Presumptions where owner of large amount of cash is not identified
26 U.S.C. § 6867
in effect(a) General ruleIf 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 assessingIn 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 ownerIf, 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) DefinitionsFor purposes of this section—(1) CashThe term “cash” includes any cash equivalent. (2) Cash equivalentThe 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 equivalentAny 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.
Source: OLRC USLMURL: https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/95/xml_usc26@119-95.zipFetched: 6/4/2026