, or importer of an article does not regularly sell such articles at wholesale in arm's length transactions, a constructive price on which the use tax shall be computed will be determined by the Commissioner. This price will be established after considering the selling practices and price structures of manufacturers, producers, and importers of similar articles.

(c) Articles governed by section 4218(a) used in manufacture of nontaxable combination articles. If the manufacturer, producer, or importer of an article to which section 4218(a) applies does not regularly sell such article separately but uses it as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part of, a nontaxable combination article consisting of a taxable and nontaxable article, liability for tax on his use shall be computed on the constructive price of the taxable article at the time of use. To determine the constructive price of the taxable article in such case, the combination article is considered to be composed of (1) parts used exclusively in the functioning of the taxable article in the combination, (2) parts used exclusively in the functioning of the nontaxable article in the combination, and (3) parts, called common parts, which serve a dual function in connection with the parts in both subparagraphs (1) and (2) of this paragraph. The ratio which the cost of the parts in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph bears to the sum of the cost of such parts and the parts in subparagraph (2) of this paragraph is applied to the lowest established wholesale price for which like combination articles are at the time of the taxable use being sold by the manufacturer or producer in the ordinary course of trade. The resulting amount is the constructive sale price for the taxable article on which tax is to be computed. The cost of the common parts is allocable to the parts in subparagraphs (1) and (2) of this paragraph in the same ratio, and, therefore, need not be taken into account in the computation since the inclusion and allocation of the cost of such parts in the determination would not result in a different ratio. In determining the lowest established wholesale price for the combination article, there shall be included and excluded, as applicable, the charges and readjustments specified in sections 4216(a), 4216(f), and 6416(b)(1), as in effect at the time tax liability on the use of the taxable article is incurred, and the regulations thereunder contained in this subpart and Subpart O of this part. The tax applicable to the use of the article for which a constructive sale price has been computed is not affected by any charges or readjustments of the price for which the nontaxable combination article is sold, whether by reason of the return or repossession of the nontaxable article or its covering or container, or by a bona fide discount, rebate, allowance, or other factor. The application of this subparagraph may be illustrated by the following example:

Example.  A manufacturer of a nontaxable washer-drier combination produces and uses an electric clothes drier taxable under section 4121 in the manufacture of the combination article. The lowest established wholesale price of the manufacturer for the washer-drier combination at the time of the taxable use is $150 with respect to identical combinations after including and excluding applicable charges and readjustments. The manufacturer does not regularly sell such drier separately. In the manufacture of the washer-drier the two units are integrated to the extent that certain component parts function both in the operation of the washer and of the drier. The parts used exclusively in the operation of the washer cost $30 and those used exclusively in the operation of the drier cost $20. The taxable cost ratio in this instance is 20/50, or 40 percent. Applying 40 percent to the manufacturer's lowest established wholesale price of $150 for the washer-drier results in $60 as the constructive price for the taxable article in the combination at the time tax liability is incurred. No additional charges or readjustments in connection with, or subsequent to, the sale of the washer-drier combination may affect the tax liability incurred at the time of use.

(d) Tax based on weight or volume. Where liability for tax is incurred on the use of an article subject, if sold, to a tax based on:

(1) The weight of the article (such as a tire), or

(2) The volume of the article (such as gasoline or lubricating oil),

the tax due shall be computed on the basis which would be applicable if such article were sold.

[T.D. 6687, 28 FR 11781, Nov. 5, 1963]

Application of Tax in Case of Sales by Other Than Manufacturer or Importer
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§ 48.4219-1   Sales of taxable articles by a person other than the manufacturer, producer, or importer.
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(a) General rule. If the title to, or ownership of, an article taxable under Chapter 32 of the Code is transferred from the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof, and, under the law, no tax attaches to such transfer, the subsequent sale, lease, or use of such article by the transferee is subject to tax to the same extent and in the same manner as if such transferee were the manufacturer, producer, or importer of the article. The following examples illustrate this rule:

(1) The surviving spouse, child or children, executors or administrators, or other legal representatives, as the case may be, of a deceased manufacturer, producer, or importer of taxable articles, incur liability for tax on all such articles sold by them.

(2) A receiver or trustee in bankruptcy who under a court order conducts or liquidates the business of a manufacturer, producer, or importer of taxable articles, incurs liability for tax on all taxable articles sold by him, regardless of whether the articles were manufactured, produced, or imported before or after he took charge of the business.

(3) An assignee for the benefit of creditors of a manufacturer, producer, or importer incurs liability for tax with respect to all taxable articles sold by him as such assignee.

(4) If one or more members of a partnership withdraw, or if new partners are admitted, the new partnership so constituted incurs liability for tax on all taxable articles sold by it regardless of when such articles were manufactured, produced, or imported.

(5) A person who acquires title to taxable articles as a result of default of the manufacturer, producer, or importer pursuant to an agreement under the terms of which the articles were pledged as collateral incurs liability for tax with respect to his sale of the articles so acquired.

(6) A person who succeeds to the business of a manufacturer, producer, or importer of taxable articles, such as:

(i) A corporation which results from a consolidation, merger, or reorganization;

(ii) A corporation which acquires the business of an individual or partnership; or

(iii) A stockholder in a corporation who, after its dissolution, continues the business;

incurs liability for tax on all taxable articles sold by such person. However, where a manufacturer, producer, or importer sells only his assets, rather than ownership of his business, he incurs liability for tax on the sale of any taxable articles included in such assets.

(b) Transfer of title to damaged articles. If title to a damaged taxable article is transferred by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof to a carrier or insurance company in adjustment of a damage claim, such transfer is not considered a taxable sale of the article. If the article is usable, even though damaged, the carrier or insurance company incurs liability for tax on its sale, lease, or use of the article. Where the article has been damaged to the extent that its only value is as scrap, and it is not restored to usable condition, sale thereof by the carrier or insurance company is not subject to tax.

[T.D. 6687, 28 FR 11782, Nov. 5, 1963]

Subpart N—Exemptions, Registration, Etc.
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Source:  T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13522, Mar. 31, 1978, unless otherwise noted.

§ 48.4221-1   Tax-free sales; general rule.
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(a) Application of regulations under section 4221—(1) In general. The regulations under section 4221 provide rules under which the manufacturer, producer, or importer of an article subject to tax under chapter 32 (or the retailer of an article subject to tax under subchapter A or C of chapter 31) may sell the article tax free under section 4221.

(2) Limitations. The following restrictions must be taken into account in applying the regulations under section 4221:

(i) The exemptions under section 4221 (a)(4) and (a)(5) do not apply to the tax imposed by section 4064 (gas guzzler tax).

(ii) The exemptions under section 4221 do not apply to the tax imposed by section 4081 (taxable fuel tax).

(iii) The exemptions under section 4221 do not apply to the tax imposed by section 4091 (aviation fuel tax). For rules relating to tax-free sales of aviation fuel, see section 4092 and the regulations thereunder.

(iv) The exemptions under section 4221 do not apply to the tax imposed by section 4121 (coal tax).

(v) The exemptions under section 4221 (a)(3) through (a)(5) do not apply to the tax imposed by section 4131 (vaccine tax). In addition, the exemption under section 4221(a)(2) applies to the vaccine tax only to the extent provided in §48.4221–3(e) (relating to tax-free sales of vaccine for export).

(vi) The exemptions under section 4221(a) apply only in those cases where the exportation or use referred to is to occur before any other use.

(b) Manufacturer relieved of liability in certain cases—(1) General rule. Under the provisions of section 4221(c), if an article subject to tax under Chapter 32 of the Code is sold free of tax by the manufacturer of the article for an exempt purpose referred to in section 4221(c) and paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the manufacturer shall be relieved of any tax liability under Chapter 32 with respect to such sale if the manufacturer in good faith accepts a proper certification by the purchaser that the article or articles will be used by the purchaser in the stated exempt manner. See paragraph (b)(2) of this section for a list of the exempt purposes referred to in section 4221(c).

(2) The following are situations wherein section 4221(c) is applicable with respect to sales made tax free on the assumption that one of the following sections of the Code provides exemption for such sales:

(i) Section 4221(a)(1), to the extent that it relates to sales for further manufacture by a first purchaser (see §48.4221–2),

(ii) Section 4221(a)(3), relating to supplies for vessels and aircraft (see §48.4221–4),

(iii) Section 4221(a)(4), relating to sales to State or local governments (see §48.4221–5),

(iv) Section 4221(a)(5), relating to sales to nonprofit educational organizations (see §48.4221–6), and

(v) Section 4221(e)(3) relating to the sale of tires used on intercity, local, or school buses (see §48.4221–8).

(3) Duty of seller to ascertain validity of tax-free sale. If the manufacturer at the time of its sale has reason to believe that the article sold by it is not intended for the exempt purpose indicated by the purchaser, or that the purchaser has failed to register as required, the manufacturer is not considered to have accepted certification from the purchaser in good faith, and is not relieved from liability under the provisions of section 4221(c).

(4) Information to be furnished to purchaser. A manufacturer selling articles free of tax under this section after December 31, 1978, shall indicate to the purchaser that (i) certain articles normally subject to tax are being sold tax free and (ii) the purchaser is obtaining those articles tax free for an exempt purpose under an exemption certificate or its equivalent. The manufacturer may transmit this information by any convenient means, such as coding of sales invoices, provided that the information is presented with sufficient particularity so that the purchaser is informed that he has obtained the articles tax free and:

(i) The purchaser can compute and remit the tax due if an article sold tax free for further manufacture is diverted to a taxable use,

(ii) The manufacturer can remit the tax due with respect to an article purchased tax free for resale for use in further manufacture or for export if, within the 6-month period described in §48.4221–2(c) or §48.4221–3(c), the manufacturer does not receive proof that the article has been exported or resold for use in further manufacture, or

(iii) The purchaser can notify the manufacturer if an article otherwise purchased tax free is diverted to a taxable use.

(c) Evidence required in support of tax-free sales—(1) Purchasers required to be registered. Every purchaser who is required to be registered (see §48.4222(a)–1) shall furnish to the seller, as evidence in support of each tax-free sale made by the seller to such purchaser, the exempt purpose for which the article or articles are being purchased and the registration number of the purchaser. Such information must be in writing and may be noted on the purchase order or other document furnished by the purchaser to the seller in connection with each sale.

(2) Purchasers not required to be registered. For the evidence which purchasers not required to register must furnish to the seller in support of each tax-free sale made by the seller to such purchasers, see paragraph (b) of §48.4221–3 for sales or resales to a foreign purchaser for export, paragraph (d) of §48.4221–4 for sales of supplies to vessels or aircraft, paragraph (c) of §48.4221–5 for sales to State and local governments, and paragraph (c) of §48.4222(b)–1 for sales and purchases by the United States.

[T.D. 6687, 28 FR 11782, Nov. 5, 1963, as amended by T.D. 7834, 47 FR 42345, Sept. 27, 1982; T.D. 8036, 50 FR 29963, July 23, 1985; T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10463, Mar. 14, 1996; T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17160, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.4221-2   Tax-free sale of articles to be used for, or resold for, further manufacture.
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(a) Further manufacture—(1) In general. Under prescribed conditions, an article subject to tax under Chapter 32 (other than a tire taxable under section 4071, which is given special treatment under section 4221(e)(2) and §48.4221–7) may be sold tax free by the manufacturer, pursuant to section 4221(a)(1), for use by the purchaser in further manufacture, or for resale by the purchaser to a second purchaser for use by the second purchaser in further manufacture. See section 4221(d)(6) and paragraph (b) of this section for the circumstances under which an article is considered to have been sold for use in further manufacture. See section 6416(b)(3) and §48.6416(b)–3 for the circumstances under which credit or refund is available when tax-paid articles are used in further manufacture.

(2) Proof of resale for use in further manufacture. See section 4221(b)(1) and paragraph (c) of this section for provisions under which the exemption provided in section 4221(a)(1) shall cease to apply in the case of an article sold by the manufacturer to a purchaser for resale to a second purchaser for use in further manufacture unless the manufacturer receives timely proof of resale for further manufacture.

(b) Circumstances under which an article is considered to have been sold for use in further manufacture. (1) An article shall be treated as sold for use in further manufacture if the article is sold for use by the buyer as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part of, another article taxable under chapter 32 of the Internal Revenue Code.

(2) An article is used as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component of, another article if it is incorporated in, or is a part or accessory of, the other article when the other article is sold by the manufacturer. In addition, an article is considered to be used as material in the manufacture of another article if it is consumed in whole or in part in testing such other article. However, an article that is consumed in the manufacturing process other than in testing, so that it is not a physical part of the manufactured article, is not considered to have been used as material in the manufacture of, or as a component part of, another article.

(c) Proof of resale for further manufacture—(1) Cessation of exemption. The exemption provided in section 4221(a)(1) and described in paragraph (a) of this section in respect of an article sold by the manufacturer to a purchaser for resale to a second purchaser for use by the second purchaser in further manufacture shall cease to apply on the first day following the close of the 6-month period which begins on the date of the sale of such article by the manufacturer, or the date of shipment of the article by the manufacturer, whichever is earlier, unless, within such 6-month period, the manufacturer receives proof, in the form prescribed by paragraph (c) (2) of this section, that the article was actually resold by the purchaser to a second purchaser for such use. If, on the first day following the close of the 6-month period, such proof has not been received, the manufacturer shall become liable for tax at that time at the rate in effect when the sale was made but otherwise in the same manner as if the article had been sold by it on such first day at a taxable price equivalent to that at which the article was actually sold. If the manufacturer later obtains such proof, it may file a claim for refund or credit of this tax. The payment of this tax by the manufacturer is not considered an overpayment by the subsequent manufacturer or producer for which the subsequent manufacturer or producer is entitled to a credit or refund under section 6416(b)(3). See section 4221(d)(6) and paragraph (b) of this section for the circumstances under which an article is considered to have been sold for use in further manufacture.

(2) Proof of resale—(i) Certificate of purchaser. The proof of resale to be received by the manufacturer, as required under section 4221(b)(1), may consist of either a copy of the invoice of the manufacturer's vendee directed to his purchaser which discloses the certificate of registry number held by each party or a statement described below. In the case of an invoice of manufacturer's vendee, it must appear from such invoice (or by statement attached thereto) that the article was in fact resold for use in further manufacture. In lieu of such an invoice, proof of resale may consist of a statement, executed and signed by the manufacturer's vendee. Such statement shall be in substantially the following form:

Statement of Manufacturer's Vendee

(To support tax-free sales of taxable articles to a purchaser for resale to a second purchaser for use in further manufacture (section 4221(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code).)

(Date) _____________, 19__.

The undersigned, or the ___________________ (Name of manufacturer's vendee if other than undersigned), of which I am _____ (Title) ____________________________________ , holds certificate of registry No. __, issued by the District Director of Internal Revenue at _________.

The article or articles specified below or on the reverse side hereof were purchased tax free by me, or by ________________ (Name of manufacturer's vendee if other than undersigned), on _____ (Date) and were thereafter resold to a purchaser who holds certificate of registry No. __, issued by the District Director of Internal Revenue at _________, for use by it as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part or parts of, an article or articles taxable under chapter 32 of the Internal Revenue Code, or, if the article or articles are automobile parts or accessories (to which section 4061(b) applies) or gasoline, for use by it as material (for nonfuel uses in the case of gasoline) in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part or parts of, any article or articles.

The undersigned, or _________________ (Name of manufacturer's vendee if other than undersigned), has in my/its possession proof of tax-free resale of such article or articles in the form of related purchase orders and sales invoices, and proof of tax-free resale will be retained by me or __________________ (Name of manufacturer's vendee if other than undersigned), for at least 3 years from the date of this statement, and will be made readily available for inspection by Government officers during such 3-year period.

I have not previously executed a statement in respect of such certificate of resale, and I understand that the fraudulent use of this statement may subject me and all parties making such fraudulent use of this statement to a fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

____________________
(Signature) ________________________________      ____________________
(Address)    

(ii) Period covered. Any statement executed and signed by the manufacturer's vendee, as provided in subdivision (i) of this paragraph (c)(2), may be executed with respect to any one or more articles purchased tax free from a manufacturer and resold for use in further manufacture within the 6-month period prescribed in section 4221 (a)(1) and paragraph (c)(1) of this section. Such statement (or other prescribed proof of resale) must be retained for inspection by the district director as provided in section 6001.

(Sec. 4222 (72 Stat. 1284; 26 U.S.C. 422); secs. 4051, 4052, 4061 and 7805 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (96 Stat. 2174, 2175 and 2173; 68A Stat. 917; 26 U.S.C. 4051, 4052, 4061, and 7805) and secs. 522 and 523 of the Highway Revenue Act of 1982 (Pub. L. 97–424, 96 Stat. 2185, 2186))

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13522, Mar. 31, 1978, as amended by T.D. 7681, 45 FR 13728, Mar. 3, 1980; T.D. 7753, 46 FR 2999, Jan. 13, 1981; T.D. 7882, 48 FR 14362, Apr. 4, 1983; T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10463, Mar. 14, 1996]

§ 48.4221-3   Tax-free sale of articles for export, or for resale by the purchaser to a second purchaser for export.
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(a) In general. (1) An article subject to tax under Chapter 32 of the Code may be sold tax free by the manufacturer, pursuant to section 4221(a)(2) and this section, for export, or for resale by the purchaser to a second purchaser for export. See paragraph (a)(10) of §48.0–2 for the meaning of the term “export”. An article may be sold tax free by the manufacturer under the provisions of this section only if the person to whom the manufacturer sells the article intends either to export the article or to resell it to a person who intends to export it. An article may not be sold tax free under the provisions of this section by a manufacturer to a purchaser for resale to a second purchaser which does not intend to export the article itself but plans to resell it to a third purchaser for export. See section 6416 (b)(2)(A) and paragraph (b)(1) of §48.6416(b)–2 for the circumstances under which credit or refund of tax is available where tax-paid articles are exported from the United States.

(2) If an article, otherwise taxable under Chapter 32 of the Code:

(i) Is sold tax free by the manufacturer pursuant to section 4221(a)(2) and this section, and

(ii) Is returned subsequently to the United States in an unused and undamaged condition,

then the importer is liable for the tax imposed by Chapter 32 on the subsequent sale or use of the article in the United States. The provisions of this paragraph (a)(2) may be illustrated by the following examples:

Example (1).  Q, a U.S. motor vehicle manufacturer, previously sold a truck chassis to R, a company in Canada. The sale was tax free under section 4221(a)(2). R mounted a truck body on the truck chassis and sold the completed vehicle to S. Thereafter S sold the completed new vehicle to T who imported the vehicle into the United States and sold it. The sale of the completed truck subjects T to an excise tax liability under section 4061(a)(1) with respect to both the body and the chassis.

Example (2).  X, a U.S. manufacturer of trucks, sold a trash collection truck to Y, a company in France. The sale was tax free under section 4221(a)(2). The truck was sold by Y to the City of Nice, France. After initial use, the city determined that the truck was not suited for its needs and resold the truck to X. X returned the truck to the United States where it was resold. The resale of the truck by X does not subject X to an excise tax liability under section 4061(a)(1).

(b) Sales or resales to a foreign purchaser for export. In the case of sales or resales to a foreign purchaser for export, where the first purchaser or the second purchaser is located in a foreign country or possession of the United States, such purchaser is not required to register as provided in section 4222(a) and §48.4222(a)–1. To establish the right to sell articles tax free for export to a purchaser who is not registered and who is located in a foreign country or a possession of the United States, the manufacturer must obtain from such purchaser at the time title to the article passes or at the time of shipment, whichever is earlier, either:

(1) A written order or contract of sale showing that the manufacturer is to ship the article to a foreign destination; or

(2) Where delivery by the manufacturer is to be made within the United States, a statement from the purchaser showing:

(i) That the article is purchased either to fill existing or future orders for delivery to a foreign destination or for resale to another person engaged in the business of exporting who will export the article, and

(ii) That such article will be transported to its foreign destination in due course prior to use or further manufacture and prior to any resale except for export.

See section 4221(b) and paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section for requirements as to timely proof of exportation and cessation of the exemption for export unless the evidence to show actual exportation has been received by the manufacturer.

(c) Cessation of exemption. The exemption provided in section 4221(a)(2) and paragraph (a) of this section for an article sold by the manufacturer for export or for resale by the purchaser to a second purchaser for export shall cease to apply on the first day following the close of the 6-month period which begins on the date of the sale of the article by the manufacturer, or the date of shipment of the article by the manufacturer, whichever is earlier, unless within the 6-month period the manufacturer receives proof, in the form prescribed by paragraph (d) of this section, that the article was actually exported. If, on the first day following the close of the 6-month period, the proof has not been received, the manufacturer shall become liable for tax at that time at the rate in effect when the sale was made but otherwise in the same manner as if the article had been sold by it on such first day at a taxable price equivalent to that at which the article was actually sold.

(d) Proof of exportation. (1) Exportation may be evidenced by:

(i) A copy of the export bill of lading issued by the delivering carrier,

(ii) A certificate by the agent or representative of the export carrier showing actual exportation of the article,

(iii) A certificate of landing signed by a customs officer of the foreign country to which the article is exported,

(iv) Where the foreign country has no customs administration, a statement of the foreign consignee showing receipt of the article, or

(v) Where a department or agency of the United States Government is unable to furnish any one of the foregoing four types of proof of exportation, a statement or certification on the department or agency stationery, executed by an authorized officer, that the listed or identified articles have, in fact, been exported.

(2) In any case where the manufacturer is not the exporter, the manufacturer must have in its possession a statement from the vendee to whom the manufacturer sold the article stating that the article was in fact exported in due course by the vendee or was sold to another person who in due course exported the article. The statement must state what evidence is available to establish that the article was in fact exported in due course prior to use or further manufacture and prior to resale in the United States other than for export. Such evidence must be that described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, and the statement must show where such evidence is readily available for inspection by Government officers, and should be in substantially the following form:

Statement of Manufacturer's Vendee

(To support tax-free sales of taxable articles to a purchaser for export or for resale to a second purchaser for export (section 4221(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code).)

The undersigned, or the _______________ (Name of manufacturer's vendee if other than undersigned) of which I am _____ (Title) ____________________________________ holds certificate of registry No. __, issued by the District Director of Internal Revenue at _________.

The article or articles specified below or on the reverse side hereof were purchased tax free by me or by ______________ (Name of manufacturer's vendee if other than undersigned) on _____ (Date), and were thereafter exported.

The undersigned or ______________ (Name of manufacturer's vendee if other than undersigned) has in my/its possession proof of exportation in respect of such article or articles. The evidence of export available is _________ and is located at _______________ (If other than address below). Such proof of exportation will be retained by _______________ (Name of manufacturer's vendee) for at least 3 years from the date of this statement and will be made readily available for inspection by Government officers.

I have not previously executed a statement in respect of the article or articles covered by this statement, and I understand that the fraudulent use of this statement will subject me and all parties making such fraudulent use of this statement to a fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

(Signature) ________________________________ (Address) (Date)

(3) The statement executed and signed by the manufacturer's vendee, as provided in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, may be executed with respect to any one or more articles purchased tax free from a manufacturer and exported within the 6-month period prescribed in section 4221(b)(2) and paragraph (c) of this section. Such statement shall be kept for inspection by the district director as provided in section 6001 and the regulations thereunder.

(e) Vaccines. The exemption provided by section 4221(a)(2) applies after August 10, 1993, to the tax imposed on vaccines by section 4131, but only if—

(1) The vaccine is sold by the manufacturer after August 10, 1993; and

(2) In the case of vaccine sold to, or sold for resale to, the United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, the United States or such agency or instrumentality notifies the manufacturer that the vaccine is intended for uses other than the vaccination of persons described in 42 U.S.C. 300aa–11(c)(1)(B)(i)(II) (relating to certain U.S. citizens who are vaccinated outside the United States).

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13522, Mar. 31, 1978, as amended by T.D. 7729, 45 FR 72653, Nov. 3, 1980; T.D. 8561, 59 FR 43045, Aug. 22, 1994]

§ 48.4221-4   Tax-free sale of articles for use by the purchaser as supplies for vessels or aircraft.
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(a) Supplies for vessels or aircraft—(1) In general. An article subject to tax under Chapter 32 may be sold tax free by the manufacturer, pursuant to section 4221(a)(3) and this section, for use by the purchaser as supplies for vessels or aircraft. See paragraph (b) of this section for the meaning of the term “supplies for vessels or aircraft.” An article may be sold tax free under the provisions of this section only in those cases where the sale of an article by the manufacturer is made directly to the owner, officer, charterer, or authorized agent of a vessel or aircraft for use as supplies for the vessel or aircraft. No sale may be made tax free to a dealer for resale for use as supplies for vessels or aircraft, even though it is known at the time of sale by the manufacturer that the article will be so resold. See section 6416(b)(2)(B) and paragraph (b)(2) of §48.6416 (b)–2 for circumstances under which credit or refund of tax is available where tax-paid articles are used, or sold for use, as supplies for vessels or aircraft. An article may not be sold tax free under the provisions of this section by the manufacturer to passengers or members of the crew of a vessel or aircraft.

(2) Civil aircraft of foreign registry. In the case of any article sold by the manufacturer for use by the purchaser as supplies for civil aircraft of foreign registry employed in foreign trade or in trade between the United States and any of its possessions, the provisions of this paragraph apply only if the reciprocity requirements of section 4221(e)(1) are met. See paragraph (c) of this section.

(b) Meaning of terms—(1) Supplies for vessels or aircraft. The term “supplies for vessels or aircraft” means fuel supplies, ships' stores, sea stores, or legitimate equipment on vessels of war of the United States or of any foreign nation, vessels employed in the fisheries or in the whaling business, or vessels actually engaged in foreign trade or trade between the Atlantic and Pacific ports of the United States or between the United States and any of its possessions.

(2) Fuel supplies, ships' stores, and legitimate equipment. The terms “fuel supplies”, “ships' stores”, and “legitimate equipment” include all articles, materials, supplies, and equipment necessary for the navigation, propulsion, and upkeep of vessels of war of the United States or of any foreign nation, vessels employed in the fisheries or in the whaling business, or vessels actually engaged in foreign trade or in trade between the Atlantic and Pacific ports of the United States or between the United States and any of its possessions, even though such vessels may make intermediate stops in the United States. The term does not include supplies for vessels engaged in trade (i) between domestic ports in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, (ii) between domestic ports on the Pacific Ocean, (iii) between domestic ports on the Great Lakes, or (iv) on the inland waterways of the United States.

(3) Sea stores. The term “sea stores” includes any article purchased for use or consumption by the passengers or crew, or both, of a vessel during its voyage.

(4) Vessels. The term “vessel” includes (i) every description of watercraft or other contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on water, (ii) civil aircraft registered in the United States and employed in foreign trade or in trade between the United States and any of its possessions, and (iii) civil aircraft registered in a foreign country and employed in foreign trade or in trade between the United States and any of its possessions.

(5) Vessels of war of the United States or of any foreign nation. The term “vessels of war of the United States or of any foreign nation” includes (i) every description of watercraft or other contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on water and constituting equipment of the armed forces (including the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. National Guard) of the United States or of a foreign nation, and (ii) aircraft owned by the United States or by any foreign nation and constituting equipment of the armed forces thereof. For purposes of this section, vessels or aircraft owned by armed forces are not considered to be equipment of such armed forces while on lease or loan to an organization that is not part of the armed forces.

(6) Vessels used in fisheries or whaling business. The exemption provided by section 4221(a)(3) and paragraph (a) of this section in the case of articles sold for the prescribed use on vessels employed in the fisheries or whaling business is limited to articles sold by the manufacturer for such use on vessles while employed, and to the extent employed, exclusively in the fisheries or in the whaling business. For purposes of this section, vessels engaged in sport fishing are not considered to be employed in the fisheries.

(7) Civil aircraft. The exemption provided by section 4221(a)(3) and paragraph (a) of this section relating to supplies for vessels or aircraft, with respect to civil aircraft, extends only to civil aircraft when employed in foreign trade, or in trade between the United States and any of its possessions. Sales of supplies to civil aircraft when engaged in trade between the Atlantic and the Pacific ports of the United States are not exempt from the tax imposed under Chapter 32. See section 4221(e)(1) and paragraph (c) of this section for requirement of reciprocal exemption in the case of a civil aircraft registered in a foreign country.

