In a monumental shift for the firearms community, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has implemented a rule change that eliminates the longstanding $200 tax stamp fee required for purchasing suppressors. This update, stemming from the passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB) signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025, marks one of the most significant reforms to the National Firearms Act (NFA) since its inception in 1934. Effective January 1, 2026, this change removes a financial barriers to suppressor ownership, making these hearing-protective devices more accessible to law-abiding Americans. However, it's crucial to note that while the tax is gone, suppressors remain regulated under the NFA, and comprehensive background checks are still mandatory for all purchases.
To understand the impact of this rule change, it's essential to revisit the origins of the NFA. Enacted in 1934 amid concerns over gang violence during Prohibition, the National Firearms Act aimed to curb the proliferation of certain weapons and devices deemed particularly dangerous. Among these were machine guns, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and suppressors—often mislabeled as "silencers" in popular media. The Act imposed a $200 excise tax on the transfer or manufacture of these items, a fee that equated to roughly $4,500 in today's dollars when adjusted for inflation. This prohibitive cost was intentionally designed to discourage ownership, effectively turning what could have been a practical accessory into a luxury for the few.
Over the decades, the tax stamp became synonymous with NFA items. To legally acquire a suppressor, buyers had to submit ATF Form 4 (for transfers) or Form 1 (for manufacturing), pay the $200 fee, provide fingerprints and passport photos, and undergo an enhanced background check. Approval times varied wildly—sometimes weeks, often months—creating a bureaucratic hurdle that deterred many. Suppressors, which reduce noise levels by 20-35 decibels to protect shooters' hearing without eliminating sound entirely, were lumped in with more controversial items despite their primary use in hunting, sport shooting, and even law enforcement for noise reduction.
Advocacy groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA), Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), and American Suppressor Association (ASA) have long pushed for reform. Efforts such as the Hearing Protection Act (HPA) and SHUSH Act sought to fully deregulate suppressors, treating them like standard firearm accessories under the Gun Control Act (GCA). While full deregulation was blocked by procedural rules like the Byrd Rule in the Senate, the OBBB represented a compromise victory: zeroing out the tax while preserving other NFA elements.
The OBBB, a sweeping reconciliation bill addressing budget, taxes, and more, included Section 112030, which explicitly eliminates the $200 transfer excise tax for suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and Any Other Weapons (AOWs). Machine guns and destructive devices were excluded from this provision. The law was signed on July 4, 2025, but the tax elimination takes effect on January 1, 2026. Until then, any Form 4 or Form 1 submitted will still require the full $200 payment—no refunds for early filers.
What remains unchanged? The core NFA framework. Suppressors are still Title II items, meaning:
This rule change doesn't retroactively apply; previous tax payments aren't refunded. Industry experts predict a boom in sales—SilencerCo and Silencer Central anticipate exponential growth, with some dealers already offering promotions to cover the current $200 fee for pre-2026 purchases. However, supply shortages and price hikes on suppressors themselves (which range from $200 for basic .22 models to over $1,000 for high-end rifle cans) are likely as demand spikes.
The FPC has announced plans for a class-action lawsuit challenging the NFA's constitutionality now that the revenue-generating tax is gone, arguing it lacks a valid basis under the Commerce Clause. This could pave the way for further deregulation, but for now, the focus is on the immediate relief from the fee.
Suppressors aren't just for stealthy operations in movies; they're vital tools for safety and enjoyment. By baffling and redirecting expanding gases, they lower muzzle blast noise, reducing the risk of permanent hearing damage—a leading occupational hazard for shooters. Studies from the American College of Emergency Physicians show that unprotected exposure to gunfire can cause tinnitus and hearing loss, affecting over 37 million Americans annually.
For hunters, suppressors mean less disturbance to wildlife and neighbors, promoting ethical practices. In competitive shooting, they improve accuracy by minimizing flinch from noise. Law enforcement and military personnel have used them for years to protect hearing during training. With the tax barrier removed, more everyday enthusiasts—hunters in rural Alabama, range shooters, and recreational users—can afford this protection without the added $200 sting.
Critics argue the NFA's remaining requirements are outdated, especially since suppressors don't make firearms inherently more dangerous; they attach to existing guns and require the same standard checks. Proponents of the change emphasize that it levels the playing field, removing what many called a "classist" tax that disproportionately affected lower-income gun owners.
If you're eyeing a suppressor after January 1, 2026, here are the steps to take:
Background checks ensure only eligible individuals (law-abiding adults) can own a suppressor, maintaining public safety.
As you prepare for your suppressor purchase, one key step remains: obtaining quality fingerprints for your ATF application. That's where Alabama Fingerprint Solutions comes in. As a trusted provider of fingerprinting services across the state, we specialize in supporting NFA applicants, including those pursuing suppressors. Our offices in Huntsville, Phenix City, Birmingham/Hoover , and soon-to-be-open location in Mobile, make it convenient to get what you need quickly and affordably.We offer two flexible options to fit your needs:
When you book your appointment online we collect your demographic information that goes on your card or in your EFT. So, it's impotant to pre-register so that our technicians are ready when you show up. Our fee is competitive, and we're experienced in NFA-specific requirements.
Getting your cards now will help you to beat the rush when January 1st comes around, Alabama Fingerprint Solutions ensures your background check goes smoothly—so you can focus on enjoying your new suppressor responsibly.
This rule change is a win for Second Amendment rights and hearing health alike. Stay informed, comply with the law, and gear up for a quieter future at the range.
Ready to get started? Reach out to us at 256-797-2197 or click the button below to book your appointment today!
