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26 U.S.C. § 4481 — Imposition of tax
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Page 2981
TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 4481
§ 4481. Imposition of tax
(a) Imposition of tax
A tax is hereby imposed on the use of any
highway motor vehicle which (together with the
semitrailers and trailers customarily used in
connection with highway motor vehicles of the
same type as such highway motor vehicle) has a
taxable gross weight of at least 55,000 pounds at
the rate specified in the following table:
Taxable gross weight:
Rate of tax:
At least 55,000 pounds,
but not over 75,000
pounds.
$100 per year plus $22 for
each
1,000
pounds
(or
fraction thereof) in ex-
cess of 55,000 pounds.
Over 75,000 pounds ........
$550.
(b) By whom paid
The tax imposed by this section shall be paid
by the person in whose name the highway motor
vehicle is, or is required to be, registered under
the law of the State or contiguous foreign coun-
try in which such vehicle is, or is required to be,
registered, or, in case the highway motor vehi-
cle is owned by the United States, by the agency
or instrumentality of the United States oper-
ating such vehicle.
(c) Proration of tax
(1) Where first use occurs after first month
If in any taxable period the first use of the
highway motor vehicle is after the first month
in such period, the tax shall be reckoned pro-
portionately from the first day of the month
in which such use occurs to and including the
last day in such taxable period.
(2) Where vehicle sold, destroyed, or stolen
(A) In general
If in any taxable period a highway motor
vehicle is sold, destroyed, or stolen before
the first day of the last month in such period
and not subsequently used during such tax-
able period, the tax shall be reckoned pro-
portionately from the first day of the month
in such period in which the first use of such
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Page 2981
TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 4481
§ 4481. Imposition of tax
(a) Imposition of tax
A tax is hereby imposed on the use of any
highway motor vehicle which (together with the
semitrailers and trailers customarily used in
connection with highway motor vehicles of the
same type as such highway motor vehicle) has a
taxable gross weight of at least 55,000 pounds at
the rate specified in the following table:
Taxable gross weight:
Rate of tax:
At least 55,000 pounds,
but not over 75,000
pounds.
$100 per year plus $22 for
each
1,000
pounds
(or
fraction thereof) in ex-
cess of 55,000 pounds.
Over 75,000 pounds ........
$550.
(b) By whom paid
The tax imposed by this section shall be paid
by the person in whose name the highway motor
vehicle is, or is required to be, registered under
the law of the State or contiguous foreign coun-
try in which such vehicle is, or is required to be,
registered, or, in case the highway motor vehi-
cle is owned by the United States, by the agency
or instrumentality of the United States oper-
ating such vehicle.
(c) Proration of tax
(1) Where first use occurs after first month
If in any taxable period the first use of the
highway motor vehicle is after the first month
in such period, the tax shall be reckoned pro-
portionately from the first day of the month
in which such use occurs to and including the
last day in such taxable period.
(2) Where vehicle sold, destroyed, or stolen
(A) In general
If in any taxable period a highway motor
vehicle is sold, destroyed, or stolen before
the first day of the last month in such period
and not subsequently used during such tax-
able period, the tax shall be reckoned pro-
portionately from the first day of the month
in such period in which the first use of such
highway motor vehicle occurs to and includ-
ing the last day of the month in which such
highway motor vehicle was sold, destroyed,
or stolen.
(B) Destroyed
For purposes of subparagraph (A), a high-
way motor vehicle is destroyed if such vehi-
cle is damaged by reason of an accident or
other casualty to such an extent that it is
not economic to rebuild.
(d) One tax liability per period
To the extent that the tax imposed by this
section is paid with respect to any highway
motor vehicle for any taxable period, no further
tax shall be imposed by this section for such
taxable period with respect to such vehicle.
(e) Electronic filing
Any taxpayer who files a return under this
section with respect to 25 or more vehicles for
any taxable period shall file such return elec-
tronically.
(f) Period tax in effect
The tax imposed by this section shall apply
only to use before October 1, 2029.
(Added June 29, 1956, ch. 462, title II, § 206(a), 70
Stat. 390; amended Pub. L. 87–61, title II, § 203(a),
(b)(1), (2)(A), (B), June 29, 1961, 75 Stat. 124; Pub.
