Source: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?Cite=82.24&full=true
Timestamp: 2019-10-23 05:45:45
Document Index: 266579069

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 82', '§ 9', '§ 14', '§ 83', '§ 8370', '§ 17', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 67', '§ 302', '§ 1102', '§ 2', '§ 1714', '§ 3', '§ 5', '§ 1', '§ 6', '§ 7', '§ 5', '§ 82', '§ 6', '§ 13', 'art; 1943', '§ 11', 'art; 1941', '§ 13', 'art; 1939', '§ 23', 'art; 1935', '§ 82', '§ 8370', '§ 2', '§ 5', '§ 308', '§ 4', '§ 82', '§ 8', '§ 13', 'art; 1943', '§ 11', 'art; 1941', '§ 13', 'art; 1939', '§ 23', 'art; 1935', '§ 82', '§ 8370', '§ 1', '§ 6', '§ 62', '§ 82', '§ 14', '§ 24', '§ 84', '§ 8370', '§ 82', '§ 85', '§ 8370', '§ 6', '§ 4', '§ 5', '§ 2', '§ 4', '§ 7', '§ 4', '§ 1', '§ 63', '§ 82', '§ 15', '§ 86', '§ 8370', '§ 7', '§ 102', '§ 6', '§ 7', '§ 8', '§ 1', '§ 64', '§ 82', '§ 15', '§ 25', '§ 87', '§ 8370', '§ 3', '§ 8', '§ 7', '§ 4', '§ 9', '§ 3', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 2', '§ 5', '§ 82', '§ 16', '§ 88', '§ 8370', '§ 103', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 2', '§ 9', '§ 8', '§ 2', '§ 66', '§ 82', '§ 90', '§ 8370', '§ 6', '§ 244', '§ 67', '§ 82', '§ 16', '§ 91', '§ 8370', '§ 320', '§ 11', '§ 68', '§ 82', '§ 17', '§ 17', '§ 92', '§ 8370', '§ 7', '§ 9', '§ 82', '§ 95', '§ 8370', '§ 321', '§ 5', '§ 8', '§ 7', '§ 10', '§ 6', '§ 6', '§ 9', '§ 11', '§ 3', '§ 13', '§ 3', '§ 217', '§ 1', '§ 7', '§ 10', '§ 104', '§ 10', '§ 13', '§ 14', '§ 5', '§ 2', '§ 11', '§ 10', '§ 4', '§ 1', '§ 11', '§ 15', '§ 203', '§ 50', '§ 1', '§ 8', '§ 5', '§ 51', '§ 6', '§ 9', '§ 12', '§ 15', '§ 7', '§ 8', '§ 307', '§ 2', '§ 19', '§ 8', '§ 17', '§ 9', '§ 204', '§ 307', '§ 2', '§ 19', '§ 8', '§ 17', '§ 9', '§ 10', '§ 2', '§ 18', '§ 10', '§ 6', '§ 82', '§ 94', '§ 8370']

82.24.010 Definitions.
82.24.020 Tax imposed—Absorption of tax—Possession defined—Exempt tribal members.
82.24.026 Additional tax imposed—Where deposited.
82.24.029 Tax preferences—Expiration dates.
82.24.030 Stamps.
82.24.035 Circumstances when no stamp may be affixed—Violation of consumer protection act.
82.24.040 Duty of wholesaler.
82.24.050 Retailer—Possession of unstamped cigarettes—Access to commercial cigarette-making machines.
82.24.060 Stamps—How affixed.
82.24.080 Legislative intent—Taxable event—Tax liability.
82.24.090 Records—Preservation—Reports.
82.24.100 Forgery or counterfeiting of stamps—Penalty.
82.24.110 Other offenses—Penalties.
82.24.120 Violations—Penalties and interest.
82.24.130 Seizure and forfeiture.
82.24.135 Forfeiture procedure.
82.24.145 Forfeited property—Retention, sale, or destruction—Use of sale proceeds.
82.24.180 Seized property may be returned—Penalty, interest.
82.24.190 Search and seizure.
82.24.210 Redemption of stamps.
82.24.230 Administration.
82.24.250 Transportation of unstamped cigarettes—Invoices and delivery tickets required—Stop and inspect.
82.24.260 Selling or disposal of unstamped cigarettes—Person to pay and remit tax or affix stamps—Liability.
82.24.280 Liability from tax increase—Interest and penalties on unpaid tax—Administration.
82.24.290 Exceptions—Federal instrumentalities and purchasers from federal instrumentalities.
82.24.295 Exceptions—Sales by Indian retailer under cigarette tax contract.
82.24.300 Exceptions—Puyallup Tribe of Indians.
82.24.302 Exceptions—Sales by tribal retailers—Yakama Nation.
82.24.500 Business of cigarette purchase, sale, consignment, distribution, or providing access to cigarette-making machines—License required—Penalty.
82.24.510 Wholesaler's and retailer's licenses—Application and issuance—Criminal background check.
82.24.520 Wholesaler's license—Fee—Display of license—Bond.
82.24.530 Retailer's license—Vending machines—Cigarette-making machines.
82.24.540 Licensee to operate within scope of license—Penalty.
82.24.550 Enforcement—Rules—Notice—Hearing—Reinstatement of license—Appeal.
82.24.551 Enforcement—Appointment of officers of liquor control board.
82.24.552 Enforcement—Administration—Inspection of books and records.
82.24.560 Fees and penalties credited to general fund.
82.24.570 Counterfeit cigarette offenses—Penalties.
82.24.900 Construction—1961 c 15.
RCW 82.24.010
(1) "Board" means the *liquor control board.