(8) Trade. The term “trade” includes the transportation of persons or property for hire and the making of the necessary preparations for such transportation. The term “trade” also includes the transportation of property on a vessel or aircraft owned or chartered by the owner of the property in connection with the purchase, sale, or exchange of the property in a commercial business operation. However, a vessel owned or chartered by a company and used in the transportation of personnel or property of such company to or from its business properties located in a foreign country, or in a possession of the United States, is not engaged in “trade”.

(c) Reciprocity required in the case of civil aircraft. The exemption provided by section 4221(a)(3) and paragraph (a) of this section with respect to the sales of supplies for civil aircraft registered in a foreign country is further limited in that the privilege of exemption may be granted only if the Secretary of Commerce advises the Secretary of the Treasury that the foreign country allows, or will allow, substantially the same reciprocal privileges. If a foreign country discontinues the allowance of such substantially reciprocal exemption, the exemption allowed by the United States will not apply after the Secretary of the Treasury is notified by the Secretary of Commerce of the discontinuance of the exemption allowed by the foreign country.

(d) Evidence required to establish exemption—(1) In general. The exemption provided in section 4221(a)(3) and paragraph (a) of this section for articles sold for use by the purchaser as supplies for vessels or aircraft applies only (i) if both the manufacturer and purchaser are registered under the provisions of section 4222 or (ii) the purchaser or both the manufacturer and the purchaser are not registered but have satisfied the provisions of paragraph (d)(2) of this section. See paragraph (c) of §48.4221–1 for the evidence required to establish exemption where the purchaser is registered pursuant to section 4222 and §48.4222(a)–1.

(2) Exemption certificates for use in support of tax-free sales of supplies for vessels and aircraft. (i) In order to establish exemption from tax under section 4221(a)(3) in those instances where the purchaser or both the manufacturer and purchaser are not registered under section 4222, the manufacturer must obtain (prior to or at the time of the sale) from the owner, charterer, or authorized agent of the vessel or aircraft and retain in the manufacturer's possession a properly executed exemption certificate in the form prescribed by subdivision (iii) of this paragraph (d)(2). If articles are sold tax free for use as supplies for civil aircraft employed in foreign trade or in trade between the United States and any of its possessions, the exemption certificate must show the name of the country in which the aircraft is registered.

(ii) Where only occasional sales of articles are made to a purchaser for use as supplies for vessels or aircraft, a separate exemption certificate shall be furnished for each order. However, where sales are regularly or frequently made to a purchaser for such exempt use, a certificate covering all orders for a specified period not to exceed 12 calendar quarters will be acceptable. Such certificates and proper records of invoices, orders, etc., relative to tax-free sales must be kept for inspection by the district director as provided in section 6001 and the regulations thereunder.

(iii) Acceptable form of exemption certificate. The following form of exemption certificate will be acceptable for the purposes of this section and must by adhered to in substance:

Exemption Certificate

(For use by purchasers of articles for use as fuel supplies, ships stores, sea stores, of legitimate equipment on certain vessels or aircraft (sections 4221 and 4222 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954).)

(Date) _____________, 19__.

I, the undersigned purchaser, hereby certify that I am the ________ (Owner, charterer, or authorized agent) of _____ (Name of company and vessel) and that: (Check applicable type of certificate)

__ the article or articles specified in the accompanying order, or on the reverse side hereof, (or)

__ all orders placed by the purchaser for the period commencing (Date) ___ and ending (Date) ___ (period not to exceed 12 calendar quarters), will be used only for fuel supplies, ships' stores, sea stores, or legitimate equipment on a vessel belonging to one of the following classes of vessels to which section 4221 of the Internal Revenue Code applies: (Check class to which vessel belongs.)

                                        (1) Vessels engaged in foreign                                      trade.                                     (2) Vessels engaged in trade                                      between the Atlantic and Pacific                                      ports of the United States.                                     (3) Vessels engaged in trade                                      between the United States and any                                      of its possessions.                                     (4) Vessels employed in the                                      fisheries or whaling business.                                     (5) Vessels of war of the United                                      States or a foreign nation. 

If the articles are purchased for use on civil aircraft engaged in trade as specified in (1) or (3) above, state the name of the country in which the aircraft is registered:

____________________

I understand that if the articles are used for any purpose other than as stated in this certificate, or are resold or otherwise disposed of, I must report such fact to the manufacturer. I understand that this certificate may not be used in purchasing articles tax free for use as fuel supplies, etc., on pleasure vessels, or on any type of aircraft except that (i) civil aircraft employed in foreign trade or trade between the United States and any of its possessions, and (ii) aircraft owned by the United States or any foreign country and constituting a part of the armed forces thereof.

I understand that the fraudulent use of this certificate to secure exemption will subject me and all parties making such fraudulent use of this certificate to a fine of not more than $10,000, or to imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with costs of prosecution. I also understand that I must be prepared to establish by satisfactory evidence the purpose for which the article was used.

____________________
(Signature) ________________________________    ____________________
(Address)  

§ 48.4221-5   Tax-free sale of articles to State and local governments for their exclusive use.
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(a) In general. An article (excluding an automobile subject to tax under section 4064) subject to tax under Chapter 32 of the Code may be sold tax free by the manufacturer, pursuant to section 4221(a)(4) and this section, to a State or local government for the exclusive use of such State or local government. See paragraph (b) of this section for the meaning of the term “State or local government”. An article may be sold tax free by the manufacturer under this paragraph only in those cases where the sale is made directly to a State or local government for its exclusive use. Accordingly, no sale may be made tax free to a dealer for resale to a State or local government for its exclusive use, even though it is known at the time of sale by the manufacturer that the article will be so resold. A sale of an article to a State or local government for resale is not considered to be a sale for the “exclusive use” of the State or local government, within the meaning of section 4221(a)(4), and, therefore, such sales may not be made tax free. Such sales are not exempt regardless of whether the resales are made to government employees, or the fact that the article is an item of equipment the employee is required to possess in carrying out his duties. For example, pistols or revolvers may not be sold tax free to a State or local government for resale to its police officers. See section 6416(b)(2)(C), and paragraph (b)(3) of §48.6416(b)–2, for the circumstances under which credit or refund of tax is available where tax-paid articles are sold for the exclusive use of a State or local government.

(b) State or local government. The term “State or local government” includes any State, the District of Columbia, and any political subdivision of any of the foregoing.

(c) Evidence required in support of tax-free sales to States or local governments. (1) The evidence required in support of a tax-free sale to the State or local government shall, except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, consist of a certificate, executed and signed by an officer or employee authorized by the State or local government to execute and sign the certificate. If it is impracticable to furnish a separate certificate for each order or contract because of a frequency of purchases, a certificate covering all orders between given dates (such period not to exceed 12 calendar quarters) will be acceptable. The certificates and proper records of invoices, orders, etc., relative to tax-free sales must be retained by the manufacturer as provided in section 6001 and the regulations thereunder. The certificate shall be in substantially the following form:

Exemption Certificate

(For use by States and local governments (section 4221(a)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code))

(Date) _____________, 19__.

I hereby certify that I am _________ (Title of Officer) of _________ (State or local government) that I am authorized to execute this certificate; and that:

(Check applicable type of certificate)

__ the article or articles specified in the accompanying order, or on the reverse side hereof, (or)

__ all orders placed by the purchaser for the period commencing _________ (Date) and ending _________ (Date) (period not to exceed 12 calendar quarters), are, or will be, purchased from _________ (Name of manufacturer) for the exclusive use of _________ (Governmental unit) of _________ (State or local government).

I understand that the exemption from tax in the case of sales of articles under this exemption certificate to a State, etc., is limited to the sale of articles purchased for its exclusive use. I understand that the fraudulent use of this certificate for the purpose of securing this exemption will subject me and all parties making such fraudulent use of this certificate to a fine of not more than $10,000, or to imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with costs of prosecution.

____________________
(Signature) ________________________________    ____________________
(Address)  

(2) A purchase order, provided that all of the information required by paragraph (c)(1) of this section is included therein, is acceptable in lieu of a separate exemption certificate.

(d) Resale of articles purchased tax free by a State or local government. If articles purchased tax free for the exclusive use of a State or local government are prior to use by the State or local government resold under circumstances that do not amount to an exclusive use by the State or local government (such as tires that are resold by a volunteer fire department to volunteer firemen), the parties responsible in the State or local government are required to inform the manufacturer, producer, or importer from whom the articles were purchased that they were disposed of in a manner that did not amount to an exclusive use by the State or local government. A willful failure to supply the manufacturer, producer, or importer with the information required by this subparagraph will subject responsible parties to the penalties provided by section 7203.

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13522, Mar. 31, 1978, as amended by T.D. 8036, 50 FR 29963, July 23, 1985; T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10463, Mar. 14, 1996]

§ 48.4221-6   Tax-free sales of articles to nonprofit educational organizations.
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(a) In general. An article (excluding an automobile subject to tax under section 4064) subject to tax under Chapter 32 of the Code may be sold tax free by the manufacturer, pursuant to section 4221(a)(5) and this section, to a nonprofit educational organization for its exclusive use. See paragraph (b) of this section for the meaning of the term “nonprofit educational organization”. An article may be sold tax free by the manufacturer under this paragraph only in those cases where the sale of an article by the manufacturer is made directly to a nonprofit educational organization for its exclusive use. Accordingly, no sale may be made tax free to a dealer for resale to a nonprofit educational organization for its exclusive use even though it is known at the time of sale by the manufacturer that the article will be so resold. See section 6416(b)(2)(D), and paragraph (b)(4) of §48.6416(b)–2, for the circumstances under which credit or refund of tax is available where tax-paid articles are sold for the exclusive use of a nonprofit educational organization.

(b) Nonprofit educational organization. The term “nonprofit educational organization” means an organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) that is exempt from income tax under section 501(a). Section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) describes an “educational organization” as one that normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are regularly carried on. The term also includes a school operated as an activity of an organization described in section 501(c)(3) which is exempt from income tax under section 501(a), provided the primary function of such school is the presentation of formal instruction and provided such school normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are regularly carried on.

(c) Evidence required in support of tax-free sales to nonprofit educational organizations. Every nonprofit educational organization purchasing tax free under section 4221(a)(5) must furnish the following information to the seller:

(1) The exempt purpose for which the article or articles are being purchased, and

(2) Its registration number, and the district director's office that issued the registration number.

Such information must be in writing and may be noted on the purchase order or other document furnished by the purchaser to the seller in connection with each sale “except that a single notification containing the information described in this paragraph may cover all sales by the seller to the purchaser made during a designated period not to exceed 12 successive calendar quarters.”. See paragraph (c) of §48.4221–1 for the evidence required to establish exemption.

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13522, Mar. 31, 1978, as amended by T.D. 7686, 45 FR 17574, Mar. 19, 1980; T.D. 8036, 50 FR 29963, July 23, 1985]

§ 48.4221-7   Tax-free sales of tires and tubes.
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(a) In general. A manufacturer of tires or inner tubes that are taxable under section 4071 may sell such articles tax free if the sale meets the conditions prescribed in section 4221(e)(2) and paragraph (a) (1) and (2) of this section. The following are conditions under which articles taxable under section 4071 may be sold tax free:

(1) The tire or tube is sold for use by the purchaser for sale on or in connection with the sale of another article manufactured or produced by the purchaser; and

(2) The other article is to be sold in a tax-free sale by the purchaser for export, for use as supplies for vessels or aircraft, to a State or local government for its exclusive use, or to a nonprofit educational organization for its exclusive use, or the other article is to be sold by the purchaser for any of such purposes in a sale which would be tax-free but for the fact that the other article is not subject to tax under Chapter 32 of the Code.

See section 6416(b)(2)(F) and paragraph (b)(6) of §48.6416(b)–2 for the circumstances under which credit or refund of tax is available for tax-paid tires or tubes that are resold for the purposes described in this paragraph (a).

(b) Registration requirements. In order to effect a tax-free sale under section 4221(e)(2)(A), both the manufacturer and purchaser (except for purchasers who are exempt from the registration requirement under §48.4222(b)–1) must be registered with the District Director of Internal Revenue as required in §48.4222(a)–1. At the time of sale, the registration number assigned to the purchaser by the district director together with the purpose for which the article was purchased must be shown on (or attached to) the invoice, purchase order, or other document used for the sale.

(c) Proof required in support of tax-free sales of tires and tubes—(1) Cessation of exemption. The exemption allowed under section 4221(e)(2)(A) and this section on the sale of a tire or inner tube shall cease to apply unless, within the 6-month period which begins on the date of the tax-free sale by the manufacturer of such article (or, if earlier, on the date of shipment by such manufacturer), the manufacturer receives proof from the purchaser that such article has been used on or in connection with the sale of another article which has been sold for one of the tax-exempt purposes referred to in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. If the manufacturer has not received the required information within such 6-month period, the temporary suspension of the liability for the payment of the tax ceases, and the manufacturer shall include the tax on the sale of the tire or inner tube in his return for the period in which the 6-month period expires. If the required information is received after the expiration of the 6-month period, the manufacturer may file a claim for credit or refund of tax so paid on his sale of the tire or inner tube.

(2) Required information. The information which the manufacturer must receive within the 6-month period, referred to in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, shall be in substantially the following form:

Statement of Manufacturer's Vendee

(To support tax-free sales of tires or inner tubes by the manufacturer thereof for use on or in connection with the sale of another article (section 4221(e)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code))

(Date) ______________, 19__.

I certify that I, or the _________, (Name of purchaser if other than undersigned) of which I am _________ (Title) ____________________________________ am/is in the business of selling _________ (Products handled) and hold(s) certificate of registry No. __ issued by the District Director of Internal Revenue at _________; and that the tires or inner tubes which were purchased or shipped on __________, 19__, as specified on the back hereof, have been used on or in connection with the sale of _________ (Products sold) by such undersigned.

Check one

__ for export by _________ (Name of carrier) to _________ (Name of foreign country or U.S. possession) and was so exported on __________, 19__ (Date). (A copy of the bill of lading or other proof of exportation is attached.)

__ for use as supplies on _________ (Name of vessel or aircraft) which is registered in _________ (Name of country in which vessel or aircraft is registered).

__ to _________ (Name of State or local government).

__ to _________ (Name and address of the nonprofit educational organization).

I understand that the fraudulent use of this certificate for the purpose of substantiating the tax-free sale will subject me and all parties making such fraudulent use of this certificate to revocation of the privilege of purchasing articles tax free and to a fine of not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with costs of prosecution.

____________________
(Signature) ________________________________    ____________________
(Address)  

§ 48.4221-8   Tax-free sales of tires, tubes, and tread rubber used on intercity, local, and school buses.
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(a) In general. Under section 4221(e)(5), the taxes imposed by section 4071(a)(1), (3) and (4) shall not apply to sales by a manufacturer, producer, or importer of tires of the type used on highway vehicles or inner tubes for tires sold for use by the purchaser on or in connection with a qualified bus, or to the sales by a manufacturer, producer, or importer of tread rubber sold for use by the purchaser in the recapping or retreading of any tire to be used by the purchaser on or in connection with a qualified bus if the requirements of this section are met.

(b) Meaning of terms—(1) Qualified bus. “Qualified bus” means an intercity, local, or school bus.

(2) Intercity or local bus. “Intercity or local bus” means any automobile bus which is used predominantly (more than 50 percent) in furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public if such transportation is scheduled and along regular routes, or if the seating capacity of the bus is at least 20 adults (not including the driver). In determining predominant use, mileage travelled with passengers as well as mileage travelled incidental to such passenger transportation, such as “deadheading”, is counted. Under the first alternative, the size of the bus is not relevant for purposes of determining whether or not the use of the bus qualifies for the exemption. Under the second alternative, for non-scheduled bus operations, such as that provided by charter buses, the exemption is available only if the bus has a passenger seating capacity of at least 20 adults and the transportation is available to the general public. For purposes of determining whether the bus has a seating capacity of at least 20 adults, the bus driver is not included. Service is available to the general public if bus service is used in a passenger transportation business in which service is offered to more than a limited number of persons, groups, or organizations.

(3) School bus. “School bus” means any automobile bus in which “substantially all” (85 percent or more) of the use involves transporting students and employees of a school. Incidental use (deadheading) of the school bus without passengers to or from a point to which students or employees of school are transported is considered to be a use which involves transporting students or employees of schools. A school is any educational organization which normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are carried on. Tax-exempt schools, taxable schools, and a private contractor who operates a bus for tax-exempt or a taxable school may qualify for the tax exemption if all the requirements of this section are met.

(b) Registration requirements for tires, tubes, and tread rubber; vendees purchasing tax free. The provisions of section 4221(e)(5) do not apply with respect to any sale unless the manufacturer and the vendee are registered as required under section 4222, and unless they comply with all the requirements under that section relating to tax-free sales. See §48.4222 (a)–1. Persons not required to be registered under section 4222(b) may purchase articles tax free by following the same procedures that apply to them in the case of other tax-free sales. See §48.4222(b)–1. A person's registration and right to sell or purchase articles tax free may be revoked or suspended as provided in §48.4222(c).1. Such a revocation or suspension shall be in addition to any other penalties that may apply.

(c) Cross reference. For credit or refund, see section 6416(b)(2).

(d) Information; records—(1) Information to be furnished to purchaser. A manufacturer selling tires, tubes, or tread rubber tax free under section 4221(e)(5) shall indicate to the purchaser that the purchaser is obtaining the tires or tubes tax free for the purpose of use on or in connection with a qualified bus, and that the purchaser is obtaining the tread rubber tax free for use in the recapping or retreading of tires to be used by the purchaser on or in connection with a qualified bus. The manufacturer may transmit this information by any convenient means, such as coding of sales invoices, provided that the information is presented with sufficient particularity so that the purchaser is informed that the purchaser has obtained the tires, tubes, and tread rubber tax free.

(2) Records of manufacturer. A manufacturer selling tires, tubes, or tread rubber tax free under section 4221(e)(5) shall maintain in its records the identity of the purchaser, a signed statement of the exempt purpose for purchasing the tires, tubes, or tread rubber, and the quantity of tires, tubes, or tread rubber sold tax free to each purchaser.

(3) Records of purchaser. A person purchasing tires, tubes, or tread rubber tax free under section 4221(e)(5) must maintain sufficient records to establish that the tires, tubes, or tread rubber purchased tax free has actually been used for that purpose.

(e) Duty of selling manufacturer to ascertain validity of tax-free sale. The selling manufacturer is not relieved of liability under the provisions of section 4221(e)(5) by reason of section 4221(c) for the tax imposed by section 4061(b) if at the time of sale the selling manufacturer has knowledge or reason to believe that the tires, tubes, or tread rubber sold by it to the purchaser are not intended for use on an intercity, local, or school bus, or that the purchaser has failed to register, or that its registration has been revoked or suspended.

(f) Effective date. Section 4221(e)(5) (relating to tires, tubes, and tread rubber) applies to sales on or after December 1, 1978. The sale of tires, tubes, or tread rubber sold prior to that date is not exempt from tax under section 4221(e)(5).

[T.D. 7834, 47 FR 42346, Sept. 27, 1982. Redesignated by T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10463, Mar. 14, 1996]

§ 48.4222(a)-1   Registration.
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(a) General rule. Except as provided in §48.4222(b)–1, tax-free sales under section 4221 may be made only if the manufacturer, first purchaser, and second purchaser, as the case may be, have been registered by the Internal Revenue Service.

(b) Application instructions. Application for registration under section 4222 must be made in accordance with instructions for Form 637 (or such other form as the Commissioner may designate).

(c) Evidence required in support of tax-free sales. See subparagraph (1) of §48.4221–1(c) for evidence required in support of tax-free sales to purchasers who are required to be registered.

(d) Failure to register. If either the seller or purchaser is not registered as required by this section of the regulations, tax-free sales may not be made, except as indicated in §48.4222(b)–1.

(e) Cross references. (1) For exceptions to the requirement for registration, see section 4222(b) and §48.4222(b)–1.

(2) For revocation or suspension of registration, see §48.4222(c)–1.

(3) For applicability of section 4222 and these regulations to exemptions provided by sections 4063(b), 4182(b), and 4293, see §48.4222(d)–1

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13522, Mar. 31, 1978, as amended by T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10463, Mar. 14, 1996]

§ 48.4222(b)-1   Exceptions to the requirement for registration.
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(a) State and local governments. The Internal Revenue Service will not register State or local governments under section 4222. To establish the right to sell articles tax free to a State or local government, the manufacturer must obtain the information described in §48.4221–5(c).

(b) Sales or resales to foreign purchasers for export. Persons whose principal place of business is not within the United States may, but are not required to, register in order to purchase articles tax free for export. To establish the right to sell articles tax free for export to a purchaser who is not registered and who is located in a foreign country or a possession of the United States, the manufacturer must obtain the evidence required by paragraph (b) of §48.4221–3.

(c) United States. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of §48.4222(d)–1 (relating to sales to the American Red Cross) the registration requirements of the regulations in this part do not apply to purchases and sales by the United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities. The evidence required in support of such tax-free purchases and sales is a notation on the purchase order or other document furnished to the seller clearly indicating that the article or articles are being purchased tax free as authorized by Chapter 32 of the Code.

(d) Supplies for vessels and aircraft. An article subject to an excise tax imposed by Chapter 32 of the Code may be sold tax free by the manufacturer under the provisions of §48.4221–4 for use by the purchaser as supplies for a vessel or aircraft if both the manufacturer and the purchaser are registered under the provisions of §48.4222(a)–1. The article also may, on or after July 1, 1965, be sold tax free for such use even though neither the manufacturer nor the purchaser is so registered if the provisions of paragraph (d) of §48.4221–4 are satisfied.

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13522, Mar. 31, 1978, as amended by T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10463, Mar. 14, 1996; T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17160, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.4222(c)-1   Revocation or suspension of registration.
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The district director or the Director of International Operations, as the case may be, is authorized to revoke or temporarily suspend, upon written notice, the registration of any person and the right of such person to sell or purchase articles tax free under section 4221 of the Code in any case in which he finds that (1) the registrant is not a bona fide manufacturer, or a purchaser reselling direct to manufacturers or exporters; (2) the registrant is for some other reason not eligible under these regulations to retain a Certificate of Registry; (3) the registrant has used his registration to avoid the payment of any tax imposed by Chapter 32 of the Code, or to postpone or interfere in any manner with the collection of such tax; (4) such revocation or suspension is necessary to protect the revenue; or (5) the registrant failed to comply with the requirements of paragraph (c) of §48.4222 (a)–1, relating to the evidence required to support a tax-free sale. The revocation or suspension of registration is in addition to any other penalty that may apply under the law for any act or failure to act.

(Secs. 4222 (72 Stat. 1284; 26 U.S.C. 4222) and 7805 (68A Stat. 917; 26 U.S.C. 7805) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954); secs. 4051, 4052, 4061 and 7805 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (96 Stat. 2174, 2175 and 2173; 68A Stat. 917; 26 U.S.C. 4051, 4052, 4061, and 7805) and secs. 522 and 523 of the Highway Revenue Act of 1982 (Pub. L. 97–424, 96 Stat. 2185, 2186))

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13522, Mar. 31, 1978, as amended by T.D. 7753, 46 FR 2999, Jan. 13, 1981; T.D. 7882, 48 FR 14362, Apr. 4, 1983]

§ 48.4222(d)-1   Registration in the case of certain other exemptions.
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The registration procedure set forth in §48.4222 (a)–1 also applies in the following cases:

(a) Tax-free sales on or after March 10, 1980, under section 4064(b)(1)(C) (relating to emergency vehicles). Both the vendor and vendee (other than a State or local government) must be registered.

(b) Tax-free sales under section 4293 to any corporation created by Act of Congress to act in matters of relief under the treaty of Geneva of August 22, 1864 (American Red Cross) for its exclusive use. Both the vendor and the vendee must be registered.

[T.D. 7536, 43 FR 13522, Mar. 31, 1978, as amended by T.D. 7834, 47 FR 42347, Sept. 27, 1982; T.D. 8036, 50 FR 29963, July 23, 1985; T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10463, Mar. 14, 1996]

§ 48.4223-1   Special rules relating to further manufacture.
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(a) Purchasing manufacturer to be treated as the manufacturer. For purposes of Chapter 32, a manufacturer or producer to whom an article is sold or resold tax free under section 4221(a)(1) of the Code for use by it in further manufacture shall be treated as the manufacturer or producer of such article. If a manufacturer who purchases an article tax free for further manufacture does not use the article for further manufacture, the sale of the article by it, or its use of the article other than in further manufacture, shall, for purposes of the taxes imposed by Chapter 32 of the Code, be treated as a sale or use of the article by the manufacturer thereof. See paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section for determination of taxable sale price where an article purchased tax free for further manufacture is resold, or used other than in further manufacture.

(b) Computation of tax. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the tax liability referred to in paragraph (a) of this section shall be based on the price for which the article was sold by the purchasing manufacturer, or, where the manufacturer uses the article for a purpose other than which it was purchased, the tax shall be based on the price at which such or similar articles are sold, in the ordinary course of trade by manufacturers, producers, or importers thereof. See section 4218(e) and §48.4218–5.

(c) Election. (1) Instead of computing the tax as described under paragraph (b) of this section, the purchasing manufacturer who has incurred liability for tax on its sale or use of an article as provided by paragraph (a) of this section may compute the tax incurred under Chapter 32 by using as the tax base either the price for which the article was sold to it by the first purchaser, if any, or the price for which such article was sold by the actual manufacturer, producer, or importer of such article. The purchasing manufacturer must have in its possession information upon which to substantiate such basis for tax. For purposes of this paragraph, the price for which the article was sold by the actual manufacturer or by the first purchaser shall be determined as provided in section 4216 and the regulations thereunder. However, such price shall not be adjusted for any discount, rebate, allowance, return, or repossessionofacontainerorcovering,or otherwise.

(2) The election under this paragraph shall be in the form of a statement attached to the return reporting the tax applicable to the sale or use of the article which gave rise to such tax liability. Such election, once made, may not be revoked.

§ 48.4225-1   Exemption of articles manufactured or produced by Indians.
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The exemption provided under section 4225 applies to articles taxable under Chapter 32 of the Code that are of native Indian handicraft and are manufactured or produced by Indians on Indian reservations or in Indian schools, or manufactured or produced by Indians who are under the jurisdiction of the United States Government in Alaska. For purposes of this section, Indians who reside on allotments of land adjacent to an Indian reservation and are subject to the supervision, control, and jurisdiction of the Bureau of Indian Affairs are considered to be “Indians on Indian reservations”.

Subpart O—Refunds and Other Administrative Provisions of Special Application to Retailers and Manufacturers Taxes
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§ 48.6412-1   Floor stocks credit or refund.
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(a) In general. This section sets forth the procedures to be followed in claiming the credit or refund authorized by section 6412 for manufacturers excise taxes paid in respect of certain articles held by dealers as floor stocks on October 1, 1988. See §48.6412–2 for definitions of the following terms when used in this section: “floor stocks”, “inventory date”, “dealer”, “held by a dealer”, “old rate”, “new rate”, “dealer request limitation date”, “claim limitation date”, and “tax paid”. See §48.6412–3 for determining the amount of tax paid on articles that are held as floor stocks. The manufacturers excise taxes for which credit or refund may be claimed under this section are those imposed by section 4071, relating to tires of the type used on highway vehicles; and section 4081, relating to gasoline. For definition of the term “highway vehicle”, see §48.4061(a)–1(d).

(b) Computation of the amount of floor stocks credit or refund. The amount of floor stocks credit or refund which may be claimed by the manufacturer under section 6412(a)(1) may not exceed an amount equal to the difference between the tax paid by the manufacturer on the sale of the article and the amount of tax made applicable to the article on the inventory date. No interest is allowable with respect to any amount of tax credited or refunded under section 6412 and this section. In applying the floor stocks credit or refund provisions, the date on which the manufacturer paid the tax with respect to the article held as floor stocks is not relevant. Thus, the period of limitations provided in section 6511 with respect to claims for credit or refund does not apply; however, see paragraph (f) of this section. For definition of the term “manufacturer”, see §48.0–2(a)(4).

