The Federal Government Can Save $1.7 Million Annually by Eliminating Strip Stamps

Gao ID: GGD-82-60 May 7, 1982

GAO reviewed the administration of excise taxes on distilled spirits.

GAO found that Government-issued strip stamps which are placed on containers of distilled spirits no longer serve their intended purpose. The Federal Government could avoid the possibility of public misinterpretation of the strip stamps' significance and save at least $1.7 million annually by eliminating the stamps. The Internal Revenue Code provides for the use of strip stamps which are printed at the annual cost of $1.7 million and are distributed to distillers and bottlers at no charge. Although the code authorizes the use of alternative closure devices, the stamps are the most frequently used devices. Recent legislation significantly changed the Federal regulation and taxation of distilled spirits. It eliminated the need for control over certain operations at distilling plants by Federal employees and provided for the determination of taxes on distilled spirits before bottling. The strip stamp no longer signifies that the tax on the spirits has been paid or that the spirits have been lawfully bottled. Consequently, the public may be misled into thinking of the strip stamps as the Government's stamp of approval of the product. Quality assurance can be provided equally well by alternative sealing devices provided by the distiller. However, distillers have not adopted the alternative devices because the Government provides strip stamps free of charge. Trade association officials are opposed to the elimination of the Government-supplied strip stamps because of the potential of increased costs, danger to tax revenue, and the requirement of State stamps.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: Johnny C. Finch Team: General Accounting Office: General Government Division Phone: (202) 512-7824


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