(2) "Cigarette" means any roll for smoking made wholly or in part of tobacco, irrespective of size or shape and irrespective of the tobacco being flavored, adulterated, or mixed with any other ingredient, where such roll has a wrapper or cover made of paper or any material, except where such wrapper is wholly or in the greater part made of natural leaf tobacco in its natural state. "Cigarette" includes a roll-your-own cigarette.
[ 2012 2nd sp.s. c 4 § 1; 1997 c 420 § 3; 1995 c 278 § 1; 1961 c 15 § 82.24.010. Prior: 1959 c 270 § 9; 1949 c 228 § 14; 1935 c 180 § 83; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 8370-83.]
Effective date—1995 c 278: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1995." [ 1995 c 278 § 17.]
RCW 82.24.026
Additional tax imposed—Where deposited.
In addition to the tax imposed upon the sale, use, consumption, handling, possession, or distribution of cigarettes set forth in RCW 82.24.020, there is imposed a tax in an amount equal to three cents per cigarette.
Beginning July 1, 2010, the revenue collected under this section must be deposited into the general fund.
[ 2011 c 334 § 1; 2010 1st sp.s. c 22 § 3; 2009 c 479 § 67; 2008 c 86 § 302; 2005 c 514 § 1102.]
Effective date—2011 c 334: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 12, 2011]." [ 2011 c 334 § 2.]
RCW 82.24.029
[ 2013 2nd sp.s. c 13 § 1714.]
RCW 82.24.035
Circumstances when no stamp may be affixed—Violation of consumer protection act.
(1) No stamp may be affixed to, or made upon, any container or package of cigarettes if:
(a) The container or package differs in any respect with the requirements of the federal cigarette labeling and advertising act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1331 et seq.) 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 container or package has been imported into the United States after January 1, 2000, in violation of 26 U.S.C. Sec. 5754;
(c) The container or package, including a container of individually stamped containers or packages, 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 container or package has been altered by adding or deleting the wording, labels, or warnings described in (a) or (c) of this subsection.
(2) In addition to the penalty and forfeiture provisions otherwise provided for in this chapter, a violation of this section is a deceptive act or practice under the consumer protection act, chapter 19.86 RCW.
(3) Subsection (1)(a) of this section does not apply to boxes or similar containers used by a consumer to transport roll-your-own cigarettes.
[ 2012 2nd sp.s. c 4 § 3; 1999 c 193 § 5.]
Intent—Finding—1999 c 193: "(1) Cigarette smoking presents serious public health concerns to the state and to the citizens of the state. 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) It is the policy of the state that consumers be adequately informed about the adverse health effects of cigarette smoking by including warning notices on each package of cigarettes.
(3) It is the policy of the state that manufacturers and importers of cigarettes not make any material misrepresentation of fact regarding the health consequences of using cigarettes, including compliance with applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies.
(4) It is the intent of the legislature to align state law with federal laws, regulations, and policies relating to the manufacture, importation, and marketing of cigarettes, and in particular, the federal cigarette labeling and advertising act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1331 et seq.) and 26 U.S.C. Sec. 5754.
(5) The legislature finds that consumers and retailers purchasing cigarettes are entitled to be fully informed about any adverse health effects of cigarette smoking by inclusion of warning notices on each package of cigarettes and to be assured through appropriate enforcement measures that cigarettes they purchase were manufactured for consumption within the United States." [ 1999 c 193 § 1.]
Severability—1999 c 193: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1999 c 193 § 6.]
Effective date—1999 c 193: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 5, 1999]." [ 1999 c 193 § 7.]
RCW 82.24.060
Stamps—How affixed.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, stamps must be affixed in such manner that they cannot be removed from the package or container without being mutilated or destroyed, which stamps so affixed are evidence of the tax imposed.
(2) In the case of cigarettes contained in individual packages, as distinguished from cartons or larger units, the stamps must be affixed securely on each individual package.
(3) With respect to roll-your-own cigarettes, stamps must be affixed securely on each individual box or similar container provided by the retailer to the consumer.
[ 2012 2nd sp.s. c 4 § 5; 1961 c 15 § 82.24.060. Prior: 1959 c 270 § 6; prior: 1949 c 228 § 13, part; 1943 c 156 § 11, part; 1941 c 178 § 13, part; 1939 c 225 § 23, part; 1935 c 180 § 82, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 8370-82, part.]
RCW 82.24.080
Legislative intent—Taxable event—Tax liability.
(1) It is the intent and purpose of this chapter to levy a tax on all of the articles taxed under this chapter, sold, used, consumed, handled, possessed, or distributed within this state and to collect the tax from the person who first sells, uses, consumes, handles, possesses (either physically or constructively, in accordance with RCW 82.24.020) or distributes them in the state. It is further the intent and purpose of this chapter that whenever any of the articles taxed under this chapter is given away for advertising or any other purpose, it shall be taxed in the same manner as if it were sold, used, consumed, handled, possessed, or distributed in this state.
