Montana Code Annotated · § 16-10-204 — Determining cost -- prices below cost -- free merchandise

(1) In determining the cost to the retailer and the cost to the wholesaler, the department or a court shall receive and consider evidence tending to show that any person accused of violating the provisions of this chapter purchased cigarettes, with respect to the sale of which complaint is made, below either the cost to the retailer or the cost to the wholesaler, depending upon the status of the person accused, or upon terms or in a manner or under invoices that conceal the true cost, discounts, or terms of purchase. Further, the department or a court shall receive and consider evidence of the normal, customary, and prevailing terms and discounts in connection with other sales of a similar nature in this state.

(2) Merchandise given gratis or payment made to a retailer or wholesaler by the manufacturer of the merchandise for display, advertising, promotion purposes, any type of discount, or otherwise may not be considered in determining the cost of cigarettes to the retailer or wholesaler.