The Suppressor Tax Stamp Could Be Eliminated?
A Look at the Latest Federal Legislation
As of mid-2025, a groundbreaking piece of legislation is in progress that could eliminate the $200 federal tax stamp currently required to purchase a firearm suppressor (commonly referred to as a silencer). This change would mark the most significant shift in suppressor regulation since the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934. If passed, the bill would not only remove the tax burden but also simplify and streamline the suppressor purchasing process across the United States.
This is huge news for the suppressor world, and our team at Silent Armament Forge is going to break it down.
The Background: Suppressors and the $200 Tax Stamp
The National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 was the first significant federal gun control law in the United States, enacted in response to the rise of organized crime and high-profile gang violence during the Prohibition era. Its primary goal was to heavily regulate certain classes of weapons deemed particularly dangerous, including machine guns, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and firearm suppressors (silencers).
Rather than banning these items outright, the NFA imposed strict requirements: registration with the federal government, a $200 transfer tax (equivalent to over $4,000 today when adjusted for inflation), detailed paperwork, and background checks. The act laid the foundation for modern federal firearms regulation and remains in effect today, although it has been amended over time, most notably by the Gun Control Act of 1968.
Under the current law, suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act, which requires individuals to:
Submit ATF Form 4
Provide fingerprints and passport-style photographs
Pay a $200 tax stamp
Wait 3 to 12+ months for approval, depending on the submission method (eForm 4 vs. paper)
This process, while manageable, remains a barrier to entry for many law-abiding firearm owners seeking the hearing protection and recoil mitigation benefits suppressors offer by delaying the process and making it a very difficult thing to go through.
But that all could change.
New Legislation: The SHUSH Act and the Budget Bill
In early 2025, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Congressman Michael Cloud (R-TX) introduced the Silencers Helping Us Save Hearing (SHUSH) Act. The proposed legislation seeks to remove suppressors from the NFA entirely, classifying them as standard firearm accessories—much like scopes or flashlights. This would eliminate the need for a $200 tax stamp, background check, and months-long waiting periods.
At the same time, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an extensive fiscal package nicknamed the "One Big Beautiful Bill." This bill includes provisions to deregulate suppressors completely. Under the current language:
Suppressors would no longer require registration under the NFA
The $200 tax stamp would be eliminated
Purchases would proceed like standard firearm accessories—with no additional federal paperwork or fees.
If the bill fails to pass the Senate in its current form, an alternate clause proposes reducing the tax stamp to $5, retaining some regulation while significantly lowering the barrier for legal ownership.
Why This Matters
Supporters of suppressor deregulation—including firearm advocacy groups, hunters, and recreational shooters—argue that:
Suppressors are safety tools, protecting shooters’ hearing and reducing noise pollution
The current tax and wait time disproportionately affect law-abiding citizens
Deregulation would encourage responsible ownership while keeping focus on criminal misuse
Opponents—often aligned with gun control advocacy groups—express concerns that:
Removing regulation may make suppressors more accessible to criminals
Deregulation could reduce auditory gunshot detection in urban policing
The government stands to lose millions in tax revenue annually.
Industry Response: SilentAF Leads the Way
As this legislative momentum grows, companies across the firearm industry are preparing for potential shifts in demand. Among them, Silent Armament Forge (SilentAF) has cemented its position as a top choice in suppressor innovation and customer service.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or experienced NFA item collector, SilentAF simplifies the process with:
A great selection of high-performance suppressors like the Vigilantis and the FNG DAY1, a 3D-printed titanium model optimized for strength and sound reduction
Easy access to all of the required documents
Fast shipping and dealer partnerships nationwide
As the go-to brand for modern suppressors, SilentAF ensures that whether the tax stamp stays or goes, you’re equipped with industry-leading technology and support.
What Happens Next?
The suppressor tax stamp repeal is currently awaiting action in the U.S. Senate. If passed:
The $200 fee will be removed permanently
Suppressors will be sold without a lengthy ATF approval process
Retailers and manufacturers like SilentAF will be able to serve customers more efficiently than ever
If the Senate blocks the bill or modifies its language, expect a revised system—potentially with a $5 fee, reduced wait times, or other regulatory compromises.
Final Thoughts: Now Is the Time to Act
Even with legislative change on the horizon, current laws are still in effect—which means you’ll still need to submit Form 4 and pay the tax stamp for any new suppressor purchase in the meantime. However, if the law passes during your waiting period, you could potentially receive a refund or have the fee waived—though this depends on how final rules are written.
If you're considering a suppressor purchase, there’s never been a better time to start the process—and there’s no better company to work with than SilentAF. Whether the $200 stamp is here to stay or on its way out, SilentAF is ready to help you shoot quieter, safer, and smarter.
Be sure to follow SilentAF on Instagram and check out our suppressors!
