BATF Requests Comments on Cigarette Floor Stocks Tax Return

[1] ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

[2] SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms within the Department of the Treasury is soliciting comments concerning the 2000 Floor Stocks Tax Return (Cigarettes) and Recordkeeping Requirements.

[3] DATES: Written comments should be received on or before May 15, 2000 to be assured of consideration.

[4] ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Linda Barnes, 650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20226, (202) 927-8930.

[5] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the form(s) and instructions should be directed to Robert Ruhf, Revenue Division, 650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20226, (202) 927-8188.

[6] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[7] Title: 2000 Floor Stocks Tax Return (Cigarettes) and Recordkeeping Requirements.

[8] OMB Number: 1512-0554.

[9] Form Number: ATF F 5000.28T.

[10] Abstract: A floor stocks tax has been imposed on cigarettes. All persons who hold for sale any cigarettes on January 1, 2000, must take an inventory. Each person will be required to make either a record of the physical inventory or a book or record inventory supported by the appropriate source records.

[11] Current Actions: There are no changes to this information collection and it is being submitted for extension purposes only.

[12] Type of Review: Extension.

[13] Affected Public: Business or other for-profit.

[14] Estimated Number of Respondents: 400,000.

[15] Estimated Time Per Respondent: 3 hours (small establishment) and 12 hours (large establishment, 2 people inventorying) and 30 minutes to complete ATF F 5000.28T.

[16] Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,532,000.

[17] Request for Comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information; (c) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (e) Estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information.

[18] Dated: March 8, 2000.

William T. Earle,