(2) It is also the intent and purpose of this chapter that the tax shall be imposed at the time and place of the first taxable event and upon the first taxable person within this state. Any person whose activities would otherwise require payment of the tax imposed by subsection (1) of this section but who is exempt from the tax nevertheless has a precollection obligation for the tax that must be imposed on the first taxable event within this state. A precollection obligation may not be imposed upon a person exempt from the tax who sells, distributes, or transfers possession of cigarettes to another person who, by law, is exempt from the tax imposed by this chapter or upon whom the obligation for collection of the tax may not be imposed. Failure to pay the tax with respect to a taxable event shall not prevent tax liability from arising by reason of a subsequent taxable event.
(3) In the event of an increase in the rate of the tax imposed under this chapter, it is the intent of the legislature that the first person who sells, uses, consumes, handles, possesses, or distributes previously taxed articles after the effective date of the rate increase shall be liable for the additional tax, or its precollection obligation as required by this chapter, represented by the rate increase. The failure to pay the additional tax with respect to the first taxable event after the effective date of a rate increase shall not prevent tax liability for the additional tax from arising from a subsequent taxable event.
(4) It is the intent of the legislature that, in the absence of a cigarette tax contract or agreement under chapter 43.06 RCW, applicable taxes imposed by this chapter be collected on cigarettes sold by an Indian tribal organization to any person who is not an enrolled member of the federally recognized Indian tribe within whose jurisdiction the sale takes place consistent with collection of these taxes generally within the state. The legislature finds that applicable collection and enforcement measures under this chapter are reasonably necessary to prevent fraudulent transactions and place a minimal burden on the Indian tribal organization, pursuant to the United States supreme court's decision in Washington v. Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian Reservation, 447 U.S. 134 (1980).
[ 2008 c 226 § 2; 1995 c 278 § 5; 1993 c 492 § 308; 1972 ex.s. c 157 § 4; 1961 c 15 § 82.24.080. Prior: 1959 c 270 § 8; prior: 1949 c 228 § 13, part; 1943 c 156 § 11, part; 1941 c 178 § 13, part; 1939 c 225 § 23, part; 1935 c 180 § 82, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 8370-82, part.]
Finding—Intent—2008 c 226: "The legislature finds that under Article III of the treaty with the Yakamas of 1855, members of the Yakama Nation have the right to travel upon all public highways. It is the legislature's intent to honor the treaty rights of the Yakama Nation, while protecting the state's interest in collecting and enforcing its cigarette taxes." [ 2008 c 226 § 1.]
Severability—1972 ex.s. c 157: See note following RCW 82.24.020.
RCW 82.24.090
Records—Preservation—Reports.
(1) Every wholesaler or retailer subject to the provisions of this chapter shall keep and preserve for a period of five years an accurate set of records. These records must show all transactions relating to the purchase and sale of any of the articles taxed under this chapter and show all physical inventories performed on those articles, all invoices, and a record of all stamps purchased. All such records and all stock of taxable articles on hand shall be open to inspection at all reasonable times by the department of revenue or its duly authorized agent.
(2) All wholesalers shall within fifteen days after the first day of each month file with the department of revenue a report of all drop shipment sales made by them to retailers within this state during the preceding month. The report shall show the name and address of the retailer to whom the cigarettes were sold, the kind and quantity, and the date of delivery thereof.
[ 1995 c 278 § 6; 1975 1st ex.s. c 278 § 62; 1961 c 15 § 82.24.090. Prior: 1941 c 178 § 14; 1939 c 225 § 24; 1935 c 180 § 84; Rem. Supp. 1941 § 8370-84.]
RCW 82.24.100
Forgery or counterfeiting of stamps—Penalty.
To forge or counterfeit any stamp of the kind herein provided is a felony.
[ 1961 c 15 § 82.24.100. Prior: 1935 c 180 § 85; RRS § 8370-85.]
RCW 82.24.110
Other offenses—Penalties.
(1) Each of the following acts is a gross misdemeanor and punishable as such:
(a) To sell, except as a licensed wholesaler engaged in interstate commerce as to the article being taxed herein, without the stamp first being affixed;
(b) To sell in Washington as a wholesaler to a retailer who does not possess and is required to possess a current cigarette retailer's license;
(c) To use or have in possession knowingly or intentionally any forged or counterfeit stamps;
(d) For any person other than the department of revenue or its duly authorized agent to sell any stamps not affixed to any of the articles taxed herein whether such stamps are genuine or counterfeit;
(e) For any person other than the department of revenue, its duly authorized agent, or a licensed wholesaler who has lawfully purchased or obtained them to possess any stamps not affixed to any of the articles taxed herein whether such stamps are genuine or counterfeit;
(f) To violate any of the provisions of this chapter;
(g) To violate any lawful rule made and published by the department of revenue or the board;
(h) To use any stamps more than once or any individual stamped box or similar container used to transport roll-your-own cigarettes more than once;
(i) To refuse to allow the department of revenue or its duly authorized agent, on demand, to make full inspection of any place of business where any of the articles herein taxed are sold or otherwise hinder or prevent such inspection;
(j) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, for any retailer to have in possession in any place of business any of the articles herein taxed, unless the same have the proper stamps attached;
(k) For any person to make, use, or present or exhibit to the department of revenue or its duly authorized agent, any invoice for any of the articles herein taxed which bears an untrue date or falsely states the nature or quantity of the goods therein invoiced;
(l) For any wholesaler or retailer or his or her agents or employees to fail to produce on demand of the department of revenue all invoices of all the articles herein taxed or stamps bought by him or her or received in his or her place of business within five years prior to such demand unless he or she can show by satisfactory proof that the nonproduction of the invoices was due to causes beyond his or her control;
(m) For any person to receive in this state any shipment of any of the articles taxed herein, when the same are not stamped, for the purpose of avoiding payment of tax. It is presumed that persons other than dealers who purchase or receive shipments of unstamped cigarettes do so to avoid payment of the tax imposed herein;
(n) For any person to possess or transport in this state a quantity of ten thousand cigarettes or less unless the proper stamps required by this chapter have been affixed or unless: (i) Notice of the possession or transportation has been given as required by RCW 82.24.250; (ii) the person transporting the cigarettes has in actual possession invoices or delivery tickets which show the true name and address of the consignor or seller, the true name and address of the consignee or purchaser, and the quantity and brands of the cigarettes so transported; and (iii) the cigarettes are consigned to or purchased by any person in this state who is authorized by this chapter to possess unstamped cigarettes in this state;
(o) For any person to possess or receive in this state a quantity of ten thousand cigarettes or less unless the proper stamps required by this chapter have been affixed or unless the person is authorized by this chapter to possess unstamped cigarettes in this state and is in compliance with the requirements of this chapter;
(p) To possess, sell, distribute, purchase, receive, ship, or transport within this state any container or package of cigarettes that does not comply with this chapter; and
(q) For a retailer to provide consumers with access to a commercial cigarette-making machine without providing a box or similar container that has a properly affixed stamp or stamps.
