As 2025 draws to a close, a major change is hitting the NFA world: the long-awaited $0 NFA tax stamp for suppressors, SBRs, and other items takes effect on January 1, 2026. But there’s a critical hurdle—the ATF eForms system is going dark for a week-long blackout starting December 26. If you’re planning to buy a suppressor or file a Form 4, this directly impacts you.
Here’s everything you need to know about the ATF eForm blackout, current lightning-fast processing times, and how to position yourself for the upcoming free NFA tax stamp era.
Key Details of the ATF eForm Blackout
- All eForm submissions and certifications will pause at midnight on Dec. 26, 2025. The ATF eForms portal will be completely inaccessible for new submissions or certifications until January 1, 2026. This planned outage allows the agency to update systems and workflows for the new $0 tax requirements mandated by recent legislation (the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”).
- This blackout will run until Jan. 1, 2026, in preparation for the $0 tax implementation. The pause is necessary to modify Form 4 fields, improve portal security and performance, and clear any remaining backlogs.
- Any draft forms not submitted by Dec. 26 will be deleted. Due to formatting changes in the updated forms, all unsaved or draft eForm 4 applications will be permanently wiped. Don’t leave your application hanging—submit it early!
- Any form submitted before the Dec. 26 deadline will continue processing. Good news: If you certify and submit your eForm 4 before midnight on December 26, it will be processed under the current system, including any applicable $200 tax.
Lightning-Fast NFA Processing Times Right Now
One of the biggest incentives to act before the blackout:
- Current NFA processing times are just a few business days. As of mid-December 2025, individual eForm 4 approvals average around 3-5 business days, while trust or corporate submissions are hovering at 5-6 days. This is historically fast—thanks to the efficient eForms system.
Submit now, pay the $200 tax (if required), and you could have your approved suppressor tax stamp before the new year.
What Happens After January 1, 2026?
- Starting Jan. 1, 2026, impacted Form 4 submissions will have a $0 tax stamp. No more $200 fee for suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, or AOWs. The NFA registration process remains (fingerprints, photos, background checks, CLEO notification), but the tax is gone.
- Expect a surge in new submissions and delays as the $0 tax goes into effect. With the barrier of the $200 tax removed, industry experts predict a massive influx of applications. Processing times could stretch significantly in the early months of 2026 as the ATF handles the volume.
Dealers like Silencer Shop and Silencer Central are already promoting “Free Track” options: Buy now, hold the transfer until after January 1, and submit for the $0 tax—but you’ll wait longer for approval due to the expected backlog.
Should You Submit Before or After the Blackout?
- Submit before December 26 if you want potentially faster approval and don’t mind paying the $200 tax.
- Wait until January 1 if saving $200 is your priority—but brace for longer wait times.
Many dealers recommend finalizing purchases and submissions ASAP to beat the rush.
Final Advice for Suppressor Buyers
The ATF eForm blackout is a short-term inconvenience for a massive long-term win: free NFA tax stamps on suppressors and short-barreled rifles. Act quickly if you have a draft ready—December 26 is the hard deadline.
