Internal Revenue Code · 26 U.S.C.
§ 4071. Imposition of tax
Official text, no changes From the Office of the Law Revision Counsel, release point 119-121 (current through Public Law 119-121 (October 9, 2026)). Compare it with the official text at uscode.house.gov (external site).
Cite as 26 U.S.C. § 4071
At a glance
Read from the text, the source credit and the official notes. Not part of the law.
- Status
- In force
- Enacted
- April 22, 1960 by Pub. L. 86–440
- Last amended
- November 15, 2021 by Pub. L. 117–58
- Amendments
- 23 dated changes in the source credit
- Length
- 4 subsections · 626 words · about 3 min to read
- Cross-references
- cites 0; cited by 7 Code sections and 15 other regulations
- Regulations
- 4 issued under this section
There is hereby imposed on taxable tires sold by the manufacturer, producer, or importer thereof a tax at the rate of 9.45 cents (4.725 cents in the case of a biasply tire or super single tire) for each 10 pounds so much of the maximum rated load capacity thereof as exceeds 3,500 pounds.
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, if the manufacturer, producer, or importer of any tire delivers such tire to a retail store or retail outlet of such manufacturer, producer, or importer, he shall be liable for tax under subsection (a) in respect of such tire in the same manner as if it had been sold at the time it was delivered to such retail store or outlet. This subsection shall not apply to an article in respect to which tax has been imposed by subsection (a). Subsection (a) shall not apply to an article in respect of which tax has been imposed by this subsection.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 482; June 29, 1956, ch. 462, title II, § 204(a), 70 Stat. 388; Pub. L. 86–440, § 1(a), Apr. 22, 1960, 74 Stat. 80; Pub. L. 87–61, title II, § 202, June 29, 1961, 75 Stat. 124; Pub. L. 89–523, § 1(a), Aug. 1, 1966, 80 Stat. 331; Pub. L. 91–605, title III, § 303(a)(5), Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1744; Pub. L. 92–178, title IV, § 401(f), Dec. 10, 1971, 85 Stat. 533; Pub. L. 94–280, title III, § 303(a)(5), May 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 456; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 95–599, title V, § 502(a)(4), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2756; Pub. L. 96–222, title I, § 108(c)(2)(C), Apr. 1, 1980, 94 Stat. 227; Pub. L. 96–596, § 4(a)(1), Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3475; Pub. L. 96–598, § 1(d), Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3486; Pub. L. 97–424, title V, §§ 514(a), 516(a)(2), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2181, 2182; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title VII, § 735(c)(2), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 982; Pub. L. 100–17, title V, § 502(a)(3), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 256; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, § 11211(c)(2), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–426; Pub. L. 102–240, title VIII, § 8002(a)(2), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 2203; Pub. L. 105–178, title IX, § 9002(a)(1)(E), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 499; Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, § 869(a), (d)(1), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1623; Pub. L. 109–59, title XI, § 11101(a)(1)(E), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1943; Pub. L. 112–30, title I, § 142(a)(2)(C), Sept. 16, 2011, 125 Stat. 356; Pub. L. 112–102, title IV, § 402(a)(2)(C), Mar. 30, 2012, 126 Stat. 282; Pub. L. 112–140, title IV, § 402(a)(2)(C), June 29, 2012, 126 Stat. 402; Pub. L. 112–141, div. D, title I, § 40102(a)(2)(C), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 844; Pub. L. 114–94, div. C, title XXXI, § 31102(a)(2)(C), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1727; Pub. L. 117–58, div. H, title I, § 80102(a)(2)(C), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1327.)
Regulations under this section
Treasury regulations (26 CFR) issued under § 4071
Cross-references
Computed from the citations in the text of Title 26 and 26 CFR.
Cited by 7 Code sections
- § 4051(d)(2) Imposition of tax on heavy trucks and trailers sold at retail
- § 4073 Exemptions
- § 4218(a) Use by manufacturer or importer considered sale
- § 4221(e)(2)(A) Certain tax-free sales
- § 6412(a)(1) Floor stocks refunds
- § 6416(b)(1)(C) Certain taxes on sales and services
- § 9503(b)(1)(C) Highway Trust Fund
Cited in 15 regulations not issued under it
- § 48.4061(a)-1 Imposition of tax; exclusion for light-duty trucks, etc.