(2) It is unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess or to:
(a) Transport in this state a quantity in excess of ten thousand cigarettes unless the proper stamps required by this chapter are affixed thereto or unless: (i) Proper notice as required by RCW 82.24.250 has been given; (ii) the person transporting the cigarettes actually possesses invoices or delivery tickets showing the true name and address of the consignor or seller, the true name and address of the consignee or purchaser, and the quantity and brands of the cigarettes so transported; and (iii) the cigarettes are consigned to or purchased by a person in this state who is authorized by this chapter to possess unstamped cigarettes in this state; or
(b) Receive in this state a quantity in excess of ten thousand cigarettes unless the proper stamps required by this chapter are affixed thereto or unless the person is authorized by this chapter to possess unstamped cigarettes in this state and is in compliance with this chapter.
(3) Violation of subsection (2) of this section is punished as a class C felony under Title 9A RCW.
(4) All agents, employees, and others who aid, abet, or otherwise participate in any way in the violation of the provisions of this chapter or in any of the offenses described in this chapter are guilty and punishable as principals, to the same extent as any wholesaler or retailer or any other person violating this chapter.
(5) For purposes of this section, "person authorized by this chapter to possess unstamped cigarettes in this state" has the same meaning as in RCW 82.24.250.
[ 2012 2nd sp.s. c 4 § 6; 2008 c 226 § 4; 2003 c 114 § 5; 1999 c 193 § 2; 1997 c 420 § 4; 1995 c 278 § 7; 1990 c 216 § 4; 1987 c 496 § 1; 1975 1st ex.s. c 278 § 63; 1961 c 15 § 82.24.110. Prior: 1941 c 178 § 15; 1935 c 180 § 86; Rem. Supp. 1941 § 8370-86.]
RCW 82.24.120
Violations—Penalties and interest.
(1) If any person, subject to the provisions of this chapter or any rules adopted by the department of revenue under authority of this section, is found to have failed to affix the stamps required, or to have them affixed as provided in this section, or to pay any tax due under this section, or to have violated any of the provisions of this chapter or rules adopted by the department of revenue in the administration of this chapter, there must be assessed and collected from such person, in addition to any tax that may be found due, a remedial penalty equal to the greater of ten dollars per package of unstamped cigarettes or ten dollars per twenty roll-your-own cigarettes, or two hundred fifty dollars, plus interest on the amount of the tax at the rate as computed under RCW 82.32.050(2) from the date the tax became due until the date of payment, and upon notice mailed to the last known address of the person or provided electronically as provided in RCW 82.32.135. The amount is due and payable in thirty days from the date of the notice. If the amount remains unpaid, the department or its duly authorized agent may make immediate demand upon such person for the payment of all such taxes, penalties, and interest.
(2) The department, for good reason shown, may waive or cancel all or any part of penalties imposed, but the taxpayer must pay all taxes due and interest thereon, at the rate as computed under RCW 82.32.050(2) from the date the tax became due until the date of payment.
(3) The keeping of any unstamped articles coming within the provisions of this chapter is prima facie evidence of intent to violate the provisions of this chapter.
(4) This section does not apply to taxes or tax increases due under RCW 82.24.280.
[ 2012 2nd sp.s. c 4 § 7; 2007 c 111 § 102; 2006 c 14 § 6; 1996 c 149 § 7; 1995 c 278 § 8; 1990 c 267 § 1; 1975 1st ex.s. c 278 § 64; 1961 c 15 § 82.24.120. Prior: 1949 c 228 § 15; 1939 c 225 § 25; 1935 c 180 § 87; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 8370-87.]
Effective date—1990 c 267: "This act shall take effect January 1, 1991." [ 1990 c 267 § 3.]
RCW 82.24.130
(2) Property subject to forfeiture under this chapter may be seized by any agent of the department authorized to collect taxes, any enforcement officer of the board, or law enforcement officer of this state upon process issued by any superior court or district court having jurisdiction over the property. Seizure without process may be made if:
(a) The seizure is incident to an arrest or a search under a search warrant or an inspection under an administrative inspection warrant; or
(b) The department, the board, or the law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that the property was used or is intended to be used in violation of this chapter and exigent circumstances exist making procurement of a search warrant impracticable.
