Internal Revenue Code · 26 U.S.C.
§ 5041. Imposition and rate 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. § 5041
At a glance
Read from the text, the source credit and the official notes. Not part of the law.
- Status
- In force
- Added
- September 2, 1958 by Pub. L. 85–859
- Last amended
- December 27, 2020 by Pub. L. 116–260
- Amendments
- 18 dated changes in the source credit
- Length
- 8 subsections · 2,241 words · about 10 min to read
- Defines
- 4 terms
- Cross-references
- cites 4; cited by 6 Code sections and 0 other regulations
There is hereby imposed on all wines (including imitation, substandard, or artificial wine, and compounds sold as wine) having not in excess of 24 percent of alcohol by volume, in bond in, produced in, or imported into, the United States, taxes at the rates shown in subsection (b), such taxes to be determined as of the time of removal for consumption or sale. All wines containing more than 24 percent of alcohol by volume shall be classed as distilled spirits and taxed accordingly. Subject to subsection (h), still wines shall include those wines containing not more than 0.392 gram of carbon dioxide per hundred milliliters of wine; except that the Secretary may by regulations prescribe such tolerances to this maximum limitation as may be reasonably necessary in good commercial practice.
Rules similar to rules of section 5051(a)(5) shall apply for purposes of this subsection.
Any deduction under subtitle A with respect to any tax against which a credit is allowed under this subsection shall only be for the amount of such tax as reduced by such credit.
In the case of any wine gallons of wine which have been produced outside of the United States and imported into the United States, the credit allowable under paragraph (1) (referred to in this paragraph as the “tax credit”) may be assigned by the person who produced such wine (referred to in this paragraph as the “foreign producer”), provided that such person makes an election described in subparagraph (B)(ii), to any electing importer of such wine gallons pursuant to the requirements established by the Secretary under subparagraph (B).
For purposes of this section, any importer making an election described in subparagraph (B)(ii) shall be deemed to be a member of the controlled group of the foreign producer, as described under paragraph (3).
Subparagraph (A)(ii) shall apply only if the importer is an electing importer under paragraph (6) and the wine gallons of wine have been assigned to the importer pursuant to such paragraph.
For purposes of refunds allowed under this paragraph, section 6611(e) shall be applied by substituting “90 days” for “45 days” each place it appears.
The Secretary may prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subsection, including regulations to ensure proper calculation of the credit provided in this subsection.
For the purpose of this chapter, the term “wine gallon” means a United States gallon of liquid measure equivalent to the volume of 231 cubic inches. On lesser quantities the tax shall be paid proportionately (fractions of less than one-tenth gallon being converted to the nearest one-tenth gallon, and five-hundredths gallon being converted to the next full one-tenth gallon).
Where the Secretary finds that the revenue will not be endangered thereby, he may by regulation prescribe tolerances (but not greater than ½ of 1 percent) for bottles and other containers, and, if such tolerances are prescribed, no assessment shall be made and no tax shall be collected for any excess in any case where the contents of a bottle or other container are within the limit of the applicable tolerance prescribed.
Notwithstanding subsection (a), any wine produced in the United States at any place other than the bonded premises provided for in this chapter shall (except as provided in section 5042 in the case of tax-free production) be subject to tax at the rate prescribed in subsection (b) at the time of production and whether or not removed for consumption or sale.
