The landscape of owning suppressors and other NFA items is about to shift in a big way — and we couldn’t be more thrilled to break it down for you.
Starting January 1, 2026, the long-standing $200 federal tax stamp that has been required for suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and similar NFA items will be reduced to $0 — effectively eliminating that extra financial barrier for these products.
This change comes as part of federal tax legislation (commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) that was signed into law in 2025.
What’s Changing — And What Isn’t
The Big Win: No More $200 Tax
Beginning January 1, 2026, purchasers will no longer pay the $200 tax stamp fee on:
- Suppressors
- Short-barreled rifles (SBRs)
- Short-barreled shotguns (SBSs)
- “Any Other Weapons” (AOWs)
In practical terms, that means you keep an extra $200 in your pocket for every eligible NFA item you build or transfer.
What Still Applies
While the tax is going away, other NFA requirements do not disappear:
- You still need to submit ATF paperwork such as Form 4 (for transfers) or Form 1 (for manufacturing at home).
- You still must provide fingerprints and photos, and undergo the ATF background check.
- NFA items remain registered under federal law, and violating the registration requirements still carries significant penalties.
So while the tax burden melts away, the regulatory process — including ATF approval and compliance steps — stays firmly in place.
So What Does This Mean for You?
Lower Cost of Entry
Suppressor ownership is about to become noticeably cheaper. That’s great news for first-time buyers, seasoned shooters, and anyone who’s waited on the sidelines because of the extra $200 cost.
Expect a Surge in Interest
With that tax removed, many industry observers expect a surge in suppressor purchases and Form 4 filings early in 2026. That could mean longer ATF wait times — so there’s a real decision for buyers:
- File now (pay the tax now) and potentially get approved earlier, or
- Wait until January 1, 2026 and save the $200 — but potentially sit in a longer approval queue.
You’ll want to consider your priorities: cost savings vs. timeline to ownership.
The Bigger Picture
Removing the tax stamp doesn’t end the NFA or eliminate the registration process — but it does dismantle one of the biggest financial barriers the NFA has imposed on suppressor ownership for nearly a century.
For many in the shooting community, it’s a step toward broader accessibility and fairness in firearms ownership.
Final Thoughts
At Tuna Cans USA, we’re watching this change closely because it represents a positive move for shooters, hunters, and suppressor enthusiasts everywhere.
Whether you’re thinking about your first suppressor, planning an SBR build, or simply monitoring industry trends — 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for NFA items. And we’re here to help you navigate these changes as they roll out.
Stay tuned as we continue to share updates, guidance, and insights to help you make informed decisions — especially as the implementation date approaches.