(c) Limitation. Except as provided in §48.6412–3, no credit or refund is allowable under this section for an amount paid as tax which may be credited or refunded under any provisions of law other than section 6412(a)(1), or which was allowable as a credit or refund under section 6412 with respect to an earlier inventory date.

(d) Relationship between credits or refunds for floor stocks and credits or refunds for price readjustments. The amount which may be credited or refunded for floor stocks and for price readjustments on an article may not in the aggregate exceed the tax paid in respect of the article. A credit or refund computed on the basis of the old tax rate will be allowed with respect to a price readjustment of an article on which a floor stock credit or refund was allowed, but only if the amount of the floor stock credit or refund otherwise allowable was reduced by taking into account such price readjustment, as determined under §48.6412–3(e). The manufacturer must keep readily available for inspection sufficient records to enable examining officers of the Internal Revenue Service to ascertain the correctness of any claim for credit or refund for a price readjustment of an article on which a floor stock refund was claimed.

(e) Participation of dealers—(1) Request by dealer. On or before the dealer request limitation date, a dealer may submit to a manufacturer a request with respect to a credit or refund allowable under this section for tax paid by the manufacturer with respect to articles held by the dealer as floor stocks. This request may be submitted directly to the manufacturer, or it may be submitted to him indirectly through another dealer in the distribution chain if the request is received by the manufacturer or an authorized agent of the manufacturer on or before the dealer request limitation date.

(2) Requirements for claim by manufacturer. No amount of credit or refund under this section may be claimed by a manufacturer with respect to articles held by a dealer as floor stocks unless—

(i) The claim for the amount is based upon a request submitted by the dealer to the claimant on or before the dealer request limitation date;

(ii) The amount is paid by the claimant to the dealer, or the dealer's written consent to allowance of the credit or refund has been received by the claimant, on or before the claim limitation date; and

(iii) The request by the dealer is supported by an inventory statement, made under the penalties of perjury and signed by the dealer or by the dealer's authorized representative, setting forth the following information:

(A) The name and address of the dealer and of the applicable manufacturer, (if the name and address of the applicable manufacturer is unknown to the dealer, these items may be added by any person in the chain of distribution);

(B) The identification number, if any, of the article, such as a serial, stock, model, type, or class number, or some other suitable means of identification;

(C) A brief description of the article, such as its common name or designation; and

(D) The quantity of articles held by the dealer as floor stocks on the inventory date.

(3) Actual manufacturer unknown. If a dealer addresses a request to the person, who from markings on the article the dealer presumes to be the manufacturer, the request may be treated as made to the actual manufacturer if the actual manufacturer accepts the dealer's request.

(4) Payment to dealer by claimant. Payment may be made directly to the dealer or to the dealer's authorized agent or representative by the claimant or by the claimant's authorized agent or representative. If a claimant pays a dealer through the claimant's agent or representative, the evidence must show that the dealer actually received the payment. If a dealer authorizes the claimant to pay the dealer through the dealer's agent or representative, evidence showing receipt of the payment by the agent or representative will be accepted as proof of actual payment to the dealer. Payment shall be made, at the manufacturer's option, in cash, by check, or by credit to the dealer's account as maintained by the claimant. The amount of the payment which may be made by crediting the dealer's account may not exceed the undisputed debit balance due at the time the credit is made. However, payment may be made in merchandise at the dealer's option with the concurrence of the manufacturer.

(5) Date of performance. The date on which any act described in this paragraph (e) is performed by an agent or representative on behalf of a claimant or dealer is deemed to be the date on which the act is performed by the principal.

(6) Record of inventories. For provisions relating to the record of a dealer's inventories to be kept by the claimant, see paragraph (g) of this section.

(7) Sample written consent. No particular form is prescribed or required for the written consent of the dealer described in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section. However, the following is an example of an acceptable consent statement by a dealer:

Consent Statement of Dealer

(For use by dealer in requesting manufacturer, producer, or importer to obtain credit under section 6412 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 with respect to floor stocks.)

I hereby consent to the allowance to the manufacturer, producer, or importer of the floor stocks credit or refund of the excise tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 with respect to the articles in my inventory on _____.

____________________

(Name)

By____________________

(Signature of Officer)

____________________

(Title) ____________________________________

____________________

(Date)

(f) Procedure for claiming credit or refund—(1) In general. Each claim for credit or refund under this section shall be filed on or before the applicable claim limitation date, in the manner and subject to the conditions stated in this section and in §301.6402–2 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration). Either credit or refund, or a combination thereof, may be claimed, but the amount which may be claimed as a credit on a return shall not exceed the total tax liability shown on the return, reduced by the amount of any deposits made under §48.6302(c)–1 with respect to the return and by any amount of credit claimed on the return pursuant to any provision of law other than section 6412. If the total amount which may be claimed exceeds the amount that may be claimed as credit on a return, the excess amount may be claimed on or before the applicable claim limitation date either as a refund or as a credit on a subsequent return. If credit is claimed the amount of the credit shall be entered as a credit on a timely-filed return of tax. The statement described in paragraph (f)(2) of this section must show the amount and date of each previous and concurrent claim for credit or refund under this section and indicate whether any future claims are expected to be filed.

(2) Supporting evidence to be submitted by the manufacturer. No credit or refund shall be allowed under this section unless there is submitted, in support of the claim for credit or refund, a statement signed by the person making the claim, that describes in general terms the articles covered by the claim, sets forth the method of computing the amount claimed (including a description of any procedures used pursuant to §48.6412–3), and states that—

(i) The claimant paid to the district director or the director of the internal revenue service center the tax for which credit or refund is claimed;

(ii) The total amount claimed represents payments requested by dealers before the dealer request limitation date;

(iii) The total amount claimed either was paid by the claimant to the dealers, or the claimant received the written consent of the dealers to the allowance of the amount claimed:

(iv) The claimant has in his possession, and available for inspection by internal revenue officers, the evidence with respect to inventories required by paragraph (g)(2) of this section, and any written consents referred to in paragraph (f)(2)(iii) of this section; and

(v) No other claim for credit or refund under this section has been or will be made by the claimant with respect to any amount covered by the claim.

(g) Evidence to be retained in the manufacturer's records. Every person filing a claim for credit or refund pursuant to this section shall support the claim by keeping as part of the claimant's records—

(1) The dealer's inventory statements required by paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section, to the extent that the articles are covered by the claim;

(2) Records, in respect of the articles held by each dealer, showing—

(i) The name and address of the dealer,

(ii) The quantities of each article held by the dealer as floor stocks by taxable category, for example, by model or type number,

(iii) The amount of tax considered to be paid by the manufacturer with respect to each article held by the dealer, as determined under §48.6412–3,

(iv) The amount of tax, if any, which the claimant would pay on the sale of each article held by the dealer if the tax were computed at the new rate,

(v) The total amount of reimbursement due the dealer,

(vi) The date on which the claimant received from the dealer the request described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, but only if payment was not made to the dealer before the dealer request limitation date, and

(vii) The date and amount of each payment to a dealer, or the date of receipt by the claimant from the dealer of a written consent, as set forth in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section; and

(3) Any such written consent received from a dealer.

(h) Special rules where the presumed manufacturer is the agent of the actual manufacturer. For purposes of this section, if a manufacturer sells articles tax-paid to a second manufacturer for resale by the second manufacturer under its own brand name, the second manufacturer may perform any acts and keep any records which are a prerequisite to the first manufacturer's filing a claim for floor stocks credit or refund with respect to the articles. If such a procedure is followed, the claim filed by the first manufacturer shall include a statement indicating the name and address of the second manufacturer and the amount of its claim which relates to articles sold to the second manufacturer.

(i) Effect on other claims for credit or refund. If a claim for credit or refund is made pursuant to section 6416 and the regulations thereunder, relating in part to returned sales, sales for export or for exempt use, sales to States, etc., with respect to a tax imposed by section 4071 or section 4081, and if the claim is made with respect to articles sold by the claimant before the date on which the tax is reduced in rate or terminated, the claim shall be based on the new rate of tax unless the claimant can establish that the tax was imposed at the old rate and that no refund or credit under this section was allowed with respect to the articles. See, however, paragraph (d) of this section.

(j) Other applicable provisions. All provisions of law, including penalties, applicable in respect of the taxes imposed by sections 4071 and 4081 shall, insofar as applicable and not inconsistent with section 6412, apply in respect to the credits and refunds provided for in section 6412 to the same extent as if the credits or refunds constituted overpayments of the taxes. For provisions under which timely mailing is treated as timely filing, and for provisions applicable to the time for performance of acts when the last day falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, see §§301.7502–1 and 301.7503–1, respectively, of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration).

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32019, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6412-2   Definitions for purposes of floor stocks credit or refund.
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For purposes of section 6412 and the regulations thereunder—

(a) Floor stocks. The term “floor stocks” means any article subject to the tax imposed by section 4071 or section 4081 which—

(1) Is sold by the manufacturer (otherwise than in a tax-free sale) before October 1, 1988,

(2) Is held by a dealer at the first moment on October 1, 1988, and has not been used, and

(3) Is intended for sale.

However, the term “floor stocks” does not include gasoline in retail stocks held at the place where intended to be sold at retail, nor with respect to gasoline held for sale by a producer or importer of gasoline.

(b) Inventory date. The term “inventory date” means the first moment on the date on which an article is treated as floor stocks within the meaning of paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) Dealer. The term “dealer” includes a wholesaler, jobber, distributor, or retailer.

(d) Held by a dealer—(1) In general. (i) An article is considered as “held by a dealer” if title to the article has passed to the dealer (whether or not delivery to the dealer has been made), and if, for purposes of consumption, title to or possession of the article has not at any time been transferred to any person other than a dealer.

(ii) Floor samples, demonstrators, and articles undergoing repair (whether or not on the dealer's premises) that are carried in stock to be sold as new articles, and articles purchased tax-paid by a manufacturer or a sales subsidiary and held by the person on the inventory date for resale as such, will be considered as unused and held by a dealer, if title to or possession of the article has not at any time been transferred to any person for purposes of consumption.

(iii) Articles sold by a dealer to a consumer before the inventory date and thereafter repossessed by the dealer, and articles purchased tax-paid by a manufacturer for use in further manufacture within the meaning of section 4221(d)(6), will not be considered as held by a dealer.

(iv) The determination as to the time title or possession passes for purposes of consumption shall be made under applicable local law.

(2) Examples. The application of this paragraph (d) may be illustrated by the following examples:

Example (1).  If, under local law, title to an article sold by a dealer under a conditional sales contract is in the dealer on the inventory date, but the consumer has physical possession of the article on that date, the article is not considered as held by the dealer.

Example (2).  If, under local law, title to an article is in the consumer on the inventory date because the article is specifically identified with a contract, but on that date the dealer still has physical possession of the article, for example, in his will-call department, the article is not considered as held by the dealer on that date because title to the article has passed to the consumer for purposes of consumption.

Example (3).  If, under local law, title to an article is in the consumer on the inventory date because the dealer transferred the article to a common carrier for delivery to the consumer, the article in transit is not considered as held by the dealer on that date because title has passed to the consumer for purposes of consumption, even though neither the dealer nor the consumer has physical possession of the article.

Example (4).  If, under local law, title to an article is in the dealer on the inventory date and does not pass to the consumer until delivery by a common carrier, the article in transit shall be considered as held by the dealer on that date because neither the title nor possession has passed to the consumer for purposes of consumption.

Example (5).  If an article has been mortgaged or otherwise hypothecated by a dealer as security for a loan and, under local law, title to the article is in the creditor on the inventory date, and physical possession is in the dealer, the article shall be considered as held by the dealer on that date because neither title nor possession has passed to the consumer for purposes of consumption.

(e) Old rate. The term “old rate” means the rate of tax in effect with respect to the sale of an article before the date designated in paragraph (a) or (b) of this section on which the tax is reduced in rate or is terminated.

(f) New rate. The term “new rate” means the rate of tax, if any, in effect with respect to the sale of an article on the date designated in paragraph (a) or (b) of this section on which the tax is reduced in rate or is terminated.

(g) Dealer request limitation date. The term “dealer request limitation date” is the date prescribed by section 6412(a)(1) before which the request on which the manufacturer's claim is based must be submitted to the manufacturer by the dealer who held the floor stocks on the inventory date. In the case of an article held by a dealer on October 1, 1988, the dealer request limitation date is January 1, 1989.

(h) Claim limitation date. The term “claim limitation date” means the last date prescribed by section 6412(a)(1) on which refund or credit with respect to floor stocks may be claimed by a manufacturer. In the case of an article held by a dealer on October 1, 1988, the claim limitation date is March 31, 1989.

(i) Tax paid. A tax is considered paid if it was paid or was offset by an allowable credit on the return on which it was reported.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32021, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6412-3   Amount of tax paid on each article.
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(a) General rule. For purposes of making the claim for credit or refund under §48.6412–1 in respect of floor stocks held by a dealer, the tax paid on each article must be separately computed. If desired, the procedures set forth in paragraphs (b) through (g) of this section may be used in making the computation. The procedure used in determining the tax paid on an article must also be used in determining the amount of tax, if any, made applicable to the article on the effective date of reduction or repeal of the tax involved. Prior approval of the Internal Revenue Service for the method of computation need not be obtained and should not be requested.

(b) Selling price. In determining the price of an article on which the tax paid is to be computed, the average of the gross selling prices of identical articles sold during a representative period may be used. For example, truck chassis of the same model that are sold by the manufacturer with the same equipment and accessories are identical articles whose selling prices may be computed on the basis of an average.

(c) Transportation charges. In determining the price of an article on which the tax paid is to be computed, the average of the exclusions authorized by section 4216(a) for transportation, delivery, insurance, installation, etc., for a reasonable category of articles during a representative period may be used.

(d) Credits for tax paid on inner tubes. The average of the credits authorized by section 6416(c) for tax paid on tires or inner tubes may be averaged for a reasonable category of articles during a representative period. The credits shall be subtracted from the gross excise tax to arrive at the net excise tax paid.

(e) Price readjustments. (1) In determining the price on which the tax paid is to be computed, there must be taken into account any price readjustments with respect to which the manufacturer has filed a claim for credit or refund under section 6416(b). Other price readjustments which have been, or are reasonably expected to be, made with respect to the article may, at the option of the manufacturer, be taken into account in computing the price of the article.

(2) Price readjustments which cannot be attributed to specific articles as of the inventory date (as, for example, a price readjustment of a flat dollar amount which is made to dealers who meet a sales quota) may be taken into account on the basis of an average of the adjustments which is computed for a reasonable category of articles over a representative period.

(3) Price readjustments related to specific items (as, for example, an automatic rebate of a specific percentage of the price of each unit sold to a dealer) may not be averaged, and in such a case only the actual price readjustment attributable to a particular article may be taken into account in computing the tax on that article.

(4) If, because of the facts in a case, a price readjustment can be attributed to specific articles for purposes of consumer refunds but cannot be attributed to specific articles for purposes of floor stocks credits or refunds, the price adjustment may be averaged for purposes of both consumer refunds and floor stocks credits and refunds.

(f) Representative period. A period will be considered a representative period if—

(1) It covers (i) at least four consecutive calendar quarters, the last of which ends with a period of six calendar months immediately preceding the effective date of the tax reduction or repeal involved or (ii) any other period of time which the taxpayer can demonstrate constitutes a representative period for the particular category, and

(2) The number of articles in the category involved sold by the manufacturer during the period either (i) equals or exceeds the number of articles in the category to which the average amount is to be applied or (ii) can be demonstrated by the taxpayer to be a representative quantity.

(g) Reasonable category. Examples of a reasonable category of articles are articles that are identified by a common stock or class number or which are of the same model, class, or line. For the purpose of averaging exclusions, another example of a reasonable category of articles is a grouping of articles that are shipped in the same container. If a manufacturer sells articles bearing his own trademark and also sells articles as private brands, separate computations of the two brands must be made under this section.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32022, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6416(a)-1   Claims for credit or refund of overpayments of taxes on special fuels and manufacturers taxes.
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Any claims for credit or refund of an overpayment of a tax imposed by chapter 31 or chapter 32 shall be made in accordance with the applicable provisions of this subpart and the applicable provisions of §301.6402–2 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration). A claim on Form 843 is not required in the case of a claim for credit, but the amount of the credit shall be claimed by entering that amount as a credit on a return of tax under this subpart filed by the person making the claim. In this regard, see §48.6416(f)–1.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32022, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6416(a)-2   Credit or refund of tax on special fuels.
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(a) Overpayments not described in section 6416(b)(2)—(1) Claims included. This paragraph applies only to claims for credit or refund of an overpayment of tax imposed by section 4041(a)(1)(A) (relating to tax on the sale of diesel fuel), section 4041(a)(2)(A) (relating to tax on the sale of special motor fuels), section 4041(c)(1)(A) (relating to tax on the sale of fuel for use in noncommercial aviation), or section 4041(c)(2)(A) (relating to the tax on sale of gasoline for use in noncommercial aviation). It does not apply, however, to a claim for credit or refund of any overpayment described in paragraph (b) of this section which arises by reason of the application of section 6416(b)(2).

(2) Supporting evidence required. No credit or refund of any overpayment to which this paragraph (a) applies shall be allowed unless the person who paid the tax submits with the claim a written consent of the ultimate purchaser to the allowance of the credit or refund, or submits with the claim a statement, supported by sufficient available evidence, asserting that—

(i) The person has neither included the tax in the price of the fuel with respect to which it was imposed nor collected the amount of the tax from a vendee, and identifying the nature of the evidence available to establish these facts, or

(ii) The person has repaid the amount of the tax to the ultimate purchaser of the fuel.

(3) Ultimate purchaser. The term “ultimate purchaser”, as used in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, means the vendee to whom the fuel was sold tax-paid by the person claiming credit or refund.

(b) Overpayments determined under section 6416(b)(2)—(1) Claims included. This paragraph applies only to claims for credit or refund of amounts paid as tax under section 4041(a)(1)(A) (relating to tax on the sale of diesel fuel) or section 4041(a)(2)(A) (relating to tax on the sale of special motor fuels) that are determined to be overpayments by reason of section 6416(b)(2) (relating to tax payments in respect of certain uses, sales, or resales of a taxable article).

(2) Supporting evidence required. No credit or refund of an overpayment to which this paragraph (b) applies shall be allowed unless the person who paid the tax submits with the claim a statement, supported by sufficient available evidence, asserting that—

(i) The person has neither included the tax in the price of the fuel with respect to which it was imposed nor collected the amount of the tax from a vendee, and identifying the nature of the evidence available to establish these facts, or

(ii) The person has repaid, or agreed to repay, the amount of the tax to the ultimate vendor of the fuel, or

(iii) The person has secured, and will submit upon request of the Service, the written consent of the ultimate vendor to the allowance of the credit or refund.

(3) Ultimate vendor. The term “ultimate vendor”, as used in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, means the seller making the sale which gives rise to the overpayment or which last precedes the exportation or use which gives rise to the overpayment.

(c) Nonapplication to tax on use of special fuels. This section shall not have any effect on overpayments of tax under section 4041(a)(1)(B) (relating to tax on the use of diesel fuel), section 4041(a)(2)(B) (relating to tax on the use of special motor fuels), section 4041(c)(1)(B) (relating to tax on the use of fuel other than gasoline in noncommercial aviation), section 4041(c)(2)(B) (relating to tax on the use of gasoline in noncommercial aviation), or section 4042 (relating to tax on fuel used in commercial transportation on inland waterways).

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32022, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6416(a)-3   Credit or refund of manufacturers tax under chapter 32.
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(a) Overpayment not described in section 6416(b)(3)(C) or (4) (prior to April 1, 1983) and section 6416(b)(2)—(1) Claims included. This paragraph applies only to claims for credit or refund of an overpayment of manufacturers tax imposed by chapter 32. It does not apply, however, to a claim for credit or refund on any overpayment described in paragraph (b) of this section which arises by reason of the application of section 6416(b)(2), (3)(C), or (4).

(2) Supporting evidence required. No credit or refund of any overpayment to which this paragraph (a) applies shall be allowed unless the person who paid the tax submits with the claim a written consent of the ultimate purchaser to the allowance of the credit or refund, or submits with the claim a statement, supported by sufficient availabe evidence, asserting that—

(i) The person has neither included the tax in the price of the article with respect to which it was imposed nor collected the amount of the tax from a vendee, and identifying the nature of the evidence available to establish these facts, or

(ii) The person has repaid the amount of the tax to the ultimate purchaser of the article.

(3) Ultimate purchaser—(i) General rule. The term “ultimate purchaser”, as used in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, means the person who purchased the article for consumption, or for use in the manufacture of other articles and not for resale in the form in which purchased.

(ii) Special rule under section 6416(a)(3)—(A) Conditions to be met. If tax under chapter 32 is paid in respect of an article and the Commissioner determines that the article is not subject to tax under chapter 32, the term “ultimate purchaser”, as used in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, includes any wholesaler, jobber, distributor, or retailer who, on the 15th day after the date of the determination, holds for sale any such article with respect to which tax has been paid, if the claim for credit or refund of the overpayment in respect of the articles held for sale by the wholesaler, jobber, distributor, or retailer is filed on or before the date on which the person who paid the tax is required to file a return for the period ending with the first calendar quarter which begins more than 60 days after the date of the determination by the Commissioner.

(B) Supporting statement. A claim for credit or refund of an overpayment of tax in respect of an article as to which a wholesaler, jobber, distributor, or retailer is the ultimate purchaser, as provided in this paragraph (a)(3)(ii), must be supported by a statement that the person filing the claim has a statement, by each wholesaler, jobber, distributor, or retailer whose articles are covered by the claim, showing total inventory, by model number and quantity, of all such articles purchased tax-paid and held for sale as of 12:01 a.m. of the 15th day after the date of the determination by the Commissioner that the article is not subject to tax under chapter 32.

(C) Inventory requirement. The inventory shall not include any such article, title to which, or possession of which, has previously been transferred to any person for purposes of consumption unless the entire purchase price was repaid to the person or credited to the person's account and the sale was rescinded or any such article purchased by the wholesaler, jobber, distributor, or retailer as a component part of, or on or in connection with, another article. An article in transit at the first moment of the 15th day after the date of the determination is regarded as being held by the person to whom it was shipped, except that if title to the article does not pass until delivered to the person the article is deemed to be held by the shipper.

(b) Overpayments described in section 6416(b) (3)(C) or (4) (prior to April 1, 1983) and section 6416(b)(2)—(1) Claims included. This paragraph applies only to claims for credit or refund of amounts paid as tax under chapter 32 that are determined to be overpayments by reason of section 6416(b)(2) (relating to tax payments in respect of certain uses, sales, or resales of a taxable article), section 6416(b)(3)(C) (relating to tax-paid tires or inner tubes used for further manufacture), or section 6416(b)(4) (relating to tires or inner tubes used by the manufacturer on another manufactured article).

(2) Supporting evidence required. No credit or refund of an overpayment to which this paragraph (b) applies shall be allowed unless the person who paid the tax submits with the claim a statement, supported by sufficient available evidence, asserting that—

(i) The person neither included the tax in the price of the article with respect to which it was imposed nor collected the amount of the tax from a vendee, and identifying the nature of the evidence available to establish these facts, or

(ii) The person repaid, or agreed to repay, the amount of the tax to the ultimate vendor of the article, or

(iii) The person has secured, and will submit upon request of the Service, the written consent of the ultimate vendor to the allowance of the credit or refund.

(3) Ultimate vendor—(i) General rule— The term “ultimate vendor”, as used in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, means the seller making the sale which gives rise to the overpayment or which last precedes the exportation or use which has given rise to the overpayment.

(ii) Special rule under section 6416(a)(3)(B) prior to revision by the Highway Revenue Act of 1982. In the case of an overpayment determined under section 6416(b) (2)(F), (3)(C), or (4) in respect of tires or inner tubes, where the taxable article is used as a component part of, or sold on or in connection with or with the sale of, a second article which is exported, sold to a nonprofit educational organization for its exclusive use, sold to a State or local government for the exclusive use of a State or local government or used or sold for use as supplies for vessels or aircraft, the term “ultimate vendor”, as used in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, means the ultimate vendor of the second article.

(c) Overpayments not included. This section does not apply to any overpayment determined under section 6416(b)(1) (relating to price readjustments), section 6416(b)(3)(A) (relating to certain cases in which refund or credit is allowable to the manufacturer who uses, in the further manufacture of a second article, a taxable article purchased by the manufacturer tax-paid), section 6416(b)(3)(B) prior to April 1, 1983 (relating to parts or accessories taxable under section 4061(b) and used by a subsequent manufacturer or producer as material or a component part of any other article manufactured or produced by him), section 6416(b)(4) after March 31, 1983 (relating to tires), section 6416(b)(5) (relating to the return to the seller of certain installment accounts which the seller had previously sold) or section 6416(b)(6) (relating to truck chassis, bodies, and semi-trailers used for further manufacture). In this regard, see §§48.6416(b)(1)–1, 48.6416(b)(3)–1, and 48.6416(b)(5)–1.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32023, Aug. 8, 1985, as amended by T.D. 8748, 63 FR 15292, Mar. 31, 1998]

§ 48.6416(b)(1)-1   Price readjustments causing overpayments of manufacturers tax.
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In the case of any payment of tax under chapter 32 that is determined to be an overpayment by reason of a price readjustment within the meaning of section 6416(b)(1) and §48.6416(b)(1)–2 or §48.6416(b)(1)–3, the person who paid the tax may file a claim for refund of the overpayment or may claim credit for the overpayment on any return of tax under this subpart which the person subsequently files. Price readjustments may not be anticipated. However, if the readjustment has actually been made before the return is filed for the period in which the sale was made, the tax to be reported in respect of the sale may, at the election of the taxpayer, be based either (a) on the price as so readjusted or (b) on the original sale price and a credit or refund claimed in respect of the price readjustment. A price readjustment will be deemed to have been made at the time when the amount of the readjustment has been refunded to the vendor or the vendor has been informed that the vendor's account has been credited with the amount. No interest shall be paid on any credit or refund allowed under this section. For provisions relating to the evidence required in support of a claim for credit or refund, see §301.6402–2 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration), §48.6416(a)–3(a)(2), and §48.6416(b)(1)–4. For provisions authorizing the taking of a credit in lieu of filing a claim for refund, see section 6416(d) and §48.6416(f)–1.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32024, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6416(b)(1)-2   Determination of price readjustments.
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(a) In general—(1) Rules of usual application—(i) Amount treated as overpayment. If the tax imposed by chapter 32 has been paid and thereafter the price of the article on which the tax was based is readjusted, that part of the tax which is proportionate to the part of the price which is repaid or credited to the purchaser is considered to be an overpayment. A readjustment of price to the purchaser may occur by reason of—

(A) The return of the article,

(B) The repossession of the article,

(C) The return or repossession of the covering or container of the article, or

(D) A bona fide discount, rebate, or allowance against the price at which the article was sold.

(ii) Requirements of price readjustment. A price readjustment will not be deemed to have been made unless the person who paid the tax either—

(A) Repays part or all of the purchase price in cash to the vendee,

(B) Credits the vendee's account for part or all of the purchase price, or

(C) Directly or indirectly reimburses a third party for part or all of the purchase price for the direct benefit of the vendee.

In addition, to be deemed a price readjustment, the payment or credit must be contractually or economically related to the taxable sale that the payment or credit purports to adjust. Thus, commissions or bonuses paid to a manufacturer's own agents or salesperson for selling the manufacturer's taxable products are not price readjustments for purposes of this section, since those commissions or bonuses are not paid or credited either to the manufacturer's vendee or to a third party for the vendee's benefit. On the other hand, a bonus paid by the manufacturer to a dealer's salesperson for negotiating the sale of a taxable article previously sold to the dealer by the manufacturer is considered to be a readjustment of the price on the original sale of the taxable article, regardless of whether the payment to the salesperson is made directly by the manufacturer or to the salesperson through the dealer. In such a case, the payment is related to the sale of a taxable article and is made for the benefit of the dealer because it is made to the dealer's salesperson to encourage the sale of a product owned by the dealer. Similarly, payments or credits made by a manufacturer to a vendee as reimbursement of interest expense incurred by the vendee in connection with a so-called “free flooring” arrangement for the purchase of taxable articles is a price readjustment, regardless of whether the payment or credit is made directly to the vendee or to the vendee's creditor on behalf of the vendee.