(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, § 201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1331; amended Pub. L. 86–75, § 3(a)(5), June 30, 1959, 73 Stat. 157; Pub. L. 86–564, title II, § 202(a)(7), June 30, 1960, 74 Stat. 290; Pub. L. 87–72, § 3(a)(7), June 30, 1961, 75 Stat. 193; Pub. L. 87–508, § 3(a)(6), June 28, 1962, 76 Stat. 114; Pub. L. 88–52, § 3(a)(7), June 29, 1963, 77 Stat. 72; Pub. L. 88–348, § 2(a)(7), June 30, 1964, 78 Stat. 237; Pub. L. 89–44, title V, § 501(c), title VIII, § 806(a), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 150, 162; Pub. L. 93–490, § 6(a), Oct. 26, 1974, 88 Stat. 1468; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, § 6101(a), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3710; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, § 11201(b)(1), (2), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–415, 1388–416; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, § 1702(b)(5), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1868; Pub. L. 105–34, title IX, § 908(a), (b), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 876; Pub. L. 105–206, title VI, § 6009(a), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 812; Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title III, § 335(a), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3109; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §§ 13804(a)–(c), 13805(a), 13806(a), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2173–2175; Pub. L. 116–94, div. Q, title I, § 144(d)(1), (2), (e)(1), (f)(1), (j)(1), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3235; Pub. L. 116–260, div. EE, title I, §§ 106(d)(1), (2), (e)(1), (f)(1), 107(c)(1), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3043, 3044, 3047.)
Terms defined here
Where the text says “the term … means”. Select a term to jump to its definition.
Cross-references
Computed from the citations in the text of Title 26 and 26 CFR.
This section cites 4 other sections
- § 5051(a)(5) Imposition and rate of tax
- § 6621(a)(1) Determination of rate of interest
- § 6611(e) Interest on overpayments
- § 5042 Exemption from tax
Cited by 6 Code sections
- § 263A(f)(4)(B) Capitalization and inclusion in inventory costs of certain expenses
- § 5010(a)(1)(B) Credit for wine content and for flavors content
- § 5044(a)(1) Refund of tax on wine
- § 5061(b)(3) Method of collecting tax
- § 5067(2) Reduced rates not allowed for smuggled or illegally produced beer, wine, or spirits
- § 5354 Bond
Amendment history
From the source credit and the official notes, newest first.
- Amended by Pub. L. 116–260Parts changed in 2020: (b)(1) (c) (c)(1) (c)(1)(A) (c)(2) (c)(6) (c)(6)(A) (c)(6)(B) (c)(6)(C) (c)(7) (c)(8) (c)(9) (h)(2)(A)(i) (h)(3)
- Amended by Pub. L. 116–94Parts changed in 2019: (b)(1) (c)(8) (c)(8)(A) (c)(8)(C) (h)(3)
- Amended by Pub. L. 115–97Parts changed in 2017: (a) (b)(1) (c)(4) (c)(8) (c)(8)(A) (c)(9) (h)
- Amended by Pub. L. 114–113Parts changed in 2015: (b)(6) (g)
- Amended by Pub. L. 105–206Parts changed in 1998: (b)(6)
- Amended by Pub. L. 105–34Parts changed in 1997: (b)(6) (c)(1)
- Amended by Pub. L. 104–188Parts changed in 1996: (c)(6)
- Amended by Pub. L. 101–508Parts changed in 1990: (b)(1) (b)(2) (b)(3) (b)(5) (c)
- Amended by Pub. L. 100–647Parts changed in 1988: (d)
- Amended by Pub. L. 94–455Parts changed in 1976: (a)
- Amended by Pub. L. 93–490Parts changed in 1974: (a)
- Amended by Pub. L. 89–44Parts changed in 1965: (a) (b)
- Amended by Pub. L. 88–348Parts changed in 1964: (b)
- Amended by Pub. L. 88–52Parts changed in 1963: (b)
- Amended by Pub. L. 87–508Parts changed in 1962: (b)
- Amended by Pub. L. 87–72Parts changed in 1961: (b)
- Amended by Pub. L. 86–564Parts changed in 1960: (b)
- Amended by Pub. L. 86–75Parts changed in 1959: (b)
- Added by Pub. L. 85–859
Where it sits in the Code
- Subtitle E Alcohol, Tobacco, and Certain Other Excise Taxes
- Chapter 51 DISTILLED SPIRITS, WINES, AND BEER
- Subchapter A Gallonage and Occupational Taxes
- Part I GALLONAGE TAXES
- Subpart C Wines
Nearby sections
- § 5041 Imposition and rate of tax
- § 5042 Exemption from tax
- § 5043 Collection of taxes on wines
- § 5044 Refund of tax on wine
- § 5045 Cross references
Official notes
Show the Law Revision Counsel's notes (amendments, effective dates)
Editorial Notes
Codification
Pub. L. 116–260, div. EE, title I, § 110(b), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3049, provided that, for single taxpayer rules relating to wine, see the cross reference under subsec. (c)(3) of this section.
