Reduction in Size of Class A, Denomination 20, Cigarette Tax Stamps

Manufacturers and importers of cigarettes:

1. The purpose of this industry circular is to furnish information concerning the proposed issuance of Class A, denomination 20, cigarette tax stamps, of a reduced size.

2. A survey was recently completed to determine whether it would be feasible to reduce such Class A cigarette tax stamps 3/16 of an inch in width, which would permit of a substantial savings to the Government in paper and printing costs in connection with such stamps. The length of such stamps would not be changed.

3. This survey was conducted with the excellent cooperation of members of the cigarette industry and cigarette machinery manufacturers visited by representatives of the National Office of the Internal Revenue Service, which members indicated a distinct desire to cooperate with the Government in its efforts to effect economies in operations. The survey not only indicated that the change to the smaller size cigarette tax stamp would be feasible, but that the change-over to such stamp could be accomplished by the industry without difficulty or undue hardship.

4. The Office of the Secretary of the Treasury and this Service are anxious to effect a saving in the printing of cigarette tax stamps as soon as possible. Accordingly, the new "3/4 inch" Class A, denomination 20, cigarette tax stamp, has been authorized and on June 1, 1956, offices of District Directors of Internal Revenue and branches of such offices will have these stamps for sale to manufacturers and importers of cigarettes who are ready to begin using such stamps. The new stamps will be identical in every respect to the stamps now in use except as to the difference in width. In preparing an order for stamps, Form 485 or 923, as the case may be, a manufacturer or importer who desires to purchase the new cigarette tax stamps should place on the form the notation "New 3/4 inch stamps". Until the cigarette industry converts to the new

size of stamp, both this size and the present size of stamps will be available.

5. Inquiries in regard to this industry circular should refer to the number thereof and should be directed to the appropriate Assistant Regional Commissioner, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax.

Dwight E. Avis
Director, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division