03-11611. Proposed Collection; Comment Request

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

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 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 Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury, is soliciting comments concerning the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Tax Returns, Claims and Related Documents.

DATES:

Written comments should be received on or before July 8, 2003, to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Linda Barnes, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20226, telephone [phone].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the form(s) and instructions should be directed to Kristy Colon, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20226, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Tax Returns, Claims and Related Documents.

OMB Number: 1513-0088.

Recordkeeping Requirement ID Number: TTB REC 5000/24.

Abstract: TTB is responsible for the collection of excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, distilled spirits, wine, beer, cigars, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, cigarette papers, tubes and pipe tobacco. Alcohol, tobacco firearms and ammunition excise taxes, plus alcohol, tobacco and firearms special occupational taxes are required to be collected on the basis of a return. 26 U.S.C. 5555 authorizes the Secretary of Treasury to prescribe the regulations requiring every person liable for tax to prepare any records, statements or returns as necessary to protect the revenue. The record retention requirement for this information collection is 3 years.

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

Type of Review: Extension.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, individuals or households, not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 503,921.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 503,921.

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.

Dated: May 2, 2003.

William H. Foster,

Chief, Regulations and Procedures Division.