[ 2012 2nd sp.s. c 4 § 8. Prior: 2003 c 114 § 7; 2003 c 113 § 4; 2003 c 25 § 9; 1999 c 193 § 3; 1997 c 420 § 5; 1990 c 216 § 5; 1987 c 496 § 2; 1972 ex.s. c 157 § 5; 1961 c 15 § 82.24.130; prior: 1941 c 178 § 16; 1935 c 180 § 88; Rem. Supp. 1941 § 8370-88.]
RCW 82.24.135
In all cases of seizure of any property made subject to forfeiture under this chapter the department or the board shall proceed as follows:
(1) Forfeiture shall be deemed to have commenced by the seizure. Notice of seizure shall be given to the department or the board immediately if the seizure is made by someone other than an agent of the department or the board authorized to collect taxes.
(2) Upon notification or seizure by the department or the board or upon receipt of property subject to forfeiture under this chapter from any other person, the department or the board shall list and particularly describe the property seized in duplicate and have the property appraised by a qualified person not employed by the department or the board or acting as its agent. Listing and appraisement of the property shall be properly attested by the department or the board and the appraiser, who shall be allowed a reasonable appraisal fee. No appraisal is required if the property seized is judged by the department or the board to be less than one hundred dollars in value.
(3) The department or the board shall cause notice to be served within five days following the seizure or notification to the department or the board of the seizure on the owner of the property seized, if known, on the person in charge thereof, and on any other person having any known right or interest therein, of the seizure and intended forfeiture of the seized property. The notice may be served by any method authorized by law or court rule including but not limited to service by mail. The department may also furnish notice electronically as provided in RCW 82.32.135. If service is by mail or notice is provided electronically as provided in RCW 82.32.135, the notice shall also be served by certified mail with return receipt requested. Electronic notification or service by mail shall be deemed complete upon mailing the notice, electronically sending the notice, or electronically notifying the person or persons entitled to the notice that the notice is available to be accessed by the person or persons, within the five-day period following the seizure or notification of the seizure to the department or the board.
(4) If no person notifies the department or the board in writing of the person's claim of ownership or right to possession of the items seized within fifteen days of the date of the notice of seizure, the item seized shall be considered forfeited.
(5) If any person notifies the department or the board, in writing, of the person's claim of ownership or right to possession of the items seized within fifteen days of the date of the notice of seizure, the person or persons shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard as to the claim or right. The hearing shall be before the director or the director's designee or the board or the board's designee, except that any person asserting a claim or right may bring an action for return of the seized items in the superior court of the county in which such property was seized, if the aggregate value of the article or articles involved is more than five hundred dollars. A hearing and any appeal therefrom shall be in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW. The burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence shall be upon the person claiming to be the lawful owner or the person claiming to have the lawful right to possession of the items seized. The department or the board shall promptly return the article or articles to the claimant upon a determination that the claimant is the present lawful owner or is lawfully entitled to possession thereof of the items seized.
[ 2007 c 111 § 103; 1998 c 53 § 1; 1987 c 496 § 3.]
Effective date—1998 c 53: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 18, 1998]." [ 1998 c 53 § 2.]
RCW 82.24.180
Seized property may be returned—Penalty, interest.
(1) The department of revenue may return any property seized under the provisions of this chapter when it is shown that there was no intention to violate the provisions thereof.
(2) When any property is returned under this section, the department may return such goods to the parties from whom they were seized if and when such parties affix the proper amount of stamps thereto, and pay to the department as penalty an amount equal to the greater of ten dollars per package of unstamped cigarettes or ten dollars per twenty roll-your-own cigarettes, or two hundred fifty dollars, and interest on the amount of the tax at the rate as computed under RCW 82.32.050(2) from the date the tax became due until the date of payment, and in such cases, no advertisement shall be made or notices posted in connection with said seizure.
[ 2012 2nd sp.s. c 4 § 9; 1996 c 149 § 8; 1990 c 267 § 2; 1975 1st ex.s. c 278 § 66; 1961 c 15 § 82.24.180. Prior: 1935 c 180 § 90; RRS § 8370-90.]
Effective date—1990 c 267: See note following RCW 82.24.120.
RCW 82.24.190
When the department of revenue or the board has good reason to believe that any of the articles taxed herein are being kept, sold, offered for sale, or given away in violation of the provisions of this chapter or regulations issued under authority hereof, it may make affidavit of such 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 deputy, police officer, or duly authorized agent of the department of revenue commanding him or her diligently to search any building, room in a building, place or vehicle as may be designated in the affidavit and search warrant, and to seize such tobacco so possessed and to hold the same until disposed of by law, and to arrest the person in possession or control thereof. If upon the return of such warrant, it shall appear that any of the articles taxed herein, unlawfully possessed, were seized, the same shall be sold as provided in this chapter.
[ 1997 c 420 § 6; 1987 c 202 § 244; 1975 1st ex.s. c 278 § 67; 1961 c 15 § 82.24.190. Prior: 1949 c 228 § 16; 1935 c 180 § 91; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 8370-91.]