(iii) Limitation on credit or refund. The credit or refund allowable by reason of a price readjustment in respect of the sale of a taxable article may not exceed an amount which bears the same ratio to the total tax originally due and payable on the article as the amount of the tax-included readjustment bears to the original tax-included sale price of the article.

Example.  A manufacturer sells a taxable article for $100 plus $10 excise tax, and reports and pays tax liability accordingly. Thereafter, the manufacturer credits the customer's account for $11 (tax included) in readjustment of the original sale price. The overpayment of tax is $1, determined as follows:

Tax-included readjustment ×

Tax-included sale price

Original tax due =

Tax overpayment.

$11 × $10 =

$1 tax overpaid.

$110

(2) Rules of special application—(i) Constructive sale price. If, in the case of a taxable sale, the tax imposed by chapter 32 is based on a constructive sale price determined under any paragraph of section 4216(b) and the regulations thereunder, as determined without reference to section 4218, then any price readjustment made with respect to the sale may be taken into account under this section only to the extent that the price readjustment reduces the actual sale price of the article below the constructive sale price.

Example.  (A) A manufacturer sells a taxable article at retail for $110 tax included. Under section 4216(b)(1) the constructive sale price (tax included) of the article is determined to be $93. Thereafter, the manufacturer grants an allowance of $10 to the purchaser, which reduces the actual selling price (tax included) to $100. Since the readjustment price still exceeds the amounts of the constructive sale price, this readjustment is not recognized as a price readjustment under this section.

(B) Subsequently, the manufacturer extends to the purchaser an additional price allowance of $10, thereby reducing the actual sale price to $90. Since the actual sale price is now $3 less than the constructive sale price of $93, the manufacturer has overpaid by the amount of tax attributable to the $3. Assuming the tax rate involved is 10 percent, and the prices involved are tax-included, the overpayment of tax would be $0.27, determined as follows:

(ii) Price determined under section 4223(b)(2). If a manufacturer (within the meaning of section 4223(a)) to whom an article is sold or resold free of tax in accordance with the provisions of section 4221(a)(1) for use in further manufacture diverts the article to a taxable use or sells it in a taxable sale, and pursuant to the provisions of section 4223(b)(2) computes the tax liability in respect of the use or sale on the price for which the article was sold to the manufacturer or on the price at which the article was sold by the actual manufacturer, a reduction of the price on which the tax was based does not result in an overpayment within the meaning of section 6416(b)(1) of this section. Moreover, if a manufacturer purchases an article tax free and computes the tax in respect of a subsequent sale of the article pursuant to the provisions of section 4223(b)(2), an overpayment does not arise by reason of readjustment of the price for which the article was sold by the manufacturer except where the readjustment results from the return or repossession of the article by the manufacturer, and all of the purchase price is refunded by the manufacturer. See, however, paragraph (b)(4) of this section as to repurchased articles.

(b) Return of an article—(1) Price readjustment. If a taxable article is returned to the manufacturer who paid the tax imposed by chapter 32 on the sale of the article, a price readjustment giving rise to an overpayment results—

(i) If the article is returned before use, and all of the purchase price is repaid to the vendee or credited to the vendee's account, or

(ii) If the article is returned under an express or implied warranty as to quality or service, and all or a part of the purchase price is repaid to the vendee or credited to the vendee's account, or

(iii) If title is still in the seller, as, for example, in the case of certain installment sales contracts, and all or a part of the purchase price is repaid to the vendee or credited to the vendee's account.

(2) Return of purchase price. For purposes of paragraph (b)(1) of this section, if all of the purchase price of an article has been returned to the vendee, except for an amount retained by the manufacturer pursuant to contract as reimbursement of expense incurred in connection with the sale (such as a handling or restocking charge), all of the purchase price is considered to have been returned to the vendee.

(3) Taxability of subsequent sale or use. If, under any of the conditions described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, an article is returned to the manufacturer who paid the tax and all of the purchase price is returned to the vendee, the sale is considered to have been rescinded. Any subsequent sale or use of the article by the manufacturer will be considered to be an original sale or use of the article by the manufacturer which is subject to tax under chapter 32 unless otherwise exempt. If under any such condition an article is returned to the manufacturer who paid the tax and only part of the purchase price is returned to the vendee, a subsequent sale of the article by the manufacturer will be subject to tax to the extent that the sale price exceeds the adjusted sale price of the first taxable sale.

(4) Treatment of other transactions as repurchases. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a price readjustment will not result when a taxable article is returned to the manufacturer who paid the tax on the sale of the article, even though all or a part of the purchase price is repaid to the vendee or credited to the vendee's account, since such a transaction will be considered to be a repurchase of the article by the manufacturer.

(c) Repossession of an article. If a taxable article is repossessed by the manufacturer who paid the tax imposed by chapter 32 on the sale of the article, and all or a part of the purchase price is repaid to the vendee or credited to the vendee's account, a price readjustment giving rise to an overpayment will result. However, if the manufacturer later resells the repossessed article for a price in excess of the original adjusted sale price, the manufacturer will be liable for tax under chapter 32 to the extent that the resale price exceeds the original adjusted sale price.

(d) Return or repossession of covering or container. If the covering or container of a taxable article is returned to, or repossessed by the manufacturer who paid the tax imposed by chapter 32 on the sale of the article, and all or a portion of the purchase price is repaid to the vendee or credited to the vendee's account by reason of the return or repossession of the covering or container, a price adjustment giving rise to an overpayment will result. If a taxable article is considered to have been repurchased, as provided in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, and the covering or container accompanies the taxable article as part of the transaction, the covering or container will also be considered to have been repurchased.

(e) Bona fide discounts, rebates, or allowances—(1) In general. Except as provided in §48.6416(b)(1)–3 (relating to readjustments in respect of local advertising), the basic consideration in determining, for purposes of this section, whether a bona fide discount, rebate, or allowance has been made is whether the price actually paid by, or charged against, the purchaser has in fact been reduced by subsequent transactions between the parties. Generally, the price will be considered to have been readjusted by reason of a bona fide discount, rebate, or allowance, only if the manufacturer who made the taxable sale repays a part of the purchase price in cash to the vendee, or credits the vendee's account, or directly or indirectly reimburses a third party for part or all of the purchase price for the direct benefit of the vendee, in consideration of factors which, if taken into account at the time of the original transaction, would have resulted at that time in a lower sale price. For example, a price readjustment will be considered to have been made when a bona fide discount, rebate, or allowance is given in consideration of such factors as prompt payment, quantity buying over a specified period, the vendee's inventory of an article when new models are introduced, or a general price reduction affecting articles held in stock by the vendee as of a certain date. On the other hand, repayments made to the vendee do not effectuate price readjustments if given in consideration of circumstances under which the vendee has incurred, or is required to incur, an expense which, if treated as a separate item in the original transaction, would have been includible in the price of the article for purposes of computing the tax.

Examples. The provisions of paragraph (e)(1) of this section may be illustrated by the following examples:

Example (1).  B, a manufacturer of fishing rods, bills its distributors in a specified amount per fishing rod purchased by them. Thereafter, B issues to each distributor a credit memorandum in the amount of X dollars for each demonstration by the distributor of the fishing rods at a sporting goods exhibition. The credit which B allows the distributor for demonstration of B's product does not effect a readjustment of price.

Example (2).  C, a manufacturer of automobiles, bills its dealers in a specified amount per automobile purchased by them. Thereafter, C remits to the dealer X dollars of the original sale price for each automobile sold by the dealer in the last month of the model year. An additional amount of Y dollars is paid to the dealer upon a showing by the dealer that the dealer has paid Y dollars to the salesperson who made the sale. In this case, the X dollars paid to the dealer by C constitutes a bona fide discount, rebate, or allowance since payment of such amount is in the nature of a price reduction by reason of the dealer's inventory when new models are introduced. In addition, the Y dollars paid to the dealer in reimbursement for the amount paid by the dealer to the salesperson who made the sale, also constitutes a bona fide discount, rebate, or allowance.

(2) Inability to collect price. A charge-off of an amount outstanding in an open account, due to inability to collect, is not a bona fide discount, rebate, or allowance and does not, in and of itself, give rise to a price readjustment within the meaning of this section.

(3) Loss or damage in transit. If title to an article has passed to the vendee, the subsequent loss, damage, or destruction of the article while in the possession of a carrier for delivery to the vendee does not, in and of itself, affect the price at which the article was sold. However, if the article was sold under a contract providing that, if the article was lost, damaged, or destroyed in transit, title would revert to the vendor and the vendor would reimburse the vendee in full for the sale price, then the original sale is considered to have been rescinded. The vendor is entitled to credit or refund of the tax paid upon reimbursement of the full tax-included sale price to the vendee.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32024, Aug. 8, 1985; 50 FR 42518, Oct. 21, 1985]

§ 48.6416(b)(1)-3   Readjustment for local advertising charges.
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(a) In general. If a manufacturer has paid the tax imposed by chapter 32 on the price of any article sold by the manufacturer and thereafter has repaid a portion of the price to the purchaser or any subsequent vendee in reimbursement of expenses for local advertising of the article or any other article sold by the manufacturer which is taxable at the same rate under the same section of chapter 32, the reimbursement will be considered a price readjustment constituting an overpayment which the manufacturer may claim as a credit or refund. The amount of the reimbursement may not, however, exceed the limitation provided by section 4216(e)(2) and §48.4216(e)–2, determined as of the close of the calendar quarter in which the reimbursement is made or as of the close of any subsequent calendar quarter of the same calendar year in which it is made. The term “local advertising”, as used in this section, has the same meaning as prescribed by section 4216(e)(4) and includes generally, advertising which is broadcast over a radio station or television station, or appears in a newspaper or magazine, or is displayed by means of an outdoor advertising sign or poster.

(b) Local advertising charges excluded from taxable price in one year but repaid in following year—(1) Determination of price readjustments for year in which charge is repaid. If the tax imposed by chapter 32 was paid with respect to local advertising charges that were excluded in computing the taxable price of an article sold in any calendar year but are not repaid to the manufacturer's purchaser or any subsequent vendee before May 1 of the following calendar year, the subsequent repayment of those charges by the manufacturer in reimbursement of expenses for local advertising will be considered a price readjustment constituting an overpayment which the manufacturer may claim as a credit or refund. The amount of the reimbursement may not, however, exceed the limitation provided by section 4216(e)(2) and §48.4216(e)–(2), determined as of the close of the calendar quarter in which the reimbursement is made or as of the close of any subsequent calendar quarter of the same calendar year in which it is made.

(2) Redetermination of price readjustments for year in which charge was made. If the tax imposed by chapter 32 was paid with respect to local advertising charges that were excluded in computing the taxable price of an article sold in any calendar year but are not repaid to the manufacturer's purchaser or any subsequent vendor before May 1 of the following calendar year, the manufacturer may make a redetermination, in respect of the calendar year in which the charge was made, of the price readjustments constituting an overpayment which the manufacturer may claim as a credit or refund. This redetermination may be made by excluding the local advertising charges made in the calendar year that became taxable as of May 1 of the following calendar year.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32026, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6416(b)(1)-4   Supporting evidence required in case of price readjustments.
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No credit or refund of an overpayment arising by reason of a price readjustment described in §48.6416(b)(1)–2 or §48.6416(b)(1)–3 shall be allowed unless the manufacturer who paid the tax submits a statement, supported by sufficient available evidence—

(a) Describing the circumstances which gave rise to the price readjustment,

(b) Identifying the article in respect of which the price readjustment was allowed,

(c) Showing the price at which the article was sold, the amount of tax paid in respect of the article, and the date on which the tax was paid,

(d) Giving the name and address of the purchaser to whom the article was sold, and

(e) Showing the amount repaid to the purchaser or credited to the purchaser's account.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32026, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6416(b)(2)-1   Certain exportations, uses, sales, or resales causing overpayments of tax.
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In the case of any payment of tax under section 4041 (a)(1) or (a)(2) (diesel fuel and special fuels tax) or under chapter 32 (manufacturers tax) that is determined to be an overpayment by reason of certain exportations, uses, sales, or resales described in section 6416(b)(2) and §48.6416(b)(2)–2, the person who paid the tax may file a claim for refund of the overpayment or, in the case of overpayments under chapter 32, may claim credit for the overpayment on any return of tax under this subpart which the person subsequently files. However, under the circumstances described in section 6416(c) and §48.6416(e)–1, the overpayments under chapter 32 may be refunded to an exporter or shipper. No interest shall be paid on any credit or refund allowed under this section. For provisions relating to the evidence required in support of a claim for credit or refund under this section, see §301.6402–2 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration) and §§48.6416(b)(2)–3 and 48.6416(b)(2)–4. For provisions authorizing the taking of a credit in lieu of filing a claim for refund, see section 6416(d) and §48.6416(f)–1.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32026, Aug. 8, 1985, as amended by T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17160, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.6416(b)(2)-2   Exportations, uses, sales, and resales included.
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(a) In general. The tax paid under chapter 32 (or under section 4041(a) or (d) in respect of sales or under section 4051) with respect to any article is considered to be an overpayment in the case of any exportation, use, sale, or resale described in this section. This section applies only in those cases in which the exportation, use, sale, or resale (or any combination thereof) referred to in this section occurs before any other use. In addition, the following restrictions must be taken into account in applying the regulations under section 6416(b)(2):

(1) Sections 6416(b)(2)(C) and (D) do not apply to any tax paid under section 4064 (gas guzzler tax).

(2) Sections 6416(b)(2)(B), (C), and (D) do not apply to any tax paid under section 4131 (vaccine tax) and section 6416(b)(2)(A) applies only to the extent prescribed in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

(3) Section 6416(b)(2) does not apply to any tax paid under section 4041(a)(1) or 4081 on diesel fuel or kerosene, section 4091 (aviation fuel tax), or section 4121 (coal tax).

(b) Exportation of tax-paid articles—(1) In general. Subject to the limitations of section 6416(b)(2) and paragraph (b)(2) of this section, tax paid under chapter 31 or 32 on the sale of any article will be considered to be an overpayment under section 6416(b)(2)(A) if the article is exported by any person. Except in the case of articles subject to the tax imposed by section 4061(a), prior to April 1, 1983, it is immaterial for purposes of this paragraph (b), whether the person who made the taxable sale had knowledge at the time of the sale that the article or fuel was being purchased for export to a foreign country or shipment to a possession of the United States. See §48.6416(e)–1 for the circumstances under which a claim for refund by reason of the exportation of an article may be claimed by the exporter or shipper, rather than by the person who paid the tax. For definition of the term “possession of the United States”, see §48.0–2(a)(11).

(2) Rule for exportation of vaccines. Paragraph (b)(1) of this section applies to tax paid under section 4131 on the sale of a vaccine, but only if the sale by the manufacturer occurs after August 10, 1993, and, in the case of vaccine sold to the United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, the condition of §48.4221–3(e)(2) is satisfied.

(c) Supplies for vessels or aircraft. A payment of tax under chapter 32 on the sale of any article, or under section 4041 (a)(1) or (a)(2) on the sale of diesel fuel or special motor fuel, will be considered to be an overpayment under section 6416(b)(2)(B) if the article or fuel is used by any person, or is sold by any person for use by the purchaser, as supplies for vessels or aircraft.

The term “supplies for vessels or aircraft”, as used in this paragraph, has the same meaning as when used in sections 4041(g), 4221(a)(3), 4221(d)(3), and 4221(e)(1), and the regulations thereunder.

(d) Use by State or local government. A payment of tax under chapter 32 on the sale of any article, or under section 4041 (a)(1) or (a)(2) on the sale of diesel fuel or special motor fuel, will be considered to be an overpayment under section 6416(b)(2)(C) if the article of fuel is sold by any person to a State, any political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia for the exclusive use of a State, any political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia. For provisions relating to tax-free sales to a State, any political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia, see section 4221(a)(4) and the regulations thereunder.

(e) Use by nonprofit educational organization. A payment of tax under chapter 32 on the sale of any article, or under section 4041 (a)(1) or (a)(2) on the sale of diesel fuel or special motor fuel, will be considered to be an overpayment under section 6416(b)(2)(D) if the article or fuel is sold by any person to a nonprofit educational organization for its exclusive use. The term “nonprofit educational organization”, as used in this paragraph (e), has the same meaning as when used in section 4221 (a)(5) or (d)(5), whichever applies, and the regulations thereunder.

(f) Tax-paid tires or inner tubes resold for use in further manufacture. A payment of tax under section 4071 on the sale of a tire or, prior to January 1, 1984, on the sale of an inner tube will be considered to be an overpayment under section 6416(b)(2)(E) if—

(1) The tire or inner tube is, after the original sale of the article by the manufacturer, resold by any person to another manufacturer;

(2) The other manufacturer sells the tire or inner tube on or in connection with, or with the sale of, any other article manufactured or produced by the other manufacturer; and

(3) That other article is by any person either—

(i) Exported to a foreign country or to a possession of the United States,

(ii) Sold to a State, any political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia for the exclusive use of a State, any political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia,

(iii) Sold to a nonprofit educational organization for its exclusive use, or

(iv) Used or sold for use as supplies for vessels or aircraft.

The overpayment described in this paragraph (f) is to be distinguished from the overpayment described in section 6416(b)(3)(C) prior to amendment by the Highway Revenue Act of 1982 and section 6416(b)(3) as amended by the Highway Revenue Act of 1982, and §48.6416(b)(3)–2 (d) in that the overpayment here described arises from a “resale” for the use described in this paragraph, while the section 6416(b)(3)(C) overpayment arises from the “use” of tires or inner tubes in the manufacture of other articles by a subsequent manufacturer who purchases tax-paid tires or tubes and disposes of finished articles on the basis of one of the exemptions set forth in section 6416(B)(3)(C). A manufacturer claiming a credit or refund under this paragraph (f) must have substantially the same information available in support of the claim as is required under §48.4221–7(c)(2) in support of exempt sales of tires or inner tubes under the provisions of section 4221(e)(2), except that none of the parties involved need be registered under section 4222.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32027, Aug. 8, 1985, as amended by T.D. 8561, 59 FR 43045, Aug. 22, 1994; T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10463, Mar. 14, 1996; T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17160, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.6416(b)(2)-3   Supporting evidence required in case of manufacturers tax involving exportations, uses, sales, or resales.
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(a) Evidence to be submitted by claimant. No claim for credit or refund of an overpayment, within the meaning of section 6416(b)(2) and §48.6416(b)(2)–2, of tax under chapter 32 shall be allowed unless the person who paid the tax submits with the claim the evidence required by paragraph (b)(2) of §48.6416(a)–3 and a statement, supported by sufficient available evidence—

(1) Showing the amount claimed in respect of each category of exportations, uses, sales, or resales on which the claim is based and which give rise to a right of credit or refund under section 6416(b)(2) and §48.6416(b)(2)–1,

(2) Identifying the article, both as to nature and quantity, in respect of which credit or refund is claimed,

(3) Showing the amount of tax paid in respect of the article or articles and the dates of payment, and

(4) In the case of an overpayment determined under section 6416(b)(2)(A) and paragraph (b) of §48.6416(b)(2)–2 in respect of an article which was taxable prior to April 1, 1983 under section 4061(a), indicating that, pursuant to section 6416(g), the person claiming a credit or refund possessed at the time that person shipped the article or at the time title to the article passed to the vendee, whichever is earlier, evidence that the article was to be exported to a foreign country or shipped to a possession of the United States, or

(5) In the case of any overpayment other than an overpayment determined under section 6416(b)(2)(E) and paragraph (f) of §48.6416(b)(2)–2, indicating that the person claiming a credit or refund possesses evidence (as set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section) that the article has been exported, or has been used, sold, or resold in a manner or for a purpose which gives rise to an overpayment within the meaning of section 6416(b)(2) and §48.6416(b)(2)–2, or

(6) In the case of an overpayment determined under section 6416(b)(2)(E) and paragraph (f) of §48.6416(b)(2)–2, relating to a tax-paid tire or inner tube sold on or in connection with, or with the sale of, a second article that has been manufactured, indicating that the person claiming credit or refund possesses (i) evidence (as set forth in paragraph (b)(2) of this section) that the second article has been exported, or has been used or sold as provided in §48.6416(b)(2)–2(f), and (ii) a statement, executed and signed by the ultimate purchaser of the tire or inner tube, that the ultimate purchaser purchased the tire or inner tube from a person other than the person who paid the tax on the sale of the tire or inner tube.

(b) Evidence required to be in possession of claimant—(1) Evidence required under paragraph (a)(5)—(i) In general. The evidence required to be retained by the person who paid the tax, as provided in paragraph (a)(5) of this section, must, in the case of an article exported, consist of proof of exportation in the form prescribed in the regulations under section 4221 or must, in the case of other articles sold tax-paid by that person, consist of a certificate, executed and signed by the ultimate purchaser of the article, in the form prescribed in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section. However, if the article to which the claim relates has passed through a chain of sales from the person who paid the tax to the ultimate purchaser, the evidence required to be retained by the person who paid the tax may consist of a certificate, executed and signed by the ultimate vendor of the article, in the form provided in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, rather than the proof of exportation itself or the certificate of the ultimate purchaser.

(ii) Certificate of ultimate purchaser.

(A) The certificate executed and signed by the ultimate purchaser of the article to which the claim relates must identify the article, both as to nature and quantity; show the address of the ultimate purchaser of the article, and the name and address of the ultimate vendor of the article; and describe the use actually made of the article in sufficient detail to establish that credit or refund is due, except that the use to be made of the article must be described in lieu of actual use if the claim is made by reason of the sale or resale of an article for a specified use which gives rise to the overpayment.

(B) If the certificate sets forth the use to be made of any article, rather than its actual use, it must show that the ultimate purchaser has agreed to notify the claimant if the article is not in fact used as specified in the certificate.

(C) The certificate must also contain a statement that the ultimate purchaser understands that the ultimate purchaser and any other party may, for fraudulent use of the certificate, be subject under section 7201 to a fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

(D) A purchase order will be acceptable in lieu of a separate certificate of the ultimate purchaser if it contains all the information required by this paragraph (b)(1)(ii).

(iii) Certificate of ultimate vendor. Any certificate executed and signed by an ultimate vendor as evidence to be retained by the person who paid the tax, as provided in paragraph (a)(5) of this section, may be executed with respect to any one or more overpayments by the person which arose under section 6416(b)(2) and §§48.6416(b)(2)–2 by reason of exportations, uses, sales or resales, occurring within any period of not more than 12 consecutive calendar quarters, the beginning and ending dates of which are specified in the certificate.

The certificate must be in substantially the following form:

Statement of Ultimate Vendor

(For use in claiming credit or refund of overpayment determined under section 6416(b)(2) (other than section 6416(b)(2)(E)) of the Internal Revenue Code.)

The undersigned or the

____________________

(Name of ultimate vendor if other than undersigned) of which the undersigned is (Title) ____________________________________ , is the ultimate vendor of the article specified below or on the reverse side hereof.

The article was purchased by the ultimate vendor tax-paid and was thereafter exported, used, sold, or resold (as indicated below or on the reverse side hereof).

The ultimate vendor possesses

____________________

(Proof of exportation in respect of the article, or a certificate as to use executed by the ultimate purchaser of the article)

The____________________

(Proof of exportation or certificate)

(1) is retained by the ultimate vendor, (2) will, upon request, be forwarded to

____________________

(Name or person who paid the tax)

at any time within 3 years from the date of this statement for use by that person to establish that credit or refund is due in respect of the article, and (3) will otherwise be held by the ultimate vendor for the required 3-year period.

According to the best knowledge and belief of the undersigned, no statement in respect of the

____________________

(Proof of exportation or certificate)

has previously been executed, and the undersigned understands that the fraudulent use of this statement may, under section 7201, subject the undersigned or any other party making such fraudulent use to a fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

____________________

(Signature) ________________________________

____________________

(Address)

____________________

(Date)

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                                                                Exported or use        Vendor's invoice               Articles         Date of resale         Quantity       made or to be made                                                                                                   (specify)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(2) Evidence required under paragraph (a)(6)—(i) In general— The evidence required to be retained by the person who paid the tax, as provided in paragraph (a)(6) of this section, must, in the case of an exportation of the second article, consist of proof of exportation of the second article in the form prescribed in the regulations under section 4221 or must, in other cases, consist of a certificate, executed and signed by the ultimate purchaser of the second article, in the form prescribed in paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section. However, the evidence required to be retained by the person who paid the tax may consist of a certificate, executed and signed by the ultimate vendor of the second article, in the form provided in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) of this section, rather than the proof of exportation itself or the certificate of the ultimate purchaser.

(ii) Certificate of ultimate purchaser— The certificate of the ultimate purchaser of the second article must contain the same information as that required in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, except that the information must be furnished in respect of the second article, rather than the article to which the claims relates.

(iii) Certificate of ultimate vendor— Any certificate executed and signed by an ultimate vendor as evidence to be retained by the person who paid the tax, as provided in paragraph (a)(6) of this section, may be executed with respect to any one of more overpayments by that person which arose under section 6416(b)(2)(E) and §48.6416(b)(2)–2 (f) by reason of exportations, uses, sales, or resales of a second article occurring within any period of not more than 12 consecutive calendar quarters, the beginning and ending dates of which are specified in the certificate. The certificate must be in substantially the following form:

STATEMENT Of ULTIMATE VENDOR

(For use in claiming credit or refund of overpayment determined under section 6416 (b)(2)(E), Internal Revenue Code, involving tires or inner tubes sold on or with another article.)

The undersigned or the

____________________

(Name of ultimate vendor of second article if other than undersigned)

of which the undersigned is (Title) ____________________________________ , is the

ultimate vendor of an article, specified below or on the reverse side hereof, on which or with which a tax-paid tire or inner tube was sold.

The ultimate vendor possesses

____________________

(Proof of exportation in respect of the article on which or with which the tire or inner tube was sold, or a certificate as to use of the article executed by the ultimate purchaser of the article)

The

____________________

(Proof of exportation or certificate) (1) is retained by the ultimate vendor, (2) will, upon request, be forwarded to

____________________

(Name of person who paid the tax on the tire or inner tube)

at any time within 3 years from the date of this statement for use in establishing that credit or refund is due in respect of the tire or inner tube, and (3) will otherwise be held by the ultimate vendor for the required 3-year period.

According to the best knowledge and belief of the undersigned, no statement in respect of the

____________________

(Proof of exportation or certificate)

has previously been executed, and the undersigned understands that the fraudulent use of this statement may, under section 7201, subject the undersigned or any other party making such fraudulent use to a fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

____________________

(Signature) ________________________________

____________________

(Address)

____________________

(Date)

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                         Vendor's                              Date of   Exported or use made of  Tires or inner tubes (specify and     invoice on   Second article (specify   sale of    or to be made (specify           state quantity)                second       and state quantity)      second     in respect of second                                         article                               article           article)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(3) Repayment or consent of ultimate vendor. If the person claiming credit or refund of an overpayment to which this section applies has repaid, or agreed to repay, the amount of the overpayment to the ultimate vendor or if the ultimate vendor consents to the allowance of the credit or refund, a statement to that effect, signed by the ultimate vendor, must be shown on, or made a part of, the evidence required under this section to be retained by the person claiming the credit or refund. In this regard, see §48.6416(a)–3(b)(2).

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32028, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6416(b)(2)-4   Supporting evidence required in case of special fuels tax involving exportations, uses, sales, or resales of special fuels.
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(a) Evidence to be submitted by claimant. No claim for credit or refund of an overpayment, within the meaning of section 6416(b)(2) and §48.6416(b)(2)–2 of tax under section 4041 (a)(1) or (b)(2) shall be allowed unless the person who paid the tax submits with the claim the evidence required by paragraph (b)(2) of §48.6416(a)–2 and a statement, supported by sufficient available evidence—

(1) Showing the amount claimed in respect of each category of exportations, uses, sales, or resales on which the claim is based and which give rise to right of credit or refund under section 6416(b)(2) and §48.6416(b)(2)–1,

(2) Identifying the fuel, both as to nature and quantity, in respect of which credit or refund is claimed,

(3) Showing the amount of tax paid in respect of the fuel and the dates of payment, and

(4) Indicating that the fuel has been exported, or has been used, sold, or resold in a manner or for a purpose which gives rise to an overpayment within the meaning of section 6416(b)(2) and §48.6416(b)(2)–2.

