Chapter 323 — Cigarettes
and Tobacco Products
ORS sections in this chapter were
amended or repealed by the Legislative Assembly during its 2012 regular
session. See the table of ORS sections amended or repealed during the 2012
regular session: 2012 A&R Tables
2011 EDITION
CIGARETTES AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS
REVENUE AND TAXATION
CIGARETTE TAX
(General Provisions)
323.005 Short
title
323.010 Definitions
for ORS 323.005 to 323.482
323.015 “Distribution,”
“distributor” and “distributor engaged in business in this state” defined
(Imposition of Tax)
323.030 Tax
imposed; rate; exclusiveness; only one distribution taxed
323.031 Additional
tax imposed; rate
323.035 Distributions
by manufacturers to licensed distributors exempted
323.040 Sales
to common carriers in interstate or foreign passenger service exempted; tax on
carriers
323.050 Storage
in bonded warehouses exempted
323.055 Sales
to federal installations and veterans’ institutions exempted
323.060 Consumer
exemption; payment of tax in certain cases
323.065 Claim
for exemption
323.068 Prepayment
of tax
323.075 Distributor
to collect tax on certain sales
323.080 Manufacturers’
agreements for prepayment
323.085 Presumptions
regarding distribution and prepayment of tax
(License and Bond)
323.105 Distributor’s
license
323.106 Certification
of intent to comply with reporting, recordkeeping and directory participation
requirements
323.107 Wholesaler’s
license
323.110 Security
required for licensing; conditions of bond
323.115 Provision
for withdrawal of surety
323.120 Form
of security
323.125 Liquidation
of security to pay delinquency
323.130 Issuance
and display of license; circumstances for not issuing license; appeal
323.140 Cancellation,
revocation or suspension of license; appeal
(Tax Stamps)
323.160 Tax
stamps; rules
323.165 Sale
of stamps
323.170 Payment
for stamps; distributor compensation
323.175 Application
for credit purchases of stamps
323.180 Authorization
of agent; revocation
323.185 Date
when payment for credit purchases due; extension
323.190 Suspension
of credit
323.195 Penalty
for nonpayment of credit purchase; interest
(Administration)
323.205 Manufacturers’
reports
323.211 Posting
of certain information on vending machines required; seizure for failure to
comply
323.215 Records
of vending machine operators
323.220 Maintenance
and preservation of records
323.225 Transporters’
permits and records
323.230 Examination
of records by department; supplemental reports; rules
323.235 Subpoenas;
enforcement
323.240 Search
warrants; seizure and forfeiture
323.245 Forfeiture
of cigarettes and other objects; sale or redemption of other objects
323.248 Seizure
and forfeiture of contraband cigarettes; appeal
323.250 Exchanges
of information with other governmental units
323.255 Rewards
for information
(Collections and Refunds)
323.305 Determination
of amounts unpaid
323.318 Refund
when increase in cigarette tax is not continued
323.320 Refunds
for unused stamps and for unsalable or destroyed cigarettes; interest; rules
323.325 Limitation
period on claim for refund
323.330 Interest
on certain refunds
323.335 Date
when payment or prepayment of tax is due
323.340 Reporting
requirements for distributors
323.343 Report
by persons with cigarette activity; forms
323.355 Report
of sales on common carriers in interstate or foreign passenger service
323.360 Report
by consumers
323.365 Extension
of time for reports and payment of tax; interest
323.381 Failure
to pay tax or timely file report
323.385 Jeopardy
determinations
323.390 Collection
of unsecured, unpaid tax after deficiency or jeopardy determination; collection
charge; warrants
323.391 Withholding
warrant procedures; application for collection of unpaid cigarette taxes
323.401 Refund
agreement with governing body of Indian reservation; appropriation for refunds
323.403 Application
of other statutes
323.406 Disclosure
of license information
(Appeals)
323.416 Appeals
to Tax Court
323.420 Venue;
department certificate as evidence
(Enforcement)
323.435 Actions
by Attorney General; limitation on actions; authority
323.440 Department
to enforce ORS 323.005 to 323.482; rules; personnel
(Distribution of Certain Revenues)
323.455 Distribution
of certain cigarette tax revenues
323.457 Distribution
of additional tax proceeds
323.480 Civil
and criminal penalties for violations of ORS 323.005 to 323.482; fine for
preventing entry or examination; forfeiture; appeal
323.482 Offense
of unlawful distribution of cigarettes; forfeiture; injunctive relief
TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAX
323.500 Definitions
for ORS 323.500 to 323.645
323.505 Tax
imposed on distribution; rate
323.510 Dates
for payment of tax; returns; extension
323.515 Exemption
for tobacco products not subject to taxation by state
323.520 Application
for distributor license
323.525 Security;
amount
323.530 Issuance
of license; display; appeal of license denial
323.535 Cancellation,
suspension or revocation of license; appeal
323.538 Wholesale
sales invoices; requirements; presumptions; penalty
323.540 Records;
contents; retention; examination
323.555 Warehouse
records; inspection; contents; preservation
323.560 Credit
of tax for tobacco products shipped out of state or returned to manufacturer
323.565 Exemption
for sales to common carriers engaged in interstate or foreign passenger
service; tax on carriers or persons authorized to sell tobacco products on the
facilities of carriers
323.570 Transport
of untaxed products; permit; bills of lading
323.575 Administration
and enforcement; rules and procedures
323.585 Penalty
and interest for failure to pay tax or timely file return
323.595 Application
of other statutes
323.598 Disclosure
of license information
323.600 Department
determination of amount of tax; deficiency determinations; liens
323.605 Immediate
determination and collection of tax
323.607 Time
limit for issuing notice of deficiency for substantial reported understatement
of gross purchases net of discounts
323.610 Collection
of unpaid tax
323.612 Seizure
and forfeiture of contraband tobacco products; appeal
323.615 Refund
agreement with governing body of Indian reservation; appropriation for refunds
323.618 Venue;
department certificate as evidence
323.619 Actions
by Attorney General; limitation on actions; authority
323.620 Remedies
cumulative
323.623 Appeals
323.625 Disposition
of moneys
323.630 Civil
and criminal penalties for violations of ORS 323.500 to 323.645; fine for
preventing entry or examination
323.632 Offense
of unlawful distribution of tobacco products; forfeiture
323.635 Penalties
in ORS 323.630 and 323.632 additional to other penalties
323.640 Tax
on distributors in lieu of all other state, county or municipal taxes on sale
or use of tobacco
323.645 Short
title
TOBACCO DELIVERY SALES
323.700 Definitions
for ORS 323.700 to 323.730
323.703 Delivery
sales to persons under legal minimum purchase age prohibited
323.706 Requirements
for persons accepting delivery sale purchase orders
323.709 Requirements
for persons mailing or shipping tobacco in delivery sales
323.712 Distributors’
licenses
323.715 Notice
requirements for delivery sales
323.718 Requirements
for mailing or shipping delivery sale orders
323.721 Delivery
sales reporting requirements
323.724 Delivery
sales of untaxed cigarettes or tobacco products prohibited
323.727 Penalties
for violating ORS 323.700 to 323.730; seizure and forfeiture
323.730 Persons
who may bring actions
323.740 Entry
and examination by department
MASTER SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
323.800 Definitions
for ORS 323.800 to 323.806
323.803 Findings
and purpose
323.806 Required
actions by manufacturers
SMOKELESS TOBACCO MASTER SETTLEMENT
AGREEMENT
323.810 Definitions
for ORS 323.810 to 323.816
323.813 Findings
and purpose
323.816 Required
actions by manufacturer
FEDERAL CIGARETTE LABELING AND
ADVERTISING ACT ENFORCEMENT
323.850 Legislative
findings
323.853 Definitions
for ORS 323.850 to 323.862
323.856 Tax
stamps prohibited on cigarette packages not meeting federal requirements
323.859 Notice;
effect of failure to receive notice
323.862 Disclosure
of information
323.865 Rulemaking
authority
CIGARETTE TAX
(General Provisions)
323.005 Short title.
ORS 323.005 to 323.482 may be cited as the Cigarette Tax Act. [1965 c.525 §§1,2;
2009 c.33 §31]
323.010 Definitions for ORS 323.005 to
323.482. As used in ORS 323.005 to 323.482,
unless the context requires otherwise:
(1)
“Cigarette” means any product that contains nicotine, is intended to be burned
or heated under ordinary conditions of use and consists of or contains:
(a)
Any roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in any substance not containing
tobacco;
(b)
Tobacco, in any form, that is functional in the product and that, because of
its appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler or its packaging and
labeling, is likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as a
cigarette; or
(c)
Any roll of tobacco that is wrapped in any substance containing tobacco and
that, because of its appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler or its
packaging and labeling, is likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers
as a cigarette described in paragraph (a) of this subsection.
(2)
“Cigarette activity in this state”:
(a)
Means importing, storing or manufacturing cigarettes in this state, or
exporting cigarettes out of this state, in order to sell the cigarettes either
within or outside this state.
(b)
Does not include importing, storing, manufacturing or exporting of cigarettes
that are to be consumed by the person doing the importing, storing,
manufacturing or exporting.
(3)
“Contraband cigarettes” means cigarettes or packages of cigarettes:
(a)
That do not comply with the requirements of ORS 323.005 to 323.482 or 323.856
or the cigarette tax laws of another state or the federal government;
(b)
That bear trademarks that are counterfeit under ORS 647.135 or other state or
federal trademark laws; or
(c)
That have been sold, offered for sale or possessed for sale in this state in
violation of ORS 180.440.
(4)
“Department” means the Department of Revenue.
(5)
“Dealer” includes every person, other than a manufacturer or a person holding a
distributor’s license, who engages in this state in the sale of cigarettes.
(6)
“Exporting” means the act of carrying or conveying goods from a point of
manufacture or storage in this state to a location outside this state and may
be further defined by the department by rule.
(7)
“Importing” means the act of bringing goods to a point of storage in this state
from a location outside this state and may be further defined by the department
by rule.
(8)
“In this state” means within the exterior limits of the State of Oregon and
includes all territory within these limits owned by or ceded to the United
States of America.
(9)
“Manufacturer” means any person who makes, manufactures or fabricates
cigarettes for sale.
(10)
“Package” means the individual package, box or other container in which retail
sales or gifts of cigarettes are normally made or intended to be made.
(11)
“Person” includes any individual, firm, copartnership, joint venture,
association, social club, fraternal organization, corporation, estate, trust,
receiver, trustee, syndicate, this state, any county, municipality, district or
other political subdivision of the state, or any other group or combination
acting as a unit.
(12)
“Sale” includes any transfer of title or possession for a consideration,
exchange or barter, in any manner or by any means whatsoever, but does not
include the sale of cigarettes by a manufacturer to a distributor.
(13)
“Taxpayer” means a distributor or other person required to pay a tax under ORS
323.005 to 323.482, and includes a distributor required to prepay a tax under
ORS 323.068.
(14)
“Transporter” means any person importing or transporting into this state, or
transporting in this state, cigarettes obtained from a source located outside
this state, or from any person not licensed as a distributor under ORS 323.005
to 323.482. It does not include a licensed distributor, a common carrier to
whom is issued a certificate or permit by the United States Surface
Transportation Board to carry commodities in interstate commerce, or to a
carrier of federal tax-free cigarettes in bond, or any person transporting no
more than 199 cigarettes at any one time.
(15)
“Untaxed cigarette” means any cigarette that has not yet been distributed in
such manner as to result in a tax liability under ORS 323.005 to 323.482.
(16)
“Use or consumption” includes the exercise of any right or power over cigarettes
incident to the ownership thereof, other than the sale of the cigarettes or the
keeping or retention thereof for the purpose of sale.
(17)
“Wholesaler” means any dealer who engages in the sale of cigarettes to any
other dealer for purposes other than use or consumption. [1965 c.525 §§3,4,5,9,10,12,13,14,15,16,17;
subsection (12) enacted as 1967 c.193 §2; 2001 c.5 §1; 2003 c.804 §§1,1a]
323.015 “Distribution,” “distributor” and “distributor
engaged in business in this state” defined. As
used in ORS 323.005 to 323.482, unless the context requires otherwise:
(1)
“Distribution” includes:
(a)
The sale in this state of untaxed cigarettes.
(b)
The use or consumption in this state of untaxed cigarettes.
(c)
The receipt or retention in this state of untaxed cigarettes at a place of
business where cigarettes are customarily sold or offered for sale to
consumers.
(d)
The placing of cigarettes in vending machines in this state.
(e)
The use or consumption by the first person in possession in this state of untaxed
cigarettes transported to the state in quantities of more than 199 in a single
shipment.
(f)
Donations of sample cigarettes or gift cartons by the manufacturers of the
cigarettes, except sample packages containing not more than five cigarettes and
labeled as “sample,” “not for sale” or with similar wording.
(g)
The possession in this state of untaxed cigarettes that were transported to
this state in quantities of more than 199, unless the person in possession of
the untaxed cigarettes is in possession of the untaxed cigarettes in order to
transport the cigarettes to a location outside this state.
(2)
“Distributor” includes:
(a)
Any person who distributes cigarettes.
(b)
Any person who sells or accepts orders for cigarettes that are to be
transported from a point outside this state to a consumer within this state.
(c)
Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 323.010 (5), any dealer who serves as the
dealer’s own distributor or who buys directly from a manufacturer for resale in
this state shall be deemed to be both a distributor and a dealer under ORS
323.005 to 323.482.
(3)
“Distributor engaged in business in this state” includes any of the following:
(a)
Any distributor maintaining, occupying or using, permanently or temporarily,
directly or indirectly, or through a subsidiary or agent, by whatever name
called, an office, place of distribution, sales or sample room or place,
warehouse or storage place or any other place of business.
(b)
A distributor having a representative, agent, salesperson, canvasser or
solicitor operating in this state under the authority of the distributor or its
subsidiary for the purpose of selling, delivering, or the taking of orders for
cigarettes. [1965 c.525 §§6,7,8; 2001 c.5 §2; 2003 c.804 §2]
(Imposition of Tax)
323.030 Tax imposed; rate; exclusiveness;
only one distribution taxed. (1) Every
distributor shall pay a tax upon distributions of cigarettes at the rate of 29
mills for the distribution of each cigarette in this state.
(2)
The taxes imposed by ORS 323.005 to 323.482 are in lieu of all other state,
county or municipal taxes on the sale or use of cigarettes.
(3)
Any cigarette with respect to which a tax has been prepaid under ORS 323.068 or
has otherwise once been imposed under ORS 323.005 to 323.482 is not subject
upon a subsequent distribution to the taxes imposed by ORS 323.005 to 323.482. [1965
c.525 §§18,30; 1971 c.535 §1; 1985 c.816 §1; 1989 c.866 §1; 1997 c.2 §1; 2003
c.804 §4]
323.031 Additional tax imposed; rate.
(1) Notwithstanding ORS 323.030 (2) and in addition to and not in lieu of any
other tax, every distributor shall pay a tax upon distributions of cigarettes
at the rate of 30 mills for the distribution of each cigarette in this state.
(2)
Any cigarette for which a tax has once been imposed under ORS 323.005 to
323.482 may not be subject upon a subsequent distribution to the taxes imposed
by ORS 323.005 to 323.482. [2002 s.s.3 c.2 §2(1),(2); 2003 c.804 §§5c(1),(2),5e(1),(2)]
323.035 Distributions by manufacturers to
licensed distributors exempted. The taxes
imposed by ORS 323.005 to 323.482 do not apply to distributions of cigarettes
by the manufacturer to a licensed distributor. [1965 c.525 §19; 2003 c.804 §6]
323.040 Sales to common carriers in
interstate or foreign passenger service exempted; tax on carriers.
The taxes imposed by ORS 323.005 to 323.482 do not apply to the sale of
cigarettes by a distributor to a common carrier engaged in interstate or
foreign passenger service or to a person authorized to sell cigarettes on the
facilities of the carrier. Whenever cigarettes are sold by distributors to
common carriers engaged in interstate or foreign passenger service for use or
sale on facilities of the carriers, or to persons authorized to sell cigarettes
on those facilities, the tax imposed by this section may not be levied with
respect to sales of the cigarettes by the distributors, but a tax is hereby
levied upon the carriers or upon the persons authorized to sell cigarettes on
the facilities of the carriers, as the case may be, for the privilege of making
these sales in Oregon at the same rate that is imposed upon the distribution of
cigarettes in this state for each cigarette sold. The common carriers and
authorized persons shall pay the tax imposed by this section and file reports
with the Department of Revenue as provided in ORS 323.355. [1965 c.525 §20;
1985 c.78 §1; 2003 c.804 §7]
323.045 [1965
c.525 §23; repealed by 1999 c.602 §1]
323.050 Storage in bonded warehouses
exempted. The taxes imposed by ORS 323.005 to
323.482 do not apply to cigarettes stored in a bonded warehouse and that are
nontax paid under the provisions of chapter 52 of the Internal Revenue Act of
1954, as amended. [1965 c.525 §22; 2003 c.804 §8]
323.055 Sales to federal installations and
veterans’ institutions exempted. The taxes
imposed by ORS 323.005 to 323.482 do not apply to:
(1)
The sale of cigarettes to United States Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or
Coast Guard exchanges and commissaries and Navy or Coast Guard ships’ stores,
the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, ships’ stores maintained
under federal bond, or to any person that by virtue of the Constitution or
statutes of the United States cannot be made the subject of taxation by this
state.