Prior Provisions
A prior section 5041, acts Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 609; Mar. 30, 1955, ch. 18, § 3(a)(7), 69 Stat. 14; Mar. 29, 1956, ch. 115, § 3(a)(7), 70 Stat. 66; Mar. 29, 1957, Pub. L. 85–12, § 3(a)(5), 71 Stat. 9; June 30, 1958, Pub. L. 85–475, § 3(a)(5), 72 Stat. 259, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.
Amendments
2020—Subsec. (b)(1), (2). Pub. L. 116–260, § 106(e)(1), substituted “16 percent” for “14 percent (16 percent in the case of wine removed after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2021”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–260, § 106(d)(1)(A), struck out “for small domestic producers” after “Credit” in heading.
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 116–260, § 106(d)(1)(B), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Except as provided in paragraph (2), in the case of a person who produces not more than 250,000 wine gallons of wine during the calendar year, there shall be allowed as a credit against any tax imposed by this title (other than chapters 2, 21, and 22) of 90 cents per wine gallon on the 1st 100,000 wine gallons of wine (other than wine described in subsection (b)(4)) which are removed during such year for consumption or sale and which have been produced at qualified facilities in the United States. In the case of wine described in subsection (b)(6), the preceding sentence shall be applied by substituting ‘5.6 cents’ for ‘90 cents’.”
Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 116–260, § 106(d)(2)(A), inserted “but only if the importer is an electing importer under paragraph (6) and the wine gallons of wine have been assigned to the importer pursuant to such paragraph” after “into the United States during the calendar year” in concluding provisions.
Subsec. (c)(2) to (5). Pub. L. 116–260, § 106(d)(1)(C), (D), redesignated pars. (3) to (6) as (2) to (5), respectively, and struck out former par. (2). Prior to amendment, text of par. (2) read as follows: “The credit allowable by paragraph (1) shall be reduced (but not below zero) by 1 percent for each 1,000 wine gallons of wine produced in excess of 150,000 wine gallons of wine during the calendar year.”
Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 116–260, § 106(d)(1)(E), which directed only the redesignation of par. (9) as (6), was executed by redesignating par. (9) as (6) and transferring it so as to appear after par. (5), to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Former par. (6) redesignated (5).
Subsec. (c)(6)(A). Pub. L. 116–260, § 106(d)(2)(B)(i), substituted “paragraph (1)” for “paragraph (8)”.
Subsec. (c)(6)(B). Pub. L. 116–260, § 106(d)(2)(B)(ii), substituted “The Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security,” for “The Secretary” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (c)(6)(C). Pub. L. 116–260, § 106(d)(2)(B)(iii), substituted “paragraph (3)” for “paragraph (4)”.
Subsec. (c)(7). Pub. L. 116–260, § 107(c)(1), added par. (7). Former par. (7) redesignated (8).
Pub. L. 116–260, § 106(d)(1)(F), amended par. (7) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The Secretary may prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subsection, including regulations—
“(A) to prevent the credit provided in this subsection from benefiting any person who produces more than 250,000 wine gallons of wine during a calendar year, and
“(B) to assure proper reduction of such credit for persons producing more than 150,000 wine gallons of wine during a calendar year.”
Subsec. (c)(8). Pub. L. 116–260, § 107(c)(1), redesignated par. (7) as (8).