(b) Evidence required to be in possession of claimant. (1) The evidence required to be retained by the person who paid the tax, as provided in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, must, in the case of fuel exported, consist of proof of exportation or must, in the case of other fuel sold tax-paid by that person, consist of a certificate, executed and signed by the person who purchased the fuel in a resale or for the use which gave rise to the overpayment.

(2) The certificate must identify the fuel, both as to nature and quantity, in respect of which credit or refund is claimed; show the address of the purchaser; show the name and address of the person from whom the fuel was purchased and the date or dates on which the fuel was purchased; and show that the fuel was resold and the date of the resale.

(3) If the claim is not based on resale of the fuel, the certificate must describe the use actually made of the fuel in sufficient detail to establish that credit or refund is due. However, the use to be made of the fuel must be described in lieu of actual use if the claim is made by reason of the sale of the fuel for a specified use which gives rise to an overpayment under §48.6416(b)(2)–2.

(4) If the certificate sets forth the use to be made of the fuel, rather than its actual use, it must show that the purchaser has agreed to notify the claimant if the fuel is not in fact used as specified in the certificate.

(5) The certificate must also contain a statement that the purchaser has not previously executed a certificate in respect of the fuel and understands that any party may, for fraudulent use of the certificate, be subject under section 7201 to a fine of not more than $10,000, or imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32030, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6416(b)(3)-1   Tax-paid articles used for further manufacture and causing overpayments of tax.
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In the case of any payment of tax under chapter 32 that is determined to be an overpayment under section 6416(b)(3) and §48.6416(b)(3)–2 by reason of the sale of an article (other than coal taxable under section 4121), directly or indirectly, by the manufacturer of the article to a subsequent manufacturer who uses the article in further manufacture of a second article or who sells the article with, or as a part of, the second article manufactured or produced by the subsequent manufacturer, the subsequent manufacturer may file claim for refund of the overpayment or may claim credit for the overpayment on any return of tax under this subpart subsequently filed. No interest shall be paid on any credit or refund allowed under this section. For provisions relating to the evidence required in support of a claim for credit or refund, see §301.6402–2 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration) and §§48.6416(a)–3 and 48.6416(b)(3)–3. For provisions authorizing the taking of a credit in lieu of filing a claim for refund, see section 6416(d) and §48.6416(f)–1.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32030, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6416(b)(3)-2   Further manufacture included.
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(a) In general. The payment of tax imposed by chapter 32 on the sale of any article (other than coal taxable under section 4121) by a manufacturer of the article will be considered to be an overpayment by reason of any use in further manufacture, or sale as part of a second manufactured article, described in any one of paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section. This section applies in those cases where the exportation, use, or sale (or any combination of those activities) referred to in any one or more of those paragraphs occurs before any other use. For provisions relating to overpayments arising by reason of resales of tax-paid articles for use in further manufacture as provided in this section, see section 6416(b)(2)(E) and paragraph (f) of §48.6416(b)(2)–2.

(b) Use of tax-paid articles in further manufacture described in section 6416(b)(3)(A). A payment of tax under chapter 32 on the sale of any article (other than coal taxable under section 4121), directly or indirectly, by the manufacturer of the article to a subsequent manufacturer will be considered to be an overpayment under section 6416(b)(3)(A) if the article is used by the subsequent manufacturer as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part of, a second article manufactured or produced by the subsequent manufacturer which is—

(1) Taxable under chapter 32, or

(2) An automobile bus chassis or an automobile bus body.

For this purpose it is immaterial whether the second article is sold or otherwise disposed of, or if sold, whether the sale is a taxable sale. Any article to which this paragraph (b) applies which would have been used in the manufacture or production of a second article, except for the fact that it was broken or rendered useless in the process of manufacturing or producing the second article, will be considered to have been used as a component part of the second article. This paragraph (b) does not apply to articles sold and used as provided in any of paragraphs (c) through (f) of this section.

(c) Use of truck, bus, etc., parts or accessories. A payment of tax under section 4061 (b) on the sale prior to January 7, 1983, of any truck, bus, etc., part or accessory, directly or indirectly, by the manufacturer of the article to a subsequent manufacturer will be considered to be an overpayment under section 6416(b)(3)(B) if the part or accessory is used by the subsequent manufacturer as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part of, a second article manufactured or produced by the subsequent manufacturer. For this purpose it is immaterial whether the second article is or is not taxable under chapter 32. Any article to which this paragraph (c) applies which would have been used in the manufacture or production of a second article, except for the fact that it was broken or rendered useless in the process of manufacturing or producing the second article, will be considered to have been used as a component part of the second article.

(d) Tax-paid tires or inner tubes used in further manufacture. (1) A payment of tax under section 4071 on the sale prior to January 1, 1984, of a tire or inner tube, directly or indirectly, by the manufacturer of the article to a subsequent manufacturer will be considered to be an overpayment under section 6416(b)(3)(C) if the subsequent manufacturer sells the tire or inner tube on or in connection with, or with the sale of, any other article manufactured or produced by the subsequent manufacturer and if the other article is—

(i) An automobile bus chassis or automobile bus body, or

(ii) By any person (A) exported to a foreign country or to a possession of the United States, (B) sold to a State, any political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia for the exclusive use of a State, any political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia, (C) sold to a nonprofit educational organization for its exclusive use, or (D) used or sold for use as supplies to vessels or aircraft.

For tax-paid tires used in further manufacture after December 31, 1983, see section 6416(b)(3)(A) and the regulations thereunder.

(2) The overpayment in this paragraph (d) is to be distinguished from that overpayment described in section 6416(b)(2)(E) and §48.6416(b)(2)–2(f) in that this overpayment arises from the “use” described in this paragraph, whereas the overpayment under section 6416(b)(2)(E) arises from the “resale” of tax-paid tires or inner tubes by any person to a subsequent manufacturer who disposes of the articles on or in connection with, or with the sale of, a second article manufactured or produced by the subsequent manufacturer which is disposed of on the basis of one of the exemptions set forth in section 6416(b)(3)(C).

(3) If the second article is exported or shipped as provided in this paragraph (d), it is immaterial whether the subsequent manufacturer sold the article with the knowledge that it would be exported or shipped.

(4) An overpayment arises under paragraph (d)(1) of this section only if the tire or inner tube constitutes a part of, or is associated with, the second article at the time the second article is exported, shipped, sold, used, or sold for use, as prescribed in this paragraph.

(5) For definition of certain terms used in this paragraph, see section 4221 and the regulations thereunder.

(6) For provisions relating to overpayments arising by reason of tires or inner tubes sold tax-paid by the manufacturer of the same, on or in connection with, or with the sale of, any article manufactured or produced by that manufacturer and exported, sold, or used or sold for use, as provided in this paragraph (d), see section 6416(b)(4).

(7) For provisions relating to credit allowable in respect of tires and inner tubes sold on or in connection with, or with the sale of, another article taxable under chapter 32, prior to January 1, 1984, see section 6416(c) and §48.6416(c)–1.

(8) If a second article referred to in paragraph (d)(1) of this section is sold for a use described in that paragraph and is not so used, this paragraph (d) is in all respects inapplicable.

(e) Use of bicycle tires or tubes in further manufacture. A payment of tax under section 4071 on the sale, prior to January 1, 1984, of a bicycle or tricycle tire or inner tube, directly or indirectly, by the manufacturer of the same to a subsequent manufacturer will be considered to be an overpayment under section 6416(b)(3)(E) if the tire or tube is used by the subsequent manufacturer as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part of, a bicycle or tricycle manufactured or produced by the subsequent manufacturer which is not a rebuilt or reconditioned bicycle or tricycle. For definition of the term “bicycle tire”, see section 4221(e)(4)(B) and the regulations thereunder.

(f) Use of gasoline in further manufacture. A payment of tax under section 4081 on the sale of gasoline, directly or indirectly, by the manufacturer of the same to a subsequent manufacturer will be considered an overpayment under section 6416(b)(3)(B) if the gasoline is used for nonfuel purposes by the subsequent manufacturer as a material in the manufacture or production of any other article manufactured or produced by the subsequent manufacturer. For this purpose it is immaterial whether the other article is or is not taxable under chapter 32. For provisions relating to the use of gasoline for nonfuel purposes, see section 4221 and the regulations thereunder.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32030, Aug. 8, 1985, as amended by T.D. 8748, 63 FR 15292, Mar. 31, 1998]

§ 48.6416(b)(3)-3   Supporting evidence required in case of tax-paid articles used for further manufacture.
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(a) Evidence to be submitted by claimant. No claim for credit or refund of an overpayment, within the meaning of section 6416(b)(3) and §48.6416(b)(3)–2 shall be allowed unless the subsequent manufacturer submits with the claim the evidence required by §48.6416(a)–3 and a statement, supported by sufficient available evidence—

(1) Showing the amount claimed in respect of each category of exportations, uses, or sales on which the claim is based and which give rise to a right of credit or refund under section 6416(b)(3) and §48.6416(b)(3)–1,

(2) Showing the name and address of the manufacturer, producer, or importer of the article in respect of which credit or refund is claimed,

(3) Identifying the article, both as to nature and quantity, in respect of which credit or refund is claimed,

(4) Showing the amount of tax paid in respect of the article by the manufacturer or producer of the article and the date of payment,

(5) Indicating that the article was used by the claimant as material in the manufacture or production of, or as a component part of, a second article manufactured or produced by the manufacturer or was sold on or in connection with, or with the sale of, a second article manufactured or produced by the manufacturer,

(6) Identitying the second article, both as to nature and quantity, and

(7) In the case of an overpayment determined under section 6416(b)(3)(C) as it existed prior to January 1, 1984, and paragraph (d)(1) of §48.6416(b)(3)–2 in respect of a tire or inner tube taxable under section 4071, indicating that the manufacturer has evidence available (as set forth in paragraph (b) of this section) that the second article is an automobile bus chassis or automobile bus body, or has been exported, used, or sold as provided in section 6416(b)(3)(C)(ii) and §48.6416(b)(3)–2(d)(1)(ii).

(b) Evidence required to be in possession of claimant—(1) In general. The evidence required to be retained by the person claiming credit or refund, as provided in paragraph (a)(7) of this section, must, in the case of an exportation of the second article, consist of proof of exportation of the second article in the form prescribed in the regulations under section 4221, or must, in other cases (except when the second article is an automobile bus chassis or automobile bus body), consist of a certificate, executed and signed by the ultimate purchaser of the second article, in the form prescribed in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. However, if the second article has passed through a chain of sales from the manufacturer of the second article to the ultimate purchaser of the second article, the evidence may consist of a certificate, executed and signed by the ultimate vendor of the second article, in the form provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, rather than the proof of exportation itself of the second article or the certificate of the ultimate purchaser of the second article.

(2) Certificate of ultimate purchaser of second article. The certificate executed and signed by the ultimate purchaser of the second article must contain the same information as that required in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of §48.6416(b)(2)–3, except that the information must be furnished in respect of the second article, rather than the article to which the claim relates.

(3) Certificate of ultimate vendor of second article. Any certificate executed and signed by an ultimate vendor as evidence to be retained by the person claiming credit or refund must be executed in the same form and manner as that provided in paragraph (b)(2)(iii) and §48.6416(b)(2)–3.

(4) Repayment or consent of ultimate vendor. If the person claiming credit or refund of an overpayment to which this section applies has repaid, or agreed to repay, the amount of the overpayment to the ultimate vendor or if the ultimate vendor consents to the allowance of the credit or refund, a statement to that effect, signed by the ultimate vendor, must be shown on, or made a part of, the evidence required to be retained by the person claiming the credit or refund. In this regard, see §48.6416(a)–3(b)(2).

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32032, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6416(b)(5)-1   Return of installment accounts causing overpayments of tax.
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(a) In general. In the case of any payment of tax under section 4216(d)(1) in respect of the sale of any installment account that is determined to be an overpayment under section 6416(b)(5) and paragraph (b) of this section upon return of the installment account, the person who paid the tax may file a claim for refund of the overpayment or may claim credit for the overpayment on any return of tax under this subpart which that person subsequently files. No interest shall be paid on any credit or refund allowed under this section. For provisions relating to the evidence required in support of a claim for credit or refund under this section, see §301.6402–2 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration) and paragraph (c) of this section. For provisions authorizing the taking of a credit in lieu of filing a claim for refund, see section 6416(d) and §48.6416(f)–1.

(b) Overpayment of tax allocable to repaid consideration. The payment of tax imposed by section 4216(d)(1) on the sale of an installment account by the manufacturer will be considered to be an overpayment under section 6416(b)(5) to the extent of the tax allocable to any consideration repaid or credited to the purchaser of the installment account upon the return of the account to the manufacturer pursuant to the agreement under which the account originally was sold, if the readjustment of the consideration occurs pursuant to the provisions of the agreement. The tax allocable to the repaid or credited consideration is the amount which bears the same ratio to the total tax paid under section 4216(d)(1) with respect to the installment account as the amount of consideration repaid or credited to the purchaser bears to the total consideration for which the account was sold. This paragraph (b) does not apply where an installment account is originally sold pursuant to the order of, or subject to the approval of, a court of competent jurisdiction in a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding.

(c) Evidence to be submitted by claimant. No claim for credit of refund of an overpayment, within the meaning of section 6416(b)(5) and paragraph (b) of this section, of tax under section 4216(d)(1) shall be allowed unless the person who paid the tax submits with the claim a statement supported by sufficient available evidence, indicating—

(1) The name and address of the person to whom the installment account was sold,

(2) The amount of tax due under section 4216(d)(1) by reason of the sale of the installment account, the amount of the tax paid under section 4216(d)(1) with respect to the sale, and the date of payment,

(3) The amount for which the installment account was sold,

(4) The amount which was repaid or credited to the purchaser of the account by reason of the return of the account to the person claiming the credit or refund, and

(5)(i) The fact that the amount repaid or credited to the purchaser of the account was so repaid or credited pursuant to the agreement under which the account was sold, and

(ii) The fact that the account was returned to the manufacturer pursuant to that agreement.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32033, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6416(c)-1   Credit for tax paid on tires or, prior to January 1, 1984, inner tubes.
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(a) Allowance of credit against tax on sale of taxable article. If tax has been paid under section 4071 on the sale, or under section 4218 on the use, of a tire or inner tube, and the manufacturer of another article taxable under chapter 32 sells the tire or inner tube on or in connection with the sale of that other article, a credit in respect of the tire or inner tube is allowable under section 6416(c) against the tax imposed on the sale of that other article. The amount of the credit is to be determined as provided in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section.

(b) Tires or tubes purchased by manufacturer of the other article. If the manufacturer of the other article purchased the tire or inner tube tax-paid, the amount of the credit shall be determined by applying to the purchase price of the tire or inner tube the percentage rate of tax applicable to the sale of the other article. For this purpose, the purchase price shall be determined by including any tax passed on to the manufacturer and, in the case of a tire, by excluding any part of the price attributable to the metal rim or rim base. For example, if the selling price of an automobile truck is $24,000, tax equivalent to 10 percent of the price (i.e., $2,400) is imposed under section 4601(a) on the sale (before April 1, 1983) of the automobile truck. If the tires or inner tubes sold on or in connection with the automobile truck are purchased by the manufacturer of the automobile truck for $1,500 (computed as provided in this paragraph) a credit of $150 (10 percent of $1,500) is allowable against the tax imposed on the sale of the automobile truck.

(c) Tires or tubes manufactured by manufacturer or other articles. If the manufacturer of the other article is also the manufacturer of the tire or inner tube and incurs tax liability under section 4218 on the use by that manufacturer of the tire or inner tube, the amount of the credit shall be determined by applying to the fair market price of the tire or inner tube, the percentage rate of tax applicable to the sale of the other article. For this purpose, the fair market price of the tire or inner tube shall be the price at which the same or similar tires or inner tubes are sold by manufacturers of tires or inner tubes in the ordinary course of trade, as determined by the Commissioner, and by excluding, in the case of a tire, any part of the price attributable to the metal rim or rim base. The determination of the Commissioner shall be made in the same manner as determinations made under section 4218.

(d) Other applicable rules. (1) For purposes of this section, the term “manufacturer” includes the original manufacturer of the other article and any succeeding purchaser of the article who further manufactures the article so as to become liable as a manufacturer of an article taxable under chapter 32. Therefore, the credit provided by section 6416(c) and this section is available both to the original manufacturer of the other article and also to every succeeding purchaser of that article who sells that article on or in connection with, or with the sale of, another article taxable under chapter 32.

(2) No interest shall be paid on any credit allowed under this section.

(3) If credit is not claimed under this section against the tax applicable to the sale of the other article, the manufacturer of the other article may claim refund of an amount equivalent to the credit or may claim credit on any return of tax under this subpart subsequently filed.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32034, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6416(e)-1   Refund to exporter or shipper.
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(a) In general. Any payment of tax imposed by sections 4041, 4051 or chapter 32 that is determined to be an overpayment within the meaning of section 6416(b)(2) (A) or (E), section 6416(b)(3)(C) (prior to January 7, 1983), or section 6416(b)(4), and the regulations thereunder, by reason of the exportation of any article may be refunded to the exporter or shipper of the article pursuant to section 6416(c) of this section, if—

(1) The exporter or shipper files a claim for refund of the overpayment, and

(2) The person who paid the tax waives the right to claim credit or refund of the tax.

No interest shall be paid on any refund allowed under this section. For provisions relating to the evidence required in support of a claim under this paragraph (a), see §301.6402 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration) and paragraph (b) of this section.

(b) Supporting evidence required. No claim for refund of any overpayment of tax to which this section applies shall be allowed unless the exporter or shipper submits with that claim proof of exportation in the form prescribed by the regulations under section 4221, and a statement, signed by the person who paid the tax, showing—

(1) That the person who paid the tax waives the right to claim credit or refund of the tax,

(2) In the case of an overpayment determined under section 6416(b)(2)(A) and paragraph (b) of §48.6416(b)(2)–2 in respect of a truck, bus, tractor, etc., taxable under section 4061(a), that, pursuant to section 6416(g), the person who paid the tax possessed at the time that person shipped the article or at the time title to the article passed to that perons's vendee, whichever is earlier, evidence that the article was to be exported to a foreign country or shipped to a possession of the United States.

(3) The amount of tax paid on the sale of the article and the date of payment, and

(4) The internal revenue service office to which the tax was paid.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32034, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6416(f)-1   Credit on returns.
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Any person entitled to claim refund of any overpayment of tax imposed by section 4041, 4042, 4051 or chapter 32 may, in lieu of claiming refund of the overpayment, claim credit for the overpayment on any return of tax under this subpart subsequently filed. Any such credit claimed on a return must be supported by the evidence prescribed in the applicable regulations in this subpart and §301.6402 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration).

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32034, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6416(h)-1   Accounting procedures for like articles.
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(a) Identification of manufacturer. In applying section 6416 and the regulations thereunder, a person who has purchased like articles from various manufacturers may determine the particular manufacturer from whom that person purchased any one of those articles by a first-in-first-out (FIFO) method, by a last-in-first-out (LIFO) method, or by any other consistent method approved by the district director. For the first year for which a person makes a determination under this section, the person may adopt any one of the following methods without securing prior approval by the district director.

(1) FIFO method.

(2) LIFO method.

(3) Any method by which the actual manufacturer of the article is in fact identified.

Any other method of determining the manufacturer of a particular article must be approved by the district director before its adoption. After any method for identifying the manufacturer has been properly adopted, it may not be changed without first securing the consent of the district director.

(b) Determining amount of tax paid. In applying section 6416 and the regulations thereunder, if the identity of the manufacturer of any article has been determined by a person pursuant to a method prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section, that manufacturer of the article must determine the tax paid under chapter 32 with respect to that article consistently with the method used in identifying the manufacturer.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32035, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6420-1   Credits or payments to ultimate purchaser of gasoline used on a farm.
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(a) In general. If gasoline is used on a farm for farming purposes after June 30, 1965, a credit (under the circumstances described in paragraph (b) of this section) or a payment (under the circumstances described in paragraph (c) of this section) in respect of the gasoline shall be allowed or made to the ultimate purchaser of the gasoline in an amount determined by multiplying (1) the number of gallons of gasoline so used by (2) the rate of tax on gasoline under section 4081 that applied on the date the gasoline was purchased by the ultimate purchaser. No interest shall be paid on any payment, allowed under paragraph (c) of this section. However, interest may be paid on any overpayment (as defined by section 6401) arising from a credit allowed under paragraph (b) of this section. See section 34(a), relating to credit for certain uses of gasoline and special fuels, and lubricating oil used prior to January 7, 1983). See §48.6420–2 for the time within which a claim for credit or payment must be made. See section 4081 and the regulations thereunder for the rates of tax on gasoline. See §48.6420–2 for meaning of the terms “Used on a farm for farming purposes,” “farm,” “gasoline,” “ultimate purchaser,” and “taxable year.”

(b) Allowance of income tax credit in lieu of payment. With respect to persons subject to income tax, repayment of the tax paid under section 4081 on gasoline used on a farm for farming purposes may be obtained only by claiming a credit for the amount of this tax against the income tax imposed by subtitle A of the Code. The amount of the credit shall be an amount equal to the payment which would be made under section 6420 with respect to gasoline used during the taxable year on a farm for farming purposes if section 6420(g)(1) and paragraph (c) of this section did not apply. See section 34(a)(1).

(c) Allowance of payment. Payments in respect of gasoline upon which tax was paid under section 4081 that is used on a farm for farming purposes shall be made only to—

(1) The United States or agency or instrumentality thereof, a State, a political subdivision of a State, or an agency or instrumentality of one or more States or political subdivisions of a State, or the District of Columbia, or

(2) An organization which is exempt from tax under section 501(a) and is not required to made a return of the income tax imposed under subtitle A for its taxable year.

(d) Use of gasoline. (1) The credit or payment described in paragraph (a) of this section is allowable only in respect of gasoline used on a farm in the United States for farming purposes. The credit or payment is not allowable with respect to gasoline used for nonfarming purposes, or gasoline used off a farm, regardless of the nature of the use. If a vehicle or other equipment is used both on a farm and off the farm, or if it is used on a farm both for farming and nonfarming purposes, the credit or payment is allowable only with respect to that portion of the gasoline which was “used on a farm for farming purposes” as defined in paragraph (a) of §48.6420–4. In determining if this requirement is met, neither the type of equipment or vehicle used nor its registration for highway use is material. However, the actual use of the equipment or vehicle and the place where it is used are material. For example, if a truck used on a farm for farming purposes is also used on the highways, gasoline used in connection with operating the truck on the highways is not taken into account in computing the credit or payment.

(2) For purposes of determining the allowable credit or payment in respect of gasoline used on a farm for farming purposes, gasoline on hand shall be considered used in the order in which it was purchased. Thus, if the owner, tenant, or operator of a farm has on hand gasoline acquired in two purchases made at different times and subject to different rates of tax, in determining credit or payment for gasoline used on a farm for farming purposes, it will be assumed that the gasoline purchased first was the first gasoline used, and the rate applicable to that purchase will apply in determining the credit or payment, until all that gasoline is accounted for.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32035, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6420-2   Time for filing claim for credit or payment.
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(a) In general. A claim for credit or payment described in §48.6420–1 with respect to gasoline used after June 30, 1965, on a farm for farming purposes, shall cover only gasoline used during the taxable year on a farm for farming purposes. Therefore, gasoline on hand at the end of a taxable year as, for example, in fuel supply tanks of farm machinery or in storage tanks or drums, must be excluded from a claim filed for that taxable year (but may be included in a claim filed for a later taxable year if used during that later year on a farm for farming purposes). Gasoline used during a taxable year may be covered by a claim filed for that taxable year although the gasoline was not paid for at the time the claim is filed. For purposes of applying this section, a governmental unit or exempt organization described in §48.6420–1 (c) is considered to have as its taxable year, the calendar year or fiscal year on the basis of which it regularly keeps its books; see paragraph (h) of this section.

(b) Time for filing. (1) A claim for credit with respect to gasoline used on a farm for farming purposes shall not be allowed unless it is filed no later than the time prescribed by section 6511 and the regulations thereunder for filing a claim for credit or refund of income tax for the particular taxable year.

(2) A claim for payment of a governmental unit or exempt organization described in §48.6420–1(c) must be filed no later than 3 years following the close of its taxable year. (See paragraph (h) of this section.)

(3) See §301.7502–1 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration) for provisions treating timely mailing as timely filing and §301.7502–1 of this chapter for time for performance of an act where the last day falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday.

(c) Limit of one claim per taxable year. Not more than one claim may be filed under section 6420 by any person with respect to gasoline used during the same taxable year.

(d) Form and content of claim—(1) Claim for credit. (i) The claim for credit with respect to gasoline used on a farm for farming purposes must be made by attaching a Form 4136 to the income tax return of an individual or a corporation. Form 4136 must be executed in accordance with the instructions prescribed for the preparation of the form. A partnership may not file Form 4136. When a partnership files Form 1065, U.S. Partnership Return of Income, it must include a statement showing how many gallons of gasoline are allocated to each partner and the use made of the gasoline.

(ii) If an individual dies during the taxable year, the claim for credit may be made only for that portion of the individual's taxable year ending with the date of death. If a sole proprietorship, a partnership or corporation is terminated or liquidated during the taxable year, the claim for credit may be made only for the portion of its year ending with the date of the termination or liquidation.

(2) Claim for payment. The claim for payment with respect to gasoline used on a farm for farming purposes by a governmental unit or exempt organization described in §48.6420–1(c) must be made on Form 843 in accordance with the instructions prescribed for the preparation of the form. The claim by such a unit or organization must be filed with the service center for the internal revenue region in which the principal place of business or principal office of the claimant is located.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32035, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6420-3   Exempt sales; other payments or refunds available.
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(a) Exempt sales. Credits or payments are allowable only for gasoline that was sold by the producer or importer in a transaction that was subject to tax under section 4081. No credit or payment shall be allowed or made under §48.6420–1 with respect to gasoline which was exempt from the tax imposed by section 4081. For example, a State or local government may not file a claim with respect to any gasoline which it purchased tax free from the producer, even though the State or local government used the gasoline on a farm for farming purposes. Similarly, payment may not be made with respect to gasoline purchased by a State tax free for its exclusive use, as provided in section 4221, which is used on a State prison farm for farming purposes.

(b) Other payments or refunds available. Any amount which, without regard to the second sentence of section 6420(d) and this paragraph (b), would be allowable as a credit or payable to any person under §48.6420–1 with respect to any gasoline is reduced by any other amount which is allowable as a credit or payable under section 6420, or is refundable under any other provision of the Code, to any person with respect to the same gasoline. Thus, a person who is the ultimate purchaser of gasoline may not file a claim for credit or payment with respect to that gasoline if another person is entitled to claim a payment, credit, or refund with respect to the same gasoline. For example, a State or local government may not file a claim for payment if it has executed, or intends to execute, a written consent to enable the producer to claim a credit or refund for the tax that was paid. See, for example, §§48.6416(a)–3(b)(2), 48.6416(b)(2)–2(d), and 48.6416(b)(2)–3(b)(1).

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32036, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6420-4   Meaning of terms.
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For purposes of the regulations under section 6420, unless otherwise expressly indicated—

(a) Used on a farm for farming purposes. The term “used on a farm for farming purposes” applies only to gasoline which is used (1) in carrying on a trade or business of farming, (2) on a farm in the United States, and (3) for farming purposes. Gasoline used in an aircraft will qualify if its use otherwise satisfies these requirements. For the meaning of the term “trade or business of farming,” see paragraph (b) of this section. For the definition of the term “farm,” see paragraph (c) of this section. For the definition of the term “farming purposes,” see paragraphs (d) through (g) of this section. The term “United States” has the meaning assigned to it by section 7701(a)(9).

