Us Code § 4953 - Tax on excess contributions to black lung benefit trusts

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 4953 — Tax on excess contributions to black lung benefit trusts, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4953. Tax on excess contributions to black lung benefit trusts

(a) Tax imposed

There is hereby imposed for each taxable year a tax in an amount equal to 5 percent of the amount of the excess contributions made by a person to or under a trust or trusts described in section 501(c)(21). The tax imposed by this subsection shall be paid by the person making the excess contribution.

(b) Excess contribution

For purposes of this section, the term "excess contribution" means the sum of—

(1) the amount by which the amount contributed for the taxable year to a trust or trusts described in section 501(c)(21) exceeds the amount of the deduction allowable to such person for such contributions for the taxable year under section 192, and

(2) the amount determined under this subsection for the preceding taxable year, reduced by the sum of—

(A) the excess of the maximum amount allowable as a deduction under section 192 for the taxable year over the amount contributed to the trust or trusts for the taxable year, and

(B) amounts distributed from the trust to the contributor which were excess contributions for the preceding taxable year.

(c) Treatment of withdrawal of excess contributions

Amounts distributed during the taxable year from a trust described in section 501(c)(21) to the contributor thereof the sum of which does not exceed the amount of the excess contribution made by the contributor shall not be treated as—

(1) an act of self-dealing (within the meaning of section 4951),

(2) a taxable expenditure (within the meaning of section 4952), or

(3) an act contrary to the purposes for which the trust is exempt from taxation under section 501(a).

(Added Pub. L. 95–227, §4(c)(1), Feb. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 22.)

Subchapter C—Political Expenditures of Section 501(c)(3) Organizations

Sec.
4955.
Taxes on political expenditures of section 501(c)(3) organizations.

        

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior subchapter C, consisting of sections 4961 to 4963 of this title, was redesignated subchapter E.

About This Section

26 U.S.C. § 4953 is part of Title 26 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 26 U.S.C. § 4953. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 4953

What does United States Code § 4953 cover?

Section 4953 ("Tax on excess contributions to black lung benefit trusts") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 4953?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 4953" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 4953 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.