On January 1, 2026, the firearms world witnessed an historic shift when the long-standing $200 NFA tax stamp for suppressors (also known as silencers), short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and certain any other weapons (AOWs) dropped to $0. The change, part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” signed by President Trump in July 2025, immediately unleashed massive demand, overwhelming the ATF’s eForms system and marking what many call the “Year of the Suppressor“.
This policy victory for Second Amendment advocates has made hearing protection and compact firearms more accessible than ever—without the outdated financial barrier that dated back to the National Firearms Act of 1934.
What Changed? The End of the $200 Tax Stamp Era
For nearly a century, purchasing or manufacturing a suppressor required paying a $200 federal excise tax (the infamous “tax stamp”), plus extensive paperwork, fingerprints, photos, background checks, and waits that once stretched 8–12 months or longer.
The One Big Beautiful Bill (passed by Congress in early July 2025 and signed by Trump on July 4) eliminated this tax for most popular NFA items, effective January 1, 2026. While the full NFA registration and approval process remains in place (including ATF Form 1 for making your own or Form 4 for transfers), the cost barrier vanished, sparking immediate action from gun owners nationwide.
Key highlights:
- No more $200 fee — pure savings for every qualified buyer.
- Background checks and registration still required — suppressors aren’t treated like standard Title I firearms (yet).
- Machine guns and destructive devices remain at the $200 tax level.
Explosive Surge: 150,000 Applications in a Single Day
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported an “unprecedented surge” in eForms submissions right as the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Day.
- ~150,000 online applications processed on January 1 alone — a staggering 5,900% increase over the typical daily volume of around 2,500.
- An estimated 50,000+ additional applications followed in the days after.
- Approvals started rolling in lightning-fast: many in under 48 hours, with one Utah gun shop owner seeing their first approval in just 31 hours and 19 minutes after submitting 19 applications in the opening 93 minutes of 2026.
The ATF’s online system experienced glitches and temporary delays due to the flood, but the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) urged patience while calling for more funding to upgrade outdated infrastructure.
Why the Massive Rush? Pent-Up Demand Unleashed
Gun owners and industry experts point to years of frustration with the $200 tax as a key driver. Many held off on purchases, waiting for this exact moment. Retailers and manufacturers had already ramped up promotions:
- Companies like Tactical Shit, Silencer Shop, Silencer Central, Capitol Armory, and GrabAGun offered streamlined application help, direct shipping, and financing deals.
- Major manufacturers (Bergara, Diamondback Firearms, Palmetto State Armory) jumped in with their own suppressor lines.
- The upcoming 2026 SHOT Show is expected to showcase dozens of new models.
The American Suppressor Association emphasized that removing the tax proves it was an unnecessary barrier to exercising Second Amendment rights responsibly—especially since suppressors primarily serve as hearing protection for shooters.
Industry Celebrates — And Pushes for More
The NSSF hailed the change as Americans “taking advantage… in a big, big way.” New initiatives include introductory suppressor training courses and even allowing suppressors in some Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) rifle competitions for the first time.
While the tax cut is a major win, many advocates (including groups like the NRA, Gun Owners of America, and Firearms Policy Coalition) are pursuing lawsuits arguing the remaining NFA registry is unconstitutional without the revenue-generating tax component. Full deregulation remains the ultimate goal for many.
What This Means for You in 2026
If you’re considering a suppressor:
- File now — approvals are fast, but expect temporary backlogs from the surge.
- Check your state laws — suppressors are legal in 42 states (always verify local regulations).
- Shop smart — many dealers and online platforms are ready to guide you through the (still-required) ATF process.
This is a game-changing moment for responsible gun owners who value hearing safety, reduced noise, and practical firearm customization. The $0 tax stamp era is here—freedom just got a little quieter.
Stay tuned for updates as the ATF catches up and more manufacturers roll out new products. If you’re in the market for tactical gear, hearing protection, or premium suppressors, now’s the time—congratulations to all who fought for this long-overdue reform!