(b) Trade or business of farming. A person will be considered to be engaged in the trade or business of farming if the person cultivates, operates, or manages a farm for gain or profit, either as an owner or a tenant. A person engaged in forestry or the growing of timber is not thereby engaged in the trade or business of farming. A person who operates a garden plot, orchard, or farm for the primary purpose of growing produce for the person's own use is not considered to be engaged in the trade or business of farming. Generally, the operation of a farm does not constitute the carrying on of a trade or business if the farm is occupied by a person primarily for residential purposes or is used primarily for pleasure, such as for the entertainment of guests or as a hobby.

(c) Farm. The term “farm” is used in its ordinary and accepted sense, and generally means land used for the production of crops, fruits, or other agricultural products or for the sustenance of livestock or poultry. The term “livestock” includes cattle, hogs, horses, mules, donkeys, sheep, goats, and captive fur-bearing animals. The term “poultry” includes chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, and pigeons. Thus, a farm includes livestock, dairy, poultry, fish, fruit, fur-bearing animals, and truck farms, plantations, ranches, nurseries, ranges, orchards, feed yards for fattening cattle, and greenhouses and other similar structures used primarily for the raising of agricultural or horticultural commodities. Greenhouses and other similar structures that are used primarily for purposes other than the raising of agricultural or horticultural commodities do not constitute farms, as, for example, structures that are used primarily for the display, storage, fabrication, or sale of wreaths, corsages, and bouquets. A fish farm is an area where fish are grown or raised, as opposed to merely caught or harvested.

(d) Gasoline used in cultivating, raising, or harvesting. Gasoline is used for “farming purposes” when it is used on a farm by the owner, tenant, or operator of the farm in connection with cultivating the soil, raising or harvesting any agricultural or horticultural commodity, or raising, shearing, feeding, caring for, training, or managing livestock, poultry, bees, or wildlife. Examples of operations which are considered to be operations for “farming purposes” within the meaning of this paragraph include plowing, seeding, fertilizing, weed killing, corn or cotton picking, threshing, combining, baling, silo filling, and chopping silage.

(e) Gasoline used in handling, packing, or storing. (1) Gasoline is used for “farming purposes” when it is used by the owner, tenant, or operator of the farm in handling, drying, packing, grading, or storing any agricultural or horticultural commodity in its unmanufactured state, but only if the owner, tenant, or operator produced more than one-half of the commodity which was so treated during the taxable year for which claim for credit or payment is filed.

(2) Gasoline used in connection with canning, freezing, packaging, or processing operations will not be considered to be used for farming purposes, even though these operations are performed on a farm. Thus, for example, although gasoline used on a farm in connection with the production or harvesting of maple sap or oleoresin from a living tree is considered to be used for farming purposes under paragraph (d) of this section, gasoline used in the processing of maple sap into maple syrup or maple sugar or used in the processing of oleoresin into gum spirits of turpentine or gum resin is not used for farming purposes, even though these processing operations are conducted on a farm.

(3) Gasoline used in connection with processing operations which change a commodity from its raw or natural state, or operations performed with respect to a commodity after its character has been changed from its raw or natural state by a processing operation, will not be considered to be used for farming purposes. For example, gasoline used for the extraction of juices from fruits or vegetables is used in a processing operation which changes the character of the fruits or vegetables from their raw or natural state and will not be considered to be used for “farming purposes.”

(4) The term “commodity,” as used in this paragraph (e), refers to a single agricultural or horticultural product. For example, all apples are treated as a single commodity while apples and peaches are treated as two separate commodities. Operations with respect to each commodity are to be considered separately in applying the “one-half” production test described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section.

(f) Gasoline used in planting, cultivating, or caring for trees. Gasoline is used “for farming purposes” when it is used by the owner, tenant, or operator of the farm in connection with the planting, cultivating, caring for, or cutting of trees that is incidental to the farming operations of the farm on which it is performed or incidental to the farming operations of the owner, tenant, or operator of the farm, or in connection with the preparation (other than milling) of trees for market that is incidental to these farming operations. These operations include the felling of trees and cutting them into logs or firewood but do not include sawing logs into lumber, chipping, or other milling operations. Operations of the prescribed character will be considered incidental to farming operations only if they are of a minor nature in comparison with the total farming operations involved. Therefore, a tree farmer or timber grower may not claim credit or payment under §48.6420–1 with respect to gasoline used in connection with the trade or business of tree farming or timber growing.

(g) Gasoline used in the maintenance of a farm or farm equipment. Gasoline is used “for farming purposes” when it is used by the owner, tenant, or operator of a farm in connection with the operation, management, conservation, improvement, or maintenance of the farm and its tools and equipment. The activities included are those which contribute in any way to the conduct of the farm as such, as distinguished from any other enterprise in which the owner, tenant, or operator may be engaged. Examples of included operations are clearing land, repairing fences and farm buildings, building terraces or irrigation ditches, cleaning tools or farm machinery, and painting farm buildings. Since the gasoline must be used by the owner, tenant, or operator of the farm to which the operations relate, gasoline used by an organization which contracts with a farmer to renovate his farm properties is not used for farming purposes. Gasoline used in a gasoline-powered lawn mower for maintaining a lawn is not used for farming purposes.

(h) Taxable year. The “taxable year” of a governmental unit or tax-exempt organization described in §48.6420–1(c) is the calendar or fiscal year on the basis of which it regularly keeps its books. The “taxable year” of persons subject to income tax shall have the meaning as it has under section 7701(a)(23).

(i) Gasoline. The term “gasoline” has the same meaning given to this term by section 4082(b) and the regulations thereunder.

(j) Ultimate purchaser. The term “ultimate purchaser” includes only a person who is an owner, tenant, or operator of a farm. A person who is an owner, tenant, or operator of a farm is an ultimate purchaser of gasoline only with respect to such gasoline as is purchased by the person and used for farming purposes on a farm of which the person is the owner, tenant, or operator. Thus the owner of a farm who purchases gasoline which is used on the farm by its owner, tenant, or operator for farming purposes is generally the ultimate purchaser of the gasoline. If, however, the cost of gasoline supplied by an owner, tenant, or operator of a farm, is by agreement or other arrangement borne by a second person who is an owner, or operator of the farm, the second person who bore the cost of the gasoline is considered to be the ultimate purchaser of the gasoline.

(k) Certain farming use by persons other than the owner, tenant or operator—(1) In general. Except as provided in paragraph (l) of this section, the owner, tenant, or operator of a farm on which gasoline is used by any other person for the purposes described in section 6420(c)(3)(A) and paragraph (d) of this section (relating to gasoline used in cultivating, raising, or harvesting) will be treated, for the purposes of §48.6420–1 (a), as the ultimate purchaser who used the gasoline on the farm for farming purposes.

(2) Example. The rule of paragraph (k)(1) of this section may be illustrated by the following example.

Example.  Farmer A hired custom operator B to cultivate the soil on A's farm. B used 200 gallons of gasoline which B had purchased in performing the work on A's farm. In addition, A hired Farmer C to do some plowing on A's farm, using C's own tractor and 50 gallons of gasoline which C had purchased. A is deemed to be the ultimate purchaser and user of the gasoline used on A's farm by B and C, and A is entitled to take a credit in respect of the gasoline. Accordingly, no credit in respect to the gasoline may be taken by either B or C.

(l) Aerial applicators treated as ultimate purchasers—(1) General rule. Section 6420(c)(3)(A) provides that only the owner, tenant, or operator of a farm is entitled to be treated as a user and ultimate purchaser. Section 6420(c)(4) provides that, under section 6420(c)(3)(A), an aerial applicator or other applicator is entitled to be treated as the user and ultimate purchaser of gasoline used by it on a farm for the purposes described in section 6420(c)(3)(A), but only if the owner, tenant, or operator who is otherwise entitled to treatment as the user and ultimate purchaser waives the right to credit or payment. See paragraph (l)(2) of this section.

(2) Form and manner of waiver. To waive the right to be treated as user and ultimate purchaser of gasoline which is used on a farm by an aerial applicator or other applicator, the owner, tenant, or operator of a farm who is otherwise entitled to treatment as user and ultimate purchaser must execute an irrevocable written agreement (as here described) no later than the date on which the aerial applicator or other applicator claiming the credit or payment files its return for the taxable year in which the gasoline is used. The agreement must identify the period for which the owner, tenant, or operator waives the right to credit or payment. The effective period of the waiver cannot extend beyond the last day of the taxable year of the owner, tenant, or operator of the farm on which the gasoline was used. If the owner, tenant, or operator's taxable year extends beyond the taxable year of the applicator, the applicator can only claim a credit or payment for periods included in the applicator's taxable year. Periods after the last day of the applicator's taxable year which are included under the agreement must be claimed on the applicator's return for the next succeeding taxable year. The waiver may be in the form shown under paragraph (l)(6) of this section or in any other form that meets the requirements of this paragraph and clearly states that the owner, tenant, or operator of the farm knowingly waives the right to receive the credit or payment.

(3) Agreement included on aerial applicator's invoice. The agreement waiving a right to receive a credit or payment under section 6420 may be a separate document or may appear on the invoice for aerial application services or other unrelated document from the aerial applicator or other applicator to the owner, tenant, or operator of the farm. If the waiver agreement appears on an invoice or other unrelated document, however, it must be printed in a section of the invoice or other document clearly set off from all other material contained in the invoice or other document, and it must be printed in type sufficiently large to put the owner, tenant, or operator of the farm on notice that the person has waived the right to receive a credit or payment under section 6420. Additionally, if the waiver agreement appears as part of any invoice or other unrelated document, it must be executed separately from any other item included in the invoice or other document which requires the owner, tenant, or operator's signature.

(4) Copies of agreement waiving right to credit or payment. No copies of any agreement waiving a right to credits or payments under section 6420 are to be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service unless a request is made by the Service to the taxpayer for the waivers. Aerial applicators must, however, retain copies of all waivers, and a copy of each waiver must be supplied by the aerial applicator to the owner, tenant, or operator of the farm who waives the right to receive a credit or payment. See regulations §48.6420–6 for general requirements for records to be kept.

(5) Waiver on behalf of owner, tenant, or operator of farm. An agent of the owner, tenant, or operator of a farm who is expressly authorized to act on behalf of and to bind the owner, tenant, or operator may waive that person's rights to a credit or payment under section 6420 by signing the waiver on the person's behalf.

(6) Sample form of agreement. While no specific form is required for an effective waiver, an acceptable form waiving the right to receive a credit or payment under section 6420 follows:

I hereby waive my right as owner/tenant/operator of a farm located at ____________ (address) ____________ to receive credit or payment from the United States for gasoline used by __________ (aerial applicator) ____________ on the farm in connection with cultivating the soil, or the raising or harvesting of any agricultural or horticultural commodity. This waiver applies to gasoline used during the period ____________ both dates inclusive. I understand that by signing this waiver, I give up my right to claim any credit or payment for gasoline used by the aerial applicator during the period indicated, and I acknowledge that I have not previously claimed any credit for that gasoline.

____________________

(Signature of Owner/Tenant/Operator)

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32036, Aug. 8, 1985, as amended by T.D. 8152, 52 FR 31621, Aug. 21, 1987]

§ 48.6420-5   Applicable laws.
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(a) Penalties, excessive claims, etc. All provisions of law, including penalties, applicable in respect of the tax imposed by section 4081 shall, to the extent applicable and consistent with section 6420, apply in respect of the payments provided for in section 6420 to the same extent as if these payments were refunds of overpayments of the tax imposed on the sale of gasoline under section 4081. For special rules applicable to the assessment and collection of amounts constituting excessive payments under section 6420, see section 6206 and the regulations thereunder. For the civil penalty assessable in the case of excessive claims under section 6420, see section 6675 and the regulations thereunder. For the treatment as an overpayment of an amount allowable as an excessive credit under section 39 with respect to amounts payable under section 6420, see section 6401(b).

(b) Examination of books and witnesses. For the purpose of ascertaining (1) the correctness of any claim made under section 6420 or (2) the correctness of any credit or payment made in respect of the claim, the Commissioner shall have the same authority granted by paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 7602, relating to examination of books and witnesses, as if the person claiming credit or payment under section 6420 were the person liable for tax.

(c) Fractional part of a dollar. Section 6420(e)(3) provides that section 7504, relating to fractional parts of a dollar, shall not apply with respect to the allowance of any amount as a credit or payment under section 6420. Accordingly, credits or payments authorized by section 6420 shall be made in the exact amount to which the claimant is entitled and shall not be rounded to the nearest whole dollar amount.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32038, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6420-6   Records to be kept in substantiation of credits or payments.
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(a) In general. Every person making a claim for credit or payment under section 6420 must keep records sufficient to enable the district director to determine whether the person is entitled to credit or payment under section 6420 and, if so, the amount of the credit or payment. No particular form is prescribed for keeping the records, but the records must include a copy of the income tax return or claim and a copy of any statement or document submitted with the return or claim. The records must also show with respect to the taxable year covered by the claim—

(1) The number of gallons of gasoline purchased and the dates of purchase,

(2) The name and address of each vendor from whom gasoline was purchased and the total number of gallons purchased from each,

(3) The number of gallons of gasoline purchased by the claimant and used during the taxable year for farming purposes on a farm of which the claimant is the owner, tenant, or operator,

(4) The number of gallons of gasoline used during the taxable year for the purposes described in section 6420(c)(3)(A) and §48.6420–4(d) (relating to cultivating, raising, or harvesting) by a person other than the owner, tenant, or operator on a farm of which the claimant is the owner, tenant, or operator, and

(5) Other information as necessary to establish the correctness of the claim.

(b) Acceptable records. (1) Evidence of purchases of gasoline, and the purposes for which it was used, to substantiate claims may include paid duplicate sales invoices or tickets from the gasoline dealer or other vendor, and detailed records of all fuel used which show the amount consumed on a farm for farming purposes and the amount used for other purposes.

(2) Records maintained for Federal or State income tax purposes, or to support claims for refund of a State tax on gasoline, may be used to the extent that they contain the information necessary to substantiate the accuracy of the claim for credit under section 6420. However, the records must show separately the number of gallons of gasoline used on a farm for farming purposes.

(3) If trucks or other vehicles are used both on and off the farm, an allocation of gasoline used in the vehicle will be required to show separately the number of gallons of gasoline used on a farm for farming purposes in respect of which the claim is made.

(4) If the owner, tenant, or operator is entitled under section 6420(c)(4)(A) to claim credit or payment in respect of gasoline used on the person's farm by another person other than an owner, tenant, or operator of the farm for a purpose described in section 6420(c)(3)(A) and §48.6420–4(d), the claimant must have records showing (i) the name and address of the person who performed the farming operation, (ii) a description of the type of work (such as plowing, threshing, combining, etc.) and the type of equipment used, (iii) the date or dates on which the work was done, and (iv) the number of gallons of gasoline so used on the claimant's farm.

(c) Place and period for keeping records. (1) All records required by this section must be kept by the claimant at a convenient and safe location within the United States which is accessible to internal revenue officers and shall during normal business hours be available for inspection by internal revenue officers. If the claimant has a principal place of business in the United States, the records must be kept at that place of business.

(2) Records required to substantiate a claim under section 6420 must be maintained for a period of at least 3 years from the last date prescribed for the filing of the claim for credit or payment.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32038, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6420(a)-2   Gasoline includible in claim.
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Payment may be claimed under section 6420 only in respect of gasoline used on a farm in the United States for farming purposes. No payment is allowable under section 6420 with respect to gasoline used for nonfarming purposes, or gasoline used off a farm, regardless of the nature of such use. If a vehicle or other equipment is used both on a farm and off the farm, or if it is used on a farm both for farming and nonfarming purposes, payment is allowable only with respect to that portion of the gasoline which was “used on a farm for farming purposes” as defined in paragraph (a) of §48.6420(c)–1. The type of equipment or vehicle and whether or not it is registered for highway use is immaterial. However, the actual use of the equipment or vehicle and place where it is used are material. For example, if a truck used on a farm for farming purposes is also used on the highways (even though in connection with operating the farm), the gasoline used in operating the truck on the highways is not to be taken into account in computing the payment for which a claim is filed, since such gasoline was used off the farm.

[T.D. 6433, 24 FR 10395, Dec. 22, 1959]

§ 48.6421-0   Off-highway business use.
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For purposes of the regulations under section 6421, after March 31, 1983, the term “off-highway business use” is used in lieu of the term “qualified business use” and has the same meaning as “qualified business use” under §48.6421–4(b).

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32039, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6421-1   Credits or payments to ultimate purchaser of gasoline used for certain nonhighway purposes.
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(a) In general. (1) If gasoline is used in a qualified business use or as fuel in an aircraft (other than aircraft in noncommercial aviation), a credit (under the circumstances described in paragraph (b) of this section) or a payment (under the circumstances described in paragraph (c) of this section) in respect of the gasoline shall be allowed or made to the ultimate purchaser of the gasoline. For gasoline used in a qualified business use prior to April 1, 1983, the credit or payment under this section shall be an amount equal to 1 cent for each gallon of gasoline so used on which the tax was paid at the rate of 3 cents a gallon, and 2 cents for each gallon of gasoline so used on which the tax was paid at the rate of 4 cents a gallon. For gasoline used in an off-highway business use after March 31, 1983, the credit or payment under this section shall be an amount equal to the amount determined by multiplying the number of gallons so used by the rate at which tax was imposed on such gasoline under section 4081. For gasoline used as a fuel in an aircraft (other than aircraft in noncommercial aviation) the credit or payment under this section shall be an amount equal to the amount determined by multiplying the number of gallons so used by the rate at which tax was imposed on the gasoline under section 4081. No interest shall be paid on any payment allowed under paragraph (c) of this section. However, interest may be paid on any overpayment (as defined by section 6401) arising from a credit allowed under paragraph (b) of this section. See section 34(a), relating to credit for certain uses of gasoline and special fuels (and lubricating oil used prior to January 7, 1983). See §48.6421–3 for the time within which a claim for credit or payment must be made under this section. See §48.6421–4 for the meaning of the terms “gasoline,” “qualified business use,” “noncommercial aviation,” and “taxable year.”

(2) For purposes of determining the allowable credit or payment in respect of gasoline used in a qualified business use or as fuel in an aircraft (other than aircraft in noncommercial aviation), gasoline on hand shall be considered used in the order in which it was purchased. Thus, if the ultimate purchaser has on hand gasoline acquired in two purchases made at different times and subject to different rates of tax, in determining credit or payment for the gasoline used in a qualified business use or as fuel in an aircraft (other than aircraft in noncommercial aviation), it will be assumed that the gasoline first purchased was the first gasoline used, and the rate applicable to that purchase will apply in determining the credit or payment, until all that gasoline is accounted for.

(b) Allowance of income tax credit in lieu of payment. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, repayment under this section of the tax paid under section 4081 on gasoline used in a qualified business use or as a fuel in an aircraft (other than aircraft in noncommercial aviation) by a person subject to income tax may be obtained only by claiming a credit for the amount of this tax against the tax imposed by subtitle A of the Code. The amount of the credit shall be an amount equal to the payment which would be made under section 6421 with respect to gasoline used during the taxable year in a qualified business use or as a fuel in an aircraft (other than aircraft in noncommercial aviation) if section 6421(i) and paragraph (c) of this section did not apply. See section 34(a)(2).

(c) Allowance of payment. Payments in respect of gasoline upon which tax was paid under section 4081 that is used in a qualified business use or as a fuel in an aircraft (other than aircraft in noncommercial aviation) shall be made only to—

(1) The United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof, a State, a political subdivision of a State, or an agency or instrumentality of one or more State political subdivisions of a State, or the District of Columbia,

(2) An organization which is exempt from tax under section 501(a) and is not required to make a return of the income tax imposed under subtitle A for its taxable year, or

(3) A person described in section 6421(c)(2) to whom $1,000 or more is payable (without regard to paragraph (b) of this section) under this section with respect to gasoline used during any of the first three quarters of the person's taxable year.

(d) Dual use of gasoline. (1) No credit or payment may be claimed in respect of gasoline used in a highway vehicle used in a trade or business or for the production of income solely by reason of the fact that the propulsion motor in the vehicle is also used for a purpose other than the propulsion of the vehicle. Thus, if the propulsion motor of a highway vehicle (used in a trade or business or for the production of income) also operates special equipment, such as a mixing unit on a concrete mixer truck or a pump for discharging fuel from a tank truck, by means of a power takeoff or power transfer, no credit or payment may be claimed in respect of the gasoline used to operate the special equipment, even though the special equipment is mounted on the highway vehicle.

(2) If a highway vehicle is equipped with a separate motor to operate the special equipment used in a trade or business or for the production of income, such as a refrigeration unit, pump, generator, or mixing unit, credit or payment may be claimed in respect of the gasoline used in the separate motor.

(3) If gasoline used in a separate motor is drawn from the same tank as the one which supplies gasoline for the propulsion of the highway vehicle, the determination as to the quantity of gasoline used in the separate motor operating the special equipment must be based on operating experience and supported by records.

(4) Devices to measure the number of miles the highway vehicle has traveled, such as hubometers, may be used in making a preliminary determination of the number of gallons of gasoline used to propel the vehicle. In order to make a final determination of the number of gallons of gasoline used to propel the vehicle, there must be added to this preliminary determination the number of gallons of gasoline consumed while idling or warming up the motor preparatory to propelling the vehicle.

(e) Gasoline lost or destroyed. Gasoline lost or destroyed through spillage, fire, or other casualty is not considered to have been “used” in a qualified business use or as fuel in an aircraft (other than aircraft in noncommercial aviation) and, accordingly, credit or payment in respect of the gasoline may not be claimed.

(f) Supporting evidence required. Each claim under this section for credit or payment must include a statement showing—

(1) The total number of gallons of gasoline purchased and used during the period covered by the claim in a qualified business use multiplied by the rate of payment allowable in respect of the gasoline. (For the rate of payment allowable, see paragraph (a)(1) of this section.)

(2) The total number of gallons of gasoline purchased and used during the period covered by the claim for use as fuel in an aircraft (other than aircraft in noncommercial aviation) multiplied by the rate of payment allowable in respect of the gasoline.

(3) The purpose or purposes for which the gasoline was used, determined by reference to general categories, and the amount used for each purpose; and

(4) If a claim on Form 843 is being filed, the internal revenue district or service center with which the claimant last filed an income tax return (if any).

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32039, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6421-2   Credits or payments to ultimate purchasers of gasoline used in intercity, local, or school buses.
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(a) In general. If gasoline is used in an intercity or local bus while engaged in furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public or in a school bus engaged in the transportation of students or employees of schools, a credit (under the circumstances described in paragraph (b) of this section) or a payment (under the circumstances described in paragraph (c) of this section) in respect to the gasoline shall be allowed or made to the ultimate purchaser of the gasoline. The credit or payment under this section shall be an amount equal to the product of the number of gallons of gasoline so used multiplied by the rate at which tax was imposed on the gasoline by section 4081. No interest shall be paid on any payment allowed under paragraph (c) of this section. However, interest may be paid on an overpayment (as defined by section 6401) arising from a credit allowed under paragraph (b) of this section. See section 34(a) relating to credit for certain uses of gasoline and special fuels, (and lubricating oil used prior to January 7, 1983). See §48.6421–3 for the time within which a claim for credit or payment must be made under this section. See §48.6421–4 for the meaning of “gasoline.”

(b) Allowance of income tax credit. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, repayment under this section of the tax paid under section 4081 of gasoline used while engaged in furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public or in school bus transportation operations by a person subject to income tax may be obtained only by claiming a credit for the amount of this tax against the tax imposed by subtitle A of the Code. The amount of the credit shall be an amount equal to the payment which would be made under section 6421 with respect to gasoline used during the taxable year for this passenger land transportation or school bus operations if section 6421(i) and paragraph (c) of this section did not apply. See section 34(a)(2).

(c) Allowance of payment. Payments in respect of gasoline upon which tax was paid under section 4081 that is used while engaged in furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public or in school bus transportation operations shall be made only to—

(1) The United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof, a State, or political subdivision of a State, or an agency or instrumentality of one or more States or political subdivisions of a State, or the District of Columbia,

(2) An organization which is exempt from tax under section 501(a) and is not required to make a return of the income tax imposed under subtitle A for its taxable year, or

(3) A person described in section 6421(c)(2) to whom $1,000 or more is payable (without regard to paragraph (b) of this section) under this section with respect to gasoline used during any of the first three quarters of the person's taxable year.

(d) Supporting evidence required. Each claim under this section for credit or payment must include a statement showing—

(1) The total number of gallons of gasoline purchased and used during the period covered by the claim for each intercity or local bus while engaged in furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public multiplied by the rate at which tax was imposed on the gasoline by section 4081.

(2) The total number of gallons of gasoline purchased and used in each bus while engaged in school bus transportation operations multiplied by the rate at which tax was imposed on the gasoline by section 4081, and

(3) If a claim on Form 843 is being filed, the internal revenue district or service center with which the claimant last filed an income tax return (if any).

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32040, Aug. 8, 1985, as amended by T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17161, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.6421-3   Time for filing claim for credit or payment.
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(a) In general. A claim for credit or payment described in §48.6421–1 with respect to gasoline used in a qualified business use or as a fuel in an aircraft (other than aircraft in noncommercial aviation) or in §48.6421–2 with respect to gasoline used either in an intercity or local bus while engaged in furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public or in school bus transportation operations, shall cover only gasoline used during the taxable year, or when paragraph (b)(2) of this section applies, gasoline used during the calendar quarter. Therefore, gasoline on hand at the end of a taxable year, or, if applicable, a calendar quarter, such as gasoline in fuel supply tanks of vehicles or in storage tanks or drums, must be excluded from a claim filed for the taxable year or calendar quarter, as the case may be. However, this gasoline may be included in a claim filed for a later taxable year or a later calendar quarter if it is used during that later year or quarter in a qualified business use, as fuel in an aircraft (other than aircraft in noncommercial aviation), or in intercity, local, or school buses. Gasoline used during the taxable year or calendar quarter may be covered by the claim for that period although the gasoline was not paid for at the time the claim is filed. For purposes of applying this section, a governmental unit or exempt organization described in §48.6421–1(c) or §48.6421–2(c) is considered to have as its taxable year, the calendar year or fiscal year on the basis of which it regularly keeps its books; see §48.6421–4(g).

(b) Time for filing—(1) Annual claims. (i) A claim under this section for credit or payment with respect to gasoline shall not be allowed unless it is filed no later than the time prescribed by section 6511 and the regulations thereunder for filing a claim for credit or refund of income tax for the particular taxable year.

(ii) A claim for payment of a governmental unit or exempt organization described in §48.6421–1(c) or §48.6421–2(c) must be filed no later than 3 years following the close of its taxable year (see §48.6421–4).

(2) Quarterly claims. A claim for payment of $1,000 or more in respect of gasoline used during any of the first three quarters of the taxable year, filed either under §48.6421–1(c)(3) in respect of gasoline used in a qualified business use or as a fuel in an aircraft (other than aircraft used in noncommercial aviation) or under §48.6421–2(c)(3) in respect of gasoline used while engaged in furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public or in school bus operations, shall not be allowed unless the claim is filed on or before the last day of the first calendar quarter following the calendar quarter for which the claim is filed. No quarterly claim may be filed for the last calendar quarter of the taxable year. Amounts for which payment is disallowed under this paragraph (b)(2) merely because the claim was not filed on time may be included in an annual claim filed under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, but other amounts for which a claim for payment has been filed under this paragraph (b)(2) may not be included in an annual claim filed under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

(3) Other applicable rules. See §301.7502–1 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration) for provisions treating timely mailing as timely filing and §301.7503–1 of this chapter for time for performance of an act where the last day falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday.

(c) Limit on claims per taxable year. Not more than one claim may be filed under §48.6421–1 or §48.6421–2 by any person with respect to gasoline used during any taxable year, except to the extent that quarterly claims may be filed under paragraph (b)(2) of this section with respect to any calendar quarter (other than the last calendar quarter) of the taxable year.

