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Internal Revenue Code · 26 U.S.C.

§ 4083. Definitions; special rule; administrative authority

In force Text current through Public Law 119-121 (October 9, 2026) release point 119-121

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. § 4083

At a glance

Read from the text, the source credit and the official notes. Not part of the law.

Status
In force
Enacted
October 4, 1976 by Pub. L. 94–455
Last amended
May 16, 2024 by Pub. L. 118–63
Amendments
17 dated changes in the source credit
Length
4 subsections · 816 words · about 4 min to read
Defines
5 terms
Cross-references
cites 7; cited by 10 Code sections and 0 other regulations
Regulations
1 issued under this section
(a) Taxable fuel For purposes of this subpart—
(1) In general The term “taxable fuel” means—
(A) gasoline,
(B) diesel fuel, and
(C) kerosene.
(2) Gasoline The term “gasoline”—
(A) includes any gasoline blend, other than qualified methanol or ethanol fuel (as defined in section 4041(b)(2)(B)), partially exempt methanol or ethanol fuel (as defined in section 4041(m)(2)), or a denatured alcohol, and
(B) includes, to the extent prescribed in regulations—
(i) any gasoline blend stock, and
(ii) any product commonly used as an additive in gasoline (other than alcohol).
For purposes of subparagraph (B)(i), the term “gasoline blend stock” means any petroleum product component of gasoline.
(3) Diesel fuel
(A) In general The term “diesel fuel” means—
(i) any liquid (other than gasoline) which is suitable for use as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle, or a diesel-powered train,
(ii) transmix, and
(iii) diesel fuel blend stocks identified by the Secretary.
(B) Transmix

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term “transmix” means a byproduct of refined products pipeline operations created by the mixing of different specification products during pipeline transportation.

(b) Commercial aviation

For purposes of this subpart, the term “commercial aviation” means any use of an aircraft in a business of transporting persons or property for compensation or hire by air, unless properly allocable to any transportation exempt from the taxes imposed by sections 4261 and 4271 by reason of section 4281 or 4282 or by reason of subsection (h) or (i) of section 4261. Such term shall not include the use of any aircraft before October 1, 2028, if tax is imposed under section 4043 with respect to the fuel consumed in such use or if no tax is imposed on such use under section 4043 by reason of subsection (c)(5) thereof.

(c) Certain uses defined as removal

If any person uses taxable fuel (other than in the production of taxable fuels or special fuels referred to in section 4041), such use shall for the purposes of this chapter be considered a removal.

(d) Administrative authority
(1) In general In addition to the authority otherwise granted by this title, the Secretary may in administering compliance with this subpart, section 4041, and penalties and other administrative provisions related thereto—
(A) enter any place at which taxable fuel is produced or is stored (or may be stored) for purposes of—
(i) examining the equipment used to determine the amount or composition of such fuel and the equipment used to store such fuel,
(ii) taking and removing samples of such fuel, and
(iii) inspecting any books and records and any shipping papers pertaining to such fuel, and
(B) detain, for the purposes referred in subparagraph (A), any container which contains or may contain any taxable fuel.
(2) Inspection sites

The Secretary may establish inspection sites for purposes of carrying out the Secretary’s authority under paragraph (1)(B).

(3) Penalty for refusal of entry
(A) Forfeiture

The penalty provided by section 7342 shall apply to any refusal to admit entry or other refusal to permit an action by the Secretary authorized by paragraph (1), except that section 7342 shall be applied by substituting “$1,000” for “$500” for each such refusal.

(B) Assessable penalty

For additional assessable penalty for the refusal to admit entry or other refusal to permit an action by the Secretary authorized by paragraph (1), see section 6717.

