REPORTS BY WHOLESALERS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF CIGARS AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS

(a) The comptroller may, when considered necessary by the comptroller for the administration of a tax under this chapter, require each wholesaler or distributor of cigars and tobacco products to file with the comptroller a report each month of sales to retailers in this state. (b) The wholesaler or distributor shall file the report on or before the 25th day of each month. The report must contain the following information for the preceding calendar month's sales in relation to each retailer: (1) the name of the retailer and the address of the retailer's outlet location to which the wholesaler or distributor delivered cigars or tobacco products, including the city and zip code; (2) the taxpayer number assigned by the comptroller to the retailer, if the wholesaler or distributor is in possession of the number; (3) the tobacco permit number of the outlet location to which the wholesaler or distributor delivered cigars or tobacco products; and (4) the monthly net sales made to the retailer by the wholesaler or distributor, including: (A) the quantity and units of cigars and tobacco products sold to the retailer; and (B) for each unit of tobacco products other than cigars, the net weight as listed by the manufacturer. (c) Except as provided by this subsection, the wholesaler or distributor shall file the report with the comptroller electronically. The comptroller may establish procedures for allowing an alternative method of filing for a wholesaler or distributor who demonstrates to the comptroller an inability to comply with the electronic reporting requirement. If the comptroller determines that another technological method of filing the report is more efficient than electronic filing, the comptroller may establish procedures requiring its use by wholesalers and distributors. (d) Except as provided by Section 111.006, information contained in a report required to be filed by this section is confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.