(d) Form and content of claim—(1) Claim for credit. The claim for credit to which this section applies must be made by attaching a Form 4136 to the income tax return of an individual or a corporation. Form 4136 must be executed in accordance with the instructions prescribed for the preparation of the form. A partnership may not file Form 4136. When a partnership files Form 1065, U.S. Partnership Return of Income, it must include a statement showing how many gallons of gasoline are allocated to each partner and the use made of the gasoline.

(2) Claim for payment. The claim for payment to which this section applies must be made on Form 8849 (or on such other form as the Commissioner may designate) in accordance with the instructions prescribed for the preparation of the form. Each form must designate the taxable year, or calendar quarter, for which it is filed.

(3) Death or termination. (i) If an individual dies, or if a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation is terminated or liquidated, during the taxable year, the claim for credit or payment may be filed in respect of gasoline used during the short taxable year in the same manner as is provided for gasoline used in a full taxable year. Those months which constitute a quarter of a full taxable year will constitute the same quarter of the short taxable year. For example, if a corporation using the calendar year is liquidated on September 30, 1982, and is entitled to $900 under §48.6421–1 in respect of gasoline used in a qualified business use for the calendar quarters ending June 30 and September 30, it may file a claim for payment in respect of the gasoline used during the calendar quarters ending June 30, and September 30, 1981, and take a credit of $900 on its income tax return for the short taxable year in respect of the gasoline used during the calendar quarter ending March 31, 1982.

(ii) A claim for payment on behalf of a decedent may be filed by the decedent's executor, administrator, or any other person charged with responsibility for the decedent's affairs. Such a claim must be accompanied by copies of the letters testamentary, letters of administration, or, in the case of a claim filed by other than the executor or administrator, the information called for in Form 1310 (Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer). The claim may cover only gasoline in respect of which the decedent would have been entitled to claim payment. For example, if an individual dies on July 15, 1982, prior to claiming payment under §48.6421–1 or $1,000 or more applicable to gasoline purchased and used in a qualified business use during the calendar quarter ending June 30, 1982, the decedent's executor or other legal representative may file a claim for payment covering that calendar quarter, and take the credit provided by section 39(a)(2) against the decedent's income tax on the income tax return for the short taxable year in respect of gasoline purchased by the decedent and so used during the period from July 1, 1982 to July 15, 1982, the date of death.

(e) Restrictions on claims for credit or payment. Credits or payments are allowable only in respect of gasoline that was sold by the producer or importer in a transaction that was subject to tax under section 4081. For example, a State or local government may not file a claim with respect to any gasoline which it purchased tax free from the producer, even though the State or local government used the gasoline as a fuel for the purposes described in paragraph (a) of this section. Similarly, a governmental unit or tax-exempt organization that is the ultimate purchaser of gasoline may not file a claim for payment if it is known that another person is entitled to claim credit, payment, or refund with respect to the same gasoline. For example, a State or local government may not file a claim for payment if it has executed, or intends to execute, a written consent, or other documentation, to enable the producer to claim credit or refund for the tax that was paid. See, for example, §§48.6416(a)–3 and 48.6416(b)(2)–3(b)(1).

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32041, Aug. 8, 1985, as amended by T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10463, Mar. 14, 1996; T.D. 8748, 63 FR 26, Jan. 2, 1998]

§ 48.6421-4   Meaning of terms.
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For purposes of the regulations under section 6421, unless otherwise expressly indicated—

(a) Gasoline. The term “gasoline” has the same meaning given to such term by section 4082(b) and regulations thereunder.

(b) Qualified business use. (1) The term “qualified business use” means any use by a person in a trade or business of the person or in an activity of the person described in section 212 (relating to production of income) otherwise than as a fuel in a highway vehicle—

(i) That at the time of the use is registered, or is required to be registered, for highway use under the laws of any state, the District of Columbia, or a foreign country, or

(ii) That, in the case of a highway vehicles owned by the United States, is used on the highway.

The term “qualified business use” does not include any use in a motorboat, other than a vessel used in the fisheries or whaling business. See paragraph (c) of this section for the definition of “highway vehicle.” See paragraph (d) of this section for the definition of “highway.”

(2) Any highway vehicle operated under a dealer's tag, license, or permit will be considered to be registered. A highway vehicle is not considered to be “registered” solely because there has been issued a special permit for operation of the vehicle at particular times and under specified conditions. However, a highway vehicle that is required to be registered and that is also issued a special permit for operation of the vehicle under specified conditions, such as carrying an oversize load, is still considered to be “registered.”

(3) Nonbusiness, off-highway use of gasoline by such vehicles and equipment as minibikes, snowmobiles, power lawn mowers, chain saws, and other yard equipment does not qualify as gasoline used a qualified business use.

(4) Examples of gasoline used in a qualified business use include:

(i) Gasoline used (in a trade or business or for the production of income) in stationary engines to operate pumps, generators, compressors, and power saws;

(ii) Gasoline used (in a trade or business or for the production of income) for cleaning purposes;

(iii) Gasoline used (in a trade or business or for the production of income) in forklift trucks, bulldozers, and earthmovers; and

(iv) Gasoline used by a nonhighway vehicle in connection with the trade or business of construction, mining or logging.

(5) Illustration. The application of this paragraph (b) may be illustrated by the following example:

Example.  M Corporation, a logging company, files its income tax return on the basis of the calendar year. During 1982, the company used 20,000 gallons of gasoline in its logging business. Of this amount, 12,000 gallons were used as fuel in registered highway vehicles which were operated both on the public highways and on the company's private roads. Of the remaining 8,000 gallons, 6,000 were used in nonhighway vehicles, such as tractors and bulldozers, and 2,000 gallons were used in highway vehicles, such as heavy trucks which, at the time of use, were neither registered nor required to be registered under state law for highway use by reason of being operated entirely on the company's property. As the ultimate purchaser, M may take a credit on its income tax return for 1982 under this section in respect of the 6,000 gallons used in the nonhighway vehicles and the 2,000 gallons used in the unregistered highway vehicles. However, no credit may be allowed with respect to the 12,000 gallons used in the registered highway vehicles even though a portion of this gasoline was used in operating the vehicles on the company's own property.

(c) Highway vehicle. The term “highway vehicle” has the same meaning assigned to this term under §48.4061(a)–1(d).

(d) Highway. The term “highway” includes any road, whether a Federal highway, State highway, city street, or otherwise, in the United States which is not a private roadway.

(e) Noncommercial aviation. The term “non-commercial aviation” has the same meaning given to such term by section 4041(c)(4).

(f) Calendar quarter. The term “calendar quarter” means a period of three calendar months ending on March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31.

(g) Taxable year. The “taxable year” of a governmental unit or tax-exempt organization described in §48.6421–1(c) or §48.6421–2(c) is the calendar or fiscal year on the basis of which it regularly keeps its books. The “taxable year” of persons subject to income tax shall have the meaning it has under section 7701(a)(23).

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32042, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6421-5   Exempt sales; other payments or refunds available.
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(a) Exempt sales. No credit or payment shall be allowed or made under §48.6421–1 or §48.6421–2 with respect to gasoline which was exempt from the tax imposed by section 4081. For example, credit or payment may not be allowed or made with respect to gasoline purchased tax free for use as supplies for certain vessels and airplanes, or with respect to gasoline purchased by a State tax free for its exclusive use, as provided in section 4221.

(b) Other payments or refunds available. Any amount which, without regard to the second sentence of section 6421(e)(1) and this paragraph (b), would be allowable as a credit or payable to any person under §48.6421–1 or §48.6421–2 is reduced by any other amount which is allowable as a credit or payable under section 6421, or is refundable under any other provision of the Code, to any person with respect to the same gasoline.

(c) Gasoline used on farms. Payments with respect to gasoline used on a farm for farming purposes shall be claimed under section 6420 and §48.6420–1, and no claim in respect of that gasoline may be made under section 6421 and the regulations thereunder.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32042, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6421-6   Applicable laws.
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(a) Penalties, excessive claims, etc. All provisions of law, including penalties, applicable in respect of the tax imposed by section 4081 shall, to the extent applicable and consistent with section 6421, apply in respect of the payments provided for in section 6421 to the same extent as if these payments were refunds of overpayments of the tax imposed on the sale of gasoline by section 4081. For special rules applicable to the assessment and collection of amounts constituting excessive payments under section 6421, see section 6206 and the regulations thereunder. For the civil penalty assessable in the case of excessive claims under section 6421, see section 6675 and the regulations thereunder. For the treatment as an overpayment of an amount allowable as an excessive credit under section 34 (section 39 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 prior to its revision by the Tax Reform Act of 1984) with respect to amounts payable under section 6421, see section 6401(b).

(b) Examination of books and witnesses. For the purpose of ascertaining (1) the correctness of any claim made under section 6421 or (2) the correctness of any credit or payment made in respect of the claim, the Commissioner shall have the same authority granted by paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 7602, relating to examination of books and witnesses, as if the person claiming credits or payment under section 6421 were the person liable for tax.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32042, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6421-7   Records to be kept in substantiation of credits or payments.
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(a) In general. Every person making a claim for credit or payment under section 6421 must keep records sufficient to enable the district director to determine whether the person is entitled to credit or payment under section 6421 and, if so, the amount of the credit or payment. No particular form is prescribed for keeping the records, but the records must include a copy of any statement or document submitted with the return or claim. The records must also show with respect to the period covered by the claim—

(1) The number of gallons of gasoline purchased and the dates of purchase,

(2) The name and address of each vendor from whom gasoline was purchased and the total number of gallons purchased from each,

(3) The number of gallons of gasoline purchased by the claimant and used during the period covered by the claim for nonhighway purposes or in intercity, local or school buses,

(4) Other information as necessary to establish the correctness of the claim.

(b) Acceptable records. (1) Evidence of purchases of gasoline, and the purposes for which it was used, to substantiate claims may include paid duplicate sales invoices or tickets from the gasoline dealer or other vendor, and detailed records of all fuel used which show the amount used for the prescribed purpose and the amount used for other purposes.

(2) Records maintained for Federal or State income tax purposes, or to support claims for refund of a State tax on gasoline, may be used to the extent that they contain the information necessary to substantiate the accuracy of the claim for credit under section 6421. However, the records must show separately the number of gallons of gasoline used for nonhighway purposes or in intercity, local, or school buses during the period covered by the claim.

(c) Place and period for keeping records. (1) All records required by this section must be kept by the claimant at a convenient and safe location within the United States which is accessible to internal revenue officers and shall during normal business hours be available for inspection by internal revenue officers. If the claimant has a principal place of business in the United States, the records must be kept at that place of business.

(2) Records required to substantiate a claim under section 6421 must be maintained for a period of at least 3 years from the last date prescribed for the filing of the claim for credit or payment.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32043, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6427-0   Off-highway business use.
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For purposes of the regulations under section 6427, after March 31, 1983, the term “off-highway business use” is used in lieu of the term “qualified business use” and has the same meaning as “qualified business use” under §48.6421–1(b).

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32046, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6427-1   Credit or payments to purchaser of special fuels resold or used for nontaxable, farming, or other purposes.
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(a) Amount of repayment—(1) Nontaxable or other uses. (i) If tax has been paid under section 4041(a)(1) on the sale of diesel fuel for use as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle or under section 4041(a)(2) on the sale of special motor fuel for use as a fuel in a motor vehicle or a motorboat and the fuel is used by the purchaser for a nontaxable purpose or for a purpose taxable at a lower rate than the purposes for which sold, a credit (under the circumstances described in paragraph (b) of this section) or a payment (under the circumstances described in paragraph (c) of this section) in respect of the fuel shall be allowed or made to the purchaser of the fuel in an amount equal to—

(A) The amount of the tax imposed on the sale of the fuel to the purchaser if the purchaser resells the fuel, or

(B) If the purchaser uses the fuel, the amount of tax imposed on the sale of the fuel to the purchaser, less the amount of tax, if any, that would have been imposed on the purchaser's use of the fuel if no tax had been imposed on the sale of the fuel to the purchaser.

(ii) For purposes of paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, and for the regulations under section 6427 applying such paragraph, tax imposed on the sale of fuel will be treated as an overpayment by the purchaser if the person resells the fuel or uses it for a nontaxable purpose or for a purpose taxable at a lower rate than that for which sold to the purchaser. Thus, for example, special motor fuel which was sold tax paid to the purchaser for use otherwise than in a qualified business use in a motor vehicle will qualify for the payment under section 6427 if the purchaser uses it as a fuel in a qualified business use.

(2) Used for farming purposes. (i) If tax has been paid under section 4041(a)(1) on the sale of diesel fuel for use as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle, or under section 4041(a)(2) on the sale of special motor fuel for use as a fuel in a motor vehicle or a motor boat and the fuel is used on a farm for farming purposes, a credit (under the circumstances described in paragraph (b) of this section) or a payment (under the circumstances described in paragraph (c) (1) or (2) of this section) in respect of the fuel shall be allowed or made to the purchaser of the fuel in an amount equal to the amount of tax that was imposed under section 4041 on the sale of the fuel. The provisions of section 6420(c) (1), (2), and (3) and §48.6420–4 shall apply under this paragraph (a)(2) in determining whether the fuel is used on a farm for farming purposes.

(ii) The term “purchaser,” as used in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section, includes only a person who is an owner, tenant, or operator of a farm. A person who is owner, tenant, or operator of a farm is a purchaser of fuel only with respect to such fuel as is purchased by the person and used for farming purposes on a farm of which the person is the owner, tenant, or operator. Thus, the owner of a farm who purchases fuel which is used on the farm by its owner, tenant, or operator for farming purposes is generally the purchaser of the fuel. If, however, the cost of fuel supplied by an owner, tenant, or operator of a farm, is by agreement or other arrangement borne by a second person who is an owner, tenant, or operator of the farm, the second person who bore the cost of the fuel is considered to be the purchaser of the fuel.

(iii) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2)(iv) of this section, if fuel is used on a farm by any person other than the owner, tenant, or operator for the purposes described in section 6420(c)(3)(A) and §48.6420–4(d) (relating to gasoline used in cultivating, raising, or harvesting), the owner, tenant, or operator (as the case may be) will be treated for the purposes of §48.6427–1(a)(2)(i) as the purchaser who used the fuel on the farm for farming purposes.

(iv) Section 6427(c) provides that an aerial applicator or other applicator is entitled to be treated as the user and ultimate purchaser of fuel that the applicator uses on a farm for the purposes described in section 6420(c)(3)(A), but only if the owner, tenant, or operator of the farm who is otherwise entitled to be treated as the ultimate purchaser waives the right to credit or payment. The rules contained in section 6420 and the regulations under the section regarding waivers by owners, tenants, and operators of farms of their rights to payments under section 6420 for gasoline used by aerial applicators on a farm for farming purposes apply to waivers under this section.

(3) Definitions, uses, and other rules. (i) No interest shall be paid on any payment allowed under paragraph (c) of this section. However, interest may be paid on any overpayment (as defined by section 6401) arising from a credit. See section 34(a), relating to credit for certain uses of gasoline and special fuels. See section 39(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 prior to its revision by the Highway Revenue Act of 1982, relating to credit for certain uses of lubricating oil. See section 6611, relating to interest on overpayments.

(ii) See §48.6427–3 for the time within which a claim for credit or payment must be made under this section.

(iii) See §48.6420–4 for the meaning of the terms “used on a farm for farming purposes” and “farm.” The term “gasoline” has the same meaning given to this term by section 4082(b) and the regulations thereunder. For the meaning of the terms “diesel fuel,” “special motor fuel,” “motor vehicle,” “highway vehicle,” and “registered” see section 4041 and the regulations thereunder. The term “fuel” means diesel fuel, special motor fuel, or gasoline, as the context requires. Where appropriate, the term “use” includes a resale. See §48.6421–4 for the meaning of “calendar quarter” and “taxable year”.

(iv) For purposes of determining the allowable credit or payment in respect of fuel used for nontaxable purposes, on a farm for farming purposes, or for purposes taxable at a lower rate, fuel on hand shall be considered used in the order in which it was purchased. Thus, if the purchaser made purchases at different times and subject to different rates of tax, then in determining credit or payment for fuel used for a described purpose, it will be assumed that the fuel first purchased was the first fuel used, and the rate applicable to that purchase will apply in determining the credit of payment, until all of that fuel is accounted for.

(v) Fuel lost or destroyed through spillage, fire, or other casualty is not considered to have been “used” within the meaning of this section, and, accordingly, no credit or payment of the tax paid on the sale of the fuel may be made under this section.

(b) Allowance of income tax credit in lieu of payment. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, repayment under this section of the tax paid under section 4041 on fuel used by a person subject to income tax may be obtained only by claiming a credit for the amount of this tax against the tax imposed by subtitle A of the Code. The amount of the credit shall be an amount equal to the payment which would be made under section 6427 with respect to fuel used during the taxable year for nontaxable purposes on a farm for farming purposes, or for purposes taxable at a lower rate, if section 6427(i) and paragraph (c) of this section did not apply. See section 34(a)(3).

(c) Allowance of payment. Payments in respect of fuel upon which tax was paid under section 4041 that is used for nontaxable purposes, on a farm for farming purposes, or for purposes taxable at a lower rate, shall be made only to—

(1) The United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof, a State, a political subdivision of a State, or an agency or instrumentality of one or more States or political subdivisions of a State, or the District of Columbia,

(2) An organization which is exempt from tax under section 501(a) and is not required to make a return of the income tax imposed under subtitle A for its taxable year, or

(3) In the case of fuel used for nontaxable purposes to which section 6427(a) applies, to a person described in section 6427(g)(2) to whom $1,000 or more is payable (without regard to paragraph (b) of this section) under this section with respect to fuel used during any of the first three quarters of his taxable year.

(d) Dual use of fuel. The principles set forth in §48.4041–7, relating to dual use of fuel, for determining whether liability is incurred under section 4041 at the time of sale of the fuel, are equally applicable in determining whether a credit or payment is to be allowed under this section. Thus, if diesel fuel or special motor fuel used in a separate motor is drawn from the same tank as the one which supplies fuel for the propulsion of the vehicle, a reasonable determination of the quantity of the fuel used in the separate motor will be acceptable for purposes of computing the payment or credit under this section. The determination must be based, however, on the operating experience of the person using the fuel, and a statement, signed by the person, evidencing the operating experience must be maintained as a part of the records of the person claiming the payment or credit.

(e) Supporting evidence required. Each claim under this section for credit or payment must include a statement showing—

(1) The total number of gallons of fuel purchased and used for nontaxable or farming purposes during the period covered by the claim, multiplied by the rate of payment allowable under this section with respect to such fuel;

(2) The purpose or purposes for which the fuel was used, determined by reference to general categories, and the amount used for each of the purposes; and

(3) If a claim on Form 843 is being filed, the internal revenue district or service center with which the claimant last filed an income tax return, (if any).

(f) Illustrations. The application of this section may be illustrated by the following example:

Example.  Special motor fuel was sold for use as fuel in a highway vehicle that was registered for highway use. Tax was imposed on the sale at the rate of 9 cents a gallon under section 4041(a)(2). The special motor fuel was eventually used by the purchaser in a qualified business use. The credit or payment of tax is to be computed as follows:

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                    Cents per gallon------------------------------------------------------------------------Rate at which tax was paid...................  9Less: Rate at which tax would have been        0 imposed on a qualified business use under sec. 4041(b).                                              --------------------------Net credit or payment under sec. 6427(a).....  9------------------------------------------------------------------------

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32046, Aug. 8, 1985, as amended by T.D. 8152, 52 FR 31621, Aug. 21, 1987]

§ 48.6427-2   Credits or payments to purchaser of diesel or special motor fuels used in intercity, local, or school buses.
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(a) In general. (1) If tax has been paid under section 4041(a)(1) on the sale of diesel fuel for use as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle or under section 4041(a)(2) on the sale of special motor fuel for use as a fuel in a motor vehicle or a motorboat and the fuel is used by the purchaser in an intercity or local bus while engaged in furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public or in a school bus in the transportation of students and employees of schools, a credit (under the circumstances described in paragraph (b) of this section) or a payment (under the circumstances described in paragraph (c) of this section) in respect of the fuel so used shall be allowed or made to the purchaser of the fuel. The credit or payment under this section shall be an amount equal to the product of the number of gallons of fuel so used multiplied by the rate at which tax was imposed on the fuel by section 4041(a)(1) or section 4041(a)(2), reduced as limited by section 6427(b)(2). No interest shall be paid on any payment allowed under paragraph (c) of this section. However, interest may be paid on any overpayment (as defined by section 6401) arising from a credit. See section 34(a), relating to credit for certain uses of gasoline and special fuels, (and lubricating oil prior to January 7, 1983). See section 6611, relating to interest on overpayments. See §48.6427–3 for the time within which a claim for credit or payment must be made under this section.

(2) The terms “diesel fuel” and “special motor fuel” have the same meaning as in section 4041 and the regulations thereunder. The term “fuel” means diesel fuel and special motor fuel. See §48.6421–4 for the meaning of “calendar quarter” and “taxable year.”

(b) Allowance of income tax credit. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, repayment under this section of the tax paid under section 4041(a)(1) or section 4041(a)(2) on diesel or special motor fuel used while engaged in furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public or in school bus transportation operations by a person subject to income tax may be obtained only by claiming a credit for the amount of this tax against the tax imposed by subtitle A of the Code. The amount of the credit shall be an amount equal to the payment which would be made under section 6427 with respect to fuel used during the taxable year for passenger land transportation or school bus operations if section 6427(i) and paragraph (c) of this section did not apply. See section 34(a)(3).

(c) Allowance of payment. Payments in respect of diesel or special motor fuel upon which tax was paid under section 4041(a)(1) or section 4041(a)(2) that is used while engaged in furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public or in school bus transportation operations shall be made only to—

(1) The United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof, a State, a political subdivision of a State, or an agency or instrumentality of one or more States or political subdivisions of a State, or the District of Columbia,

(2) An organization which is exempt from tax under section 501(a) and is not required to make a return of the income tax imposed under subtitle A for its taxable year, or

(3) A person described in section 6427(g)(2) to whom $1,000 or more is payable (without regard to paragraph (b) of this section) under this section with respect to fuel used during any of the first three quarters of the person's taxable year.

(d) Supporting evidence required. Each claim under this section for credit or payment must include a statement showing—

(1) The total number of gallons of fuel purchased and used in each intercity or local bus while engaged in furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public multiplied by the rate at which tax was imposed on the fuel by section 4041(a)(1) or section 4041(a)(2). See, however, section 6427(b)(2) with respect to the limitation on the amount of credit for buses other than qualified local buses.

(2) The total number of gallons of fuel purchased and used in each bus while engaged in school bus transportation operations multiplied by the rate at which tax was imposed on the fuel by subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2) of section 4041. See, however, section 6427(b)(2) with respect to the limitation on the amount of credit for buses other than qualified local buses.

(3) If a claim on Form 843 is being filed, the internal revenue district or service center with which the purchaser last filed an income tax return (if any).

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32047, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6427-3   Time for filing claim for credit or payment.
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(a) In general. A claim for credit or payment described in §48.6427–1 with respect to fuel used for nontaxable, farming, or other purposes taxable at a lower rate or in §48.6427–2 with respect to fuel used either in an intercity or local bus while engaged in furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public or in school bus transportation operations shall cover only fuel used during the taxable year, or when paragraph (b)(2) of this section applies, used during the calendar quarter. Therefore, fuel on hand at the end of a taxable year, or, if applicable, a calendar quarter, such as fuel in supply tanks of vehicles or in storage tanks or drums, must be excluded from a claim filed for the taxable year or calendar quarter, as the case may be. However, this fuel may be included in a claim filed for a later taxable year or a later calendar quarter if it is used during that later year or quarter for nontaxable or farming purposes, or in an intercity or local bus while engaged in furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public or in school bus transportation operations. Fuel used during the taxable year or calendar quarter may be covered by the claim for that period although the fuel has not been paid for at the time the claim is filed. The purposes of applying this section, a governmental unit or exempt organization described in §48.6427–1(c) or §48.6427–2(c) is considered to have as its taxable year the calendar year or fiscal year on the basis of which it regularly keeps its books; see §48.6421–4.

(b) Time for filing—(1) Annual claims. (i) A claim under this section for credit or payment with respect to fuel used during a taxable year shall not be allowed unless it is filed no later than the time prescribed by section 6511 and the regulations thereunder for filing a claim for credit or refund of income tax for the particular taxable year.

(ii) A claim for payment of a governmental unit or exempt organization described in §48.6427–1(c) or unit or exempt organization described in §48.6427–2(c), must be filed no later than 3 years following the close of its taxable year. See §48.6421–4.

(2) Quarterly claims. A claim for payment of $1,000 or more in respect to fuel used during any of the first three quarters of the taxable year, filed either under §48.6427–1(c)(3) in respect of fuel used for nontaxable purposes or for purposes taxable at a lower rate, or under §48.6427–2(c)(3) in respect of fuel used while engaged in furnishing (for compensation) passenger land transportation available to the general public or in school bus transportation operations, shall not be allowed unless the claim is filed on or before the last day of the first calendar quarter following the calendar quarter for which the claim is filed. No quarterly claim may be filed for the last calendar quarter of the taxable year. Amounts for which payment is disallowed under this paragraph (b)(2) merely because the claim was not filed on time may be included in an annual claim filed under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, but other amounts for which a claim for payment has been filed under this paragraph (b)(2) may not be included in an annual claim filed under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

(3) Other applicable rules. See §301.7502–1 of this chapter (Regulations on Procedure and Administration) for provisions treating timely mailing as timely filing and §301.7503–1 of this chapter for time for performance of an act where the last day falls on Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday.

(c) Limit on claims per taxable year. Not more than one claim may be filed under §48.6427–1 or §48.6427–2 by any person with respect to fuel used during any taxable year, except to the extent that quarterly claims may be filed under paragraph (b)(2) of this section with respect to any calendar quarter (other than the last calendar quarter) of the taxable year.

(d) Form and content of claim—(1) Claim for credit. The claim for credit to which this section applies must be made by attaching a Form 4136, to the income tax return of an individual or a corporation. Form 4136 must be executed in accordance with the instructions prescribed for the preparation of the form. A partnership may not file Form 4136. When a partnership files Form 1065, U.S. Partnership Return of Income, it must include a statement showing how many gallons of fuel are allocated to each partner and the use made of the fuel.

(2) Claim for payment. The claim for payment to which this section applies must be made on Form 8849 (or on such other form as the Commissioner may designate) in accordance with the instructions prescribed for the preparation of the form. Each form must designate the taxable year, or calendar quarter, for which it is filed.

(3) Death or termination. (i) If an individual dies, or if a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation is terminated or liquidated, during the taxable year, the claim for credit or payment may be filed in respect of fuel used during the short taxable year in the same manner as is provided for fuel used in a full taxable year. Those months which constitute a quarter of a full taxable year will constitute the same quarter of the short taxable year. For example, if a corporation using the calendar year is liquidated on September 30, 1982, and is entitled to $900 under §48.6427–1 in respect of fuel used for nontaxable purposes for the calendar quarter ending March 31 and is also entitled to payments of $1,500 for each of the calendar quarters ending June 30 and September 30, it may file a claim for payment in respect of the fuel used for nontaxable purposes during the calendar quarters ending June 30, and September 30, 1982, and take a credit of $900 on its income tax return for the short taxable year in respect of the fuel used during the calendar quarter ending March 31, 1982.

(ii) A claim for payment on behalf of a decedent may be filed by the decedent's executor, administrator, or any other person charged with responsibility for the decedent's affairs. Such a claim must be accompanied by copies of the letters testamentary, letters of administration, or, in the case of a claim filed by other than the executor or administrator, the information called for in Form 1310 (Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer).

The claim may cover only fuel in respect of which the decedent would have been entitled to claim payments. For example, if an individual dies on July 15, 1982, prior to claiming payment under §48.6427–1 of $1,000 or more applicable to fuel purchased and used for nontaxable purposes during the calendar quarter ending June 30, 1982, the decedent's executor or other legal representative may file a claim for payment covering that calendar quarter, and take the credit provided by section 39(a)(3) against the decedent's income tax on the income tax return for the short taxable year in respect of fuel purchased by the decedent and so used during the period from July 1, 1982, to July 15, 1982, the date of death.