(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 483; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 99–514, title XVII, § 1703(a), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2776; Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, § 13242(a), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 517; Pub. L. 105–34, title IX, § 902(b)(3), title X, § 1032(a), (e)(4), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 873, 933, 935; Pub. L. 105–206, title VI, § 6010(h)(1), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 815; Pub. L. 108–357, title III, § 301(c)(8), title VIII, §§ 853(b), 858(a), 859(b)(1), 870(a), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1461, 1611, 1617, 1618, 1623; Pub. L. 109–59, title XI, § 11123(b), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1952; Pub. L. 112–95, title XI, § 1103(b), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 151; Pub. L. 114–55, title II, § 202(c)(1), Sept. 30, 2015, 129 Stat. 525; Pub. L. 114–141, title II, § 202(c)(1), Mar. 30, 2016, 130 Stat. 324; Pub. L. 114–190, title I, § 1202(c)(1), July 15, 2016, 130 Stat. 619; Pub. L. 115–63, title II, § 202(c)(1), Sept. 29, 2017, 131 Stat. 1171; Pub. L. 115–141, div. M, title I, § 202(c)(1), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1048; Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title VIII, § 802(c)(2), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3429; Pub. L. 118–15, div. B, title II, § 2212(c)(2), Sept. 30, 2023, 137 Stat. 85; Pub. L. 118–34, title II, § 202(c)(2), Dec. 26, 2023, 137 Stat. 1116; Pub. L. 118–41, title II, § 202(c)(2), Mar. 8, 2024, 138 Stat. 24; Pub. L. 118–63, title XIII, § 1302(c)(2), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1433.)

Terms defined here

Where the text says “the term … means”. Select a term to jump to its definition.

Regulations under this section

Treasury regulations (26 CFR) issued under § 4083

Cross-references

Computed from the citations in the text of Title 26 and 26 CFR.

This section cites 7 other sections

Cited by 10 Code sections

Amendment history

From the source credit and the official notes, newest first.

  1. Amended by Pub. L. 118–63Parts changed in 2024: (b)
  2. Amended by Pub. L. 118–41
  3. Amended by Pub. L. 118–34Parts changed in 2023: (b)
  4. Amended by Pub. L. 118–15
  5. Amended by Pub. L. 115–254Parts changed in 2018: (b)
  6. Amended by Pub. L. 115–141
  7. Amended by Pub. L. 115–63Parts changed in 2017: (b)
  8. Amended by Pub. L. 114–190Parts changed in 2016: (b)
  9. Amended by Pub. L. 114–141
  10. Amended by Pub. L. 114–55Parts changed in 2015: (b)
  11. Amended by Pub. L. 112–95Parts changed in 2012: (b)
  12. Amended by Pub. L. 109–59Parts changed in 2005: (b)
  13. Amended by Pub. L. 108–357Parts changed in 2004: (a)(2) (a)(3) (b) (d) (d)(1)(A)(iii) (d)(3)
  14. Amended by Pub. L. 105–206Parts changed in 1998: (a)(1)
  15. Amended by Pub. L. 105–34Parts changed in 1997: (a)(1)(C) (a)(3) (b)
  16. Amended by Pub. L. 103–66
  17. Amended by Pub. L. 99–514
  18. Enacted by Pub. L. 94–455

Where it sits in the Code

  1. Subtitle D Miscellaneous Excise Taxes
  2. Chapter 32 MANUFACTURERS EXCISE TAXES
  3. Subchapter A Automotive and Related Items
  4. Part III PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
  5. Subpart A Motor and Aviation Fuels

Nearby sections

Official notes

Show the Law Revision Counsel's notes (amendments, effective dates)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 118–63 substituted “October 1, 2028” for “May 11, 2024”.

Pub. L. 118–41 substituted “May 11, 2024” for “March 9, 2024”.

2023—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 118–34 substituted “March 9, 2024” for “January 1, 2024”.

Pub. L. 118–15 substituted “January 1, 2024” for “October 1, 2023”.

2018—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–254 substituted “October 1, 2023” for “October 1, 2018”.

Pub. L. 115–141 substituted “October 1, 2018” for “April 1, 2018”.

2017—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–63 substituted “April 1, 2018” for “October 1, 2017”.

2016—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–190 substituted “October 1, 2017” for “July 16, 2016”.

Pub. L. 114–141 substituted “July 16, 2016” for “April 1, 2016”.

2015—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–55 substituted “April 1, 2016” for “October 1, 2015”.

