2011 2t2_1

CHAPTER TWO - OFFENSE CONDUCT


PART T - OFFENSES INVOLVING TAXATION


2.      ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAXES


Introductory Commentary

This subpart deals with offenses contained in Parts I-IV of Subchapter J of Chapter 51 of Subtitle E of Title 26, chiefly 26 U.S.C. §§ 5601-5605, 5607, 5608, 5661, 5671, 5691, and 5762, where the essence of the conduct is tax evasion or a regulatory violation.  Because these offenses are no longer a major enforcement priority, no effort has been made to provide a section-by-section set of guidelines.  Rather, the conduct is dealt with by dividing offenses into two broad cate­gories:  tax evasion offenses and regulatory offenses. 

Historical Note:  Effective November 1, 1987.  Amended effective November 1, 2010 (see Appendix C, amendment 746).


§2T2.1.     Non-Payment of Taxes 

(a)       Base Offense Level:  Level from §2T4.1 (Tax Table) corresponding to the tax loss.

For purposes of this guideline, the "tax loss" is the amount of taxes that the taxpayer failed to pay or attempted not to pay.


Commentary

Statutory Provisions:  26 U.S.C. §§ 5601-5605, 5607, 5608, 5661, 5671, 5691, 5762, provided the conduct constitutes non-payment, evasion or attempted evasion of taxes.  For additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index).

Application Notes:

1.      The tax loss is the total amount of unpaid taxes that were due on the alcohol and/or tobacco, or that the defendant was attempting to evade. 

2.      Offense conduct directed at more than tax evasion (e.g., theft or fraud) may warrant an upward departure.

Background:  The most frequently prosecuted conduct violating this section is operating an illegal still.  26 U.S.C. § 5601(a)(1). 

Historical Note:  Effective November 1, 1987.