Pub. L. 116–260, § 106(d)(1)(C), struck out par. (8) which related to a special rule for wine and hard cider removed between Dec. 31, 2017, and Jan. 1, 2021.
Subsec. (c)(9). Pub. L. 116–260, § 106(d)(1)(E), redesignated par. (9) as (6).
Subsec. (h)(2)(A)(i), (B)(i). Pub. L. 116–260, § 106(f)(1)(A), substituted “the Secretary may” for “the Secretary shall”.
Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 116–260, § 106(f)(1)(B), struck out par. (3). Text read as follows: “This subsection shall not apply to wine removed after December 31, 2020.”
2019—Subsec. (b)(1), (2). Pub. L. 116–94, § 144(e)(1), substituted “January 1, 2021” for “January 1, 2020”.
Subsec. (c)(8). Pub. L. 116–94, § 144(d)(2), substituted “Temporary special rule” for “Special rule for 2018 and 2019” in heading.
Subsec. (c)(8)(A). Pub. L. 116–94, § 144(d)(1), substituted “January 1, 2021” for “January 1, 2020” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (c)(8)(C). Pub. L. 116–94, § 144(j)(1), added subpar. (C).
Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 116–94, § 144(f)(1), substituted “December 31, 2020” for “December 31, 2019”.
2017—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–97, § 13806(a)(1), substituted “Subject to subsection (h), still wines” for “Still wines”.
Subsec. (b)(1), (2). Pub. L. 115–97, § 13805(a), inserted “(16 percent in the case of wine removed after December 31, 2017, and before January 1, 2020” after “14 percent”.
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 115–97, § 13804(b), substituted “section 5051(a)(5)” for “section 5051(a)(2)(B)”.
Subsec. (c)(8). Pub. L. 115–97, § 13804(a), added par. (8).
Subsec. (c)(8)(A). Pub. L. 115–97, § 13804(c)(1), inserted “but only if the importer is an electing importer under paragraph (9) and the wine gallons of wine have been assigned to the importer pursuant to such paragraph” after “into the United States during the calendar year” in concluding provisions.
Subsec. (c)(9). Pub. L. 115–97, § 13804(c)(2), added par. (9).
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 115–97, § 13806(a)(2), added subsec. (h).
2015—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 114–113, § 335(a)(1), struck out “which is a still wine derived primarily from apples or apple concentrate and water, containing no other fruit product, and containing at least one-half of 1 percent and less than 7 percent alcohol by volume” after “hard cider”.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 114–113, § 335(a)(2), added subsec. (g).
1998—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 105–206 inserted “which is a still wine” after “hard cider”.
1997—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 105–34, § 908(a), added par. (6).
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 105–34, § 908(b), inserted at end “In the case of wine described in subsection (b)(6), the preceding sentence shall be applied by substituting ‘5.6 cents’ for ‘90 cents’.”
1996—Subsec. (c)(6), (7). Pub. L. 104–188 added pars. (6) and (7) and struck out former par. (6) which read as follows:
“(6) Regulations.—The Secretary may prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to prevent the credit provided in this subsection from benefiting any person who produces more than 250,000 wine gallons of wine during a calendar year and to assure proper reduction of such credit for persons producing more than 150,000 wine gallons of wine during a calendar year.”
1990—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–508, § 11201(b)(1)(A), substituted “$1.07” for “17 cents”.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 101–508, § 11201(b)(1)(B), substituted “$1.57” for “67 cents”.
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 101–508, § 11201(b)(1)(C), substituted “$3.15” for “$2.25”.
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 101–508, § 11201(b)(1)(D), substituted “$3.30” for “$2.40”.
Subsecs. (c) to (f). Pub. L. 101–508, § 11201(b)(2), added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsecs. (c) to (e) as (d) to (f), respectively.
1988—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 100–647 added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e).
1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–455 struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary”.
1974—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–490 substituted “0.392” for “0.277”.