(2)
The sale or gift of federally tax-free cigarettes when the cigarettes are
delivered directly from the manufacturer under Internal Revenue bond to a
veterans’ home or a hospital or domiciliary facility of the United States
Department of Veterans Affairs for gratuitous issue to veterans receiving hospitalization
or domiciliary care. The tax may not be imposed with respect to the use or
consumption of these cigarettes by the institution or by the veteran patients
or domiciliaries. [1965 c.525 §§21,24; 1991 c.67 §79; 2003 c.804 §9]
323.060 Consumer exemption; payment of tax
in certain cases. (1) The taxes imposed by ORS
323.005 to 323.482 do not apply to the use or consumption of untaxed cigarettes
transported to this state in a single lot or shipment of not more than 199
cigarettes, or of not more than 199 untaxed cigarettes obtained at one time
from any of the instrumentalities listed in ORS 323.055 (1).
(2)
Any taxes resulting from a distribution of cigarettes for personal use or
consumption in a quantity of more than 199 cigarettes shall be paid by the user
or consumer. [1965 c.525 §25; 2003 c.804 §10]
323.065 Claim for exemption.
Any claim for exemption from tax under ORS 323.005 to 323.482 shall be made to
the Department of Revenue in the manner the department prescribes. [1965 c.525 §29;
2003 c.804 §11]
323.068 Prepayment of tax.
Every distributor who sells or possesses for sale unstamped cigarettes in this
state shall prepay all taxes imposed under ORS 323.005 to 323.482 prior to the
sale of the cigarettes to any person in Oregon by purchasing cigarette tax
stamps sold pursuant to ORS 323.005 to 323.482 and affixing those stamps to the
unstamped packages of cigarettes. [2003 c.804 §3]
323.070 [1965
c.525 §26; repealed by 1971 c.416 §3]
323.075 Distributor to collect tax on
certain sales. Every distributor engaged in business
in this state and selling or accepting orders for cigarettes with respect to
the sale of which the taxes imposed by ORS 323.005 to 323.482 are inapplicable
shall, at the time of making the sale or accepting the order or, if the
purchaser is not then obligated to pay the taxes with respect to the
distribution of the cigarettes, at the time the purchaser becomes so obligated,
collect the tax from the purchaser, if the purchaser is other than a licensed
distributor, and shall give to the purchaser a receipt therefor in the manner
and form prescribed by the Department of Revenue. [1965 c.525 §27; 1981 c.797 §8]
323.080 Manufacturers’ agreements for
prepayment. Manufacturers may enter into agreements
with the Department of Revenue for the prepayment of the tax on nonexempt
cigarettes given away for advertising and any other purpose. [1965 c.525 §32]
323.085 Presumptions regarding distribution
and prepayment of tax. (1) Unless the contrary is
established, it shall be presumed that all cigarettes acquired by a distributor
are untaxed cigarettes, and that all cigarettes manufactured in this state or
transported to this state, and no longer in the possession of the distributor,
have been distributed.
(2)
All taxes paid pursuant to the provisions of ORS 323.005 to 323.482 are
intended to be direct taxes on the retail consumer for which required
prepayment, through the purchase and affixation of tax stamps, is only to
achieve convenience and facility in the collection and administration of the
tax. When the tax is paid by any person other than the retail consumer, the
payment shall be considered an advance payment to be added to the price of the
cigarette and recovered from the retail consumer. Except for a person selling
cigarettes through a vending machine or machines, any person selling cigarettes
at retail shall state or separately display in the retail premises a notice of
the amount of the tax included in the selling price and charged or payable
pursuant to ORS 323.005 to 323.482. The provisions of this subsection do not
affect the method of prepayment of the tax as provided by ORS 323.005 to
323.482. [1965 c.525 §§28,31; 2003 c.804 §12]
323.086 [1989
c.866 §3; repealed by 1995 c.79 §179]
323.087 [1989
c.866 §4; repealed by 1995 c.79 §179]
323.089 [1989
c.866 §5; repealed by 1995 c.79 §179]
323.091 [1989
c.866 §6; repealed by 1995 c.79 §179]
(License and Bond)
323.105 Distributor’s license.
(1) Any person engaging or seeking to engage in the sale of cigarettes as a
distributor shall file an application for a distributor’s license with the
Department of Revenue. The application shall be on a form prescribed by the
department.
(2)
A distributor shall apply for and obtain a license for each place of business
at which the distributor engages in the business of distributing cigarettes. A
fee may not be charged for the license. For the purposes of this section, a
vending machine in and of itself is not a place of business.
(3)
A person may not engage in the business of distributing cigarettes to other
persons in this state without a license. [1965 c.525 §34; 2003 c.804 §13]
323.106 Certification of intent to comply
with reporting, recordkeeping and directory participation requirements.
A person who files an application for a distributor’s license under ORS 323.105
shall include with the application a written statement certifying that the
person will comply with the provisions of ORS 180.435 and 180.440. [2003 c.801 §14]
323.107 Wholesaler’s license.
(1) Any person engaging or seeking to engage in the sale of cigarettes as a
wholesaler shall file an application for a wholesaler’s license with the
Department of Revenue. The application shall be on a form prescribed by the
department. A person may not engage in business as a wholesaler without a
license. A wholesaler’s license may be canceled, suspended, revoked or
reinstated by the department as in the case of a distributor’s license pursuant
to ORS 323.140.
(2)
A wholesaler is subject to all the requirements of ORS 323.005 to 323.482
imposed upon distributors relating to making, preserving and supplying records
necessary to effective administration by the department.
(3)
A wholesaler is subject to all penalties applicable to a distributor for a
violation of the provisions of ORS 323.005 to 323.482. [1967 c.193 §3; 1999
c.21 §58; 2003 c.804 §14]
323.110 Security required for licensing;
conditions of bond. The Department of Revenue, to
ensure compliance with ORS 323.005 to 323.482, shall require a licensee or an
applicant for a license as distributor to deposit with it such security as the
department may determine. The amount of the security shall be fixed by the
department but shall not be greater than two times the estimated average
monthly liability shown in the monthly reports, determined in such manner as
the department deems proper. The amount of the security may be increased or
decreased by the department subject to the limitations herein provided. Except
as provided in ORS 323.120, the security shall be in the form of a bond or
bonds executed by the distributor as principal and by a corporation, authorized
to engage in business as a surety company in Oregon under ORS 742.350 to
742.370, as surety, payable to the State of Oregon through its Department of
Revenue, conditioned upon the payment of all taxes, penalties and other
obligations of the distributor arising under ORS 323.005 to 323.482. [1965
c.525 §35; 1995 c.79 §180; 2009 c.33 §32]
323.115 Provision for withdrawal of
surety. Every bond shall contain a provision
substantially to the effect that when the surety exercises its right to
withdraw as surety, the withdrawal shall be effective on the first day of the
calendar month after receipt of the notice by the Department of Revenue if the
notice is received on or before the 15th day of the month, otherwise the
withdrawal shall be effective on the first day of the second calendar month
after receipt of the notice by the department. [1965 c.525 §36]
323.120 Form of security.
In lieu of a bond or bonds a distributor, under such conditions as the
Department of Revenue may prescribe, may deposit with the State Treasurer an
amount of lawful money equivalent to the amount of the bond or bonds otherwise
required, or the distributor may deposit an irrevocable letter of credit issued
by an insured institution, as defined in ORS 706.008, or readily salable bonds
or other obligations of the United States, the State of Oregon, or any county
of this state of an actual market value of not less than the amount of the bond
or bonds otherwise required by ORS 323.005 to 323.482. The State Treasurer
shall immediately notify the department as to the time of receipt and the
amount of money or value of the irrevocable letter of credit or of bonds
received by the State Treasurer. [1965 c.525 §37; 1991 c.331 §54; 1997 c.631 §459]
323.125 Liquidation of security to pay
delinquency. Upon receipt of a certificate of the
Department of Revenue setting forth the amount of a distributor’s
delinquencies, the State Treasurer shall pay to the department the amount so
certified from the money deposited with the State Treasurer by the distributor
or from the amounts received from the sale of bonds or other obligations
deposited with the State Treasurer by the distributor. Securities deposited
with the State Treasurer which have a prevailing market price may be sold by
the State Treasurer for the purposes of this section at private sale at a price
not lower than the prevailing market price thereof. [1965 c.525 §38]
323.130 Issuance and display of license;
circumstances for not issuing license; appeal.
(1) Upon receipt of a completed application, the statement required by ORS
323.106 and bonds or other security required by the Department of Revenue under
ORS 323.005 to 323.482, the department may issue a distributor’s license to the
applicant. A separate license shall be issued for each place of business of the
distributor within the state. A license is valid only for engaging in business
as a distributor at the place designated on the license. The license shall at
all times be conspicuously displayed at the place for which issued. The license
is not transferable and is valid until suspended or revoked.
(2)
The department may not issue a license to an applicant if the department
determines or has reason to believe that the applicant will not comply with the
provisions of ORS 323.005 to 323.482 or any other state or federal cigarette
tax law.
(3)
Notwithstanding ORS 305.280 or 323.416, a decision by the department not to
issue a license to an applicant may be appealed by the applicant to the
magistrate division of the tax court within 30 days of the date of the decision
of the department in the manner prescribed in ORS 305.404 to 305.560.
(4)
For purposes of this section, an application to renew a distributor’s license
shall be considered the same as an application for an initial distributor’s
license. [1965 c.525 §39; 2003 c.801 §17; 2003 c.804 §15]
323.135 [1965
c.525 §40; 1971 c.734 §36; 1995 c.650 §41; repealed by 2003 c.804 §68]
323.140 Cancellation, revocation or suspension
of license; appeal. (1) The Department of Revenue
may cancel, revoke or suspend the license held by a distributor whenever the
distributor fails to:
(a)
Pay any tax or penalty due under ORS chapter 323;
(b)
Otherwise comply with any provision of ORS chapter 323 or any rule thereunder;
or
(c)
Comply with any other state or federal cigarette tax law.
(2)
The department may not issue a new license to a distributor whose license has
been revoked unless the department is satisfied that the distributor will
comply with the provisions of ORS chapter 323 and the rules of the department.
(3)
If the department decides to refuse to renew a license, or decides to suspend
or revoke a license, the distributor may appeal to the tax court.
(4)
Notwithstanding ORS 305.280 or 323.416, an appeal of a decision of the
department under subsection (1) of this section may be made to the magistrate
division of the tax court within 30 days of the decision in the manner provided
in ORS 305.404 to 305.560. [1965 c.525 §41; 1971 c.734 §37; 1995 c.650 §42;
2003 c.804 §17]
323.155 [1965
c.525 §42; 1999 c.62 §1; repealed by 2003 c.804 §68]
(Tax Stamps)
323.160 Tax stamps; rules.
(1) The Department of Revenue shall furnish cigarette tax stamps for sale to
distributors required under ORS 323.068 to prepay the taxes imposed under ORS
323.005 to 323.482.
(2)
Stamps shall be designed according to specifications and denominations
prescribed by the department. The department shall prescribe by rule the method
and manner in which stamps are to be affixed to packages of cigarettes and may
provide for the cancellation of stamps.
(3)
An appropriate stamp shall be affixed to each package of cigarettes prior to
the distribution of the cigarettes. [1965 c.525 §§43,44; 1999 c.62 §2; 2003
c.804 §18]
323.165 Sale of stamps.
(1) Unaffixed stamps shall not be sold, exchanged or in any manner transferred
by a distributor to another person without prior written approval of the
Department of Revenue.
(2)
With the approval of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, the
Department of Revenue may enter into contracts with financial institutions to
act as the department’s agents for the sale of stamps and matters relating to
the sale of stamps. [1965 c.525 §45; 1999 c.62 §3]
323.170 Payment for stamps; distributor
compensation. (1) Stamps shall be sold to a licensed
distributor at their denominated values less a sum allowed as compensation to a
distributor for services in affixing stamps to packages as required by ORS
323.005 to 323.482. Payment for stamps shall be made at the time of purchase,
provided that a licensed distributor, subject to the conditions and provisions
of ORS 323.005 to 323.482, may be permitted to defer stamp payments.
(2)
The compensation to each distributor for each Oregon stamp sold during the
calendar year shall be $0.004 per stamp.
(3)
Payment for stamps shall be made in the form required by the Department of
Revenue. [1965 c.525 §47; 1983 c.683 §1; 1999 c.62 §4; 2002 s.s.3 c.2 §10; 2003
c.804 §18a]
323.175 Application for credit purchases
of stamps. A licensed distributor may apply to the
Department of Revenue to fix the maximum amount of deferred-payment purchases
of stamps that the distributor may make in any calendar month. Upon receipt of
the application and the security deposit required pursuant to ORS 323.110, the
department shall fix the maximum amount. The department at any time may
designate the sales locations where the distributor may make deferred-payment
purchases of stamps and fix the amount of deferred-payment purchases that the
distributor may make within each monthly period at the designated sales
location. [1965 c.525 §48; 1999 c.62 §5]
323.180 Authorization of agent;
revocation. A distributor shall authorize in
writing those persons who may order purchases of stamps for the account of the
distributor at a location where stamps are sold. The authorization shall
continue in effect until written notice of revocation of the authority is
delivered at the sales location in a manner prescribed by the Department of
Revenue. [1965 c.525 §50; 1999 c.62 §6]
323.185 Date when payment for credit
purchases due; extension. (1) Amounts owing for stamps
purchased on the deferred-payment basis for a calendar month shall be due and
payable on or before the 20th day of the next calendar month. Payments shall be
made by a remittance payable to the Department of Revenue.
(2)
The department for good cause may extend the time for paying any amount owing
for stamps purchased on the deferred-payment basis. The extension may not
exceed five days. The extension may not be granted unless a request for the
extension is filed with the department within or prior to the period for which
the extension may be granted. [1965 c.525 §§49,53; 1999 c.62 §7]
323.190 Suspension of credit.
The Department of Revenue may suspend without prior notice a distributor’s
privilege to purchase stamps on the deferred-payment basis or may reduce the
amount of permissible monthly purchases fixed for the distributor, if the distributor
fails to pay promptly for stamps when payment is due, if the bond or bonds of
the distributor are canceled, become void, impaired, or unenforceable for any
reason, or if in the opinion of the department, collection of any amounts
unpaid or due from the distributor under ORS 323.005 to 323.482 are
jeopardized. [1965 c.525 §51; 1999 c.62 §8]
323.195 Penalty for nonpayment of credit
purchase; interest. Any distributor who fails to pay
any amount owing to the purchase of stamps within the time required, shall pay
a penalty of 10 percent of the amount due in addition to the amount plus
interest at the rate established under ORS 305.220 for each month, or fraction
thereof, from the date on which the amount became due and payable until the
date of payment. [1965 c.525 §52; 1982 s.s.1 c.16 §17; 1999 c.62 §9]
(Administration)
323.205 Manufacturers’ reports.
Every manufacturer selling and shipping cigarettes into this state to other
than a distributor licensed by this state shall deliver with each sale or
consignment of cigarettes a written statement containing the name or trade name
of both the seller and the purchaser, the date of delivery, the quantity of
cigarettes, and the trade name or brand thereof, and within 10 days shall
deliver a duplicate of each such statement to the Department of Revenue. Each
cancellation or modification of the written statement and any other information
necessary to the reconciliation of accounts shall be filed with the department
by the manufacturer at the earliest possible date. [1965 c.525 §54]
323.210 [1965
c.525 §55; repealed by 1971 c.260 §1 (323.211 enacted in lieu of 323.210)]
323.211 Posting of certain information on
vending machines required; seizure for failure to comply.
Every distributor and dealer or other person engaging in the sale of cigarettes
through the use of one or more vending machines, must affix in a conspicuous
place on each machine, a card or decal bearing the name, telephone number,
address, and place of business of the operator or owner who regularly places
cigarettes in the vending machine. If a person fails to comply with this
section the Department of Revenue may seize the vending machine and its
contents. [1971 c.260 §2 (enacted in lieu of 323.210)]
323.215 Records of vending machine operators.
Every distributor and dealer or other person engaging in the sale of cigarettes
through the use of one or more vending machines shall keep a detailed record of
each vending machine operated for the sale of cigarettes, showing the location
of the machine and the date of placing the machine on location. [1965 c.525 §56]
323.220 Maintenance and preservation of
records. Any distributor and any person dealing
in, transporting or storing cigarettes in this state shall keep, on the
premises, receipts, invoices and other pertinent records related to cigarette
transactions, transportation or storage, in such form as the Department of
Revenue may require. Each record shall be preserved for five years from the
time to which it relates. During the five-year period and at any time prior to
destruction of records, the department may give written notice to a distributor
not to destroy records described in the notice without written permission from
the department. Notwithstanding other provisions of law, reports and returns
filed with the department shall be preserved by the department for at least
five years. [1965 c.525 §57; 2003 c.804 §19]
323.225 Transporters’ permits and records.
(1) Any transporter seeking to possess or acquire untaxed cigarettes for transportation
or transport upon the highways, roads or streets of this state shall obtain a
permit from the Department of Revenue authorizing the transporter to possess or
acquire for transportation or transport the untaxed cigarettes, and shall have
the permit in the transporting vehicle during the period of transportation of
the cigarettes. The application for the permit shall be in such form and shall
contain such information as may be prescribed by the department. The department
may issue a permit for a single load or shipment or for a number of loads or
shipments to be transported under specified conditions.
