Internal Revenue Code · 26 U.S.C.
§ 7401. Authorization
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. § 7401
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
- Length
- 62 words · about 1 min to read
- Regulations
- 1 issued under this section
No civil action for the collection or recovery of taxes, or of any fine, penalty, or forfeiture, shall be commenced unless the Secretary authorizes or sanctions the proceedings and the Attorney General or his delegate directs that the action be commenced.
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 873; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834.)
Regulations under this section
Treasury regulations (26 CFR) issued under § 7401
Amendment history
From the source credit and the official notes, newest first.
- Enacted by Pub. L. 94–455
Where it sits in the Code
- Subtitle F Procedure and Administration
- Chapter 76 JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS
- Subchapter A Civil Actions by the United States
Nearby sections
Official notes
Show the Law Revision Counsel's notes (amendments, effective dates)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1976—Pub. L. 94–455 struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary”.