L. 91–605, title III, § 303(a)(7), (8), Dec. 31, 1970, 84
Stat. 1744; Pub. L. 94–280, title III, § 303(a)(7), (8),
May 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 456; Pub. L. 95–599, title V,
§ 502(a)(6), (7), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2756; Pub. L.
97–424, title V, §§ 513(a), (d), 516(a)(4), Jan. 6, 1983,
96 Stat. 2177, 2179, 2182; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A,
title VII, § 734(f), title IX, § 901(a), July 18, 1984,
98 Stat. 980, 1003; Pub. L. 100–17, title V,
§§ 502(a)(5), 507(a), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat. 256, 260;
Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, § 11211(c)(5), Nov. 5, 1990,
104 Stat. 1388–426; Pub. L. 102–240, title VIII,
§ 8002(a)(5), Dec. 18, 1991, 105 Stat. 2203; Pub. L.
104–188, title I, § 1704(t)(57), Aug. 20, 1996, 110
Stat.
1890;
Pub.
L.
105–178,
title
IX,
§ 9002(a)(1)(G), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 499; Pub. L.
108–357, title VIII, § 867(a), (c), Oct. 22, 2004, 118
Stat. 1622; Pub. L. 109–14, § 9(c)(1), May 31, 2005,
119
Stat.
336;
Pub.
L.
109–59,
title
XI,
§ 11101(a)(2)(A), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1944; Pub.
L. 112–30, title I, § 142(b)(1), Sept. 16, 2011, 125
Stat. 356; Pub. L. 112–102, title IV, § 402(b)(1),
Mar. 30, 2012, 126 Stat. 282; Pub. L. 112–141, div.
D, title I, § 40102(b)(1)(A), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat.
844;
Pub.
L.
114–94,
div.
C,
title
XXXI,
§ 31102(b)(1), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1727; Pub. L.
115–141, div. U, title IV, § 401(b)(43), Mar. 23, 2018,
132 Stat. 1204; Pub. L. 117–58, div. H, title I,
§ 80102(b)(1), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1327.)
Editorial Notes
AMENDMENTS
2021—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 117–58 substituted ‘‘2029’’ for
‘‘2023’’.
2018—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–141 amended subsec. (d)
generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—To the extent that the tax imposed
by this section is paid with respect to any highway
motor vehicle for any taxable period, no further tax
shall be imposed by this section for such taxable period
with respect to such vehicle.
‘‘(2) CROSS REFERENCE.—For privilege of paying tax
imposed by this section in installments, see section
6156.’’
2015—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–94 substituted ‘‘2023’’ for
‘‘2017’’.
2012—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 112–141 substituted ‘‘2017’’
for ‘‘2013’’.
Pub. L. 112–102 substituted ‘‘2013’’ for ‘‘2012’’.
2011—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 112–30 substituted ‘‘2012’’ for
‘‘2011’’.
2005—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–59 substituted ‘‘2011’’ for
‘‘2006’’.
Pub. L. 109–14 substituted ‘‘2006’’ for ‘‘2005’’.
2004—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 108–357, § 867(a)(2), sub-
stituted ‘‘sold, destroyed, or stolen’’ for ‘‘destroyed or
stolen’’ in heading.
Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 108–357, § 867(a)(1), sub-
stituted ‘‘sold, destroyed, or stolen’’ for ‘‘destroyed or
stolen’’ in two places.
Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 108–357, § 867(c), added subsec.
(e) and redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f).
1998—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–178 substituted ‘‘2005’’
for ‘‘1999’’.
1996—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 104–188 provided that section
8002(a)(5) of Pub. L. 102–240 shall be applied as if
‘‘4481(e)’’ appeared instead of ‘‘4481(c)’’. See 1991 Amend-
ment note below.
1991—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 102–240, which directed the
substitution of ‘‘1999’’ for ‘‘1995’’ in subsec. (c), was exe-
cuted by making the substitution in subsec. (e). See
1996 Amendment note above.
Page 2982
TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 4481
1990—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 101–508 substituted ‘‘1995’’
for ‘‘1993’’.