(2)
Each transporter who transports, or possesses or acquires for the purpose of
transporting, untaxed cigarettes upon the highways, roads or streets of this
state is required to have within the transporting vehicle invoices or bills of
lading covering the shipment of cigarettes being transported that show the name
and address of the consignor or seller, the name and address of the consignee
or purchaser and the quantity and brands of cigarettes transported. [1965 c.525
§58; 1985 c.78 §2; 2003 c.804 §20]
323.230 Examination of records by
department; supplemental reports; rules. The
Department of Revenue or its authorized representative, upon oral or written
demand, may make such examinations of the books, papers, records and equipment
of persons dealing in, transporting, or storing cigarettes and such other
investigations as it may deem necessary in carrying out the provisions of ORS
323.005 to 323.482. In addition to any other reports required under ORS 323.005
to 323.482, the department may, by rule or otherwise, require additional,
other, or supplemental reports from distributors, dealers, transporters, common
and private carriers, warehouse operators, bailees and other persons and
prescribe the form, including verification, of the information to be given and
the times for filing of such additional, other or supplemental reports. [1965
c.525 §59; 2011 c.83 §23]
323.235 Subpoenas; enforcement.
(1) The Department of Revenue shall have authority, by order or subpoena to be
served with the same force and effect and in the same manner that a subpoena is
served in a civil action in the circuit court, or the Oregon Tax Court, to
require the production at any time and place it may designate of any books,
papers, accounts or other information necessary to the carrying out of ORS
323.005 to 323.482, and may require the attendance of any person having
knowledge in the premises, and may take testimony and require proof material
for the information, with power to administer oaths to such person.
(2)
If any person fails to comply with any subpoena or order of the department or
produce or permit the examination or inspection of any books, papers, records
and equipment pertinent to any investigation or inquiry under ORS 323.005 to
323.482, or to testify to any matter regarding which the person may be lawfully
interrogated, the department may apply to the Oregon Tax Court or to the
circuit court of the county in which the person resides or where the person may
be found for an order to the person to attend and testify, or otherwise to
comply with the demand or request of the department. The application to the
court shall be by ex parte motion upon which the court shall make an order
requiring the person against whom it is directed to comply with the request on
demand of the department within 10 days after the service of the order, or such
further time as the court may grant, or to justify the failure within that
time. The order shall be served upon the person to whom it is directed in the
manner required by this state for service of process, which service shall be
required to confer jurisdiction upon the court. Failure to obey any order
issued by the court under this section is contempt of court. The remedy
provided by this section shall be in addition to other remedies, civil or
criminal, existing under the tax laws or other laws of this state. [1965 c.525 §60]
323.240 Search warrants; seizure and
forfeiture. Whenever the Department of Revenue has
good reason to believe that any cigarettes are being kept, sold, offered for
sale or given away in violation of the provisions of ORS 323.005 to 323.482 or
rules issued under its authority, it may make affidavit of that fact, describing
the place or thing to be searched, before any judge of any court in this state,
and such judge shall issue a search warrant directed to the sheriff, any
constable, police officer, or duly authorized agent of the department,
commanding the sheriff, constable, police officer or duly authorized agent of
the department to enter and diligently search any building, room in a building,
place or vehicle as may be designated in the affidavit and search warrant, and
to seize such cigarettes together with any vending machine or receptacle
containing them and any vehicle carrying them, and to arrest the person in
possession or control thereof. If, upon the return of such warrant, it shall
appear that tax payable upon the cigarettes seized has not been paid or prepaid,
if prepayment is required under ORS 323.068, the cigarettes, containers and
vehicle, if any, shall be forfeited to the state and disposed of pursuant to
ORS 323.245 or 323.248. [1965 c.525 §61; 2003 c.804 §21]
323.245 Forfeiture of cigarettes and other
objects; sale or redemption of other objects. (1)
Whenever the Department of Revenue discovers any cigarettes subject to tax
under ORS 323.005 to 323.482 and with respect to which the tax has not been
paid or prepaid, if prepayment is required under ORS 323.068, it is hereby
authorized and empowered forthwith to seize and take possession of the untaxed
cigarettes together with any vending machine or receptacle in which they are
held for sale and any vehicle in which they are being transported. The seized
cigarettes, vending machine, receptacle or vehicle, not including money
contained in the vending machine or receptacle, shall be forfeited to the
state, and the clear proceeds shall be deposited with the State Treasury in the
Common School Fund. The department may, within a reasonable time thereafter, by
public notice at least 20 days before the date of sale, sell the forfeited
vending machines, receptacles and vehicles at public sale. Forfeited cigarettes
constitute contraband cigarettes subject to ORS 323.248.
(2)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the person
from whom cigarettes were seized may redeem any vending machine, receptacle or
vehicle seized at the time the cigarettes are seized, within 20 days from the
date of seizure, by the payment of the tax due together with a penalty of 100
percent thereof and the costs incurred in the seizure proceeding, which total
payment may not be less than $100. The seizure, sale or redemption does not
relieve the person from fine or imprisonment as provided for violation of any
provision of ORS 323.005 to 323.482.
(3)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the owner of
a seized vending machine, receptacle or vehicle shall have the right of
redemption provided in subsection (2) of this section for a period of 60 days
from the date of the seizure if the owner claims that right prior to the
redemption provided for in subsection (2) of this section.
(4)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (1), (2) and (3) of this section,
the owner of a vending machine that is seized for failure to comply with ORS
323.211 may redeem the seized vending machine within a period of 60 days from
the date of the seizure by the payment of $25 plus costs of $15 or the actual costs
incurred in the seizure proceedings, whichever is greater. [1965 c.525 §62;
1971 c.260 §3; 1987 c.858 §4; 2003 c.804 §22]
323.248 Seizure and forfeiture of contraband
cigarettes; appeal. (1) Any contraband cigarettes
found by an authorized representative of the Department of Revenue or any law
enforcement agency may be immediately seized and subject to forfeiture. If
seized and forfeited under this subsection, the cigarettes shall be destroyed.
(2)
Notwithstanding ORS 305.280 or 323.416, a seizure and forfeiture made under
this section may be appealed to the magistrate division of the tax court within
30 days of the date of the seizure in the manner provided in ORS 305.404 to
305.560. [2003 c.804 §29]
323.250 Exchanges of information with
other governmental units. To promote administrative
efficiency, the Department of Revenue may transmit information obtained under
ORS 323.005 to 323.482 to the proper officers of governmental units outside
Oregon which tax tobacco products and which reciprocate in the exchange of
relevant information. [1965 c.525 §63]
323.255 Rewards for information.
The Department of Revenue may pay rewards to persons, other than officers or
employees of the department, furnishing information that leads to the recovery
of tax from other persons guilty of violating the provisions of ORS 323.005 to
323.482. Such rewards shall not exceed 10 percent of the net amount of tax,
penalty and interest recovered by suit or otherwise and shall be paid only in
cases where such evasions of tax would not be disclosed by the audit of reports
or from other information available to the department. [1965 c.525 §64]
(Collections and Refunds)
323.305 Determination of amounts unpaid.
If a distributor fails to make payment for stamps when payment is due, the
Department of Revenue may compute and determine from any available records and
information the amount required to be paid, including interest and penalties.
One or more determinations may be made of the amount due for one or for more
than one purchase. In making a determination the department may offset
overpayments with respect to purchases of stamps against underpayments for
purchases and interest and penalties on the underpayments. The department shall
give the distributor written notice of its determination in the manner required
pursuant to ORS 323.403. Except in the case of fraud, every notice of a
determination made under ORS 323.005 to 323.482 shall be given within three
years of the due date for payment of the purchase of stamps. [1965 c.525 §65;
1999 c.62 §10]
323.310 [1965
c.525 §67; repealed by 2005 c.94 §108]
323.315 [1965
c.525 §66; 1982 s.s.1 c.16 §18; repealed by 2005 c.94 §108]
323.318 Refund when increase in cigarette
tax is not continued. (1) If an increase in cigarette
tax imposed under ORS 323.005 to 323.482 is provided by law and the increase
provided is for a limited time period, then at such time as the increase
expires and is not reenacted or otherwise by law continued, the Department of
Revenue may enter into a cigarette tax refund or credit agreement with any
distributor. The cigarette tax refund or credit agreement may provide for a
mutually agreed upon amount as a refund or credit to the distributor of any
cigarette tax attributable to the increase precollected for distributions of
cigarettes occurring on or after the date the increase expires.
(2)
Subsection (1) of this section is in addition to and not in lieu of other laws
allowing cigarette tax refunds or credits.
(3)
There is continuously appropriated to the Department of Revenue from the
suspense account established under ORS 293.445 and 323.455, the amounts
necessary to make refunds agreed upon under subsection (1) of this section. [1983
c.683 §10; 1987 c.758 §12]
323.320 Refunds for unused stamps and for
unsalable or destroyed cigarettes; interest; rules.
(1) The Department of Revenue shall, pursuant to rule, refund or credit to a
distributor the denominated values, less the discount given on their purchase,
of:
(a)
Any unused or damaged stamps; or
(b)
Stamps affixed to packages of cigarettes that, prior to or after distribution,
have become unfit for use or unsalable or have been destroyed, returned for
credit or replaced, if the department has proof of the cigarettes not being
used for smoking in the State of Oregon.
(2)
Interest shall be computed, allowed and paid with respect to a refund made
under this section, at the rate established under ORS 305.220 for each month or
fraction of a month during a period beginning 45 days after the receipt by the
department of a claim for refund. [1965 c.525 §§68,69; 1989 c.626 §10; 1999
c.62 §11; 2001 c.114 §48]
323.325 Limitation period on claim for
refund. No refund or credit for amounts
overpaid for the purchase of stamps shall be allowed or approved after three years
from the due date for payment of the purchase for which the overpayment was
made, or with respect to a determination made pursuant to ORS 323.005 to
323.482, after six months from the date the determination becomes final, or
after six months from the date of overpayment, whichever period expires the
later, unless a claim therefor is filed with the Department of Revenue within
the applicable period. [1965 c.525 §70; 1999 c.62 §12]
323.330 Interest on certain refunds.
Unless the refund is one described in ORS 323.320, interest shall be computed,
allowed and paid upon any overpayment for the purchase of stamps at the rate
established under ORS 305.220 for each month or fraction of a month during a
period beginning 45 days after the due date for payment of the purchase for
which the overpayment was made or the date of the payment, whichever is the
later, to the time the refund is made. No refund or credit shall be made of any
interest imposed upon the claimant with respect to the amount being refunded or
credited. [1965 c.525 §71; 1987 c.758 §1; 1989 c.626 §11; 1999 c.62 §13]
323.335 Date when payment or prepayment of
tax is due. (1) Each distributor shall, along with
the report filed as prescribed under ORS 323.340, submit quarterly a remittance
payable to the Department of Revenue for the amount of tax due, but not yet
paid or prepaid, under ORS 323.005 to 323.482.
(2)
If the tax imposed under ORS 323.005 to 323.482 is not prepaid through the use
of stamps, the tax shall be due and payable monthly on or before the 20th day
of the month following the calendar month in which a distribution of cigarettes
occurs.
(3)
In the case of a sale of cigarettes on the facilities of a common carrier for
which the tax is imposed pursuant to ORS 323.040, the tax shall be due and
payable monthly on or before the 20th day of the month following the calendar
month in which a sale of cigarettes on the facilities of the carrier occurs. [1965
c.525 §72; 1999 c.62 §14; 2003 c.804 §23]
323.340 Reporting requirements for distributors.
(1) On or before the 20th day of January, April, July and October, every
distributor shall file on forms prescribed by the Department of Revenue a
report containing any information the department may require to carry out the
purposes of ORS 323.005 to 323.482.
(2)
A distributor holding more than one distributor’s license and having
centralized accounting may file one composite report combining the information
required of each license location under subsection (1) of this section. [1965
c.525 §73; 1971 c.416 §1; 1999 c.62 §15]
323.343 Report by persons with cigarette
activity; forms. (1) On or before the 20th day of
January, April, July and October, every person who is not a distributor and who
had cigarette activity in this state during the preceding calendar quarter
shall file on forms prescribed by the Department of Revenue a report containing
any information the department may require to carry out the purposes of ORS
323.005 to 323.482.
(2)
If the department determines that a report filed under this section reflects
cigarette activity that constitutes distribution in this state, the department
may deem the individual a distributor subject to the provisions of ORS 323.005
to 323.482 that relate to distributors and the distribution of cigarettes. [2001
c.5 §4]
323.345 [1965
c.525 §74; repealed by 1971 c.416 §3]
323.350 [1965
c.525 §75; 1971 c.416 §2; repealed by 1999 c.62 §24]
323.355 Report of sales on common carriers
in interstate or foreign passenger service. On or
before the 20th day of each month the common carriers and authorized persons
specified in ORS 323.040 shall file with the Department of Revenue a report of
the sales of cigarettes made by them on the facilities of the carriers in
Oregon in the preceding calendar month in such detail and form as the
department may prescribe, submitting with the report the amount of the tax due
under ORS 323.040. [1965 c.525 §77]
323.360 Report by consumers.
Any consumer or user subject to the tax resulting from a distribution of
cigarettes and from whom the tax has not been paid shall on or before the 20th
day of the month following receipt of cigarettes file with the Department of
Revenue a report of the amount of cigarettes received by the consumer or user
in the preceding calendar month in the detail and form as the department may
prescribe, submitting with the report the amount of tax due. [1965 c.525 §78;
2003 c.804 §24]
323.365 Extension of time for reports and
payment of tax; interest. (1) The Department of Revenue
for good cause may extend the time for making any report or paying any amount
of tax required under ORS 323.005 to 323.482. The extension may be granted at
any time provided a request is filed with the department within or prior to the
period for which the extension may be granted. The department may not grant an
extension of more than 30 days.
(2)
Any person to whom an extension is granted shall pay, in addition to the amount
of tax, interest at the rate established under ORS 305.220 for each month, or
fraction of a month, from the date on which the amount of tax would have been
due without the extension to the date of payment. [1965 c.525 §76; 1982 s.s.1
c.16 §19; 2003 c.46 §47]
323.380 [1965
c.525 §79; 1982 s.s.1 c.16 §20; repealed by 1999 c.62 §16 (323.381 enacted in
lieu of 323.380)]
323.381 Failure to pay tax or timely file
report. The provisions of ORS 314.400 apply to
a person required to pay a tax due or file a report or return under ORS 323.005
to 323.482 who fails to timely pay the tax due or who fails to timely file the
report or return required. [1999 c.62 §17 (enacted in lieu of 323.380)]
323.385 Jeopardy determinations.
(1) If the Department of Revenue believes that the collection of any amount of
tax required to be paid by any person under ORS 323.005 to 323.482 will be
jeopardized by delay, it shall thereupon make a determination of the amount of
tax, noting that fact upon the determination. The amount determined is
immediately due and payable, with interest and penalty as provided in ORS
323.381.
(2)
If the amount of the tax, interest, and penalty specified in the jeopardy
determination is not paid within 20 days after service upon the person of
notice of the determination, the determination becomes final, unless a petition
for redetermination is filed within the 20 days.
(3)
The person against whom a jeopardy determination is made may petition for the
redetermination thereof pursuant to ORS 323.416. The person shall, however,
file the petition for redetermination with the department within 20 days after
the service upon the person of notice of the determination. The person shall at
the time of filing the petition for redetermination deposit with the department
such security as the department may deem necessary to ensure compliance with
ORS 323.005 to 323.482. The security may be sold by the department at public
sale if it becomes necessary in order to recover any amount due. Notice of the
sale may be served upon the person who deposited the security personally or by
mail in the same manner as prescribed pursuant to ORS 323.403. Upon any such
sale, the surplus, if any, above the amount due under ORS 323.005 to 323.482
shall be returned to the person who deposited the security. [1965 c.525 §80;
1999 c.62 §18; 2009 c.33 §33]
323.390 Collection of unsecured, unpaid
tax after deficiency or jeopardy determination; collection charge; warrants.
(1) If any tax imposed by ORS 323.005 to 323.482 or any portion of such tax is
not paid within 30 days after notice of a deficiency determination is given
pursuant to ORS 323.403 or of a tax determined under ORS 323.385, and no
provision is made to secure the payment thereof by bond, deposit or otherwise,
pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Department of Revenue, the
department shall:
(a)
Assess a collection charge of $5 if the sum of the tax, penalty and interest
then due exceeds $10.
(b)
Issue a warrant for the payment of the amount of the tax, with the added
penalties, interest, collection charge and the sheriff’s cost of executing the
warrant. A copy of the warrant shall be mailed or delivered to the taxpayer by
the department at the taxpayer’s last-known address.
(2)
At any time after issuing a warrant under this section, the department may
record the warrant in the County Clerk Lien Record of any county of this state.
Recording of the warrant has the effect described in ORS 205.125. After
recording a warrant, the department may direct the sheriff for the county in
which the warrant is recorded to levy upon and sell the real and personal
property of the taxpayer found within that county, and to levy upon any
currency of the taxpayer found within that county, for the application of the
proceeds or currency against the amount reflected in the warrant and the
sheriff’s cost of executing the warrant. The sheriff shall proceed on the
warrant in the same manner prescribed by law for executions issued against
property pursuant to a judgment, and is entitled to the same fees as provided
for executions issued against property pursuant to a judgment. The fees of the
sheriff shall be added to and collected as a part of the warrant liability.
(3)
In the discretion of the department a warrant under this section may be
directed to any agent authorized by the department to collect income taxes, and
in the execution of the warrant the agent has all of the powers conferred by
law upon sheriffs, but is entitled to no fee or compensation in excess of
actual expenses paid in the performance of such duty.