RCW 82.24.210
The department of revenue may promulgate rules and regulations providing for the refund to dealers for the cost of stamps affixed to articles taxed herein, which by reason of damage become unfit for sale and are destroyed by the dealer or returned to the manufacturer or jobber. In the case of any articles to which stamps have been affixed, and which articles have been sold and shipped to a regular dealer in such articles in another state, the seller in this state shall be entitled to a refund of the actual amount of the stamps so affixed, less the affixing discount, upon condition that the seller in this state makes affidavit that the articles were sold and shipped outside of the state and that he or she has received from the purchaser outside the state a written acknowledgment that he or she has received such articles with the amount of stamps affixed thereto, together with the name and address of such purchaser. The department of revenue may redeem any unused stamps purchased from it at the face value thereof less the affixing discount. A distributor or wholesaler that has lawfully affixed stamps to cigarettes, and subsequently is unable to sell those cigarettes lawfully because the cigarettes are removed from the directory created pursuant to RCW 70.158.030(2), may apply to the department for a refund of the cost of the stamps.
[ 2013 c 23 § 320; 2003 c 25 § 11; 1975 1st ex.s. c 278 § 68; 1961 c 15 § 82.24.210. Prior: 1949 c 228 § 17; 1941 c 178 § 17; 1935 c 180 § 92; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 8370-92.]
RCW 82.24.230
All of the provisions contained in chapter 82.32 RCW shall have full force and application with respect to taxes imposed under the provisions of this chapter, except the following sections: RCW 82.32.050, 82.32.060, 82.32.070, 82.32.100, and 82.32.270, except as noted otherwise in RCW 82.24.280.
[ 2006 c 14 § 7; 1995 c 278 § 9; 1961 c 15 § 82.24.230. Prior: 1935 c 180 § 95; RRS § 8370-95.]
RCW 82.24.250
Transportation of unstamped cigarettes—Invoices and delivery tickets required—Stop and inspect.
(1) No person other than: (a) A licensed wholesaler in the wholesaler's own vehicle; or (b) a person who has given notice to the board in advance of the commencement of transportation shall transport or cause to be transported in this state cigarettes not having the stamps affixed to the packages or containers.
(2) When transporting unstamped cigarettes, such persons shall have in their actual possession or cause to have in the actual possession of those persons transporting such cigarettes on their behalf invoices or delivery tickets for such cigarettes, which shall show the true name and address of the consignor or seller, the true name and address of the consignee or purchaser, and the quantity and brands of the cigarettes so transported.
(3) If unstamped cigarettes are consigned to or purchased by any person in this state, such purchaser or consignee must be a person who is authorized by this chapter to possess unstamped cigarettes in this state.
(4) In the absence of the notice of transportation required by this section or in the absence of such invoices or delivery tickets, or, if the name or address of the consignee or purchaser is falsified or if the purchaser or consignee is not a person authorized by this chapter to possess unstamped cigarettes, the cigarettes so transported shall be deemed contraband subject to seizure and sale under the provisions of RCW 82.24.130.
(5) Transportation of cigarettes from a point outside this state to a point in some other state will not be considered a violation of this section provided that the person so transporting such cigarettes has in his or her possession adequate invoices or delivery tickets which give the true name and address of such out-of-state seller or consignor and such out-of-state purchaser or consignee.
(6) In any case where the department or its duly authorized agent, or any peace officer of the state, has knowledge or reasonable grounds to believe that any vehicle is transporting cigarettes in violation of this section, the department, such agent, or such police officer, is authorized to stop such vehicle and to inspect the same for contraband cigarettes.
(7) For purposes of this section, the term "person authorized by this chapter to possess unstamped cigarettes in this state" means:
(c) Any person, including an Indian tribal organization, who, after notice has been given to the board as provided in this section, brings or causes to be brought into the state unstamped cigarettes, if within a period of time after receipt of the cigarettes as the department determines by rule to be reasonably necessary for the purpose the person has caused stamps to be affixed in accordance with RCW 82.24.030 or otherwise made payment of the tax required by this chapter in the manner set forth in rules adopted by the department; and
(d) Any purchaser or consignee of unstamped cigarettes, including an Indian tribal organization, who has given notice to the board in advance of receiving unstamped cigarettes and who within a period of time after receipt of the cigarettes as the department determines by rule to be reasonably necessary for the purpose the person has caused stamps to be affixed in accordance with RCW 82.24.030 or otherwise made payment of the tax required by this chapter in the manner set forth in rules adopted by the department.
Nothing in this subsection (7) shall be construed as modifying RCW 82.24.050 or 82.24.110.
(8) Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting any otherwise lawful activity under a cigarette tax compact pursuant to chapter 43.06 RCW.
(9) Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting the right to travel upon all public highways under Article III of the treaty with the Yakamas of 1855.
[ 2013 c 23 § 321; 2008 c 226 § 5; 2003 c 114 § 8; 1997 c 420 § 7; 1995 c 278 § 10; 1990 c 216 § 6; 1972 ex.s. c 157 § 6.]
RCW 82.24.260
Selling or disposal of unstamped cigarettes—Person to pay and remit tax or affix stamps—Liability.
(1) Other than:
(a) A wholesaler required to be licensed under this chapter;
(b) A federal instrumentality with respect to sales to authorized military personnel; or
(c) An Indian tribal organization with respect to sales to enrolled members of the tribe,
a person who is in lawful possession of unstamped cigarettes and who intends to sell or otherwise dispose of the cigarettes shall pay, or satisfy its precollection obligation that is imposed by this chapter, the tax required by this chapter by remitting the tax or causing stamps to be affixed in the manner provided in rules adopted by the department.