- § 48.4061(b)-2 Definition of parts or accessories.
- § 48.4072-1 Definitions.
- § 48.4073-4 Other tax-free sales.
- § 48.4218-1 Tax on use by manufacturer, producer, or importer.
- § 48.4221-2 Tax-free sale of articles to be used for, or resold for, further manufacture.
- § 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.
- § 48.6412-1 Floor stocks credit or refund.
- § 48.6412-2 Definitions for purposes of floor stocks credit or refund.
- § 48.6416(b)(2)-2 Exportations, uses, sales, and resales included.
- § 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(c)-1 Credit for tax paid on tires or, prior to January 1, 1984, inner tubes.
- § 145.4052-1 Special rules and definitions.
Amendment history
From the source credit and the official notes, newest first.
- Amended by Pub. L. 117–58Parts changed in 2021: (d)
- Amended by Pub. L. 114–94Parts changed in 2015: (d)
- Amended by Pub. L. 112–141Parts changed in 2012: (d)
- Amended by Pub. L. 112–140
- Amended by Pub. L. 112–102
- Amended by Pub. L. 112–30Parts changed in 2011: (d)
- Amended by Pub. L. 109–59Parts changed in 2005: (d)
- Amended by Pub. L. 108–357Parts changed in 2004: (a) (c) (e)
- Amended by Pub. L. 105–178Parts changed in 1998: (d)
- Amended by Pub. L. 102–240Parts changed in 1991: (d)
- Amended by Pub. L. 101–508Parts changed in 1990: (d)
- Amended by Pub. L. 100–17Parts changed in 1987: (d)
- Amended by Pub. L. 98–369Parts changed in 1984: (b) (c) (e) (f)
- Amended by Pub. L. 97–424Parts changed in 1983: (a) (d)
- Amended by Pub. L. 96–596, Pub. L. 96–598Parts changed in 1980: (a)(1) (a)(2) (d)(1) (e) (f)
- Amended by Pub. L. 96–222
- Amended by Pub. L. 95–599Parts changed in 1978: (d)
- Amended by Pub. L. 94–455Parts changed in 1976: (b) (d)
- Amended by Pub. L. 94–280
- Amended by Pub. L. 92–178Parts changed in 1971: (e)
- Amended by Pub. L. 91–605Parts changed in 1970: (d)
- Amended by Pub. L. 89–523Parts changed in 1966: (b)
- Amended by Pub. L. 87–61Parts changed in 1961: (a)(1) (a)(3) (a)(4) (c)
- Enacted by Pub. L. 86–440Parts changed in 1960: (a)(2) (a)(5)
Where it sits in the Code
- Subtitle D Miscellaneous Excise Taxes
- Chapter 32 MANUFACTURERS EXCISE TAXES
- Subchapter A Automotive and Related Items
- Part II TIRES
Nearby sections
- § 4071 Imposition of tax
- § 4072 Definitions
- § 4073 Exemptions
Official notes
Show the Law Revision Counsel's notes (amendments, effective dates)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2021—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–58 substituted “October 1, 2028” for “October 1, 2022”.
2015—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–94 substituted “October 1, 2022” for “October 1, 2016”.
2012—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–141 substituted “October 1, 2016” for “July 1, 2012”.
Pub. L. 112–140, §§ 1(c), 402(a)(2)(C), temporarily substituted “July 7, 2012” for “July 1, 2012”. See Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 112–102 substituted “July 1, 2012” for “April 1, 2012”.
2011—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–30 substituted “April 1, 2012” for “October 1, 2011”.
2005—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–59 substituted “2011” for “2005”.
2004—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–357, § 869(a), reenacted heading without change and amended text of subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) imposed tax and set forth table of rates providing for no tax if the tire weighed not more than 40 lbs., tax of 15 cents per lb. in excess of 40 lbs. if the tire weighed more than 40 lbs. but not more than 70 lbs., tax of $4.50 plus 30 cents per lb. in excess of 70 lbs. if the tire weighed more than 70 lbs. but not more than 90 lbs., and tax of $10.50 plus 50 cents per lb. in excess of 90 lbs. if the tire weighed more than 90 lbs.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–357, § 869(d)(1), redesignated subsec. (e) as (c) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (c). Text read as follows: “For purposes of this section, weight shall be based on total weight exclusive of metal rims or rim bases. Total weight of the articles shall be determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary.”