(4)
Until a warrant issued under this section is satisfied in full, the department
has the same remedies to enforce the claim for taxes against the taxpayer as if
the state had recovered judgment against the taxpayer for the amount of the
tax. [1971 c.417 §2; 1983 c.696 §17; 1985 c.761 §21; 1999 c.62 §19; 2003 c.576 §204;
2011 c.389 §4; 2011 c.661 §7]
323.391 Withholding warrant procedures;
application for collection of unpaid cigarette taxes.
The Department of Revenue may employ the provisions of ORS 305.182 to file
warrants issued against a taxpayer for unpaid cigarette taxes in the Office of
the Secretary of State. [1995 c.53 §6]
323.401 Refund agreement with governing
body of Indian reservation; appropriation for refunds.
(1) The Department of Revenue is authorized to enter into a cigarette tax
refund agreement with the governing body of any Indian reservation in Oregon.
The agreement may provide for a mutually agreed upon amount as a refund to the
governing body of any cigarette tax prepaid on sales of cigarettes to Indians
upon the reservation and paid into the State Treasury. This provision is in
addition to other laws allowing tax refunds.
(2)
There is continuously appropriated to the Department of Revenue from the
suspense account established under ORS 293.445 and 323.455, the amounts
necessary to make the refunds provided by subsection (1) of this section. [1979
c.581 §§1,2,3; 1987 c.758 §13; 2003 c.804 §25]
323.403 Application of other statutes.
Except as otherwise provided in ORS 323.005 to 323.482 or where the context
requires otherwise, the provisions of ORS chapters 305 and 314 as to the audit
and examination of returns, periods of limitation, determination of and notices
of deficiencies, assessments, liens, delinquencies, claims for refund and
refunds, conferences, appeals to the Oregon Tax Court, stays of collection pending
appeal, confidentiality of returns and the penalties relative thereto, and the
procedures relating thereto, shall apply to the determinations of taxes,
penalties and interest under ORS 323.005 to 323.482. [1999 c.62 §21]
323.405 [1965
c.525 §81; repealed by 1977 c.870 §55 (323.416 enacted in lieu of 323.405,
323.410 and 323.415)]
323.406 Disclosure of license information.
Notwithstanding ORS 323.403, information on the license of a distributor or
wholesaler is not confidential. The Department of Revenue may publicly disclose
or publish a list of names of distributors or wholesalers, along with any other
information set forth on a license. [2003 c.804 §16]
323.410 [1965
c.525 §82; repealed by 1977 c.870 §55 (323.416 enacted in lieu of 323.405,
323.410 and 323.415)]
323.415 [1965
c.525 §§83,84; repealed by 1977 c.870 §55 (323.416 enacted in lieu of 323.405,
323.410 and 323.415)]
(Appeals)
323.416 Appeals to Tax Court.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in ORS 323.005 to 323.482, any person
aggrieved by an act or determination of the Department of Revenue or its
authorized agent under ORS 323.005 to 323.482 may appeal to the Oregon Tax
Court in the time and manner provided in ORS 305.404 to 305.560. These appeal
rights shall be the exclusive remedy available to determine the person’s
liability for the taxes imposed by ORS 323.005 to 323.482.
(2)
An appeal to the Oregon Tax Court under ORS 323.005 to 323.482 stays
proceedings to collect any unpaid tax unless the tax court believes the
collection of the tax will be jeopardized by delay or otherwise orders
collection proceedings to continue. [1977 c.870 §56 (enacted in lieu of
323.405, 323.410 and 323.415); 1995 c.650 §43; 2003 c.804 §25a]
323.420 Venue; department certificate as
evidence. (1) The violation of any provision of
ORS 323.005 to 323.482 or any rule adopted thereunder shall be deemed an act
committed in part at the office of the Department of Revenue in Salem, Oregon,
and venue shall lie in Marion County, Oregon.
(2)
The certificate of the department to the effect that a tax has not been prepaid
or paid, that a return has not been filed or that information has not been
supplied, as required by or under the provisions of ORS 323.005 to 323.482,
shall be prima facie evidence that the tax has not been prepaid or paid, that
the return has not been filed or that the information has not been supplied. [1965
c.525 §85; 2003 c.804 §26]
(Enforcement)
323.435 Actions by Attorney General;
limitation on actions; authority. (1) In
addition to all other remedies specified in ORS 323.005 to 323.482, action may
be brought by the Attorney General, at the request of the Department of
Revenue, in the name of the state, to recover the amount of any taxes,
penalties and interest due under ORS 323.005 to 323.482, if the action for
recovery is commenced within three years from the time the tax is due to be
paid.
(2)
The Attorney General shall have authority to investigate any criminal violation
of ORS 323.005 to 323.482. [1965 c.525 §86; 2003 c.804 §27]
323.440 Department to enforce ORS 323.005
to 323.482; rules; personnel. (1) The
Department of Revenue shall enforce the provisions of ORS 323.005 to 323.482
and may prescribe, adopt and enforce rules and regulations relating to the
administration and enforcement of ORS 323.005 to 323.482.
(2)
The department may employ accountants, auditors, investigators, assistants, and
clerks necessary for the efficient administration of ORS 323.005 to 323.482, or
perform any other duties imposed by ORS 323.005 to 323.482 upon the department.
[1965 c.525 §§87,88; 1995 c.650 §44]
(Distribution of Certain Revenues)
323.455 Distribution of certain cigarette
tax revenues. (1) All moneys received by the
Department of Revenue from the tax imposed by ORS 323.030 (1) shall be paid
over to the State Treasurer to be held in a suspense account established under
ORS 293.445. The department may pay expenses for administration of ORS 323.005
to 323.482 out of moneys received from the tax imposed under ORS 323.030 (1).
Amounts necessary to pay administrative expenses are continuously appropriated
to the department from the suspense account. After the payment of
administrative expenses and refunds, 89.65 percent shall be credited to the
General Fund, 3.45 percent is appropriated to the cities of this state, 3.45
percent is appropriated to the counties of this state and 3.45 percent is
continuously appropriated to the Department of Transportation for the purpose
of financing and improving transportation services for elderly individuals and
individuals with disabilities as provided in ORS 391.800 to 391.830.
(2)
The moneys so appropriated to cities and counties shall be paid on a monthly
basis within 35 days after the end of the month for which a distribution is
made. Each city shall receive such share of the money appropriated to all
cities as its population, as determined under ORS 190.510 to 190.590 last
preceding such apportionment, bears to the total population of the cities of
the state, and each county shall receive such share of the money as its
population, determined under ORS 190.510 to 190.590 last preceding such
apportionment, bears to the total population of the state.
(3)
The moneys appropriated to the Department of Transportation under subsection
(1) of this section shall be distributed and transferred to the Elderly and
Disabled Special Transportation Fund established by ORS 391.800 at the same
time as the cigarette tax moneys are distributed to cities and counties under
this section.
(4)
Of the moneys credited to the General Fund under this section 51.92 percent
shall be dedicated to funding the maintenance and expansion of the number of
persons eligible for the medical assistance program under ORS chapter 414, or
to funding the maintenance of the benefits available under the program, or
both, and 5.77 percent shall be credited to the Tobacco Use Reduction Account
established under ORS 431.832. [1965 c.525 §93; 1969 c.299 §1; 1971 c.535 §7;
1975 c.527 §1; 1981 c.797 §7; 1985 c.816 §13; 1989 c.224 §52; 1989 c.866 §7;
1997 c.2 §2; 1999 c.21 §59; 2001 c.114 §49; 2003 c.804 §§27a,27b; 2007 c.70 §§88,89;
2009 c.595 §206a; 2009 c.797 §1]
323.457 Distribution of additional tax
proceeds. (1) Moneys received under ORS 323.031
shall be paid over to the State Treasurer to be held in a suspense account
established under ORS 293.445. After the payment of refunds:
(a)
29.37/30 of the moneys shall be credited to the Oregon Health Plan Fund
established under ORS 414.109;
(b)
0.14/30 of the moneys are continuously appropriated to the Oregon Department of
Administrative Services for distribution to the cities of this state;
(c)
0.14/30 of the moneys are continuously appropriated to the Oregon Department of
Administrative Services for distribution to the counties of this state;
(d)
0.14/30 of the moneys are continuously appropriated to the Department of
Transportation to be distributed and transferred to the Elderly and Disabled
Special Transportation Fund established under ORS 391.800; and
(e)
0.21/30 of the moneys shall be credited to the Tobacco Use Reduction Account
established under ORS 431.832.
(2)(a)
Moneys distributed to cities and counties under this section shall be
distributed to each city or county using the proportions used for distributions
made under ORS 323.455.
(b)
Moneys shall be distributed to cities, counties and the Elderly and Disabled
Special Transportation Fund at the same time moneys are distributed to cities,
counties and the Elderly and Disabled Special Transportation Fund under ORS
323.455. [2002 s.s.3 c.2 §2(3),(4); 2003 c.804 §§5c(3),(4),5e(3),(4); 2005 c.94
§§109,110]
323.460 [1965
c.525 §106; repealed by 1969 c.229 §3]
323.480 Civil and criminal penalties for
violations of ORS 323.005 to 323.482; fine for preventing entry or examination;
forfeiture; appeal. (1)(a) A civil penalty may be
imposed by the Department of Revenue on any person who violates any provision
of ORS 323.005 to 323.482.
(b)
A civil penalty imposed under this subsection may not exceed $1,000 per
violation.
(c)
A penalty imposed under this section may be appealed to the magistrate division
of the tax court. Appeal of a magistrate decision may be made as provided in
ORS 305.445 and 305.501.
(2)
Any person who, in violation of ORS 323.740 (4), prevents entry or examination
by the department shall be fined a maximum of $500 per day for the first seven
days and $1,000 per each additional day thereafter until the department is
allowed access.
(3)
Any person required to obtain a license as a distributor under ORS 323.005 to
323.482 who knowingly engages in business as a distributor without a license or
after a license has been suspended or revoked is guilty of a Class C felony.
(4)
Any person required to make, render, sign or verify any report under ORS
323.005 to 323.482 who makes any false report with the intent to defraud is
guilty of a Class C felony.
(5)(a)
Any transporter who knowingly violates the provisions of ORS 323.225 is guilty
of a Class C felony.
(b)
This subsection does not apply to a transporter who transports or possesses or
acquires for the purpose of transporting fewer than 60,000 cigarettes.
(6)
Any person who knowingly violates any provisions of ORS 323.005 to 323.482,
except as otherwise provided in this section, is guilty of a Class A
misdemeanor.
(7)
Any person who files a fraudulent refund claim under ORS 323.320 is guilty of a
Class C felony.
(8)
Any person who, with intent to defraud, makes, alters, forges or utters a false
receipt or invoice recording a sale of cigarettes in this state is guilty of a
Class C felony.
(9)
In addition to any other sentence the court may impose upon a conviction under
this section, the court may order the forfeiture of the instrumentalities used
in violating ORS 323.005 to 323.482 and the proceeds resulting from a violation
of ORS 323.005 to 323.482. [Formerly 323.990; 2003 c.804 §28; 2009 c.797 §5]
323.482 Offense of unlawful distribution
of cigarettes; forfeiture; injunctive relief. (1) A
person commits the crime of unlawful distribution of cigarettes if the person
knowingly sells or distributes, possesses or transports for sale or
distribution or imports for sale or distribution cigarettes that do not comply
with ORS 323.005 to 323.482 or 323.850 to 323.862, the Federal Cigarette
Labeling and Advertising Act (15 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.), 19 U.S.C. 1681a or
section 5754 of the Internal Revenue Code, or implementing regulations of the
federal laws listed in this subsection.
(2)
The offense of unlawful distribution of cigarettes is classified as follows:
(a)
If the number of cigarettes involved in the offense over a 90-day period totals
12,000 or less, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
(b)
If the number of cigarettes involved in the offense over a 90-day period totals
more than 12,000 but 60,000 or less, the offense is a Class C felony classified
as crime category 3 of the sentencing guidelines grid of the Oregon Criminal
Justice Commission.
(c)
If the number of cigarettes involved in the offense over a 90-day period totals
more than 60,000 but 120,000 or less, the offense is a Class C felony classified
as crime category 5 of the sentencing guidelines grid of the Oregon Criminal
Justice Commission.
(d)
If the number of cigarettes involved in the offense over a 90-day period totals
more than 120,000, the offense is a Class B felony classified as crime category
7 of the sentencing guidelines grid of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission.
(3)
Cigarettes sold, distributed, possessed, transported or imported in violation
of subsection (1) of this section are contraband and subject to seizure and forfeiture.
If seized and forfeited under this subsection, the cigarettes shall be
destroyed.
(4)
In addition to any other sentence the court may impose upon a conviction under
this section, the court may order the forfeiture of the instrumentalities used in
violating this section and the proceeds resulting from a violation of this
section.
(5)
A person who manufactures, distributes or sells cigarettes and who sustains a
direct economic or commercial injury as a result of a violation of subsection
(1) of this section may bring in good faith an action for appropriate
injunctive relief.
(6)
The penalties set forth in this section are in addition to and not in lieu of
any other applicable penalties or sanctions. [2001 c.696 §3; 2003 c.804 §30]
TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAX
323.500 Definitions for ORS 323.500 to
323.645. As used in ORS 323.500 to 323.645,
unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
“Business” means any trade, occupation, activity or enterprise engaged in for
the purpose of selling or distributing tobacco products in this state.
(2)
“Cigar” means a roll for smoking that is of any size or shape and that is made
wholly or in part of tobacco, irrespective of whether the tobacco is pure or
flavored, adulterated or mixed with any other ingredient, if the roll has a
wrapper made wholly or in greater part of tobacco and if 1,000 of these rolls
collectively weigh more than three pounds. “Cigar” does not include a
cigarette, as defined in ORS 323.010.
(3)
“Consumer” means any person who purchases tobacco products in this state for
the person’s use or consumption or for any purpose other than for reselling the
tobacco products to another person.
(4)
“Contraband tobacco products” means tobacco products or packages containing
tobacco products:
(a)
That do not comply with the requirements of ORS 323.500 to 323.645;
(b)
That do not comply with the requirements of the tobacco products tax laws of
the federal government or of other states;
(c)
That bear trademarks that are counterfeit under ORS 647.135 or other state or
federal trademark laws; or
(d)
That have been sold, offered for sale or possessed for sale in this state in
violation of ORS 180.486.
(5)
“Department” means the Department of Revenue.
(6)
“Distribute” means:
(a)
Bringing, or causing to be brought, into this state from without this state
tobacco products for sale, storage, use or consumption;
(b)
Making, manufacturing or fabricating tobacco products in this state for sale,
storage, use or consumption in this state;
(c)
Shipping or transporting tobacco products to retail dealers in this state, to
be sold, stored, used or consumed by those retail dealers;
(d)
Storing untaxed tobacco products in this state that are intended to be for
sale, use or consumption in this state;
(e)
Selling untaxed tobacco products in this state; or
(f)
As a consumer, being in possession of untaxed tobacco products in this state.
(7)
“Distributor” means:
(a)
Any person engaged in the business of selling tobacco products in this state
who brings, or causes to be brought, into this state from without the state any
tobacco products for sale;
(b)
Any person who makes, manufactures or fabricates tobacco products in this state
for sale in this state;
(c)
Any person engaged in the business of selling tobacco products without this
state who ships or transports tobacco products to retail dealers in this state,
to be sold by those retail dealers;
(d)
Any person, including a retail dealer, who sells untaxed tobacco products in
this state; or
(e)
A consumer in possession of untaxed tobacco products in this state.
(8)
“Manufacturer” means a person who manufactures tobacco products for sale.
(9)
“Moist snuff” means:
(a)
Any finely cut, ground or powdered tobacco that is not intended to be smoked or
placed in a nasal cavity; or
(b)
Any other product containing tobacco that is intended or expected to be
consumed without being combusted.
(10)
“Place of business” means any place where tobacco products are sold or where
tobacco products are manufactured, stored or kept for the purpose of sale or
consumption, including any vessel, vehicle, airplane, train or vending machine.
(11)
“Retail dealer” means any person who is engaged in the business of selling or
otherwise dispensing tobacco products to consumers. The term also includes the
operators of or recipients of revenue from all places such as smoke shops,
cigar stores and vending machines, where tobacco products are made or stored
for ultimate sale to consumers.
(12)
“Sale” means any transfer, exchange or barter, in any manner or by any means,
for a consideration, and includes and means all sales made by any person. It
includes a gift by a person engaged in the business of selling tobacco
products, for advertising, as a means of evading the provisions of ORS 323.500
to 323.645, or for any other purpose.
(13)
“Taxpayer” includes a distributor or other person required to pay a tax imposed
under ORS 323.500 to 323.645.
(14)
“Tobacco products” means cigars, cheroots, stogies, periques, granulated, plug
cut, crimp cut, ready rubbed and other smoking tobacco, snuff, snuff flour,
moist snuff, cavendish, plug and twist tobacco, fine-cut and other chewing
tobaccos, shorts, refuse scraps, clippings, cuttings and sweepings of tobacco
and other kinds and forms of tobacco, prepared in such manner as to be suitable
for chewing or smoking in a pipe or otherwise, or both for chewing and smoking,
but shall not include cigarettes as defined in ORS 323.010.
(15)
“Untaxed tobacco products” means tobacco products for which the tax required
under ORS 323.500 to 323.645 has not been paid.