2012—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–95 inserted at end “Such term shall not include the use of any aircraft before October 1, 2015, if tax is imposed under section 4043 with respect to the fuel consumed in such use or if no tax is imposed on such use under section 4043 by reason of subsection (c)(5) thereof.”

2005—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–59 substituted “subsection (h) or (i) of section 4261” for “section 4261(h)”.

2004—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 108–357, § 301(c)(8), reenacted heading without change and amended text of par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) defined the term “gasoline”, to the extent prescribed in regulations, as including gasoline blend stocks and products commonly used as additives in gasoline, and defined the term “gasoline blend stock” as meaning any petroleum product component of gasoline.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 108–357, § 870(a), reenacted heading without change and amended text of par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) defined the term “diesel fuel” as meaning any liquid (other than gasoline) which is suitable for use as a fuel in a diesel-powered highway vehicle or a diesel-powered train.

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 108–357, § 853(b), added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–357, § 853(b), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d).

Subsec. (d)(1)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 108–357, § 858(a), added cl. (iii).

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 108–357, § 859(b)(1), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted heading, and added subpar. (B).

1998—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 105–206 made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 105–34, § 1032(a). See 1997 Amendment note below.

1997—Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 105–34, § 1032(a), as amended by Pub. L. 105–206, § 6010(h)(1), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 105–34, § 902(b)(3), substituted “or a diesel-powered train” for “, a diesel-powered train, or a diesel-powered boat”.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–34, § 1032(e)(4), substituted “taxable fuels” for “gasoline, diesel fuel,”.

1993—Pub. L. 103–66 amended heading and text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

“(1) For provisions to relieve farmers from excise tax in the case of gasoline used on the farm for farming purposes, see section 6420.

“(2) For provisions to relieve purchasers of gasoline from excise tax in the case of gasoline used for certain nonhighway purposes, used by local transit systems, or sold for certain exempt purposes, see section 6421.

“(3) For provisions to relieve purchasers of gasoline from excise tax in the case of gasoline not used for taxable purposes, see section 6427.”

1986—Pub. L. 99–514 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section 4083 “Exemption of sales to producer”, read as follows: “Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary the tax imposed by section 4081 shall not apply in the case of sales of gasoline to a producer of gasoline.”

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

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–95, title XI, § 1103(d)(2), Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 151, provided that: The amendment made by subsection (b) [amending this section] shall apply to uses of aircraft after March 31, 2012.”

Effective Date of 2005 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–59, title XI, § 11123(c), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1952, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 4261 of this title] shall apply to transportation beginning after September 30, 2005.”

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Amendment by section 301(c)(8) of Pub. L. 108–357 applicable to fuel sold or used after Dec. 31, 2004, see section 301(d)(1) of Pub. L. 108–357, set out as a note under section 40 of this title.

Amendment by section 853(b) of Pub. L. 108–357 applicable to aviation-grade kerosene removed, entered, or sold after Dec. 31, 2004, see section 853(e) of Pub. L. 108–357, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, § 858(b), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1617, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 2004].”

Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, § 859(c), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1618, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [enacting section 6717 of this title and amending this section] shall take effect on January 1, 2005.”

Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, § 870(c), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1624, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section and section 6427 of this title] shall apply to fuel removed, sold, or used after December 31, 2004.”

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–206 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provisions of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105–34, to which such amendment relates, see section 6024 of Pub. L. 105–206, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by section 902(b)(3) of Pub. L. 105–34 effective Jan. 1, 1998, see section 902(c) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Amendment by section 1032(a), (e)(4) of Pub. L. 105–34 effective July 1, 1998, see section 1032(f)(1) of Pub. L. 105–34, as amended, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–66 effective Jan. 1, 1994, see section 13242(e) of Pub. L. 103–66, set out as a note under section 4041 of this title.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to gasoline removed (as defined in section 4082 of this title as amended by section 1703 of Pub. L. 99–514) after Dec. 31, 1987, see section 1703(h) of Pub. L. 99–514 set out as a note under section 4081 of this title.