The $200 Suppressor Tax Is Gone
The federal transfer tax on suppressors is now $0—but suppressors still require ATF registration and an approved Form 4 before you can take one home.
You still select a suppressor, submit an ATF Form 4, provide the required identification information, wait for approval and complete the final transfer through your dealer.
What happened to the $200 suppressor tax?
Effective January 1, 2026, the federal transfer tax for suppressors was reduced from $200 to $0. The same change applies to most other National Firearms Act firearms, with machine guns and destructive devices remaining subject to the $200 tax.
This is a major savings for suppressor buyers, but it did not remove suppressors from the National Firearms Act. A suppressor must still be registered to the buyer through an approved ATF Form 4.
What changed
- The federal suppressor transfer tax is now $0.
- You no longer pay the former $200 federal transfer tax.
- The total upfront cost of purchasing a suppressor is lower.
What did not change
- Suppressors remain regulated under the NFA.
- An ATF Form 4 must still be submitted and approved.
- Identification, photographs and fingerprints are still required under current rules.
- You cannot take possession until ATF approval is received.
- A final ATF Form 4473 is completed before the transfer.
How buying a suppressor works in 2026
Mattson Munitions handles the process locally from start to finish. Here is what you can expect.
Choose your suppressor
We help match the suppressor to your firearm, caliber, intended use, mounting system, weight and sound-reduction priorities.
Create your ATF eForms account
Register for your free ATF eForms account before filing. ATF emails you a UserID after registration. Your UserID is not necessarily your email address. You will also create a four-digit PIN used to certify the application.
Complete fingerprints and your photograph
Mattson Munitions can capture your digital fingerprints and photograph on site. With your permission, we can keep the fingerprint file available for future purchases and provide you with a copy for your records.
Choose individual or trust registration
You can generally register the suppressor as an individual or through a qualifying legal entity such as a trust. The right choice depends on who needs lawful access and how you want the suppressor owned.
Submit and certify the eForm 4
Mattson Munitions prepares and submits the dealer portion of the eForm 4. You review your information and personally certify the application using your ATF eForms UserID and PIN.
Receive approval and complete the transfer
Once ATF approves the Form 4, we contact you. You then complete the required ATF Form 4473 and final transfer paperwork before taking the suppressor home.
How long are suppressor approvals taking?
ATF's published May 2026 data reports a six-day median processing time for individual eForm 4 applications. That does not mean every application will be approved in six days.
*Important: Processing times change and individual applications may require additional research. Never schedule a hunt, trip or deadline around an estimated ATF approval date.
Individual versus trust registration
Individual
The suppressor is registered directly to one person. This is usually the simplest option when only the buyer needs independent possession or control of the suppressor.
Trust or legal entity
The suppressor is registered to the trust or legal entity. Responsible persons may need to submit an ATF Responsible Person Questionnaire, fingerprints and a photograph as part of the application.
Mattson Munitions can explain how the filing process differs, but questions about estate planning, inheritance or the legal wording of a trust should be handled by a qualified attorney.
Frequently asked questions?
Do I still need an ATF tax stamp?
You still need an approved Form 4 and proof that the suppressor is registered to you or your legal entity. People may continue using the phrase “tax stamp,” but the federal transfer tax for a suppressor is now $0.
Can I take my suppressor home the day I buy it?
No. Mattson Munitions must retain possession until ATF approves the Form 4 and the final transfer requirements are completed.
What do I need for my ATF eForms account?
You need your ATF-issued UserID and the four-digit PIN you created during registration. Your confirmation email contains your UserID. Do not assume the UserID is the same as your email address.
Can Mattson Munitions do my fingerprints and photograph?
Yes. We can capture your digital fingerprints and photograph on site and use them with your suppressor application.
Is a six-day approval guaranteed?
No. Six days is ATF's reported median for individual eForm 4 applications in its May 2026 data. Some applications are approved more quickly and others take considerably longer.
Ready to make your first suppressor purchase?
Getting a suppressor is not as difficult as many people think. Mattson Munitions can help with suppressor selection, digital fingerprints, photographs, ATF eForms and the final transfer—all locally in LaMoure, North Dakota.
Official sources and additional information
This article provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Federal, state and local laws can change. Eligibility and approval decisions are determined by the applicable government agencies. Processing times are estimates and are not guaranteed by Mattson Munitions.