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 108–357, § 869(d)(1), redesignated subsec. (e) as (c).
1998—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–178 substituted “2005” for “1999”.
1991—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–240 substituted “1999” for “1995”.
1990—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–508 substituted “1995” for “1993”.
1987—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–17 substituted “1993” for “1988”.
1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–369, § 735(c)(2)(A), struck out “or inner tube” after “any tire”, and struck out “or tube” after “such tire” in two places in first sentence.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–369, § 735(c)(2)(B), substituted “on total weight exclusive” for “on total weight, except that in the case of tires such total weight shall be exclusive”.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 98–369, § 735(c)(2)(C), struck out “or inner tubes (other than bicycle tires and inner tubes)” after “equipped with tires” in provisions preceding par. (1), struck out “and inner tubes” before “with which such article is equipped” in pars. (1) and (2), and substituted “sale of an automobile bus chassis or an automobile bus body” for “sale of an article if a tax on such sale is imposed under section 4061 or if such article is an automobile bus chassis or an automobile bus body” in provisions following par. (2).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 98–369, § 735(c)(2)(D), struck out subsec. (f) which related to imported recapped or retreaded United States tires.
1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–424, § 514(a), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: “There is hereby imposed upon the following articles, if wholly or in part of rubber, sold by the manufacturer, producer, or importer, a tax at the following rates:
“(1) Tires of the type used on highway vehicles, 9.75 cents a pound.
“(2) Other tires (other than laminated tires to which paragraph (5) applies), 4.875 cents a pound.
“(3) Inner tubes, for tires, 10 cents a pound.
“(4) Tread rubber, 5 cents a pound.
“(5) Laminated tires (not of the type used on highway vehicles) which consist wholly of scrap rubber from used tire casings with an internal metal fastening agent, 1 cent a pound.”
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–424, § 516(a)(2), substituted provision that, on and after Oct. 1, 1988, the taxes imposed by subsec. (a) shall not apply, for provision that, on and after Oct. 1, 1984, the tax imposed by subsec. (a)(1) would be 4.875 cents a pound, that by subsec. (a)(3) would be 9 cents a pound, and that subsec. (a)(4) would not apply.
1980—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 96–596, § 4(a)(1)(A), substituted “9.75 cents” for “10 cents”.
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 96–596, § 4(a)(1)(B), substituted “4.875 cents” for “5 cents”.
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 96–596, § 4(a)(1)(C), substituted “4.875 cents” for “5 cents”.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 96–222 inserted references to an automobile bus chassis or body.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 96–598 added subsec. (f).
1978—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 95–599 substituted “1984” for “1979”.
1976—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 94–455 struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary”.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 94–280 substituted “1979” for “1977”.
1971—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 92–178 added subsec. (e).
1970—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 91–605 substituted “1977” for “1972”.
1966—Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 89–523 added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) and (c) as (c) and (d), respectively.
1961—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 87–61, § 202(a), increased tax from 8 to 10 cents a pound.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 87–61, § 202(c), increased tax from 9 to 10 cents a pound.
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 87–61, § 202(c), increased tax from 3 to 5 cents a pound.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–61, § 202(d), substituted “October 1, 1972” for “July 1, 1972”, added par. (2), and redesignated former par. (2) as (3).
1960—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 86–440, § 1(a)(1), inserted “(other than laminated tires to which paragraph (5) applies)” after “other tires”.
Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 86–440, § 1(a)(2), added par. (5).
1956—Act June 29, 1956, increased tax on tires of type used on highway vehicles from 5 cents a pound to 8 cents a pound, provided for a tax of 3 cents a pound on tread rubber, and required on and after July 1, 1972, a reduction in tax on tires of type used on highway vehicles from 8 cents a pound to 5 cents a pound, and elimination of tax on tread rubber.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2021 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 117–58 effective Oct. 1, 2021, see section 80102(f) of Pub. L. 117–58, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.
Effective Date of 2015 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–94 effective Oct. 1, 2016, see section 31102(f) of Pub. L. 114–94, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.
Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 112–141 effective July 1, 2012, see section 40102(f) of Pub. L. 112–141, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 112–140 to cease to be effective on July 6, 2012, with text as amended by Pub. L. 112–140 to revert back to read as it did on the day before June 29, 2012, and amendments by Pub. L. 112–141 to be executed as if Pub. L. 112–140 had not been enacted, see section 1(c) of Pub. L. 112–140, set out as a note under section 101 of Title 23, Highways.
Amendment by Pub. L. 112–140 effective July 1, 2012, see section 402(f)(1) of Pub. L. 112–140, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 112–102 effective Apr. 1, 2012, see section 402(f) of Pub. L. 112–102, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.
Effective Date of 2011 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 112–30 effective Oct. 1, 2011, see section 142(f) of Pub. L. 112–30, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.
Effective Date of 2004 Amendment
Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, § 869(e), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1623, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 4072 and 4073 of this title] shall apply to sales in calendar years beginning more than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 2004].”
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Highway Revenue Act of 1982, title V of Pub. L. 97–424, to which such amendment relates, see section 736 of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 4051 of this title.
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Pub. L. 97–424, title V, § 514(b), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2181, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to articles sold on or after January 1, 1984”.
Effective Date of 1980 Amendments
Pub. L. 96–598, § 1(e), Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3486, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 6416 and 6511 of this title] shall take effect on the first day of the first calendar month which begins more than 10 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 24, 1980].”
Pub. L. 96–596, § 4(a)(2), Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3475, provided that: “The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply on and after January 1, 1981.”
Amendment by Pub. L. 96–222 effective as if included in the provision of the Energy Tax Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95–618, Nov. 9, 1978, 92 Stat. 3174, to which such amendment relates, see section 108(c)(7) of Pub. L. 96–222, set out as a note under section 48 of this title.
Effective Date of 1971 Amendment
Pub. L. 92–178, title IV, § 401(h), Dec. 10, 1971, 85 Stat. 534, provided that:
“(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the amendments made by subsections (a), (f), and (g) [amending this section and sections 4061, 4062, 4063, 4216, 4221, 4222, 6412, and 6416 of this title] of this section shall apply with respect to articles sold on or after the day after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 10, 1971].“(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), an article shall not be considered sold before the day after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 10, 1971] unless possession or right to possession passes to the purchaser before such day.“(3) In the case of—“(A) a lease,“(B) a contract for the sale of an article where it is provided that the price shall be paid by installments and title to the article sold does not pass until a future date notwithstanding partial payment by installments,“(C) a conditional sale, or“(D) a chattel mortgage arrangement wherein it is provided that the sale price shall be paid in installments,entered into on or before the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 10, 1971], payments made after such date, with respect to the article leased or sold shall, for purposes of this subsection, be considered as payments made with respect to an article sold after such date, if the lessor or vendor establishes that the amount of payments payable after such date with respect to such article has been reduced by an amount equal to that portion of the tax applicable with respect to the lease or sale of such article which is due and payable after such date. If the lessor or vendor does not establish that the payments have been so reduced, they shall be treated as payments made in respect of an article sold before the day after the date of the enactment of this Act.”
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Pub. L. 89–523, § 1(b), Aug. 1, 1966, 80 Stat. 331, provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the first day of the first calendar quarter which begins more than 20 days after the date on which this Act is enacted [Aug. 1, 1966].”
Effective Date of 1961 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 87–61 effective July 1, 1961, see section 208 of Pub. L. 87–61, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.
Effective Date of 1960 Amendment
Pub. L. 86–440, § 1(b), Apr. 22, 1960, 74 Stat. 81, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to articles sold on or after the first day of the first month which begins more than 10 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [April 22, 1960].”
Effective Date of 1956 Amendment
Amendment by act June 29, 1956, effective July 1, 1956, see section 211 of act June 29, 1956, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.
Allowance of Credit or Refund of Overpayment of Tax Imposed
Pub. L. 96–596, § 4(b), Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3475, provided that, applicable to any tire adjustment between Mar. 31, 1978, and Jan. 1, 1983, the determination of any overpayment of tax imposed by former subsec. (a)(1) and (2) or subsec. (b) of this section arising by reason of an adjustment of a tire after the original sale pursuant to a warranty or guarantee, and the allowance of a credit or refund of any such overpayment, would be determined with the principles set forth in regulations and rulings in effect on Mar. 31, 1978.