(16)
“Wholesale sales price” means the price paid for untaxed tobacco products to or
on behalf of a seller by a purchaser of the untaxed tobacco products. [1985
c.816 §15; 2001 c.982 §2; 2003 c.804 §31; 2009 c.717 §1]
323.505 Tax imposed on distribution; rate.
(1) A tax is hereby imposed upon the distribution of all tobacco products in
this state. The tax imposed by this section is intended to be a direct tax on
the consumer, for which payment upon distribution is required to achieve
convenience and facility in the collection and administration of the tax. The
tax shall be imposed on a distributor at the time the distributor distributes
tobacco products.
(2)
The tax imposed under this section shall be imposed at the rate of:
(a)
Sixty-five percent of the wholesale sales price of cigars, but not to exceed 50
cents per cigar;
(b)
One dollar and seventy-eight cents per ounce based on the net weight determined
by the manufacturer, in the case of moist snuff, except that the minimum tax
under this paragraph is $2.14 per retail container; or
(c)
Sixty-five percent of the wholesale sales price of all tobacco products that
are not cigars or moist snuff.
(3)
For reporting periods beginning on or after July 1, 2019, the rates of tax
applicable to moist snuff under subsection (2)(b) of this section shall be
adjusted for each biennium according to the cost-of-living adjustment for the
calendar year. The Department of Revenue shall recompute the rates for each
biennium by adding to the rates in subsection (2)(b) of this section the
product obtained by multiplying the rates in subsection (2)(b) of this section
by a factor that is equal to 0.25 multiplied by the percentage (if any) by
which the monthly averaged U.S. City Average Consumer Price Index for the 12
consecutive months ending August 31 of the prior calendar year exceeds the
monthly averaged U.S. City Average Consumer Price Index for the 12 consecutive
months ending August 31, 2017.
(4)
If the tax imposed under this section does not equal an amount calculable to a
whole cent, the tax shall be equal to the next higher whole cent. However, the
amount remitted to the Department of Revenue by the taxpayer for each quarter
shall be equal only to 98.5 percent of the total taxes due and payable by the
taxpayer for the quarter.
(5)
No tobacco product shall be subject to the tax if the base product or other
intermediate form thereof has previously been taxed under this section. [1985
c.816 §16; 1997 c.2 §9; 1999 c.21 §60; 2001 c.982 §3; 2003 c.46 §48; 2003 c.804
§32; 2009 c.717 §2]
323.510 Dates for payment of tax; returns;
extension. (1) Except as otherwise provided in ORS
323.500 to 323.645, the tax imposed by ORS 323.505 and 323.565 shall be paid by
each distributor and each common carrier or authorized person specified in ORS
323.565 to the Department of Revenue on or before the last day of January,
April, July and October of each year for the preceding calendar quarter.
(2)
With each quarterly payment, the taxpayer shall submit a return to the
department, in such form and containing such information as the department
shall prescribe.
(3)
The tax, penalties and interest imposed by ORS 323.500 to 323.645 shall be a
personal debt, from the time liability is incurred, owed by the taxpayer to the
State of Oregon until paid.
(4)
The returns required of distributors and common carriers or authorized persons
specified in ORS 323.565 under this section shall be filed by the distributors,
common carriers or authorized persons regardless of whether any tax is owed by
them.
(5)(a)
The department for good cause may extend the time for making any return under
ORS 323.500 to 323.645. The extension may be granted at any time if a written
request is filed with the department within or prior to the period for which
the extension may be granted. The department may not grant an extension of more
than one month.
(b)
When the time for filing a return is extended at the request of a taxpayer,
interest shall be added at the rate established under ORS 305.220 for each
month, or fraction of a month, from the time the return was originally required
to be filed to the time of payment. [1985 c.816 §17; 2003 c.46 §49; 2003 c.804 §33]
323.515 Exemption for tobacco products not
subject to taxation by state. The tax
imposed by ORS 323.505 does not apply with respect to any tobacco products
which under the Constitution and laws of the United States may not be made the
subject of taxation by the state. [1985 c.816 §18]
323.520 Application for distributor
license. (1) Any person engaging or seeking to
engage in the sale of tobacco products as a distributor shall file an
application for a distributor’s license with the Department of Revenue. The
application shall be on a form prescribed by the department. A distributor
shall apply for and obtain a license for each place of business at which the
distributor engages in the business of distributing tobacco products. A fee may
not be charged for the license. For the purposes of this section, a vending
machine in and of itself is not a place of business.
(2)
A person may not engage in the business of distributing tobacco products in
this state without a license.
(3)
A person filing an application under this section shall include with the
application a written statement certifying that the person will comply with the
provisions of ORS 180.483 and 180.486 where applicable. [1985 c.816 §19; 2003
c.804 §34; 2009 c.717 §21]
323.525 Security; amount.
(1) The Department of Revenue may require any person subject to ORS 323.500 to
323.645 to place with the department an amount of security that the department
determines is necessary to ensure compliance with ORS 323.500 to 323.645.
(2)
The amount of the security shall be fixed by the department but, except as
provided in subsection (3) of this section, may not be greater than twice the
estimated tax liability of a person for the reporting period under ORS 323.500
to 323.645, determined in a manner the department considers proper.
(3)
In the case of a person who, pursuant to ORS 323.535, has appealed the decision
of the department to suspend or revoke a license, the amount of the security
may not be greater than twice the tax liability of the person for the reporting
period under ORS 323.500 to 323.645, determined in a manner the department
considers proper, or $10,000, whichever is greater.
(4)
The limitations provided in this section apply regardless of the type of
security placed with the department. The required amount of the security may be
increased or decreased by the department subject to the limitations provided in
this section. [1985 c.816 §20; 2003 c.804 §35; 2005 c.94 §111]
323.530 Issuance of license; display;
appeal of license denial. (1) Upon receipt of a completed
application, the statement required by ORS 323.520 (3) and any security
required by the Department of Revenue under ORS 323.500 to 323.645, the
department shall issue a distributor’s license to an applicant. A separate
license shall be issued for each place of business of the distributor within
the state. Each license issued by the department shall include an
identification number for the license. A license is valid only for engaging in
business as a distributor at the place designated thereon, and it shall at all
times be conspicuously displayed at the place for which issued. The license is
not transferable and is valid until canceled, suspended or revoked.
(2)
The department may not issue a license to an applicant if the department
determines or has reason to believe that the applicant will not comply with the
provisions of ORS chapter 323 or any other state or federal tobacco products
tax law.
(3)
Notwithstanding ORS 305.280, a decision by the department not to issue a
license to an applicant may be appealed by the applicant to the magistrate
division of the tax court within 30 days of the date of the decision of the
department in the manner prescribed in ORS 305.404 to 305.560.
(4)
For purposes of this section, an application to renew a distributor’s license
shall be considered the same as an application for an initial distributor’s
license. [1985 c.816 §21; 2003 c.804 §36; 2009 c.717 §22]
323.535 Cancellation, suspension or revocation
of license; appeal. (1) The Department of Revenue
may cancel, suspend or revoke a license issued to a distributor if the
distributor fails to:
(a)
Pay any tax or penalty due under ORS chapter 323;
(b)
Otherwise comply with any provision of ORS chapter 323 or any rule adopted
thereunder; or
(c)
Comply with any other state or federal tobacco products tax law.
(2)
Notwithstanding ORS 305.280, a decision by the department to cancel, suspend or
revoke a license may be appealed by the distributor to the magistrate division
of the tax court within 30 days of the date of the decision of the department
under subsection (1) of this section, in the manner provided in ORS 305.404 to
305.560. [1985 c.816 §22; 1995 c.650 §45; 2003 c.804 §37]
323.538 Wholesale sales invoices;
requirements; presumptions; penalty. (1) A sales
invoice for the wholesale sale of tobacco products in this state, including a
sales invoice required under ORS 323.540, shall contain the following:
(a)
The name and address of the seller, the name and address of the purchaser, the
date of the sale of tobacco products, the quantity and product description of
tobacco products, the price paid for tobacco products and any discount applied
in determining the price paid for tobacco products;
(b)
The applicable license identification number for the distributor;
(c)
A certified statement by the distributor of the tobacco products that all taxes
due under ORS 323.500 to 323.645 have been or will be paid; and
(d)
Any other information the Department of Revenue may prescribe by rule.
(2)
A distributor must provide a copy of the sales invoice to the purchaser of the
tobacco product and the purchaser shall retain a copy of the invoice for five
years following the date of purchase.
(3)
Each purchaser that then sells the tobacco products to a subsequent purchaser
shall provide the subsequent purchaser with a sales invoice that meets the
requirements of this section.
(4)(a)
A purchaser in possession of tobacco products who is unable to present a sales
invoice that meets the requirements of this section is presumed to be in
possession of tobacco products for which the tax imposed under ORS 323.500 to
323.645 has not been paid.
(b)
In the case of a purchaser in possession of untaxed tobacco products, the tax
is due immediately, along with a penalty equal to 100 percent of the tax due.
Amounts due under this paragraph may be collected as provided in ORS 323.605.
(c)
If the purchaser in possession of untaxed tobacco products is a retail dealer,
the Department of Revenue may impose a civil penalty for the possession of
untaxed tobacco products. A civil penalty imposed under this paragraph may not
exceed $1,000 per violation. A penalty imposed under this paragraph may be
appealed to the magistrate division of the tax court in the time and manner
prescribed in ORS 305.404 to 305.560.
(5)
This section does not apply to a consumer in possession of less than 100 cigars
or tobacco products with a wholesale sales price of less than $50. [2003 c.804 §39]
323.540 Records; contents; retention;
examination. (1) Any distributor, and any person
dealing in, transporting or storing tobacco products, shall keep at each
registered place of business complete and accurate records for that place of
business, including itemized invoices, of tobacco products held, purchased,
manufactured, brought in or caused to be brought in from without the state or
shipped or transported to retail dealers in this state, and of all sales of
tobacco products made, except sales to consumers.
(2)
The records required by subsection (1) of this section shall show the names and
addresses of purchasers and other pertinent papers and documents relating to
the purchase, sale or disposition of tobacco products.
(3)
When a licensed distributor sells tobacco products exclusively to consumers at
the address given in the certificate and sells only tobacco products for which
taxes imposed under ORS 323.500 to 323.645 have been paid prior to sale, an
invoice of any individual sale of less than 100 cigars or of tobacco products
with a wholesale sales price of less than $50 is not required. Itemized
invoices of all tobacco products transferred to other places of business owned
or controlled by that licensed distributor shall be made and retained.
(4)(a)
All books, records and other papers and documents required by this section to
be kept shall be preserved for a period of at least five years after the
initial date of the books, records and other papers or documents, or the date
of entries appearing therein, unless the Department of Revenue, in writing,
authorizes their destruction or disposal at an earlier date.
(b)
The department or its authorized representative, upon oral or written demand,
may make such examinations of the books, papers, records and equipment required
to be kept under this section as it may deem necessary in carrying out the
provisions of ORS 323.500 to 323.645.
(c)
If the department, or any of its agents or employees, are denied free access or
are hindered or interfered with in making such examination, the license of the
distributor at such premises shall be subject to cancellation, suspension or
revocation by the department. [1985 c.816 §23; 2003 c.804 §38]
323.545 [1985
c.816 §24; repealed by 2003 c.804 §70]
323.550 [1985
c.816 §25; repealed by 2003 c.804 §70]
323.555 Warehouse records; inspection;
contents; preservation. Records of all deliveries or
shipments of tobacco products from any public warehouse of first destination in
this state shall be kept by the warehouse and be available to the Department of
Revenue for inspection. The records shall show the name and address of the
consignee, the date, the quantity of tobacco products delivered and any other
information the department may require. These records shall be preserved for
five years from the date of delivery of the tobacco products. [1985 c.816 §26;
2003 c.804 §41]
323.560 Credit of tax for tobacco products
shipped out of state or returned to manufacturer.
When tobacco products, upon which the tax imposed under ORS 323.500 to 323.645
has been reported and paid, are shipped or transported by the distributor to
retail dealers outside this state, to be sold by those retail dealers, or are
returned to the manufacturer by the distributor or destroyed by the
distributor, credit for the paid tax may be made to the distributor. [1985
c.816 §27; 2003 c.804 §42]
323.565 Exemption for sales to common
carriers engaged in interstate or foreign passenger service; tax on carriers or
persons authorized to sell tobacco products on the facilities of carriers.
The taxes imposed by ORS 323.500 to 323.645 do not apply to the sale of tobacco
products by a distributor to a common carrier engaged in interstate or foreign
passenger service or to a person authorized to sell tobacco products on the
facilities of a common carrier. Whenever tobacco products are sold by
distributors to common carriers engaged in interstate or foreign passenger
service for use or sale on facilities of the carriers, or to persons authorized
to sell tobacco products on those facilities, the tax imposed by this section
may not be levied with respect to sales of the tobacco products by the
distributors, but a tax is hereby levied upon the carriers or upon the persons
authorized to sell tobacco products on the facilities of the carriers, as the
case may be, for the privilege of making these sales in Oregon at the same rate
that is imposed upon the distribution of tobacco products in this state. The
common carriers and authorized persons shall pay the tax imposed by this
section and file returns with the Department of Revenue as provided in ORS
323.510. [1985 c.816 §27b; 2003 c.804 §43]
323.570 Transport of untaxed products;
permit; bills of lading. (1) Any transporter desiring to
possess or acquire untaxed tobacco products for transportation or transport
upon the highways, roads or streets of this state shall obtain a permit from
the Department of Revenue authorizing such transporter to possess or acquire
for transportation or transport the untaxed tobacco products, and shall have
the permit in the transporting vehicle during the period of transportation of
the tobacco products. The application for the permit shall be in such form and
shall contain such information as may be prescribed by the department. The
department may issue a permit for a single load or shipment or for a number of
loads or shipments to be transported under specified conditions.
(2)
Each transporter who shall transport or possess or acquire for the purpose of
transporting untaxed tobacco products upon the highways, roads or streets of
this state is required to have within the transporting vehicle invoices or
bills of lading covering the shipment of tobacco products being transported
which shall show the name and address of the consignor or seller, the name and
address of the consignee or purchaser and the quantity and types of tobacco
products transported. [1985 c.816 §27c]
323.575 Administration and enforcement;
rules and procedures. The Department of Revenue shall
administer and enforce ORS 323.500 to 323.645. The department is authorized to
establish those rules and procedures for the implementation and enforcement of
ORS 323.500 to 323.645 that are consistent with its provisions and considered
necessary and appropriate. [1985 c.816 §28; 2003 c.804 §44]
323.580 [1985
c.816 §29; repealed by 2003 c.804 §70]
323.585 Penalty and interest for failure
to pay tax or timely file return. The
provisions of ORS 314.400 apply to a person who fails to file a return required
under ORS 323.500 to 323.645 or fails to pay a tax at the time the tax becomes
due, and no extension is granted under ORS 323.510, or if the time granted as
an extension has expired and the person fails to file a return or pay a tax. [1985
c.816 §30; 1999 c.62 §25; 2003 c.804 §45]
323.590 [1985
c.816 §31; repealed by 2003 c.804 §70]
323.595 Application of other statutes.
Except as otherwise provided in ORS 323.500 to 323.645 or where the context
requires otherwise, the provisions of ORS chapters 305 and 314 as to the audit
and examination of returns, periods of limitations, determination of and
notices of deficiencies, assessments, liens, delinquencies, claims for refund
and refunds, conferences, appeals to the Oregon Tax Court, stay of collection
pending appeal, confidentiality of returns and the penalties relating thereto,
and the procedures relating thereto, apply to the determinations of taxes,
penalties and interest under ORS 323.500 to 323.645. [1985 c.816 §32; 1995
c.650 §46; 1999 c.1077 §7; 2001 c.76 §4; 2003 c.804 §47]
323.598 Disclosure of license information.
Notwithstanding ORS 323.595, information on the license of a distributor is not
confidential. The Department of Revenue may publicly disclose or publish a list
of names of distributors, along with any other information set forth on a
license. [2003 c.804 §36a]
323.600 Department determination of amount
of tax; deficiency determinations; liens. If,
under ORS 323.500 to 323.645, the Department of Revenue is not satisfied with
the return of the tax or as to the amount of tax required to be paid to this
state by any person, it may compute and determine the amount required to be
paid upon the basis of the facts contained in the return or upon the basis of
any information within its possession or that may come into its possession. One
or more deficiency determinations may be made of the amount due for one or for
more than one period. Notices of deficiency shall be given and interest on
deficiencies shall be computed as provided in ORS 305.265. Subject to ORS
314.421 and 314.423, liens for taxes or deficiencies arise at the time of
assessment, continue until the taxes, interest and penalties are fully
satisfied and may be recorded and collected in the manner provided for the
collection of delinquent income taxes. [1985 c.816 §33; 2003 c.804 §48]
323.605 Immediate determination and
collection of tax. If the Department of Revenue
believes that the collection of any tax imposed under ORS 323.500 to 323.645 or
any amount of the tax required to be paid to the state or of any determination
will be jeopardized by delay, it shall make a determination of the tax or
amount of tax required to be collected, noting that fact upon the
determination. The amount determined is immediately due and payable and the
department shall assess the taxes, notify the person and proceed to collect the
tax in the same manner and using the same procedures as for the collection of
income taxes under ORS 314.440. [1985 c.816 §34; 2003 c.804 §49]
323.607 Time limit for issuing notice of
deficiency for substantial reported understatement of gross purchases net of
discounts. If the Department of Revenue finds that
an amount of gross purchases net of discounts equal to 25 percent or more of
the gross purchases net of discounts as reported on the taxpayer’s tobacco
products tax return has been omitted from the return, the department may give
notice of deficiency as prescribed in ORS 305.265 at any time within five years
after the date the return was due or filed, whichever is later. [2001 c.76 §2]
323.610 Collection of unpaid tax.
(1) If any tax imposed under ORS 323.500 to 323.645, or any portion of the tax,
is not paid within the time provided by law and no provision is made to secure
the payment of the tax by bond, deposit or otherwise, pursuant to rules adopted
by the Department of Revenue, the department may issue a warrant for the
payment of the amount of the tax, with the added penalties, interest and the
sheriff’s cost of executing the warrant. A copy of the warrant shall be mailed
or delivered to the taxpayer by the department at the taxpayer’s last-known
address.