1987—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–17, § 507(a), inserted ‘‘or
contiguous foreign country’’ after ‘‘State’’.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–17, § 502(a)(5), substituted
‘‘1993’’ for ‘‘1988’’.
1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–369, § 901(a), in amending
subsec. (a) generally, substituted ‘‘55,000’’ for ‘‘33,000’’
in provisions preceding table, struck out heading ‘‘(1)
In general’’, substituted table provisions for former
table which provided:
Taxable gross weight
Rate of tax
At least
But less than
33,000 pounds
55,000 ................
$50 a year, plus $25
for each 1,000
pounds or fraction
thereof in excess of
33,000 pounds.
55,000 pounds
80,000 ................
$600 a year, plus the
applicable rate for
each 1,000 pounds
or fraction thereof
in excess of 55,000
pounds
80,000 pounds
or more
.........................
The maximum tax a
year.
and struck out par. (2) which provided applicable rates
and maximum taxes for taxable periods beginning July
1, 1984 through 1988 or thereafter.
Pub. L. 98–369, § 734(f), struck out from subsec. (a), as
subsec. (a) was in effect before the amendments made
by section 513(a) of Pub. L. 97–424: ‘‘In case of the tax-
able period beginning on July 1, 1984, and ending on
September 30, 1984, the tax shall be at the rate of 75
cents for such period for each 1,000 pounds of taxable
gross weight or fraction thereof.’’ See 1983 Amendment
note below.
1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–424, § 513(a), substituted
‘‘at least 33,000 pounds at the rate specified in the fol-
lowing table:’’ for ‘‘more than 26,000 pounds, at the rate
of $3.00 a year for each 1,000 pounds of taxable gross
weight or fraction thereof.’’, and added pars. (1) and (2).
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–424, § 513(d), designated existing
provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 97–424, § 516(a)(4), substituted
‘‘1988’’ for ‘‘1984’’ after ‘‘October 1,’’.
1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–599, § 502(a)(6), sub-
stituted ‘‘1984’’ for ‘‘1979’’ in two places.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 95–599, § 502(a)(7), substituted
‘‘1984’’ for ‘‘1979’’.
1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–280, § 303(a)(7), sub-
stituted ‘‘1979’’ for ‘‘1977’’ in two places.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 94–280, § 303(a)(8), substituted
‘‘1979’’ for ‘‘1977’’.
1970—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 91–605, § 303(a)(7), sub-
stituted ‘‘1977’’ for ‘‘1972’’ in two places.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 91–605, § 303(a)(8), substituted
‘‘1977’’ for ‘‘1972’’.
1961—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 87–61, § 203(a), (b)(2)(A), in-
creased rate of tax from $1.50 to $3.00 a year, and pro-
vided for a tax at the rate of 75 cents for each 1,000
pounds during the period beginning on July 1, 1972, and
ending on September 30, 1972.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–61, § 203(b)(2)(B), substituted
‘‘any taxable period’’ for ‘‘any year’’, ‘‘after the first
month in such period’’ for ‘‘after July 31’’, and ‘‘the
last day in such taxable period’’ for ‘‘the last day of
June following’’.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 87–61, § 203(b)(2)(B), made con-
forming changes to refer to payment of tax for a tax-
able period instead of payment for a year, and inserted
cross reference to section 6156.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 87–61, § 203(b)(1), substituted ‘‘be-
fore October 1, 1972’’ for ‘‘after June 30, 1956, and before
July 1, 1972’’.
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 DATE 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. 112–102 effective Apr. 1, 2012,
see section 402(f) of Pub. L. 112–102, set out as an Effec-
tive and Termination Dates of 2012 Amendment 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 2005 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 109–14, § 9(d), May 31, 2005, 119 Stat. 336, pro-
vided that: ‘‘The amendments made by this section
[amending this section and sections 4482, 4483, 9503, and
9504 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the en-
actment of this Act [May 31, 2005].’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2004 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, § 867(e), Oct. 22, 2004, 118
Stat. 1622, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by
this section [amending this section and section 4483 of
this title and repealing section 6156 of this title] shall
apply to taxable periods beginning after the date of the
enactment of this Act [Oct. 22, 2004].’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1987 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 100–17, title V, § 507(d), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat.
260, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by sub-
sections (a) and (b) [amending this section and section
4483 of this title] shall take effect on July 1, 1987.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT
Amendment by section 734(f) of Pub. L. 98–369 effec-
tive, 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 sec-
tion 4051 of this title.
Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IX, § 901(c), July 18, 1984,
98 Stat. 1004, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by
subsection (a) [amending this section] (and the provi-
sions of subsection (b) [set out below]) shall take effect
on July 1, 1984.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1983 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 97–424, title V, § 513(f), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat.
2179, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, § 2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100
Stat. 2095, provided that:
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—Except as otherwise provided in
this subsection, the amendments made by this section
[amending this section and sections 4482 and 4483 of this
title and enacting provisions set out below] shall take
effect on July 1, 1984.
‘‘(2) SPECIAL RULE IN THE CASE OF CERTAIN OWNER-OP-
ERATORS.—
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In the case of a small owner-op-
erator, paragraph (1) of this subsection and paragraph
(2) of section 4481(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954] (as added by this section)
shall be applied by substituting for each date con-
tained in such paragraphs a date which is 1 year after
the date so contained.
Page 2983
TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 4481
‘‘(B) SMALL OWNER-OPERATOR.—For purposes of this
paragraph, the term ‘‘small owner-operator’’ means
any person who owns and operates at any time during
the taxable period no more than 5 highway motor ve-
hicles with respect to which a tax is imposed by sec-
tion 4481 of such Code for such taxable period.
‘‘[No subpar. (C) has been enacted.]
‘‘(D) AGGREGATION
OF
VEHICLE
OWNERSHIPS.—For
purposes of subparagraph (B), all highway motor ve-
hicles with respect to which a tax is imposed by sec-
tion 4481 of such Code which are owned by—
‘‘(i) any trade or business (whether or not incor-
porated) which is under common control with the
taxpayer (within the meaning of section 52(b)), or
‘‘(ii) any member of any controlled groups of cor-
porations of which the taxpayer is a member, for
any taxable period shall be treated as being owned
by the taxpayer during such period. The Secretary
shall prescribe regulations which provide attribu-
tion rules that take into account, in addition to the
persons and entities described in the preceding sen-
tence, taxpayers who own highway motor vehicles
through partnerships, joint ventures, and corpora-
tions.
‘‘(E) CONTROLLED
GROUPS
OF
CORPORATIONS.—For
purposes of this paragraph, the term ‘controlled
group of corporations’ has the meaning given to such
term by section 1563(a), except that—
‘‘(i) ‘more than 50 percent’ shall be substituted for
‘at least 80 percent’ each place it appears in section
1563(a)(1), and
‘‘(ii) the determination shall be made without re-
gard to subsections (a)(4) and (e)(3)(C) of section
1563.
‘‘(F) HIGHWAY
MOTOR
VEHICLES.—For purposes of
this paragraph, the term ‘highway motor vehicle’ has
the meaning given to such term by section 4482(a) of
such Code.’’
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 sec-
tion 4041 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Section effective June 29, 1956, see section 211 of act
June 29, 1956, set out as an Effective Date of 1956
Amendment note under section 4041 of this title.
REGULATIONS
Pub. L. 100–17, title V, § 507(c), Apr. 2, 1987, 101 Stat.
260, provided that: ‘‘The Secretary of the Treasury or
the delegate of the Secretary shall within 120 days after
the date of the enactment of this section [Apr. 2, 1987]
prescribe regulations governing payment of the tax im-
posed by section 4481 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 on any highway motor vehicle operated by a motor
carrier domiciled in any contiguous foreign country or
owned or controlled by persons of any contiguous for-
eign country. Such regulations shall include a proce-
dure by which the operator of such motor vehicle shall
evidence that such operator has paid such tax at the
time such motor vehicle enters the United States. In
the event of the failure to provide evidence of payment,
such regulations may provide for denial of entry of
such motor vehicle into the United States.’’
SAVINGS PROVISION
For provisions that nothing in amendment by Pub. L.
115–141 be construed to affect treatment of certain
transactions occurring, property acquired, or items of
income, loss, deduction, or credit taken into account
prior to Mar. 23, 2018, for purposes of determining li-
ability for tax for periods ending after Mar. 23, 2018, see
section 401(e) of Pub. L. 115–141, set out as a note under
section 23 of this title.
