🇺🇸 Big Win for Gun Owners: SBRs and Suppressors No Longer Require a $200 Federal Tax Stamp

A Historic Change in Gun Legislation

In a long-awaited victory for firearm enthusiasts and Second Amendment advocates, the federal government has officially removed the $200 tax stamp requirement for Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs) and suppressors (also called silencers).

This long-debated policy change was quietly but powerfully incorporated into what’s now being called the “Big Beautiful Bill” — a sweeping piece of legislation that finally reflects decades of pressure from gun rights organizations and everyday Americans. The expected effect date is January 1st 2026

What Changed?

Historically, any firearm classified as an SBR or any suppressor required a $200 payment to the federal government in the form of a National Firearms Act (NFA) tax stamp. The process was not only expensive but slow — often taking months or even a year for approval.

With the new law in effect:

• You still must file a Form 1 (to make) or Form 4 (to transfer).
• But the $200 tax has been eliminated for SBRs and suppressors.
• Processing times are expected to streamline significantly under the updated system due to payment processing process dropping. However the lack of the $200 tax could drive a large influx in form submissions

⚖️ Note: This change applies federally. Your state or local laws may still impose restrictions.

Why It Matters

For years, suppressors have been promoted by firearms instructors, hunters, and competitive shooters as safety tools — reducing dangerous noise levels and mitigating hearing damage.

Likewise, SBRs (with barrels under 16”) offer maneuverability, especially for home defense, while still maintaining ballistic effectiveness.

Removing the $200 tax barrier is a huge step toward treating these tools like standard firearm accessories, not heavily regulated NFA items.

What You Still Need to Do

Even without the tax, the paperwork remains. To legally own or build an SBR or purchase a suppressor, you must:

1. File a Form 1 (for builds) or Form 4 (for purchases/transfers)
2. Submit fingerprints and a passport-style photo
3. Pass an FBI background check
4. Wait for ATF approval — though this may become faster without payment processing delays

Once approved, you’ll receive your registration documentation, just as before — minus the $200 tax stamp.

Fought for by the 2A Community

This change didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of advocacy by groups like the American Suppressor Association, NRA-ILA, Gun Owners of America, and countless individual voices who’ve called for an end to outdated NFA restrictions on common firearm configurations.

The Big Beautiful Bill, as it’s informally called in many circles, bundled multiple pro-2A measures into one landmark package — this tax stamp repeal being among the most celebrated.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify your eligibility and local/state laws before purchasing or building NFA-regulated items. For official instructions and compliance, consult the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a competitive shooter, a tactical enthusiast, or just someone who values freedom and practical firearm use — this is a major win.

We’ll continue to track and cover firearm legislation and Second Amendment news here at GunCraver.com. Subscribe for updates, and let us know if you’re planning to take advantage of this new opportunity to own a suppressor or SBR — without the $200 price tag.