(2)
At any time after issuing a warrant under this section, the department may record
the warrant in the County Clerk Lien Record of any county of this state.
Recording of the warrant has the effect described in ORS 205.125. After
recording a warrant, the department may direct the sheriff for the county in
which the warrant is recorded to levy upon and sell the real and personal
property of the taxpayer found within that county, and to levy upon any
currency of the taxpayer found within that county, for the application of the
proceeds or currency against the amount reflected in the warrant and the
sheriff’s cost of executing the warrant. The sheriff shall proceed on the
warrant in the same manner prescribed by law for executions issued against
property pursuant to a judgment, and is entitled to the same fees as provided
for executions issued against property pursuant to a judgment. The fees of the
sheriff shall be added to and collected as a part of the warrant liability.
(3)
In the discretion of the department a warrant under this section may be
directed to any agent authorized by the department to collect the taxes imposed
by ORS 323.500 to 323.645. In the execution of the warrant the agent has all of
the powers conferred by law upon sheriffs, but is entitled to no fee or
compensation in excess of actual expenses paid in the performance of such duty.
(4)
Until a warrant issued under this section is satisfied in full, the department
has the same remedies to enforce the claim for taxes against the taxpayer as if
the state had recovered judgment against the taxpayer for the amount of the
tax. [1985 c.816 §35; 1987 c.158 §55; 2003 c.576 §205; 2003 c.804 §50; 2011
c.389 §5; 2011 c.661 §8]
323.612 Seizure and forfeiture of
contraband tobacco products; appeal. (1) Any
contraband tobacco products found by an authorized representative of the Department
of Revenue or any law enforcement agency may be immediately seized and subject
to forfeiture. If seized and forfeited under this subsection, the tobacco
products shall be destroyed.
(2)
Notwithstanding ORS 305.280, a seizure and forfeiture made under this section
may be appealed to the magistrate division of the tax court within 30 days of
the date of the seizure in the manner prescribed in ORS 305.404 to 305.560. [2003
c.804 §57]
323.615 Refund agreement with governing
body of Indian reservation; appropriation for refunds.
(1) The Director of the Department of Revenue is authorized to enter into a
tobacco products tax refund agreement with the governing body of any Indian
reservation in Oregon. The agreement may provide for a mutually agreed upon
amount as a refund to the governing body of any tobacco tax collected under ORS
323.500 to 323.645 in connection with the sale of tobacco products to Indians
on the Indian reservation, or the use, storage or consumption of tobacco
products by Indians on the Indian reservation. This provision is in addition to
other laws allowing tax refunds.
(2)
There is continuously appropriated to the director, from the suspense account
established under ORS 293.445 and 323.625, the amounts necessary to make the
refunds provided by subsection (1) of this section. [1985 c.816 §36; 1999 c.21 §61;
2003 c.804 §51]
323.618 Venue; department certificate as
evidence. (1) The violation of any provision of
ORS 323.500 to 323.645 or any rule adopted thereunder shall be deemed an act
committed in part at the office of the Department of Revenue in Salem, Oregon,
and venue shall lie in Marion County, Oregon.
(2)
The certificate of the department to the effect that a tax has not been paid,
that a return has not been filed or that information has not been supplied, as
required by or under the provisions of ORS 323.500 to 323.645, shall be prima
facie evidence that the tax has not been paid, that the return has not been
filed or that the information has not been supplied. [2003 c.804 §55]
323.619 Actions by Attorney General;
limitation on actions; authority. (1) In
addition to all other remedies specified in ORS 323.500 to 323.645, action may
be brought by the Attorney General, at the request of the Department of
Revenue, in the name of the state, to recover the amount of any taxes,
penalties and interest due under ORS 323.500 to 323.645, if the action for
recovery is commenced within three years from the time the tax is due to be
paid.
(2)
The Attorney General shall have authority to investigate any criminal violation
of ORS 323.500 to 323.645. [2003 c.804 §59]
323.620 Remedies cumulative.
The remedies of the state provided for in ORS 323.500 to 323.645 are
cumulative. No action taken by the Department of Revenue or Attorney General
constitutes an election by the state to pursue any remedy to the exclusion of
any other remedy for which provision is made in ORS 323.500 to 323.645. [1985
c.816 §40; 2003 c.804 §52]
323.623 Appeals.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in ORS 323.500 to 323.645, any person
aggrieved by an act or determination of the Department of Revenue or its
authorized agent under ORS 323.500 to 323.645 may appeal to the Oregon Tax
Court in the time and manner provided in ORS 305.404 to 305.560. These appeal
rights shall be the exclusive remedy available to determine the person’s
liability for the taxes imposed under ORS 323.500 to 323.645.
(2)
An appeal to the Oregon Tax Court under ORS 323.500 to 323.645 stays
proceedings to collect any unpaid tax unless the tax court believes the
collection of the tax will be jeopardized by delay or otherwise orders
collection proceedings to continue. [2003 c.804 §46]
323.625 Disposition of moneys.
All moneys received by the Department of Revenue under ORS 323.500 to 323.645
shall be deposited in the State Treasury and credited to a suspense account
established under ORS 293.445. The department may pay expenses for
administration of ORS 323.500 to 323.645 out of moneys received from the taxes
imposed under ORS 323.505 and 323.565. Amounts necessary to pay administrative
expenses are continuously appropriated to the department from the suspense
account. After the payment of administrative expenses and refunds or credits
arising from erroneous overpayments, the balance of the money shall be credited
to the General Fund. Of the amount credited to the General Fund under this
section 41.54 percent shall be dedicated to funding the maintenance and
expansion of the number of persons eligible for the medical assistance program
under ORS chapter 414, or to funding the maintenance of the benefits available
under the program, or both, and 4.62 percent shall be credited to the Tobacco
Use Reduction Account established under ORS 431.832. [1985 c.816 §42; 1997 c.2 §10;
1999 c.21 §62; 2003 c.804 §§53,53a; 2009 c.595 §206b; 2009 c.797 §2]
323.630 Civil and criminal penalties for
violations of ORS 323.500 to 323.645; fine for preventing entry or examination.
(1)(a) A civil penalty may be imposed by the Department of Revenue on any
person who violates any provision of ORS 323.500 to 323.645.
(b)
A civil penalty imposed under this subsection may not exceed $1,000 per
violation.
(c)
A penalty imposed under this subsection may be appealed to the magistrate
division of the tax court in the time and manner prescribed in ORS 305.404 to
305.560.
(2)
Any person who, in violation of ORS 323.740 (4), prevents entry or examination
by the department shall be fined a maximum of $500 per day for the first seven
days and $1,000 per each additional day thereafter until the department is
allowed access.
(3)
Any person required to obtain a license as a distributor under ORS 323.500 to
323.645 who knowingly engages in business as a distributor without a license or
after a license has been suspended or revoked is guilty of a Class C felony.
(4)
Any person required to make, render, sign or verify any report under ORS
323.500 to 323.645 who makes any false report with the intent to defraud is
guilty of a Class C felony.
(5)
Any transporter who knowingly violates the provisions of ORS 323.570 is guilty
of a Class C felony.
(6)
Any person who knowingly violates any provision of ORS 323.500 to 323.645,
except as otherwise provided in this section, is guilty of a Class A
misdemeanor.
(7)
Any person who, with intent to defraud, makes, alters, forges or utters a false
receipt or invoice recording a sale of tobacco products in this state is guilty
of a Class C felony.
(8)
In addition to any other sentence the court may impose upon a conviction under
this section, the court may order the forfeiture of the instrumentalities used
in violating ORS 323.500 to 323.645 and the proceeds resulting from a violation
of ORS 323.500 to 323.645. [2003 c.804 §56; 2009 c.797 §6]
323.632 Offense of unlawful distribution
of tobacco products; forfeiture. (1) A person
commits the crime of unlawful distribution of tobacco products if the person
knowingly sells or distributes, possesses or transports for sale or
distribution or imports for sale or distribution tobacco products that do not
comply with ORS 323.500 to 323.645.
(2)
The offense of unlawful distribution of tobacco products is classified as
follows:
(a)
If the amount of tobacco products tax avoided in committing the offense over a
90-day period totals less than $1,000, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
(b)
If the amount of tobacco products tax avoided in committing the offense over a
90-day period totals $1,000 or more, but less than $5,000, the offense is a
Class C felony classified as crime category 3 of the sentencing guidelines grid
of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission.
(c)
If the amount of tobacco products tax avoided in committing the offense over a
90-day period totals $5,000 or more, but less than $10,000, the offense is a
Class C felony classified as crime category 5 of the sentencing guidelines grid
of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission.
(d)
If the amount of tobacco products tax avoided in committing the offense over a
90-day period totals $10,000 or more, the offense is a Class B felony
classified as crime category 7 of the sentencing guidelines grid of the Oregon
Criminal Justice Commission.
(3)
Tobacco products sold, distributed, possessed, transported or imported in
violation of subsection (1) of this section are contraband and subject to
seizure and forfeiture. If seized and forfeited under this subsection, the
tobacco products shall be destroyed.
(4)
In addition to any other sentence the court may impose upon a conviction under
this section, the court may order the forfeiture of the instrumentalities used
in violating this section and the proceeds resulting from a violation of this
section.
(5)
As used in this section, “tobacco products tax” means the amount of tax due
under ORS 323.500 to 323.645, if the tax were timely paid upon first
distribution of the tobacco products in this state. [2003 c.804 §58; 2007 c.40 §1]
323.635 Penalties in ORS 323.630 and
323.632 additional to other penalties. The penalties
provided in ORS 323.630 and 323.632 are additional to all other penalties
provided under ORS 323.500 to 323.645. [1985 c.816 §44; 2003 c.804 §54]
323.640 Tax on distributors in lieu of all
other state, county or municipal taxes on sale or use of tobacco.
(1) The taxes imposed by ORS 323.505 are in lieu of all other state, county or
municipal taxes on the sale or use of tobacco products.
(2)
Any tobacco product with respect to which a tax has once been imposed under ORS
323.505 shall not be subject upon a subsequent distribution to the taxes
imposed by ORS 323.505. [1985 c.816 §44a]
323.645 Short title.
ORS 323.500 to 323.645 may be cited as the Tobacco Products Tax Act. [1985
c.816 §46]
TOBACCO DELIVERY SALES
323.700 Definitions for ORS 323.700 to
323.730. As used in ORS 323.700 to 323.730:
(1)
“Consumer” means an individual who is not a licensed distributor of tobacco or
a licensed tobacco retailer.
(2)
“Delivery sale”:
(a)
Means a sale of tobacco to a consumer in this state in which:
(A)
The purchaser submits the order for the sale by means of a telephone or other
method of voice transmission, a delivery service or the Internet or other
online service; or
(B)
The tobacco is delivered by use of a delivery service.
(b)
Includes any sale of tobacco described in paragraph (a) of this subsection,
regardless of whether the seller is located within Indian country or is
otherwise within or outside of this state.
(c)
Does not include any sale to a licensed distributor or licensed tobacco
retailer in this state.
(3)
“Delivery service” means any person that is engaged in the commercial delivery
of letters, packages or other containers.
(4)
“Indian country” has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. 1151.
(5)
“Legal minimum purchase age” means the minimum age at which an individual may
purchase tobacco in this state.
(6)
“Mail” means the use of the United States Postal Service for delivery of
letters, packages or other containers.
(7)
“Person accepting a purchase order for a delivery sale” means a person who
fills a tobacco purchase order given by a consumer and processes the order for
mail, shipping or other delivery, or who contracts with another party to
provide delivery service.
(8)
“Purchase order” means a written or electronic document authorizing a seller to
provide goods.
(9)
“Sale of tobacco to a consumer” means any sale of tobacco to an individual in
this state, unless the individual is licensed as a distributor or retailer of
tobacco by the Department of Revenue.
(10)
“Shipping container” means a container in which tobacco is packaged in
connection with a delivery sale.
(11)
“Shipping documents” means bills of lading, airbills or any other documents
used to evidence the undertaking by a delivery service to deliver letters,
packages or other containers.
(12)
“Tobacco” means cigarettes, as defined in ORS 323.010, or tobacco products, as
defined in ORS 323.500. [2003 c.804 §73]
323.703 Delivery sales to persons under
legal minimum purchase age prohibited. A person may
not make a delivery sale of tobacco to a person who is under the legal minimum
purchase age. [2003 c.804 §74]
323.706 Requirements for persons accepting
delivery sale purchase orders. A person
accepting a purchase order for a delivery sale, prior to the first mailing,
shipment or other delivery of tobacco to a consumer, shall comply with:
(1)
The age verification requirements set forth in ORS 323.709;
(2)
The distributor license requirements set forth in ORS 323.712;
(3)
The disclosure requirements set forth in ORS 323.715;
(4)
The mailing or shipping requirements set forth in ORS 323.718;
(5)
The reporting requirements set forth in ORS 323.721; and
(6)
All other laws of this state applicable to sales of tobacco that occur entirely
within Oregon, including but not limited to ORS 323.005 to 323.482, 323.500 to
323.645, 323.806 and 323.816. [2003 c.804 §75; 2009 c.717 §23]
323.709 Requirements for persons mailing
or shipping tobacco in delivery sales. A person may
not mail or ship tobacco in connection with a delivery sale order unless the
person, before mailing or shipping the tobacco, does all of the following:
(1)
Obtains a certification from the prospective consumer that includes a written
statement signed by the prospective consumer that:
(a)
Certifies the prospective consumer’s address and that the prospective consumer
is at least the legal minimum purchase age; and
(b)
Confirms that the prospective consumer understands that signing another person’s
name to the certification is illegal, that the sale of tobacco to individuals
under the legal minimum purchase age is illegal and that the purchase of
tobacco by individuals under the legal minimum purchase age is illegal under
ORS 167.401;
(2)
Verifies the information contained in the certification against a commercially
available database of government-collected information showing the age or date
of birth of the individual placing the order and obtains a photocopy or other
image of a valid, government-issued identification stating the age or date of
birth of the individual placing the order;
(3)
Provides a notice to the prospective consumer, via electronic mail or other
means, that meets the requirements of ORS 323.715; and
(4)
In the case of an order for tobacco placed through an Internet website,
receives payment for the delivery sale from the prospective purchaser by a
credit or debit card that has been issued in the name of the prospective
purchaser or by a personal check issued by the prospective purchaser. [2003
c.804 §76]
323.712 Distributors’ licenses.
(1) Each person seeking to engage in delivery sales of tobacco to purchasers in
this state shall apply for and obtain:
(a)
A cigarette distributor’s license under ORS 323.105, if the person intends to
engage in cigarette delivery sales; and
(b)
A tobacco products distributor’s license under ORS 323.520, if the person
intends to engage in tobacco products delivery sales.
(2)
A person may not engage in delivery sales in this state without first obtaining
each applicable distributor’s license under subsection (1) of this section. [2003
c.804 §76a]
323.715 Notice requirements for delivery sales.
The notice required under ORS 323.709 (3) shall include:
(1)
A prominent and clearly legible statement that tobacco sales to persons under
the legal minimum purchase age are illegal;
(2)
A prominent and clearly legible statement that sales of tobacco are restricted
to those individuals who provide verifiable proof of age in accordance with ORS
323.709; and
(3)
A prominent and clearly legible statement that sales of cigarettes are subject
to tax under ORS 323.005 to 323.482 and that sales of other tobacco products
are subject to tax under ORS 323.500 to 323.645, and an explanation of how the
applicable tax has been paid or is to be paid. [2003 c.804 §77]
323.718 Requirements for mailing or shipping
delivery sale orders. (1) Each person accepting a
purchase order for a delivery sale, in connection with the delivery sale order,
shall:
(a)
Include as part of the shipping documents a clear and conspicuous statement
providing as follows: “TOBACCO: OREGON LAW PROHIBITS SHIPPING TO INDIVIDUALS
UNDER 18 AND REQUIRES THE PAYMENT OF ALL APPLICABLE TAXES”; and
(b)
Use a method of mail, shipping or other delivery of tobacco described in this
paragraph as follows:
(A)
Unless subparagraph (B) of this paragraph applies, use a method of shipping or
other delivery that obligates the delivery service to require:
(i)
The consumer placing the delivery sale order, or another individual of at least
the legal minimum purchase age who resides at the residence of the consumer, to
sign to accept delivery of the shipping container; and
(ii)
Proof, in the form of a valid, government-issued identification bearing a
photograph of the individual who signs to accept delivery of the shipping
container, demonstrating that the individual who signs to accept delivery:
(I)
Is either the consumer or another individual residing at the residence of the
consumer; and
(II)
Is at least the legal minimum purchase age, except that proof of age is
required only if the individual appears to be under 27 years of age.