SPECIAL RULES IN THE CASE OF CERTAIN OWNER-
OPERATORS
Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IX, § 901(b), July 18, 1984,
98 Stat. 1003, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, § 2, Oct. 22,
1986, 100 Stat. 2095, provided that:
‘‘(1) SPECIAL RULE FOR TAXABLE PERIOD BEGINNING ON
JULY 1, 1984.—In the case of a small owner-operator, the
amount of the tax imposed by section 4481 of the Inter-
nal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954] on the
use of any highway motor vehicle subject to tax under
section 4481(a) of such Code (as amended by subsection
(a)) for the taxable period which begins on July 1, 1984,
shall be the lesser of—
‘‘(A) $3 for each 1,000 pounds of taxable gross weight
(or fraction thereof), or
‘‘(B) the amount of the tax which would be imposed
under such section 4481(a) without regard to this
paragraph.
‘‘(2) EXEMPTION FOR VEHICLES USED FOR LESS THAN 5,000
MILES (AND CERTAIN OTHER AMENDMENTS) TO TAKE EF-
FECT ON JULY 1, 1984.—In the case of a small owner-oper-
ator, notwithstanding subsection (f)(2) of section 513 of
the Highway Revenue Act of 1982 [section 513(f)(2) of
Pub. L. 97–424, set out as an Effective Date of 1983
Amendment note above], the amendments made by sub-
sections (b), (c), and (d) of such section [amending sec-
tions 4481 to 4483 of this title] shall take effect on July
1, 1984.
‘‘(3) SMALL OWNER-OPERATOR DEFINED.—For purposes
of this subsection, the term ‘small owner-operator’ has
the meaning given such term by section 513(f)(2) of the
Highway Revenue Act of 1982.
‘‘(4) TAXABLE
GROSS
WEIGHT.—For purposes of this
subsection, the term ‘taxable gross weight’ has the
same meaning as when used in section 4481 of the Inter-
nal Revenue Code of 1986.’’
STUDIES RELATING TO HEAVY VEHICLE USE TAX
Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IX, subtitle D, part I, July
18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1010, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, § 2,
Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, provided that the Secretary
of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary
of the Treasury, would conduct a study of whether
highway motor vehicles with taxable gross weights of
80,000 pounds or more bear their fair share of the costs
of the highway system, a study to determine the sig-
nificance of the tax imposed by this section (relating to
tax on use of certain vehicles) on trans-border trucking
operations, and a study to evaluate the feasibility and
ability of weight-distance truck taxes to provide the
greatest degree of equity among highway users, to ease
the costs of compliance of such taxes, and to improve
the efficiency by which such taxes might be adminis-
tered, and submit to Congress a report of each study,
together with any recommendations, by Oct. 1, 1987.
STUDY OF ALTERNATIVES TO TAX ON USE OF HEAVY
TRUCKS
Pub. L. 97–424, title V, § 513(g), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat.
2180, provided that the Secretary of Transportation, in
consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, con-
duct a study of alternatives to the tax on heavy vehi-
cles imposed by section 4481(a) of the Internal Revenue
Code, and plans for improving the collecting and en-
forcement of such tax and alternatives to such tax,
such alternatives to include taxes based either singly
or in suitable combinations on vehicle size or configu-
ration; vehicle weight, both registered and actual oper-
ating weight; and distance traveled, and such plans for
improving tax collection and enforcement to provide
for Federal and State co-operation in such activities.
The study was to be conducted in consultation with
State officials, motor carriers, and other affected par-
ties, and the Secretary of Transportation was to sub-
mit a report and recommendations to the Committee
on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Finance of the Senate not later
than Jan. 1, 1985.
Page 2984
TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 4482
§ 4482. Definitions
(a) Highway motor vehicle
For purposes of this subchapter, the term
‘‘highway motor vehicle’’ means any motor ve-
hicle which is a highway vehicle.
