Us Code § 6867 - Presumptions where owner of large amount of cash is not identified

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 6867 — Presumptions where owner of large amount of cash is not identified, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 6867. Presumptions where owner of large amount of cash is not identified

(a) General rule

If the individual who is in physical possession of cash in excess of $10,000 does not claim such cash—

(1) as his, or

(2) as belonging to another person whose identity the Secretary can readily ascertain and who acknowledges ownership of such cash,


then, for purposes of sections 6851 and 6861, it shall be presumed that such cash represents gross income of a single individual for the taxable year in which the possession occurs, and that the collection of tax will be jeopardized by delay.

(b) Rules for assessing

In the case of any assessment resulting from the application of subsection (a)—

(1) the entire amount of the cash shall be treated as taxable income for the taxable year in which the possession occurs,

(2) such income shall be treated as taxable at the highest rate of tax specified in section 1, and

(3) except as provided in subsection (c), the possessor of the cash shall be treated (solely with respect to such cash) as the taxpayer for purposes of chapters 63 and 64 and section 7429(a)(1).

(c) Effect of later substitution of true owner

If, after an assessment resulting from the application of subsection (a), such assessment is abated and replaced by an assessment against the owner of the cash, such later assessment shall be treated for purposes of all laws relating to lien, levy and collection as relating back to the date of the original assessment.

(d) Definitions

For purposes of this section—

(1) Cash

The term "cash" includes any cash equivalent.

(2) Cash equivalent

The term "cash equivalent" means—

(A) foreign currency,

(B) any bearer obligation, and

(C) any medium of exchange which—

(i) is of a type which has been frequently used in illegal activities, and

(ii) is specified as a cash equivalent for purposes of this part in regulations prescribed by the Secretary.

(3) Value of cash equivalent

Any cash equivalent shall be taken into account—

(A) in the case of a bearer obligation, at its face amount, and

(B) in the case of any other cash equivalent, at its fair market value.

(Added Pub. L. 97–248, title III, §330(a), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 619; amended Pub. L. 100–647, title I, §1001(a)(1), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3349.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1988—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 100–647 substituted "the highest rate of tax specified in section 1" for "a 50-percent rate".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–647 effective, except as otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which such amendment relates, see section 1019(a) of Pub. L. 100–647, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 97–248, title III, §330(c), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 620, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [enacting this section] shall take effect on the day after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 3, 1982]."

Subchapter B—Receiverships, Etc.

Sec.
6871.
Claims for income, estate, gift, and certain excise taxes in receivership proceedings, etc.
6872.
Suspension of period on assessment.
6873.
Unpaid claims.

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1980—Pub. L. 96–589, §6(g)(3)(A), (B), Dec. 24, 1980, 94 Stat. 3410, substituted "Receiverships, Etc." for "Bankruptcy and Receiverships" in subchapter heading, and "gift, and certain excise taxes in receivership proceedings, etc." for "and gift taxes in bankruptcy and receivership proceedings" in item 6871.

About This Section

26 U.S.C. § 6867 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. § 6867. 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.

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Sources

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 6867

What does United States Code § 6867 cover?

Section 6867 ("Presumptions where owner of large amount of cash is not identified") 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.

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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.

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Sources & Verification

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