(B)
If the person is fulfilling a purchase order for a delivery sale by mailing
tobacco, to the extent permitted by the United States Postal Service, use a
method of mailing that requires the postal service to require:
(i)
The consumer placing the delivery sale order, or another individual of at least
the legal minimum purchase age residing at the residence of the consumer, to
sign to accept delivery of the shipping container; and
(ii)
Proof, in the form of a valid, government-issued identification bearing a
photograph of the individual who signs to accept delivery of the shipping
container, demonstrating that the individual who signs to accept delivery:
(I)
Is either the consumer or another individual residing at the residence of the
consumer; and
(II)
Is at least the legal minimum purchase age, except that proof of age is
required only if the individual appears to be under 27 years of age.
(2)
If the person accepting a purchase order for a delivery sale delivers the
tobacco without using a delivery service or the United States Postal Service,
the person shall comply with all requirements of ORS 323.700 to 323.730 that
apply to a delivery service and shall be in violation of this section if the
person fails to comply with all requirements applicable to a delivery service. [2003
c.804 §78]
323.721 Delivery sales reporting
requirements. (1) Prior to delivering, mailing or
shipping tobacco in connection with a delivery sale, a person who accepts
purchase orders for delivery sales shall file a statement with the Department
of Revenue. The statement shall set forth the name, trade name and address of
the principal place of business of the seller and any other place of business
of the seller.
(2)
Not later than the 10th day of each calendar month, each person that has made a
delivery sale or delivered, mailed or shipped tobacco or contracted with
another party for delivery service in connection with a delivery sale made
during the previous calendar month shall file a memorandum of sale or a copy of
the delivery sales invoice with the Department of Revenue. The memorandum or
delivery sales invoice shall provide, for each delivery sale made during the
previous calendar month:
(a)
The name and address of the consumer to whom the delivery sale was made;
(b)
The brand or brands of the tobacco that were sold in the delivery sale; and
(c)
The quantity of tobacco that was sold in the delivery sale.
(3)
A person that satisfies the requirements of 15 U.S.C. 376 is deemed to meet the
requirements of this section. [2003 c.804 §79]
323.724 Delivery sales of untaxed cigarettes
or tobacco products prohibited. (1) A person
that accepts a purchase order for a delivery sale of cigarettes may not make a
delivery sale of cigarettes to a person in this state if the packages in which
the cigarettes are contained do not bear the proper tax stamps required to be
affixed to the packages of cigarettes under ORS 323.005 to 323.482.
(2)
A person that accepts a purchase order for a delivery sale of tobacco products
may not make a delivery sale of tobacco products in this state if the sales
invoice for the delivery sale does not comply with ORS 323.538. [2003 c.804 §80]
323.727 Penalties for violating ORS
323.700 to 323.730; seizure and forfeiture. (1)
Except as otherwise provided in this section:
(a)
The first time a person violates a provision of ORS 323.700 to 323.730, the
person shall be subject to a penalty of $1,000 or five times the retail value
of the tobacco involved in the violation, whichever is greater; and
(b)
In the case of a second or subsequent violation of ORS 323.700 to 323.730, the
person shall be subject to a penalty of $5,000 or five times the retail value
of the tobacco involved in the violation, whichever is greater.
(2)
A person who knowingly violates a provision of ORS 323.700 to 323.730 or who
knowingly submits a false certification under ORS 323.709 under the name of
another person:
(a)
Shall be subject to a penalty of $10,000 or five times the retail value of the
tobacco involved, whichever is greater; or
(b)
May be imprisoned for a period of not more than five years.
(3)
A person who accepts a purchase order for a delivery sale and, in connection
with the sale, fails to pay a tax due under ORS 323.005 to 323.482 or 323.500
to 323.645 shall pay a penalty of five times the amount of tax due and not
timely paid under ORS 323.005 to 323.482 or 323.500 to 323.645.
(4)
The penalties prescribed under this section are in addition to and not in lieu
of any other penalty applicable under the laws of this state.
(5)
Any tobacco sold or attempted to be sold in a delivery sale that does not meet
the requirements of ORS 323.700 to 323.730 may be immediately seized and
subject to forfeiture. Tobacco seized and forfeited under this subsection shall
be destroyed.
(6)
Any fixtures, equipment, materials or other personal property on the premises
of a person who violates ORS 323.700 to 323.730 may be immediately seized and
subject to forfeiture. Property seized and forfeited under this subsection may
be sold or destroyed. [2003 c.804 §81]
323.730 Persons who may bring actions.
The Attorney General or any person that holds a permit, issued under section
5713 of the Internal Revenue Code, to engage in business as a manufacturer or
importer of tobacco products or as an export warehouse proprietor, may bring an
action to enforce the provisions of ORS 323.700 to 323.730 or to prevent or
restrain violations of ORS 323.700 to 323.730. [2003 c.804 §82]
323.740 Entry and examination by
department. (1) As used in this section, “premises”
means a place of business:
(a)
That is licensed under this chapter; or
(b)
That the Department of Revenue has reasonable cause to believe is used for the
sale or distribution of cigarettes or tobacco products.
(2)
The Department of Revenue may enter and examine the premises of any person or
business at any time an individual is present. If the department seeks entry
under this section outside of regular business hours, this section requires
that department personnel have reasonable cause to believe that an individual
is present in the premises. The department may enter and examine:
(a)
All areas used in or by the business operated at the premises, regardless of
whether patrons are permitted to be present in those areas; and
(b)
Areas not located at the premises that reasonably appear to be used by the
person or business to store items listed in subsection (3) of this section.
(3)
The department may examine:
(a)
Business records related to the sale or distribution of cigarettes or tobacco
products;
(b)
Books, papers, records or equipment reasonably necessary to comply with the
provisions of this chapter; and
(c)
Cigarettes or tobacco products.
(4)
A person may not interfere with or hinder an entry or examination by the
department under this section.
(5)
This section does not authorize the department to enter or examine an area used
for residential purposes, unless the area is located on a lot or parcel not
zoned for residential use or where residential use is not allowed as a
nonconforming use. [2009 c.797 §4]
MASTER SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
323.800 Definitions for ORS 323.800 to
323.806. As used in ORS 323.800 to 323.806:
(1)
“Adjusted for inflation” means increased in accordance with the formula for
inflation adjustment set forth in Exhibit C to the Master Settlement Agreement.
(2)(a)
“Affiliate” means a person who directly or indirectly owns or controls, is
owned or controlled by, or is under common ownership or control with, another
person.
(b)
For purposes of defining “affiliate”:
(A)
The terms “owns,” “is owned” and “ownership” mean ownership of an equity
interest, or the equivalent thereof, of 10 percent or more; and
(B)
The term “person” means an individual, partnership, committee, association,
corporation or any other organization or group of persons.
(3)
“Allocable share” means Allocable Share as that term is defined in the Master
Settlement Agreement.
(4)(a)
“Cigarette” means any product that contains nicotine, is intended to be burned
or heated under ordinary conditions of use, and consists of or contains:
(A)
Any roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in any substance not containing
tobacco;
(B)
Tobacco, in any form, that is functional in the product and that because of its
appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler, or its packaging and
labeling, is likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as a
cigarette; or
(C)
Any roll of tobacco wrapped in any substance containing tobacco that, because
of its appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler, or its packaging and
labeling, is likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as a cigarette
described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.
(b)
The term “cigarette” includes “roll-your-own tobacco” (i.e., tobacco that,
because of its appearance, type, packaging or labeling, is suitable for use and
likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco for making
cigarettes). For purposes of this paragraph, 0.09 ounces of roll-your-own
tobacco shall constitute one individual cigarette.
(5)
“Master Settlement Agreement” means the settlement agreement (and related
documents) entered into on November 23, 1998, by the State of Oregon and
leading United States tobacco product manufacturers.
(6)
“Qualified escrow fund” means an escrow arrangement with a federally or state
chartered financial institution having no affiliation with any tobacco product
manufacturer and having assets of at least $1 billion where such arrangement
requires that such financial institution hold the escrowed funds’ principal for
the benefit of releasing parties and prohibits the tobacco product manufacturer
who is placing the funds into escrow from using, accessing or directing the use
of the escrowed funds’ principal except as consistent with ORS 323.806 (2)(b).
(7)
“Released claims” means Released Claims as that term is defined in the Master
Settlement Agreement.
(8)
“Releasing parties” means Releasing Parties as that term is defined in the
Master Settlement Agreement.
(9)(a)
“Tobacco product manufacturer” means an entity that, after October 23, 1999,
directly (and not exclusively through any affiliate):
(A)
Manufactures cigarettes anywhere that such manufacturer intends to be sold in
the United States, including cigarettes intended to be sold in the United
States through an importer (except where such importer is an Original Participating
Manufacturer (as that term is defined in the Master Settlement Agreement) that
will be responsible for the payments under the Master Settlement Agreement with
respect to such cigarettes as a result of the provisions of subsection II(mm)
of the Master Settlement Agreement and that pays the taxes specified in
subsection II(z) of the Master Settlement Agreement, and provided that the
manufacturer of such cigarettes does not market or advertise such cigarettes in
the United States);
(B)
Is the first purchaser anywhere for resale in the United States of cigarettes
manufactured anywhere that the manufacturer does not intend to be sold in the
United States; or
(C)
Becomes a successor of an entity described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of this
paragraph.
(b)
The term “tobacco product manufacturer” does not include an affiliate of a
tobacco product manufacturer unless such affiliate is itself a tobacco product
manufacturer under paragraph (a)(A), (B) or (C) of this subsection.
(10)
“Units sold” means the number of individual cigarettes sold in the State of
Oregon by the applicable tobacco product manufacturer (whether directly or
through a distributor, retailer or similar intermediary or intermediaries)
during the year in question, as measured by excise taxes collected by the State
of Oregon on roll-your-own tobacco containers or on packs bearing the excise
tax stamp of this state. The Department of Revenue shall promulgate such rules
as are necessary to ascertain the amount of state excise tax paid on the cigarettes
of such tobacco product manufacturer for each year. [Formerly 293.533; 2005
c.22 §228; 2007 c.707 §1]
Note:
323.800 to 323.806 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were
not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 323 or any series therein by
legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further
explanation.
323.803 Findings and purpose.
(1) Cigarette smoking presents serious public health concerns to the State of
Oregon and to the citizens of the State of Oregon. The Surgeon General has
determined that smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease and other serious
diseases, and that there are hundreds of thousands of tobacco-related deaths in
the United States each year. These diseases most often do not appear until many
years after the person in question begins smoking.
(2)
Cigarette smoking also presents serious financial concerns for this state.
Under certain health care programs, the State of Oregon may have a legal
obligation to provide medical assistance to eligible persons for health
conditions associated with cigarette smoking, and those persons may have a
legal entitlement to receive such medical assistance.
(3)
Under those health care programs, the State of Oregon pays millions of dollars
each year to provide medical assistance for persons for health conditions
associated with cigarette smoking.
(4)
It is the policy of the State of Oregon that financial burdens imposed on this
state by cigarette smoking be borne by tobacco product manufacturers rather than
by this state to the extent that such manufacturers either determine to enter
into a settlement with the State of Oregon or are found culpable by the courts.
(5)
On November 23, 1998, leading United States tobacco product manufacturers
entered into a settlement agreement, entitled the “Master Settlement Agreement,”
with the State of Oregon. The Master Settlement Agreement obligates those
manufacturers, in return for a release of past, present and certain future
claims against them as described in the Master Settlement Agreement:
(a)
To pay substantial sums to the State of Oregon (tied in part to their volume of
sales);
(b)
To fund a national foundation devoted to the interests of public health; and
(c)
To make substantial changes in their advertising and marketing practices and
corporate culture, with the intention of reducing underage smoking.
(6)
It would be contrary to the policy of the State of Oregon if those tobacco
product manufacturers who determine not to enter into such a settlement could
use a resulting cost advantage to derive large, short-term profits in the years
before liability may arise without ensuring that this state will have an
eventual source of recovery from them if they are proven to have acted
culpably. It is thus in the interest of the State of Oregon to require that
such manufacturers establish a reserve fund to guarantee a source of
compensation and to prevent such manufacturers from deriving large, short-term
profits and then becoming judgment-proof before liability may arise. [Formerly
293.530]
Note: See
note under 323.800.
323.806 Required actions by manufacturers.
Any tobacco product manufacturer selling cigarettes to consumers within the
State of Oregon (whether directly or through a distributor, retailer or similar
intermediary or intermediaries) after October 23, 1999, shall do one of the
following:
(1)
Become a Participating Manufacturer (as that term is defined in section II(jj)
of the Master Settlement Agreement) and generally perform its financial
obligations under the Master Settlement Agreement; or
(2)(a)
Place into a qualified escrow fund by April 15 of the year following the year
in question the following amounts (as such amounts are adjusted for inflation):
(A)
For 1999, $0.0094241 per unit sold after October 23, 1999.
(B)
For 2000, $0.0104712 per unit sold.
(C)
For each of the years 2001 and 2002, $0.0136125 per unit sold.
(D)
For each of the years 2003 through 2006, $0.0167539 per unit sold.
(E)
For 2007 and each year thereafter, $0.0188482 per unit sold.
(b)
A tobacco product manufacturer that places funds into escrow pursuant to
paragraph (a) of this subsection shall receive the interest or other
appreciation on such funds as earned. Such funds themselves shall be released
from escrow only under the following circumstances:
(A)
To pay a judgment or settlement on any released claim brought against such
tobacco product manufacturer by the State of Oregon or any releasing party
located or residing in this state. Funds shall be released from escrow under
this subparagraph in the order in which they were placed into escrow and only
to the extent and at the time necessary to make payments required under such
judgment or settlement;
(B)
To the extent that a tobacco product manufacturer establishes that the amount
it was required to place into escrow on account of units sold in Oregon in a
particular year was greater than the Master Settlement Agreement payments, as
determined pursuant to section IX(i) of that agreement after final
determination of all adjustments, that the manufacturer would have been
required to make on account of such units sold had it been a Participating
Manufacturer (as that term is defined in the Master Settlement Agreement), the
excess shall be released from escrow and revert back to such tobacco product
manufacturer; or
(C)
To the extent not released from escrow under subparagraph (A) or (B) of this
paragraph, funds shall be released from escrow and revert back to such tobacco
product manufacturer 25 years after the date on which they were placed into
escrow.
(c)
Each tobacco product manufacturer that elects to place funds into escrow
pursuant to this subsection shall annually certify to the Attorney General that
it is in compliance with this subsection. The Attorney General may bring a
civil action on behalf of the State of Oregon against any tobacco product
manufacturer that fails to place into escrow the funds required under this
subsection. Any tobacco product manufacturer that fails in any year to place
into escrow the funds required under this subsection shall:
(A)
Be required within 15 days to place such funds into escrow as shall bring such
manufacturer into compliance with this subsection. The court, upon a finding of
a violation of this subsection, may impose a civil penalty to be paid to the
General Fund of this state in an amount not to exceed five percent of the
amount improperly withheld from escrow per day of the violation and in a total
amount not to exceed 100 percent of the original amount improperly withheld
from escrow;
(B)
In the case of a knowing violation, be required within 15 days to place such
funds into escrow as shall bring such manufacturer into compliance with this
subsection. The court, upon a finding of a knowing violation of this
subsection, may impose a civil penalty to be paid to the General Fund of this
state in an amount not to exceed 15 percent of the amount improperly withheld
from escrow per day of the violation and in a total amount not to exceed 300
percent of the original amount improperly withheld from escrow; and
(C)
In the case of a second knowing violation, be prohibited from selling
cigarettes to consumers within the State of Oregon (whether directly or through
a distributor, retailer or similar intermediary or intermediaries) for a period
not to exceed two years. Each failure to make an annual deposit required under
this section shall constitute a separate violation. [Formerly 293.535]
Note: The
amendments to 323.806 [formerly 293.535] by section 22, chapter 801, Oregon
Laws 2003, become operative only if there is a final judgment that invalidates
the amendments to 323.806 by section 21, chapter 801, Oregon Laws 2003. If the
court enters a final judgment that invalidates the amendments to 323.806 by
section 21, chapter 801, Oregon Laws 2003, the amendments to 323.806 by section
22, chapter 801, Oregon Laws 2003, become operative 31 days after entry of the
final judgment. See section 25, chapter 801, Oregon Laws 2003. The text that,
if the court enters a final judgment that invalidates the amendments to 323.806
by section 21, chapter 801, Oregon Laws 2003, is operative 31 days after entry
of the final judgment is set forth for the user’s convenience.
323.806. Any
tobacco product manufacturer selling cigarettes to consumers within the State of
Oregon (whether directly or through a distributor, retailer or similar
intermediary or intermediaries) after October 23, 1999, shall do one of the
following:
(1)
Become a Participating Manufacturer (as that term is defined in section II(jj)
of the Master Settlement Agreement) and generally perform its financial
obligations under the Master Settlement Agreement; or
(2)(a)
Place into a qualified escrow fund by April 15 of the year following the year
in question the following amounts (as such amounts are adjusted for inflation):
(A)
For 1999, $0.0094241 per unit sold after October 23, 1999.
(B)
For 2000, $0.0104712 per unit sold.
(C)
For each of the years 2001 and 2002, $0.0136125 per unit sold.
(D)
For each of the years 2003 through 2006, $0.0167539 per unit sold.
(E)
For 2007 and each year thereafter, $0.0188482 per unit sold.