(2) When stamps are required to be affixed, the person may deduct from the tax collected the compensation allowable under this chapter. The remittance or the affixing of stamps shall, in the case of cigarettes obtained in the manner set forth in RCW 82.24.250(7)(c), be made at the same time and manner as required in RCW 82.24.250(7)(c).
(3) This section shall not relieve the buyer or possessor of unstamped cigarettes from personal liability for the tax imposed by this chapter.
(4) Nothing in this section shall relieve a wholesaler from the requirements of affixing stamps pursuant to RCW 82.24.040 and 82.24.050.
[ 2003 c 114 § 9; 1995 c 278 § 11; 1987 c 80 § 3; 1986 c 3 § 13. Prior: 1983 c 189 § 3; 1983 c 3 § 217; 1975 1st ex.s. c 22 § 1; 1972 ex.s. c 157 § 7.]
Severability—1983 c 189: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1983 c 189 § 10.]
RCW 82.24.280
Liability from tax increase—Interest and penalties on unpaid tax—Administration.
(1) Any additional tax liability arising from a tax rate increase under this chapter shall be paid, along with reports and returns prescribed by the department, on or before the last day of the month in which the increase becomes effective.
(2) If not paid by the due date, interest shall apply to any unpaid tax. Interest shall be calculated at the rate as computed under RCW 82.32.050(2) from the date the tax became due until the date of payment.
(3) If upon examination of any returns or from other information obtained by the department it appears that a tax or penalty has been paid less than that properly due, the department shall assess against the taxpayer such additional amount found to be due. The department shall notify the taxpayer by mail, or electronically as provided in RCW 82.32.135, of the additional amount due, including any applicable penalties and interest. The taxpayer shall pay the additional amount within thirty days from the date of the notice, or within such further time as the department may provide.
(4) All of chapter 82.32 RCW applies to tax rate increases except: RCW 82.32.050(1) and 82.32.270.
[ 2007 c 111 § 104; 1996 c 149 § 10; 1995 c 278 § 13.]
RCW 82.24.290
Exceptions—Federal instrumentalities and purchasers from federal instrumentalities.
The taxes imposed by this chapter do not apply to the sale of cigarettes to:
(1) United States army, navy, air force, marine corps, or coast guard exchanges and commissaries and navy or coast guard ships' stores;
(2) The United States veterans' administration; or
(3) Any authorized purchaser from the federal instrumentalities named in subsection (1) or (2) of this section.
[ 1995 c 278 § 14.]
RCW 82.24.300
Exceptions—Puyallup Tribe of Indians.
The taxes imposed by this chapter do not apply to the sale, use, consumption, handling, possession, or distribution of cigarettes by an Indian retailer during the effective period of a cigarette tax agreement under RCW 43.06.465.
[ 2005 c 11 § 5.]
Findings—Intent—Explanatory statement—Effective date—2005 c 11: See notes following RCW 43.06.465.
RCW 82.24.302
Exceptions—Sales by tribal retailers—Yakama Nation.
The taxes imposed by this chapter do not apply to the sale, use, consumption, handling, possession, or distribution of cigarettes by a tribal retailer during the effective period of a cigarette tax agreement under RCW 43.06.466.
[ 2008 c 228 § 2.]
Authorization for agreement—Effective date—2008 c 228: See notes following RCW 43.06.466.
RCW 82.24.500
Business of cigarette purchase, sale, consignment, distribution, or providing access to cigarette-making machines—License required—Penalty.
No person may engage in or conduct the business of purchasing, selling, consigning, or distributing cigarettes in this state without a license under this chapter, or providing consumers with access to a commercial cigarette-making machine without a license under this chapter. A violation of this section is a class C felony.
[ 2012 2nd sp.s. c 4 § 11; 2003 c 114 § 10; 1986 c 321 § 4.]
Policy—Intent—1986 c 321: "It is the policy of the legislature to encourage competition by reducing the government's role in price setting. It is the legislature's intent to leave price setting mainly to the forces of the marketplace. In the field of cigarette sales, the legislature finds that the goal of open competition should be balanced against the public policy disallowing use of cigarette sales as loss leaders. To balance these public policies, it is the intent of the legislature to repeal the unfair cigarette sales below cost act and to declare the use of cigarettes as loss leaders as an unfair practice under the consumer protection act." [ 1986 c 321 § 1.]
Savings—1986 c 321: "A cigarette wholesalers or retailers license issued by the department of licensing under RCW 19.91.130 in good standing on the July 1, 1991, constitutes a license under RCW 82.24.500." [ 1986 c 321 § 11.]
Effective date—1986 c 321: "Sections 1 and 4 through 14 of this act shall take effect on July 1, 1991." [ 1986 c 321 § 15.]
Wholesaler's and retailer's licenses—Application and issuance—Criminal background check. (Effective until October 1, 2019.)
Wholesaler's and retailer's licenses—Application and issuance—Criminal background check. (Effective October 1, 2019.)
(3) No person may qualify for a wholesaler's license or a retailer's license under this section without first undergoing a criminal background check. The background check must be performed by the board and must disclose any criminal conduct within the previous five years in any state, tribal, or federal jurisdiction in the United States, its territories, or possessions. A person who possesses a valid license on July 22, 2001, is subject to this subsection and subsection (2) of this section beginning on the date of the person's business license expiration under chapter 19.02 RCW, and thereafter. If the applicant or licensee also has a license issued under chapter 66.24, 82.26, or 70.345 RCW, the background check done under the authority of chapter 66.24, 82.26, or 70.345 RCW satisfies the requirements of this section.