1965—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–44, § 806(a), substituted “0.277” for “0.256”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–44, § 501(c)(1)–(5), struck out provisions at end of each par. setting out a specified reduced rate to be applied on and after July 1, 1965.
1964—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 88–348 substituted “July 1, 1965” for “July 1, 1964” in five places.
1963—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 88–52 substituted “July 1, 1964” for “July 1, 1963” in five places.
1962—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–508 substituted “July 1, 1963” for “July 1, 1962” in five places.
1961—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–72 substituted “July 1, 1962” for “July 1, 1961” in five places.
1960—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 86–564 substituted “July 1, 1961” for “July 1, 1960” in five places.
1959—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 86–75 substituted “July 1, 1960” for “July 1, 1959” in five places.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2020 Amendment
Pub. L. 116–260, div. EE, title I, § 106(d)(3), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3044, provided that: “The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to wine removed after December 31, 2020.”
Pub. L. 116–260, div. EE, title I, § 106(e)(2), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3044, provided that: “The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to wine removed after December 31, 2020.”
Pub. L. 116–260, div. EE, title I, § 106(f)(2), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3044, provided that: “The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to wine removed after December 31, 2020.”
Pub. L. 116–260, div. EE, title I, § 107(c)(2), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3048, provided that: “The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to wine removed after December 31, 2022.”
Effective Date of 2019 Amendment
Pub. L. 116–94, div. Q, title I, § 144(d)(3), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3235, provided that: “The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to wine removed after December 31, 2019.”
Pub. L. 116–94, div. Q, title I, § 144(e)(2), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3235, provided that: “The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to wine removed after December 31, 2019.”
Pub. L. 116–94, div. Q, title I, § 144(f)(2), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3235, provided that: “The amendment made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to wine removed after December 31, 2019.”
Pub. L. 116–94, div. Q, title I, § 144(j)(2), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3236, provided that: “The amendment made by this subsection [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in section 13804 of Public Law 115–97.”
Effective Date of 2017 Amendment
Pub. L. 115–97, title I, § 13804(d), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2175, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to wine removed after December 31, 2017.”
Pub. L. 115–97, title I, § 13805(b), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2175, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to wine removed after December 31, 2017.”
Pub. L. 115–97, title I, § 13806(b), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2175, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to wine removed after December 31, 2017.”
Effective Date of 2015 Amendment
Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title III, § 335(b), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3109, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to hard cider removed during calendar years beginning after December 31, 2016.”
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
Pub. L. 105–34, title IX, § 908(c), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 876, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 1997.”
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 104–188 effective, except as otherwise expressly provided, as if included in the provision of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, to which such amendment relates, see section 1702(i) of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 38 of this title.
Effective Date of 1990 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 101–508 effective Jan. 1, 1991, see section 11201(d) of Pub. L. 101–508, set out as a note under section 5001 of this title.
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, § 6101(b), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3710, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to wine removed after December 31, 1988.”
Effective Date of 1974 Amendment
Pub. L. 93–490, § 6(b), Oct. 26, 1974, 88 Stat. 1468, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the first day of the first calendar month which begins more than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 26, 1974].”
Effective Date of 1965 Amendment
Amendment by section 501(c) of Pub. L. 89–44 applicable on and after July 1, 1965, see section 701(d) of Pub. L. 89–44, set out as a note under section 5701 of this title.
Pub. L. 89–44, title VIII, § 806(d)(1), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 164, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on July 1, 1965.”
Effective Date
Section effective July 1, 1959, see section 210(a)(1) of Pub. L. 85–859, set out as a note under section 5001 of this title.
Floor Stocks Taxes on Distilled Spirits, Wine, and Beer
Imposition of tax on wine, exception for small domestic producers, exception for certain small wholesale or retail dealers, credit against tax, liability for tax and method of payment, controlled groups, other laws applicable, and definitions, see section 11201(e) of Pub. L. 101–508, set out as a note under section 5001 of this title.