(e) Restrictions on claims for credit or payment. Credits or payments are allowable only in respect of fuel that was sold by the producer or importer in a transaction that was subject to tax under section 4041. For example, a State or local government may not file a claim with respect to any fuel which it purchased tax free from the producer, even though the State or local government used the fuel for the purposes described in paragraph (a) of this section. Similarly, a State or local government may not file a claim with respect to the use of fuel if it is known that another person is entitled to claim a payment, credit, or refund with respect to the same fuel. For example, a State or local government may not file a claim in respect of tax-paid fuel that has been resold by the purchaser to the State or local government.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32048, Aug. 8, 1985, as amended by T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10464, Mar. 14, 1996; T.D. 8748, 63 FR 26, Jan. 2, 1998]

§ 48.6427-4   Applicable laws.
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(a) Penalties, excessive claims, etc. All provisions of law, including penalties, applicable in respect of the tax imposed by section 4041 shall, to the extent applicable and consistent with section 6427, apply in respect of the payments provided for in section 6427 to the same extent as if these payments constituted refunds of overpayments of the tax imposed on the sale of fuels by section 4041. For special rules applicable to the assessment and collection of amounts constituting excessive payments under section 6427, see section 6206 and the regulations thereunder. For the civil penalty assessable in the case of excessive claims under section 6427, see section 6675 and the regulations thereunder. For the treatment as an overpayment of an amount allowable as an excessive credit under section 34 with respect to amounts payable under section 6427, see section 6401(b).

(b) Examination of books and witnesses. For the purpose of ascertaining (1) the correctness of any claim made under section 6427 or (2) the correctness of any credit or payment made in respect of the claim, the Commissioner shall have the same authority granted by paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 7602, relating to examination of books and witnesses, as if the person claiming credit or payment under section 6427 were the person liable for tax.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32049, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6427-5   Records to be kept in substantiation of credits or payments.
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(a) In general. Every person making a claim for credit or payment under section 6427 must keep records sufficient to enable the district director to determine whether the person is entitled to credit or payment under such section and, if so, the amount of the credit or payment. No particular form is prescribed for keeping the records, but the records must include a copy of the income tax return or claim and a copy of any statement or document submitted with the return or claim. The records must also show with respect to the period covered by the claim—

(1) The number of gallons of fuel purchased and the dates of purchase,

(2) The name and address of each vendor from whom fuel was purchased and the total number of gallons purchased from each,

(3) The number of gallons of fuel purchased by the claimant and used during the period covered by the claim for nontaxable purposes, farming purposes, for other purposes taxable at a lower rate, in local, intercity, or school buses, and

(4) Other information as necessary to establish the correctness of the claim.

(b) Acceptable records. (1) Evidence of purchases of fuel, and the purposes for which it was used, to substantiate claims may include paid duplicate sales invoices or tickets from the fuel dealer or other vendor, and detailed records of all fuel used which show the amount used the prescribed purpose and the amount used for other purposes.

(2) Records maintained for Federal or State income tax purposes, or to support claims for refund of a State tax on fuel, may be used to the extent that they contain the information necessary to substantiate the accuracy of the claim for credit under section 6427. However, the records must show separately the number of gallons of fuel used for nontaxable purposes, farming purposes, other purposes taxable at a lower rate, or in intercity, local, or school buses during the period covered by the claim.

(c) Place and period for keeping records. (1) All records required by this section must be kept by the claimant at a convenient and safe location within the United States which is accessible to internal revenue officers and shall during normal business hours be available for inspection by internal revenue officers. If the claimant has a principal place of business in the United States, the records must be kept at that place of business.

(2) Records required to substantiate a claim under section 6427 must be maintained for a period of at least 3 years from the last date prescribed for the filing of the claim for credit or payment.

[T.D. 8043, 50 FR 32049, Aug. 8, 1985]

§ 48.6427-6   Limitation on credit or refund of tax paid on fuel used in intercity, local or school buses after July 31, 1984.
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(a) Limitation on amount of credit or refund—(1) In general. In the case of fuel sold or used after July 31, 1984, on which tax was imposed under section 4041(a), the amount of credit or refund under section 6427(b)(1) shall not exceed 12 cents per gallon except where fuel is used in a bus while such bus is being operated as a “qualified local bus” in which case the credit or refund shall be the full amount of tax paid under section 4041(a) on such fuel.

(2) Qualified local bus. A bus is considered to be operated as a “qualified local bus” if such bus—

(i) Is engaged in furnishing (for compensation) intracity passenger land transportation that is available to the general public and is scheduled and along regular routes,

(ii) Has a seating capacity of at least 20 adults (not including the driver), and

(iii) Is under contract with (or is receiving more than a nominal subsidy from) any State or local government (as defined in section 4221(d)(4)) to furnish such transportation.

A company that operates qualified local buses is eligible for a full refund or credit only with respect to fuel used while such buses are operating as qualified local buses. For example, a company that operates its buses along subsidized intracity routes and also on intercity or unsubsidized intracity routes may obtain a full refund or credit only with respect to fuel used while operating the subsidized intracity routes.

(b) Meaning of terms—(1) Contract with a State or local government. A bus is under contract with a State or local government only if the contract imposes a bona fide obligation on the operator of the bus to furnish the transportation to which the contract relates.

(2) More than a nominal subsidy. A subsidy is more than nominal if the subsidy is reasonably expected to exceed an amount equal to 3 cents multiplied by the number of gallons of fuel used while operating on subsidized routes.

(3) Intracity passenger land transportation. The term “intracity passenger land transportation” means the land transportation of passengers to and from points located within the same metropolitan area. The term includes transportation along routes that cross State, city or county boundaries provided such routes remain within the metropolitan area.

[T.D. 8027, 50 FR 21252, May 23, 1985]

§ 48.6427-8   Diesel fuel and kerosene; claims by ultimate purchasers.
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(a) Overview. This section provides rules under which ultimate purchasers of taxed diesel fuel and kerosene may claim the income tax credits or payments allowed by section 6427(l). Generally, these claims relate to diesel fuel and kerosene used in nontaxable uses. Claims relating to diesel fuel and kerosene sold for use on a farm for farming purposes and by a State are made by registered ultimate vendors under §48.6427–9; claims relating to kerosene sold from a blocked pump are made by registered ultimate vendors (blocked pump) under §48.6427–10; and claims relating to kerosene sold during certain periods of extreme cold for blending with diesel fuel to be used for heating purposes are made by registered ultimate vendors (blending) under §48.6427–11.

(b) Conditions to allowance of credit or payment—(1) In general. Except as provided in section 6427(l)(5), a claim for an income tax credit or payment with respect to diesel fuel or kerosene is allowed under section 6427(l) only if—

(i) Tax was imposed by section 4081 on the diesel fuel or kerosene to which the claim relates;

(ii) The claimant produced or bought the diesel fuel or kerosene and did not sell it in the United States;

(iii) The claimant has filed a timely claim for a credit or payment that contains the information required under paragraph (d) of this section;

(iv) The diesel fuel or kerosene was not bought under a certificate described in §48.6427–9(e)(2) (relating to Certificate of Farming Use or State Use);

(v) The diesel fuel or kerosene was not used on a farm for farming purposes (as defined in §48.6420–4) or by a State;

(vi) With respect to kerosene, the kerosene was not sold from a blocked pump or sold for blending with diesel fuel under the conditions described in §48.6427–11; and

(vii) The diesel fuel or kerosene was either—

(A) Used in a use described in §48.4082–4(c)(3) through (c)(8);

(B) Exported;

(C) Used other than as a fuel in a propulsion engine of a diesel-powered highway vehicle; or

(D) Used as a fuel in the propulsion engine of a diesel-powered bus if the bus was engaged in a use described in section 6427(b)(1) (after the application of section 6427(b)(3)).

(2) Examples. The following examples illustrate this paragraph (b).

Example 1.  (i) In September 2000, F bought 250 gallons of undyed diesel fuel. In October 2000, F used 200 gallons of the fuel in a farm tractor. This use qualifies as use on a farm for farming purposes (as defined in §48.6420–4). The farm tractor is not a diesel-powered highway vehicle (as defined in §48.4081–1(b)). F used the remaining 50 gallons to heat F's residence. F filed a complete and timely claim for a credit relating to the 250 gallons.

(ii) A credit or payment is not allowable to F with respect to the 200 gallons of diesel fuel used in the farm tractor. Even though this fuel was used other than as a fuel in a propulsion engine of a diesel-powered highway vehicle (thus meeting the condition in paragraph (b)(1)(vii)(C) of this section), the condition in paragraph (b)(1)(v) of this section is not satisfied because the fuel was used on a farm for farming purposes.

(iii) A credit is allowable to F with respect to the 50 gallons F used for heating purposes because the conditions in paragraph (b)(1) of this section have been met. F used this fuel other than as a fuel in a propulsion engine of a diesel-powered highway vehicle and the use of the fuel for residential heating is not use on a farm for farming purposes.

Example 2.  (i) In September 2000, W, a wholesale distributor, sold 3,500 gallons of diesel fuel on which tax has been imposed to C, a construction company located in the United States. W's selling price to C did not include an amount equal to the federal excise tax on the fuel. C used the fuel other than as a fuel in a propulsion engine of a diesel-powered highway vehicle. Both W and C file a complete and timely claim for a credit relating to the fuel.

(ii) Because W resold the fuel in the United States, the condition of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section is not met. Thus, W is not allowed a credit or payment with respect to the fuel.

(iii) C is eligible for a credit or payment with respect to the fuel because the conditions to allowance in paragraph (b)(1) of this section have been met. The conditions to allowance do not include a requirement that C buy the fuel at a price that includes the amount of the tax.

(c) Form of claim. Each claim for an income tax credit under this section must be made on Form 4136 (or on such other form as the Commissioner may designate) in accordance with the instructions for that form. Each claim for a payment under this section must be made on Form 8849 (or on such other form as the Commissioner may designate) in accordance with the instructions for that form.

(d) Content of claim. Each claim for a credit or payment under this section must contain the following information with respect to all the diesel fuel or kerosene covered by the claim:

(1) The total number of gallons.

(2) A statement by the claimant that—

(i) The diesel fuel or kerosene did not contain visible evidence of dye; or

(ii) In the case of diesel fuel or kerosene that contains visible evidence of dye, explains the circumstances under which tax was imposed on that fuel.

(3) The use made of the diesel fuel or kerosene covered by the claim described by reference to specific categories listed in paragraph (b)(1)(vii) of this section (such as use in a qualified local bus or the exclusive use of a nonprofit educational organization).

(4) If the diesel fuel or kerosene covered by the claim was exported, a declaration that the claimant has proof of exportation (as described in §48.4221–3(d)(1)).

(5) A declaration that the claimant has in its possession the name and address of the person(s) that sold the diesel fuel or kerosene to the claimant and the date(s) of the purchase(s).

(e) Time and place for filing claim. For rules relating to the time for filing a claim under section 6427, see section 6427(i). A claim under this section is not filed unless it contains all the information required by paragraph (d) of this section and is filed at the place required by the form.

(f) Effective date. This section is applicable with respect to diesel fuel after December 31, 1993, except for paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section, which is applicable to diesel fuel bought by ultimate purchasers after June 30, 1994. This section is applicable with respect to kerosene after June 30, 1998.

[T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10464, Mar. 14, 1996, as amended by T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17161, Mar. 31, 2000; T.D. 9051, 68 FR 15942, Apr. 2, 2003]

§ 48.6427-9   Diesel fuel and kerosene; claims by registered ultimate vendors (farming and State use).
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(a) Overview. This section provides rules under which certain registered ultimate vendors of taxed diesel fuel and kerosene may claim the income tax credits or payments allowed by section 6427(l)(5)(A). These claims relate to diesel fuel and kerosene sold for use on a farm for farming purposes and by a State. Claims relating to diesel fuel and kerosene used for other nontaxable purposes are made by ultimate purchasers under §48.6427–8; claims relating to kerosene sold from a blocked pump are made by registered ultimate vendors (blocked pump) under §48.6427–10; and claims relating to kerosene sold during certain periods of extreme cold for blending with diesel fuel to be used for heating purposes are made by registered ultimate vendors (blending) under §48.6427–11.

(b) Definitions. (1) An ultimate vendor, as used in this section, is a person that sells undyed diesel fuel or undyed kerosene to—

(i) The owner, tenant, or operator of a farm for use by such person on a farm for farming purposes (as defined in §48.6420–4);

(ii) A person other than the owner, tenant, or operator of a farm for use by such person for any of the purposes described in §48.6420–4(d) (relating to cultivating, raising, or harvesting); or

(iii) Any State for its exclusive use.

(2) A registered ultimate vendor is an ultimate vendor that is registered under section 4101 as an ultimate vendor.

(c) Conditions to allowance of credit or payment. A claim for an income tax credit or payment with respect to diesel fuel or kerosene is allowed by section 6427(l)(5)(A) only if—

(1) Tax was imposed by section 4081 on the diesel fuel or kerosene to which the claim relates;

(2) The claimant sold the diesel fuel or kerosene to—

(i) The owner, tenant, or operator of a farm for use by such person on a farm for farming purposes (as defined in §48.6420–4);

(ii) A person other than the owner, tenant, or operator of a farm for use by such person for any of the purposes described in §48.6420–4(d) (relating to cultivating, raising, or harvesting); or

(iii) Any State for its exclusive use;

(3) The claimant is a registered ultimate vendor; and

(4) The claimant has filed a timely claim for a credit or payment that contains the information required under paragraph (e) of this section.

(d) Form of claim. Each claim for an income tax credit under this section must be made on Form 4136 (or on such other form as the Commissioner may designate) in accordance with the instructions for that form. Each claim for a payment under this section must be made on Form 8849 (or on such other form as the Commissioner may designate) in accordance with the instructions for that form.

(e) Content of claim—(1) In general. Each claim for credit or payment under this section must contain the following information with respect to all the diesel fuel or kerosene covered by the claim:

(i) The total number of gallons.

(ii) A statement by the claimant that—

(A) The diesel fuel or kerosene did not contain visible evidence of dye; or

(B) In the case of diesel fuel or kerosene that contains visible evidence of dye, explains the circumstances under which tax was imposed on that fuel.

(iii) The claimant's registration number.

(iv) The name and taxpayer identification number of each person that bought diesel fuel or kerosene from the claimant in a transaction described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section and the number of gallons that the claimant sold to that person.

(v) A statement that the claimant—

(A) Has not included the amount of the tax in its sales price of the diesel fuel or kerosene and has not collected the amount of tax from its buyer;

(B) Has repaid the amount of the tax to the ultimate purchaser of the fuel; or

(C) Has obtained the written consent of its buyer to the allowance of the claim.

(vi) A statement that the claimant has in its possession an unexpired certificate described in paragraph (e)(2) of this section and the claimant has no reason to believe any information in the certificate is false.

(2) Certificate—(i) In general. The certificate to be provided to the ultimate vendor consists of a statement that is signed under penalties of perjury by a person with authority to bind the buyer, is in substantially the same form as the model certificate provided in paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section, and contains all information necessary to complete such model certificate. A new certificate must be given if any information in the current certificate changes. The certificate may be included as part of any business records normally used to document a sale. The certificate expires on the earlier of the following dates:

(A) The date one year after the effective date of the certificate.

(B) The date a new certificate is provided to the seller.

(ii) Model certificate.

Certificate of Farming Use or State Use

(To support vendor's claim for a credit or payment under section 6427 of the Internal Revenue Code.)

____________________
____________________

Name, address, and employer identification number of vendor

The undersigned buyer (“Buyer”) hereby certifies the following under penalties of perjury:

Buyer will use the diesel fuel or kerosene to which this certificate relates—(check one)

___ On a farm for farming purposes (as defined in §48.6420–4(c) of the Manufacturers and Retailers Excise Tax Regulations) and Buyer is the owner, tenant, or operator of the farm on which the fuel will be used;

___ On a farm (as defined in §48.6420–4(c)) for any of the purposes described in paragraph (d) of that section (relating to cultivating, raising, or harvesting) and Buyer is a person that is not the owner, tenant, or operator of the farm on which the fuel will be used; or

___ For the exclusive use of a State or local government, or the District of Columbia.

This certificate applies to the following (complete as applicable):

If this is a single purchase certificate, check here ___ and enter:

1. Invoice or delivery ticket number ___

2. ___ (number of gallons)

If this is a certificate covering all purchases under a specified account or order number, check here ___ and enter:

1. Effective date ___

2. Expiration date ___ (period not to exceed 1 year after the effective date)

3. Buyer account or order number ___

Buyer will provide a new certificate to the vendor if any information in this certificate changes.

If Buyer uses the diesel fuel or kerosene to which this certificate relates for a purpose other than stated in the certificate Buyer will be liable for tax.

Buyer understands that the fraudulent use of this certificate may subject Buyer and all parties making such fraudulent use of this certificate to a fine or imprisonment, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

____________________

Printed or typed name of person signing

____________________

Title of person signing

____________________

Name of Buyer

____________________

Employer identification number

____________________

Address of Buyer

____________________

Signature and date signed

(f) Time and place for filing claim. For rules relating to the time for filing a claim under section 6427, see section 6427(i). A claim under this section is not filed unless it contains all the information required by paragraph (e) of this section and is filed at the place required by the form.

(g) Effective date. This section is applicable with respect to diesel fuel after December 31, 1993, and with respect to kerosene after June 30, 1998.

[T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10464, Mar. 14, 1996, as amended by T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17161, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.6427-10   Kerosene; claims by registered ultimate vendors (blocked pumps).
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(a) Overview. This section provides rules under which certain registered ultimate vendors of taxed kerosene may claim the income tax credits or payments allowed by section 6427(l)(5)(B)(i). These claims relate to kerosene sold from a blocked pump. Claims relating to kerosene sold for use on a farm for farming purposes and by a State are made by registered ultimate vendors under §48.6427–9; claims relating to kerosene sold during certain periods of extreme cold for blending with diesel fuel to be used for heating purposes are made by registered ultimate vendors (blending) under §48.6427–11; and claims relating to kerosene used for nontaxable purposes are made by ultimate purchasers under §48.6427–8.

(b) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section:

(1) A blocked pump is a fuel pump that—

(i) Is used to dispense undyed kerosene that is sold at retail for use by the buyer in any nontaxable use;

(ii) Is at a fixed location;

(iii) Is identified with a legible and conspicuous notice stating “UNDYED UNTAXED KEROSENE, NONTAXABLE USE ONLY”; and

(iv)(A) Cannot reasonably be used to dispense fuel directly into the fuel supply tank of a diesel-powered highway vehicle or diesel-powered train (because, for example, of its distance from a road surface or train track or the length of its delivery hose); or

(B) Is locked by the vendor after each sale and unlocked by the vendor only in response to a request by a buyer for undyed kerosene for use other than as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle or diesel-powered train.

(2) A registered ultimate vendor (blocked pump) is a person that is registered under section 4101 as an ultimate vendor (blocked pump).

(3) An ultimate vendor (blocked pump) is a person that sells undyed kerosene from a blocked pump.

(c) Conditions to allowance of credit or payment. A claim for an income tax credit or payment with respect to undyed kerosene is allowed by section 6427(l)(5)(B)(i) only if—

(1) Tax was imposed by section 4081 on the kerosene to which the claim relates;

(2) The claimant sold the kerosene from a blocked pump for its buyer's use other than as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle or diesel-powered train and the claimant has no reason to believe that the kerosene will not be so used;

(3) The claimant is a registered ultimate vendor (blocked pump);

(4) With respect to each sale of more than five gallons of kerosene from a blocked pump that does not meet the conditions of paragraph (b)(1)(iv)(A) of this section, the claimant has in its possession the date of the sale, name and address of the buyer, and the number of gallons sold to the buyer; and

(5) The claimant has filed a timely claim for a credit or payment that contains the information required under paragraph (e) of this section.

(d) Form of claim. Each claim for an income tax credit under this section must be made on Form 4136 (or such other form as the Commissioner may designate) in accordance with the instructions for that form. Each claim for a payment under this section must be made on Form 8849 (or such other form as the Commissioner may designate) in accordance with the instructions for that form.

(e) Content of claim. Each claim for a credit or payment under this section must contain the following information with respect to all of the kerosene covered by the claim:

(1) The claimant's ultimate vendor (blocked pump) registration number.

(2) The total number of gallons.

(3) A statement by the claimant that—

(i) The kerosene did not contain visible evidence of dye; or

(ii) In the case of kerosene that contains visible evidence of dye, explains the circumstances under which tax was imposed on that kerosene.

(4) With respect to each sale of more than five gallons of kerosene from a blocked pump that does not meet the conditions of paragraph (b)(1)(iv)(A) of this section, a statement by the claimant that it has in its possession the date of the sale, name and address of the buyer, and the number of gallons sold to the buyer.

(5) A statement by the claimant that it—

(i) Has not included the amount of the tax in its sales price of the kerosene and has not collected the amount of the tax from its buyer;

(ii) Has repaid the amount of the tax to its buyer; or

(iii) Has obtained the written consent of its buyer to the allowance of the claim.

(f) Time and place for filing claim. For rules relating to the time for filing a claim under section 6427, see section 6427(i). A claim under this section is not filed unless it contains all the information required by paragraph (e) of this section and is filed at the place required by the form.

(g) Cross reference. For a rule prohibiting a registered ultimate vendor (blocked pump) from delivering kerosene from a blocked pump into the fuel supply tank of a diesel-powered highway vehicle or diesel-powered train, see §48.4101–1(h)(2)(iv).

(h) Effective date. This section is applicable after March 30, 2000.

[T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17162, Mar. 31, 2000]

§ 48.6427-11   Kerosene; claims by registered ultimate vendors (blending).
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(a) Overview. This section provides rules under which certain registered ultimate vendors of taxed kerosene may claim the income tax credits or payments allowed by section 6427(l)(5)(B)(ii). These claims relate to kerosene sold during certain periods of extreme cold for blending with diesel fuel to be used for heating purposes. Claims relating to kerosene sold for use on a farm for farming purposes and by a State are made by registered ultimate vendors under §48.6427–9; claims relating to kerosene sold from a blocked pump for nontaxable uses are made by registered ultimate vendors (blocked pump) under §48.6427–10; and other claims relating to kerosene used for nontaxable purposes are made by ultimate purchasers under §48.6427–8.

(b) Definitions. The following definitions apply to this section:

(1) A declaration of extreme cold is a declaration by the Commissioner that a specific geographic area (such as a state or a county within a state) is affected by extremely or unseasonably cold weather conditions. A declaration will be in effect during the period determined by the Commissioner.

(2) A cold weather blend is a blend of kerosene and diesel fuel that is produced in an area described in a declaration of extreme cold and that is sold for use or used for heating purposes.

(3) A registered ultimate vendor (blending) is a taxable fuel registrant, a registered ultimate vendor, or a registered ultimate vendor (blocked pump).

(c) Conditions to allowance of credit or payment. A claim for an income tax credit or payment with respect to kerosene is allowed by section 6427(l)(5)(B)(ii) only if—

(1) Tax was imposed by section 4081 on the kerosene to which the claim relates;

(2) The claimant sold the kerosene in an area described in a declaration of extreme cold for the production of a cold weather blend;

(3) The claimant is a registered ultimate vendor (blending); and

(4) The claimant has filed a timely claim for an income tax credit or payment that contains the information required under paragraph (e) of this section.

(d) Form of claim. Each claim for an income tax credit under this section must be made on Form 4136 (or such other form as the Commissioner may designate) in accordance with the instructions for that form. Each claim for a payment under this section must be made on Form 8849 (or such other form as the Commissioner may designate) in accordance with the instructions for that form.

(e) Content of claim—(1) In general. Each claim for credit or payment under this section must contain the following information with respect to all of the kerosene covered by the claim:

(i) The claimant's registration number.

(ii) The total number of gallons.

(iii) A statement by the claimant that—

(A) The kerosene did not contain visible evidence of dye; or

(B) In the case of kerosene that contains visible evidence of dye, explains the circumstances under which tax was imposed on that kerosene.

(iv) A statement by the claimant that it—

(A) Has not included the amount of the tax in its sales price of the kerosene and has not collected the amount of the tax from its buyer;

(B) Has repaid the amount of the tax to its buyer; or

(C) Has obtained the written consent of its buyer to the allowance of the claim.

(v) A statement that the claimant has in its possession an unexpired certificate described in paragraph (e)(2) of this section and the claimant has no reason to believe any information in the certificate is false.

(2) Certificate—(i) In general. The certificate described in this paragraph (e) is a statement by a buyer that is signed under penalties of perjury by a person with authority to bind the buyer, is in substantially the same form as the model certificate provided in paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section, and contains all information necessary to complete the model certificate. A certificate must be given for each purchase of kerosene. The certificate may be included as part of any business records normally used to document a sale.

(ii) Withdrawal of the right to provide a certificate. The Internal Revenue Service may withdraw the right of a buyer of kerosene to provide a certificate under this section if the buyer uses the kerosene to which a certificate relates other than for producing a cold weather blend. The Internal Revenue Service may notify any seller to whom the buyer has provided a certificate that the buyer's right to provide a certificate has been withdrawn.

(iii) Model certificate.

CERTIFICATE OF BUYER FOR PRODUCTION OF A COLD WEATHER BLEND (To support vendor's claim for a credit or payment under section 6427 of the Internal Revenue Code.)

_____(Buyer) certifies the following under penalties of perjury:

Name of buyer

The kerosene to which this certificate applies will be used by Buyer to produce a blend of kerosene and diesel fuel in an area described in a declaration of extreme cold and the blend will be sold for use or used for heating purposes.

This certificate applies to __ percent of Buyer's purchase from _____ (name, address, and employer identification number of seller) on invoice or delivery ticket number __.

If Buyer violates the terms of this certificate, the Internal Revenue Service may withdraw Buyer's right to provide a certificate.

Buyer has not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that its right to provide a certificate has been withdrawn.

Buyer understands that the fraudulent use of this certificate may subject Buyer and all parties making such fraudulent use of this certificate to a fine or imprisonment, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

_____________________

Printed or typed name of person signing.

_____________________

Title of person signing

_____________________

Employer identification number

_____________________

Address of Buyer

_____________________

Signature and date signed

(f) Time and place for filing claim. For rules relating to the time for filing a claim under section 6427, see section 6427(i). A claim under this section is not filed unless it contains all the information required by paragraph (e) of this section and is filed at the place required by the form.

(g) Effective date. This section is applicable after March 30, 2000.

[T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17162, Mar. 31, 2000, as amended by T.D. 8879, 65 FR 26489, May 8, 2000]

§ 48.6715-1   Penalty for misuse of dyed fuel.
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(a) In general. If any person willfully alters, or attempts to alter, the strength or composition of any dye or marking done pursuant to §48.4082–1 in any dyed fuel, then section 6715(a)(3) provides that such person shall pay a penalty in addition to any tax. The penalty imposed by section 6715(a)(3) will not apply in the following cases:

(1) Diesel fuel or kerosene that satisfies the dyeing and marking requirements of §48.4082–1 (b) and (c) is blended with any undyed liquid and the resulting product satisfies the dyeing and marking requirements of §48.4082–1 (b) and (c).

(2) Diesel fuel or kerosene that satisfies the dyeing and marking requirements of §48.4082–1 (b) and (c) is blended with any other liquid (other than diesel fuel or kerosene ) that contains the type and amount of dye and marker required for diesel fuel or kerosene dyed and marked in accordance with §48.4082–1 (b) and (c).

(3) The alteration or attempted alteration occurs in an exempt area of Alaska after September 30, 1996.

(4) Diesel fuel or kerosene that does not satisfy the dyeing and marking requirements of §48.4082–1 (b) and (c) is blended with diesel fuel or kerosene that satisfies the dyeing and marking requirements of §48.4082–1 (b) and (c) and the blending occurs as part of a use described in §48.4082–4(c) or §48.6427–8(b)(1)(vii)(C) or (D).

(b) Effective date. This section is effective January 1, 1994.

[T.D. 8659, 61 FR 10465, Mar. 14, 1996, as amended by T.D. 8685, 61 FR 58007, Nov. 12, 1996; T.D. 8748, 63 FR 26, Jan. 2, 1998; T.D. 8879, 65 FR 17163, Mar. 31, 2000]

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