[ 2019 c 445 § 203; 2013 c 144 § 50; 2009 c 154 § 1; 2001 c 235 § 8; 1986 c 321 § 5.]
RCW 82.24.520
Wholesaler's license—Fee—Display of license—Bond.
A fee of six hundred fifty dollars must accompany each wholesaler's license application or license renewal application. If a wholesaler sells or intends to sell cigarettes at two or more places of business, whether established or temporary, a separate license with a license fee of one hundred fifteen dollars is required for each additional place of business. Each license, or certificate thereof, and such other evidence of license as the department of revenue requires, must be exhibited in the place of business for which it is issued and in such manner as is prescribed for the display of a business license issued under chapter 19.02 RCW. The board must require each licensed wholesaler to file with the department of revenue a bond in an amount not less than one thousand dollars to guarantee the proper performance of the duties and the discharge of the liabilities under this chapter. The bond must be executed by such licensed wholesaler as principal, and by a corporation approved by the department of revenue and authorized to engage in business as a surety company in this state, as surety. The bond must run concurrently with the wholesaler's license.
[ 2013 c 144 § 51; 1986 c 321 § 6.]
RCW 82.24.530
Retailer's license—Vending machines—Cigarette-making machines.
(1) A fee of one hundred seventy-five dollars must accompany each retailer's license application or license renewal application. A separate license is required for each separate location at which the retailer operates. A fee of thirty additional dollars for each vending machine must accompany each application or renewal for a license issued to a retail dealer operating a cigarette vending machine. An additional fee of ninety-three dollars must accompany each application or renewal for a license issued to a retail dealer operating a cigarette-making machine.
(2) A retailer applying for, or renewing, both a retailer's license under RCW 82.24.510 and a vapor products retailer's license under RCW 70.345.020 may pay a combined application fee of two hundred fifty dollars for both licenses.
[ 2016 sp.s. c 38 § 9; 2012 2nd sp.s. c 4 § 12; 1993 c 507 § 15; 1986 c 321 § 7.]
Finding—1993 c 507: See RCW 70.155.005.
RCW 82.24.540
Licensee to operate within scope of license—Penalty.
Any person licensed only as a wholesaler, or as a retail dealer, shall not operate in any other capacity unless the additional appropriate license or licenses are first secured. A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.
[ 1986 c 321 § 8.]
RCW 82.24.550
Enforcement—Rules—Notice—Hearing—Reinstatement of license—Appeal. (Effective until October 1, 2019.)
(4) Any licenses issued under chapter 82.26 RCW to a person whose license or licenses have been suspended or revoked under this section must also be suspended or revoked during the period of suspension or revocation under this section.
[ 2015 c 86 § 307; 2009 c 154 § 2; 2005 c 180 § 19; 1997 c 420 § 8; 1993 c 507 § 17; 1986 c 321 § 9.]
Enforcement—Rules—Notice—Hearing—Reinstatement of license—Appeal. (Effective October 1, 2019.)
(b) "Vapor products" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 82.25.005.
[ 2019 c 445 § 204; 2015 c 86 § 307; 2009 c 154 § 2; 2005 c 180 § 19; 1997 c 420 § 8; 1993 c 507 § 17; 1986 c 321 § 9.]
RCW 82.24.551
[ 1997 c 420 § 10.]
RCW 82.24.552
Enforcement—Administration—Inspection of books and records.
(1) For the purposes of obtaining information concerning any matter relating to the administration or enforcement of this chapter, the department, the board, or any of its agents may inspect the books, documents, or records of any person transporting cigarettes for sale to any person or entity in the state, and books, documents, or records containing any information relating to the transportation or possession of cigarettes for sale in the possession of a specific common carrier as defined in RCW 81.80.010 doing business in this state, or books, documents, and records of vehicle rental agencies whose vehicles are being rented for the purpose of transporting contraband cigarettes.
[ 2007 c 221 § 2.]
RCW 82.24.560
Fees and penalties credited to general fund.
Except as specified in RCW 70.155.120, all fees and penalties received or collected by the department of revenue pursuant to this chapter shall be paid to the state treasurer, to be credited to the general fund.
[ 1993 c 507 § 18; 1986 c 321 § 10.]
RCW 82.24.570
Counterfeit cigarette offenses—Penalties.
(1) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly manufacture, sell, or possess counterfeit cigarettes. A cigarette is "counterfeit" if:
(a) The cigarette or its packaging bears any reproduction or copy of a trademark, service mark, trade name, label, term, design, or work adopted or used by a manufacturer to identify its own cigarettes; and
(b) The cigarette is not manufactured by the owner or holder of that trademark, service mark, trade name, label, term, design, or work, or by any authorized licensee of that person.
(2) Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a class C felony which is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to ten thousand dollars.
(3) Any person who is convicted of a second or subsequent violation of the provisions of this section is guilty of a class B felony which is punishable by up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to twenty thousand dollars.
[ 2003 c 114 § 6.]
RCW 82.24.900
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply in any case in which the state of Washington is prohibited from taxing under the Constitution of this state or the Constitution or the laws of the United States.
[ 1961 c 15 § 82.24.900. Prior: 1935 c 180 § 94; RRS § 8370-94.]