(b)
A tobacco product manufacturer that places funds into escrow pursuant to
paragraph (a) of this subsection shall receive the interest or other
appreciation on such funds as earned. Such funds themselves shall be released
from escrow only under the following circumstances:
(A)
To pay a judgment or settlement on any released claim brought against such
tobacco product manufacturer by the State of Oregon or any releasing party located
or residing in this state. Funds shall be released from escrow under this
subparagraph in the order in which they were placed into escrow and only to the
extent and at the time necessary to make payments required under such judgment
or settlement;
(B)
To the extent that a tobacco product manufacturer establishes that the amount
it was required to place into escrow in a particular year was greater than this
state’s allocable share of the total payments that such manufacturer would have
been required to make in that year under the Master Settlement Agreement (as
determined pursuant to section IX(i)(2) of the Master Settlement Agreement, and
before any of the adjustments or offsets described in section IX(i)(3) of that
agreement other than the inflation adjustment) had it been a Participating
Manufacturer (as that term is defined in the Master Settlement Agreement), the
excess shall be released from escrow and revert back to such tobacco product
manufacturer; or
(C)
To the extent not released from escrow under subparagraph (A) or (B) of this
paragraph, funds shall be released from escrow and revert back to such tobacco
product manufacturer 25 years after the date on which they were placed into
escrow.
(c)
Each tobacco product manufacturer that elects to place funds into escrow
pursuant to this subsection shall annually certify to the Attorney General that
it is in compliance with this subsection. The Attorney General may bring a
civil action on behalf of the State of Oregon against any tobacco product manufacturer
that fails to place into escrow the funds required under this subsection. Any
tobacco product manufacturer that fails in any year to place into escrow the
funds required under this subsection shall:
(A)
Be required within 15 days to place such funds into escrow as shall bring such
manufacturer into compliance with this subsection. The court, upon a finding of
a violation of this subsection, may impose a civil penalty to be paid to the
General Fund of this state in an amount not to exceed five percent of the
amount improperly withheld from escrow per day of the violation and in a total
amount not to exceed 100 percent of the original amount improperly withheld
from escrow;
(B)
In the case of a knowing violation, be required within 15 days to place such
funds into escrow as shall bring such manufacturer into compliance with this
subsection. The court, upon a finding of a knowing violation of this
subsection, may impose a civil penalty to be paid to the General Fund of this
state in an amount not to exceed 15 percent of the amount improperly withheld
from escrow per day of the violation and in a total amount not to exceed 300
percent of the original amount improperly withheld from escrow; and
(C)
In the case of a second knowing violation, be prohibited from selling
cigarettes to consumers within the State of Oregon (whether directly or through
a distributor, retailer or similar intermediary or intermediaries) for a period
not to exceed two years. Each failure to make an annual deposit required under this
section shall constitute a separate violation.
Note: See
note under 323.800.
SMOKELESS TOBACCO MASTER SETTLEMENT
AGREEMENT
323.810 Definitions for ORS 323.810 to
323.816. As used in ORS 323.810 to 323.816:
(1)
“Adjusted for inflation” means increased in accordance with the formula for
inflation adjustment set forth in Exhibit F to the Smokeless Tobacco Master
Settlement Agreement.
(2)
“Affiliate” means a person who directly or indirectly owns or controls, is
owned or controlled by or is under common ownership or control with another
person. For purposes of defining “affiliate”:
(a)
“Owns,” “is owned” and “ownership” mean ownership of an equity interest, or the
equivalent thereof, of 10 percent or more; and
(b)
“Person” means an individual, partnership, committee, association, corporation
or any other organization or group of persons.
(3)
“Qualified escrow fund” means an escrow arrangement with a federally or state
chartered financial institution having no affiliation with any tobacco product
manufacturer and having assets of at least $1 billion, where such arrangement
requires that such financial institution hold the escrowed funds’ principal for
the benefit of releasing parties and prohibits the tobacco product manufacturer
who is placing the funds into escrow from using, accessing or directing the use
of the escrowed funds’ principal except as consistent with ORS 323.816 (2)(b).
(4)
“Released claims” has the meaning given that term in section II(gg) of the
Smokeless Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.
(5)
“Releasing parties” has the meaning given that term in section II(ii) of the
Smokeless Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.
(6)
“Smokeless Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement” means the settlement agreement
(and related documents) entered into on November 23, 1998, by the State of
Oregon and leading United States tobacco product manufacturers.
(7)
“Smokeless tobacco products” means moist snuff, as defined in ORS 323.500, or
chewing tobacco, as defined in section 5702 of the Internal Revenue Code.
(8)(a)
“Tobacco product manufacturer” means an entity that, after September 28, 2009,
directly (and not exclusively through any affiliate):
(A)
Manufactures smokeless tobacco products anywhere that such manufacturer intends
to be sold in the United States, including smokeless tobacco products intended
to be sold in the United States through an importer (except where such importer
is an Original Participating Manufacturer, as defined in section II(cc) of the
Smokeless Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement), that will be responsible for
the payments under the Smokeless Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement with
respect to such smokeless tobacco products as a result of the provisions of
section VI(b) of the Smokeless Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement and that
pays the taxes specified in section II(w) of the Smokeless Tobacco Master
Settlement Agreement, and provided that the manufacturer of such smokeless
tobacco products does not market or advertise such smokeless tobacco products
in the United States);
(B)
Is the first purchaser anywhere for resale in the United States of smokeless
tobacco products manufactured anywhere that the manufacturer does not intend to
be sold in the United States; or
(C)
Becomes a successor of an entity described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of this
paragraph.
(b)
“Tobacco product manufacturer” does not include an affiliate of a tobacco
product manufacturer unless such affiliate is itself a tobacco product
manufacturer under paragraph (a) of this subsection.
(9)
“Units sold” means the number of individual containers of smokeless tobacco
products sold in the State of Oregon by the applicable tobacco product
manufacturer (whether directly or through a distributor, retailer or similar
intermediary or intermediaries) during the year in question, as measured by
excise taxes collected by the State of Oregon. The Department of Revenue shall
adopt such rules as are necessary to ascertain the amount of state excise tax
paid on the smokeless tobacco products of such tobacco product manufacturer for
each year. A unit container shall contain 3.2 ounces of moist snuff, as defined
in ORS 323.500, or 3.0 ounces of chewing tobacco. [2009 c.717 §18]
323.813 Findings and purpose.
(1) The use of smokeless tobacco products presents serious public health
concerns to the State of Oregon and to the residents of the State of Oregon.
The United States Surgeon General has determined that use of smokeless tobacco
causes cancer, noncancerous oral conditions and other serious diseases, and
that there are hundreds of thousands of tobacco-related deaths in the United
States each year. These diseases most often do not appear until many years
after the person in question begins using tobacco products.
(2)
Use of smokeless tobacco products also presents serious financial concerns for
this state. Under certain health care programs, the State of Oregon may have a
legal obligation to provide medical assistance to eligible persons for health
conditions associated with the use of smokeless tobacco, and those persons may
have a legal entitlement to receive such medical assistance.
(3)
Under those health care programs, the State of Oregon pays millions of dollars
each year to provide medical assistance for persons for health conditions
associated with the use of smokeless tobacco products.
(4)
It is the policy of the State of Oregon that financial burdens imposed on this
state by the use of smokeless tobacco be borne by tobacco product manufacturers
rather than by this state to the extent that such manufacturers either determine
to enter into a settlement with the State of Oregon or are found culpable by
the courts.
(5)
On November 23, 1998, leading United States tobacco product manufacturers
entered into a settlement agreement, titled the “Smokeless Tobacco Master Settlement
Agreement,” with the State of Oregon. The Smokeless Tobacco Master Settlement
Agreement obligates those manufacturers, in return for a release of past,
present and certain future claims against them as described in the Smokeless
Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement:
(a)
To pay substantial sums to the State of Oregon (tied in part to their volume of
sales);
(b)
To fund a national foundation devoted to the interests of public health; and
(c)
To make substantial changes in their advertising and marketing practices and
corporate culture, with the intention of reducing underage smoking.
(6)
It would be contrary to the policy of the State of Oregon if those tobacco
product manufacturers who determine not to enter into such a settlement could
use a resulting cost advantage to derive large, short-term profits in the years
before liability may arise without ensuring that this state will have an
eventual source of recovery from them if they are proven to have acted
culpably. It is thus in the interest of the State of Oregon to require that
such manufacturers establish a reserve fund to guarantee a source of
compensation and to prevent such manufacturers from deriving large, short-term
profits and then becoming judgment-proof before liability may arise. [2009 c.717
§19]
323.816 Required actions by manufacturer.
(1) Any tobacco product manufacturer selling smokeless tobacco products to
consumers within the State of Oregon (whether directly or through a
distributor, retailer or similar intermediary or intermediaries) after
September 28, 2009, shall do one of the following:
(a)
Comply with the requirements imposed on Participating Manufacturers that are
set forth in sections III, V and VII of the Smokeless Tobacco Master Settlement
Agreement; or
(b)
Place into a qualified escrow fund, by April 15 of the year following the year
in question, the amount of $0.40 per unit sold for 2010 or such amount adjusted
for inflation for each year thereafter.
(2)
A tobacco product manufacturer that places funds into escrow pursuant to this
section shall receive the interest or other appreciation on such funds as
earned. The funds themselves shall be released from escrow only under the
following circumstances:
(a)
To pay a judgment or settlement on any released claim brought against such
tobacco product manufacturer by the State of Oregon or any releasing party
located or residing in this state. Funds shall be released from escrow under
this paragraph in the order in which they were placed into escrow and only to
the extent and at the time necessary to make payments required under such
judgment or settlement;
(b)
To refund any excess amount owed to a tobacco product manufacturer when the
tobacco product manufacturer establishes that the amount it was required to
place into escrow on account of units sold in Oregon in a particular year was
greater than the Smokeless Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement payments, as
determined pursuant to section IX(c) of that agreement after final
determination of all adjustments, that the manufacturer would have been
required to make on account of such units sold had it been a Participating
Manufacturer, as defined in section II(ee) of the Smokeless Tobacco Master
Settlement Agreement; or
(c)
To refund funds to a tobacco product manufacturer 25 years after the date on
which they were placed in escrow, only if the funds were not released from
escrow under paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection.
(3)
Each tobacco product manufacturer that elects to place funds into escrow
pursuant to this section shall annually certify to the Attorney General that it
is in compliance with this section. The Attorney General may bring a civil
action on behalf of the State of Oregon against any tobacco product
manufacturer that fails to place into escrow the funds required under this
section. Any tobacco product manufacturer that fails in any year to place into
escrow the funds required under this section shall:
(a)
Be required within 15 days to place such funds into escrow as shall bring the
manufacturer into compliance with this section. The court, upon a finding of a
violation of this section, may impose a civil penalty to be paid to the General
Fund of this state in an amount not to exceed five percent of the amount
improperly withheld from escrow per day of the violation and in a total amount
not to exceed 100 percent of the original amount improperly withheld from
escrow;
(b)
In the case of a knowing violation, be required within 15 days to place such
funds into escrow as shall bring the manufacturer into compliance with this
section. The court, upon a finding of a knowing violation of this section, may
impose a civil penalty to be paid to the General Fund of this state in an
amount not to exceed 15 percent of the amount improperly withheld from escrow
per day of the violation and in a total amount not to exceed 300 percent of the
original amount improperly withheld from escrow; and
(c)
In the case of a second knowing violation, be prohibited from selling smokeless
tobacco products to consumers within the State of Oregon (whether directly or
through a distributor, retailer or similar intermediary or intermediaries) for
a period not to exceed two years. Each failure to make an annual deposit
required under this section shall constitute a separate violation. [2009 c.717 §20]
FEDERAL CIGARETTE LABELING AND
ADVERTISING ACT ENFORCEMENT
323.850 Legislative findings.
(1) The Legislative Assembly finds that consumers and retailers purchasing
cigarettes are entitled to be assured through appropriate enforcement measures
that cigarettes they purchase were manufactured for consumption within the
United States.
(2)
The Legislative Assembly declares that it is the intent of ORS 323.850 to
323.862 to align state law with the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising
Act (15 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.) and 26 U.S.C. 5754. [1999 c.1077 §1]
Note:
323.850 to 323.865 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were
not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 323 or any series therein by
legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further
explanation.
323.853 Definitions for ORS 323.850 to
323.862. As used in ORS 323.850 to 323.862:
(1)
“Cigarette” means any product that contains nicotine, is intended to be burned
or heated under ordinary conditions of use and consists of or contains:
(a)
Any roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in any substance not containing
tobacco;
(b)
Tobacco, in any form, that is functional in the product and that, because of
its appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler or its packaging and
labeling, is likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as a
cigarette; or
(c)
Any roll of tobacco that is wrapped in any substance containing tobacco and
that, because of its appearance, the type of tobacco used in the filler or its
packaging and labeling, is likely to be offered to, or purchased by, consumers
as a cigarette described in paragraph (a) of this subsection.
(2)
“Cigarette” includes “roll-your-own,” which is any tobacco that, because of its
appearance, type, packaging or labeling, is suitable for use and likely to be
offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco for making cigarettes. For
purposes of the definition of “cigarette,” 0.09 ounces of “roll-your-own”
tobacco shall constitute one individual “cigarette.”
(3)
“Cigarette distributor” means any person or business that sells or distributes
cigarettes to a tobacco retailer.
(4)
“Package” means a package, carton or container of any kind in which cigarettes
are offered for sale, sold or otherwise distributed or intended for
distribution to consumers.
(5)
“Tobacco product manufacturer” has the meaning given that term in ORS 323.800.
(6)
“Tobacco retailer” means any person or business that offers cigarettes for sale
to members of the public. [1999 c.1077 §2]
Note: See
note under 323.850.
323.856 Tax stamps prohibited on cigarette
packages not meeting federal requirements. (1) No
tax stamp may be affixed to, or made upon, any package of cigarettes if:
(a)
The package differs in any respect from all the requirements of the Federal
Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act (15 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.) on October 23,
1999, for the placement of labels, warnings or any other information upon a
package of cigarettes that is to be sold within the United States;
(b)
The package has been imported into the United States in violation of 26 U.S.C.
5754 or 19 U.S.C. 1681a, or implementing regulations of the federal laws listed
in this paragraph;
(c)
The package is labeled “For Export Only,” “U.S. Tax Exempt,” “For Use Outside
U.S.” or similar wording indicating that the manufacturer did not intend that
the product be sold in the United States; or
(d)
The package, or package containing individually stamped packages, has been
altered by adding, masking or deleting the wording described in paragraph (c)
of this subsection.
(2)
Any person who sells or holds for sale cigarette packages to which are affixed
a tax stamp in violation of this section commits the same offense as possessing
or selling cigarettes without a tax stamp.
(3)
The Department of Justice shall notify the Department of Revenue in writing
when a determination has been made that a cigarette distributor, on or after
the date specified in the notice issued under ORS 323.859, has sold or held for
resale cigarette packages to which a stamp has been affixed in violation of
this section. Upon notification of such violation, the Department of Revenue
shall automatically suspend the license of the cigarette distributor for a
period of 90 days. Upon determination by the Department of Justice of any
subsequent violation of this section by the distributor, the Department of
Revenue shall revoke the distributor’s license consistent with the provisions
of ORS 323.140.
(4)
On or after the date specified in the notice issued under ORS 323.859, the
Oregon State Police or any other law enforcement agency may seize or, acting in
coordination with the Department of Revenue, destroy or sell back for
destruction or export only to the manufacturer or licensed exporter “only to
export” cigarette packages to which is affixed a tax stamp in violation of this
section. Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 323.320, the Department of
Revenue shall not refund or credit to a distributor the denominated value of
tax stamps when such seizure, destruction or sale back to the manufacturer has
occurred.
(5)
A violation of this section is an unlawful practice under ORS 646.605 to
646.652. [1999 c.1077 §3; 2001 c.696 §4]
Note: See
note under 323.850.
323.859 Notice; effect of failure to
receive notice. (1) Within the 45-day period
immediately following October 23, 1999, the Department of Revenue shall issue a
notice to:
(a)
All licensed Oregon cigarette distributors informing the distributors of the
licensing provisions of ORS 323.856; and
(b)
All tobacco retailers and cigarette distributors informing the retailers and
distributors of the penalties for holding or selling cigarettes in violation of
ORS 323.856.
(2)
The notice shall specify a date, not earlier than the 60th day or later than
the 90th day after the date on which the notice is mailed, after which a
penalty may be imposed or seizures, destruction or sales may take place under
ORS 323.850 to 323.862.
(3)
The notice shall be in writing and sent by first class mail. The mailing shall
be made by the Department of Revenue.
(4)
Failure of tobacco retailers or cigarette distributors to receive written
notice is not a defense to any action to suspend or revoke a license of a
cigarette distributor or to an action involving the seizure of cigarettes. [1999
c.1077 §4]
Note: See
note under 323.850.
323.862 Disclosure of information.
The Department of Revenue may disclose information submitted to the department
related to cigarettes, tobacco product manufacturers and tobacco retailers to
the Attorney General, and such other parties as the Attorney General determines
necessary, to monitor and enforce compliance by tobacco product manufacturers
with ORS 323.800 to 323.806. [1999 c.1077 §5; 2005 c.22 §229]
Note: See
note under 323.850.
323.865 Rulemaking authority.
The Department of Justice, in accordance with ORS chapter 183, may adopt rules
necessary for the implementation and administration of ORS 323.850 to 323.862. [1999
c.1077 §6]
Note: See
note under 323.850.
323.990 [1965
c.525 §90; 2001 c.696 §1; renumbered 323.480 in 2001]
323.992 [1965
c.525 §91; repealed by 1971 c.743 §432]
323.995 [1985
c.816 §43; 1995 c.650 §47; repealed by 2003 c.804 §70]
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