(b) Taxable gross weight
For purposes of this subchapter, the term
‘‘taxable gross weight’’, when used with respect
to any highway motor vehicle, means the sum
of—
(1) the actual unloaded weight of—
(A) such highway motor vehicle fully
equipped for service, and
(B) the semitrailers and trailers (fully
equipped for service) customarily used in
connection with highway motor vehicles of
the same type as such highway motor vehi-
cle, and
(2) the weight of the maximum load custom-
arily carried on highway motor vehicles of the
same type as such highway motor vehicle and
on the semitrailers and trailers referred to in
paragraph (1)(B).
Taxable gross weight shall be determined under
regulations prescribed by the Secretary (which
regulations may include formulas or other
methods for determining the taxable gross
weight of vehicles by classes, specifications, or
otherwise).
(c) Other definitions and special rule
For purposes of this subchapter—
(1) State
The term ‘‘State’’ means a State and the
District of Columbia.
(2) Year
The term ‘‘year’’ means the one-year period
beginning on July 1.
(3) Use
The term ‘‘use’’ means use in the United
States on the public highways.
(4) Taxable period
The term ‘‘taxable period’’ means any year
beginning before July 1, 2029, and the period
which begins on July 1, 2029, and ends at the
close of September 30, 2029.
(5) Customary use
A semitrailer or trailer shall be treated as
customarily used in connection with a high-
way motor vehicle if such vehicle is equipped
to tow such semitrailer or trailer.
(d) Special rule for taxable period in which ter-
mination date occurs
In the case of the taxable period which ends on
September 30, 2029, the amount of the tax im-
posed by section 4481 with respect to any high-
way motor vehicle shall be determined by reduc-
ing each dollar amount in the table contained in
section 4481(a) by 75 percent.
(Added June 29, 1956, ch. 462, title II, § 206(a), 70
Stat. 390; amended Pub. L. 87–61, title II,
§ 203(b)(2)(C), June 29, 1961, 75 Stat. 125; Pub. L.
91–605, title III, § 303(a)(9), Dec. 31, 1970, 84 Stat.
1744; Pub. L. 94–280, title III, § 303(a)(9), May 5,
1976, 90 Stat. 456; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX,
§§ 1904(c), 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1818,
1834; Pub. L. 95–599, title V, § 502(a)(8), Nov. 6,
1978, 92 Stat. 2756; Pub. L. 97–424, title V,
§§ 513(c), (e), 516(a)(4), Jan. 6, 1983, 96 Stat. 2179,
2182; Pub. L. 100–17, title V, § 502(a)(5), Apr. 2,
1987, 101 Stat. 256; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI,
§ 11211(c)(5), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–426; Pub.
L. 102–240, title VIII, § 8002(a)(5), Dec. 18, 1991, 105
Stat.
2203;
Pub.
L.
105–178,
title
IX,
§ 9002(a)(1)(H), (I), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 499; Pub.
L. 109–14, § 9(c)(2), (3), May 31, 2005, 119 Stat. 336;
Pub. L. 109–59, title XI, § 11101(a)(2)(B), (C), Aug.
10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1944; Pub. L. 112–30, title I,
§ 142(b)(2), Sept. 16, 2011, 125 Stat. 356; Pub. L.
112–102, title IV, § 402(b)(2), Mar. 30, 2012, 126
Stat. 282; Pub. L. 112–140, title IV, § 402(e), June
29, 2012, 126 Stat. 403; Pub. L. 112–141, div. D, title
I, § 40102(b)(1)(B), (2)(A), July 6, 2012, 126 Stat.
845;
Pub.
L.
114–94,
div.
C,
title
XXXI,
§ 31102(b)(2), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1727; Pub. L.
117–58, div. H, title I, § 80102(b)(2), Nov. 15, 2021,
135 Stat. 1327.)
Editorial Notes
AMENDMENTS
2021—Subsecs. (c)(4), (d). Pub. L. 117–58 substituted
‘‘2029’’ for ‘‘2023’’ wherever appearing.
2015—Subsecs. (c)(4), (d). Pub. L. 114–94 substituted
‘‘2023’’ for ‘‘2017’’ wherever appearing.
2012—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 112–141, § 40102(b)(2)(A),
amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, text
read as follows: ‘‘The term ‘taxable period’ means any
year beginning before July 1, 2013, and the period which
begins on July 1, 2013, and ends at the close of Sep-
tember 30, 2013.’’
