Understanding the NFA and the $200 Tax Stamp
Why you need to pay $200 for a suppressor and other nfa items
In the world of firearms regulation, few laws are as impactful—or as widely misunderstood—as the National Firearms Act (NFA). Passed in 1934, the NFA was the first federal attempt to regulate and track certain categories of firearms deemed particularly dangerous or likely to be used in crime. Among the items it governs are machine guns, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), destructive devices, "any other weapons" (AOWs), and certain attachments such as firearm suppressors, also commonly referred to as silencers.
That being said, you can still obtain suppressors, but you have to pay a $200 tax stamp. Our team at Silent Armament Forge is going to break it down.
What Is the NFA?
The National Firearms Act was enacted as part of the U.S. government's response to gang-related violence during the Prohibition era. The law does not ban NFA items outright; instead, it imposes stringent regulations, registration requirements, and a tax on the transfer or manufacture of these items.
The primary goal of the NFA is to ensure that NFA items are tracked and only owned by responsible individuals who pass an extensive background check. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is responsible for enforcing the NFA.
Suppressors and the $200 Tax Stamp
Under the NFA, suppressors—devices that reduce the sound signature of a firearm—are regulated as Title II weapons. To legally own a suppressor in the United States (in states where they are allowed), individuals must:
Apply to the ATF to register the suppressor.
Pay a $200 tax, often called a “tax stamp.”
Why $200?
The $200 tax was an enormous sum in 1934, designed to deter ownership of NFA items. Adjusted for inflation, it would be equivalent to several thousand dollars today (thank God it isn’t). Ironically, the $200 price tag has never changed, even though its financial burden has lessened over time. Today, it’s still a legal requirement that helps fund the processing of applications and supports regulatory oversight.
How to Register a Suppressor
Registering a suppressor involves submitting an application to the ATF and waiting for approval before taking possession. There are two common pathways for purchasing or making a suppressor:
1. Buying a Suppressor from a Dealer (Form 4)
If purchasing from a licensed dealer:
ATF Form 4 (Application for Tax Paid Transfer) is used.
You'll need to submit:
Two fingerprint cards
Passport-style photos
A copy of your NFA trust (if applicable)
The $200 tax payment
An electronic or paper copy of the completed Form 4
Processing times can vary significantly, but in 2024–2025, eForms (the ATF's electronic filing system) have helped reduce wait times to a few months, though paper applications can still take up to a year.
2. Making Your Own Suppressor (Form 1)
If you're building your own suppressor:
ATF Form 1 (Application to Make and Register a Firearm) is required.
You must receive approval before manufacturing the item.
The same fingerprinting, photo, and tax stamp requirements apply.
Important Note: Building a suppressor without prior ATF approval is a federal felony, regardless of intent.
NFA Trusts vs. Individual Ownership
When registering a suppressor, you can apply as:
An individual
A trust
A legal entity (e.g., an LLC or corporation)
NFA trusts have become popular because they allow multiple people (trustees) to possess and use the suppressor legally. Trusts also streamline the inheritance process, avoiding the need to reapply and pay the tax again when passing the item to heirs.
What Happens After Approval?
Once your application is approved:
You receive an official tax stamp—a serialized document showing that the tax has been paid and the item is registered.
You must keep this document with the suppressor and be able to produce it if questioned by law enforcement.
You cannot sell or transfer the suppressor without repeating the application process.
Conclusion
FNG Suppressor
While suppressors are often misunderstood due to their portrayal in media, they are legal to own in many U.S. states and serve practical roles in reducing hearing damage and improving shooting safety. The National Firearms Act doesn’t ban suppressors—it regulates them. The $200 tax stamp is a legacy of the 1930s, and though cumbersome, it’s the gateway to lawful ownership.
Understanding and complying with the NFA is essential for any firearms enthusiast considering a suppressor. With the right information and patience, the process is manageable—and legal suppressor ownership is well within reach.
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