Pub. L. 112–140, §§ 1(c), 402(e), temporarily amended
par. (4) generally, resulting in text identical to that
after amendment by Pub. L. 112–102. See Amendment
and Effective and Termination Dates of 2012 Amend-
ment notes below.
Pub. L. 112–102 substituted ‘‘2013’’ for ‘‘2012’’ wherever
appearing.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–141, § 40102(b)(1)(B), sub-
stituted ‘‘2017’’ for ‘‘2013’’.
Pub. L. 112–102 substituted ‘‘2013’’ for ‘‘2012’’.
2011—Subsecs. (c)(4), (d). Pub. L. 112–30 substituted
‘‘2012’’ for ‘‘2011’’ wherever appearing.
2005—Subsecs. (c)(4), (d). Pub. L. 109–59 substituted
‘‘2011’’ for ‘‘2006’’ wherever appearing.
Pub. L. 109–14 substituted ‘‘2006’’ for ‘‘2005’’ wherever
appearing.
1998—Subsecs. (c)(4), (d). Pub. L. 105–178 substituted
‘‘2005’’ for ‘‘1999’’ wherever appearing.
1991—Subsecs. (c)(4), (d). Pub. L. 102–240 substituted
‘‘1999’’ for ‘‘1995’’ wherever appearing.
1990—Subsecs. (c)(4), (d). Pub. L. 101–508 substituted
‘‘1995’’ for ‘‘1993’’ wherever appearing.
1987—Subsecs. (c)(4), (d). Pub. L. 100–17 substituted
‘‘1993’’ for ‘‘1988’’ wherever appearing.
1983—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–424, § 513(c)(2), inserted
‘‘and special rule’’ in heading.
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 97–424, § 516(a)(4), substituted
‘‘1988’’ for ‘‘1984’’ wherever appearing.
Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 97–424, § 513(c)(1), added par. (5).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–424, § 513(e), added subsec. (d).
1978—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 95–599 substituted ‘‘1984’’
for ‘‘1979’’ wherever appearing.
1976—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1906(b)(13)(A),
struck out ‘‘or his delegate’’ after ‘‘Secretary’’.
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 94–455, § 1904(c), substituted
‘‘State and the District of Columbia’’ for ‘‘State, a Ter-
ritory of the United States, and the District of Colum-
bia’’.
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 94–280 substituted ‘‘1979’’ for
‘‘1977’’ wherever appearing.
Cross-references
Connections may be documented source relationships, shared citations or nearby passages. Each explains its basis; a connection alone does not establish applicability to your situation.
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
**(a) Imposition of tax** A tax is hereby imposed on the use of any highway motor vehicle which (together with the semitrailers and trailers customarily used in connection with highway motor vehicles of the same type as such highway motor vehicle) has a taxable gross weight of at least 55,000 pounds at the rate specified in the following table: Taxable gross weight:Rate of tax: At least 55,000 pounds, but not over 75,000 pounds$100 per year plus $22 for each 1,000 pounds (or fraction thereof) in excess of 55,000 pounds. Over 75,000 pounds$550.
**(b) By whom paid** The tax imposed by this section shall be paid by the person in whose name the highway motor vehicle is, or is required to be, registered under the law of the State or contiguous foreign country in which such vehicle is, or is required to be, registered, or, in case the highway motor vehicle is owned by the United States, by the agency or instrumentality of the United States operating such vehicle.
**(c) Proration of tax**
(1) **Where first use occurs after first month** — If in any taxable period the first use of the highway motor vehicle is after the first month in such period, the tax shall be reckoned proportionately from the first day of the month in which such use occurs to and including the last day in such taxable period.
(2) **Where vehicle sold, destroyed, or stolen**
(A) *In general* — If in any taxable period a highway motor vehicle is sold, destroyed, or stolen before the first day of the last month in such period and not subsequently used during such taxable period, the tax shall be reckoned proportionately from the first day of the month in such period in which the first use of such highway motor vehicle occurs to and including the last day of the month in which such highway motor vehicle
Source: Supplied U.S. Code snapshot — release unconfirmed · 26 U.S.C. § 4481
Stored review status: release_metadata_unconfirmed. Same stored citation; legal effect and authority still require review.