You know the feeling when you cannot wait to drive your new vehicle, but the registration process seems to take ages. That’s what happens when you wait on a tax stamp on your firearm suppressor.
The government has obligated all NFA firearms, including suppressors, to be regulated and a tax stamp must be purchased as part of the registration process. Therefore, if you want to own a silencer or suppressor to lower a gunshot’s muzzle or noise, you’ll have to pay a set fee to get that stamp.
But how much do you have to pay for this stamp and how to buy a suppressor tax stamp? That’s what we’ll cover today so you don’t break any law while playing with these toys. Keep reading and know how to buy a suppressor tax stamp with the least wait and hurdles.
National Firearms Act (NFA) items, including suppressors, machine guns, short barrel rifles, and short barrel shotguns, are regulated by the ATF and have been since 1934.
What is a Suppressor Tax Stamp?
A suppressor tax stamp is a regulation issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in the United States. The law says that if you want to purchase a suppressor for your firearm, you must have this stamp to comply with federal law.
The tax stamp is made mandatory under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, which regulates some types of firearms and accessories. The aim is to collect a tax on certain firearms, as well as silencers.
The tax stamp is essentially proof that you’ve paid the necessary $200 tax to the federal government for each suppressor you intend to own. Interestingly, the fee has remained unchanged since the NFA was enacted in 1934. Although $200 was a significant amount back in 1934, it’s more manageable today, so it doesn’t feel like a big deal.
How to Buy a Suppressor Tax Stamp?
Now that we know what a tax stamp is for your suppressor and firearms in general, it’s time to get one so you can hunt and shoot while respecting the law. Here are the steps of how to buy a suppressor tax stamp:
Select the Suppressor
Visit a licensed firearms dealer specializing in suppressors to find a compatible model for your firearm. Some factors to take care of at this point are:
- Make sure that the suppressor matches the caliber of your firearm. For example, a .30-caliber suppressor might not work on a .22-caliber rifle.
- How will you use the suppressor? Is it for hunting, target shooting, or home defense? The experts will help you pick one accordingly.Â
- Suppressors are made from materials like stainless steel, titanium, or aluminum. So, knowing about their durability and impact will help you.Â
- Then consider if you need a suppressor that is versatile enough for multiple shooting conditions or one that is specialized for specific types of usage. Your dealer can guide you in choosing a multi-purpose model or one designed for activities like precision shooting, tactical applications, or casual target practice.
Complete ATF Form 4
The next step of how to buy a tax stamp for your suppressor task is to fill the Form 4 as per ATF regulations. This form is called the “Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearms” and is mandatory for legally transferring the suppressor to you.
Here are the documents needed to complete Form 4:
- Personal Information: Your full name, current address, date of birth, and place of birth.
- Social Security Number: It’s optional, but providing it can speed up the background check.
- Suppressor Details: Make, model, serial number, caliber, and manufacturer of the suppressor.
- Passport-Style Photograph: A recent photo taken within the last year.
- Fingerprint Cards: Two copies of your fingerprints on ATF Compliant FD-258 Fingerprint Cards.
- Trust or Legal Entity Documents (if applicable): If you’re purchasing through a trust or corporation, include the relevant legal paperwork.
Get Fingerprinted and Photographed
After having the said documents on hand, you’ll get photographed and fingerprinted. For that, you can visit a local law enforcement agency or an authorized fingerprinting service to get your fingerprints taken. But make sure they use the ATF Compliant FD-258 Fingerprint Cards FBI’s standard fingerprint cards (Form FD-258). Then, obtain a clear passport-style photo with the head and shoulders shot against a plain background.
Notify the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO)
Earlier, it was mandatory to get signatures from the CLEO, but it’s now changed. Now, you’re only required to notify them of your intent to purchase a suppressor. Here’s what to do:
- Copy of Form 4: Send a copy of your completed Form 4 to your local CLEO—the said person could be your county sheriff or chief of police.
- No Action Required from CLEO: They don’t need to approve or sign anything; this step is purely for notification purposes.
Pay the $200 Transfer Tax
As we explained earlier, each suppressor purchase requires a $200 tax payment mandated by the National Firearms Act (NFA). Here’s how to handle it:
- Prepare Payment: Write a check or money order payable to the “Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.”
- Note Down the Serial Number: When submitting your $200 tax stamp payment for a silencer, make sure to write the serial number of the suppressor on the check to help the ATF accurately process your payment for the correct item.Â
- Payment Options: Some dealers may accept credit card payments for the tax—confirm with your dealer if this option is available.
- Separate Payment: Remember, the $200 tax is separate from the cost of the suppressor itself.
Submit the Completed Application
With all documents in hand, it’s time to submit your application. So review it and make sure all sections of Form 4 are completed accurately. If there’s a mistake, the approval will take very long.
The packet you prepare to mail should contain the following:
- Completed and signed Form 4
- Two fingerprint cards
- Passport-style photograph
- $200 tax payment
- Trust or legal entity documents (if applicable)
After checking everything, send everything to the ATF at the address specified on Form 4. Your dealer may offer to handle this step for you.
Wait for the ATF to Issue the Tax Stamp
Now comes the waiting period. The ATF will review your application. The process used to take anywhere from 6 to 12 months or longer, but this waiting period is now greatly reduced. During this time, they’ll do a thorough background check to make sure you’re eligible to own a suppressor
Unfortunately, there’s no way to expedite this process, so you’ll have to wait before the approval comes in. Regularly checking in with your dealer can keep you informed, but they don’t have control over the approval timing.
Once approved, the ATF will send the tax stamp to your dealer, who will notify you when your suppressor is ready. You’ll complete any final paperwork at the shop.
It’s good to keep a copy of your tax stamp and Form 4 with your suppressor. You can laminate the tax stamp or keep a digital copy on the phone so you don’t lose the records.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Suppressor Tax Stamp?
How long you wait to receive your suppressor tax stamp largely depends on the method you use to submit your application. Here are the two standard ways to do that:
- Paper Form 4 Submission
- Electronic Form 4 (eForm) Submission
Paper Form 4 Submission
If you submit a paper Form 4, you’re in for a longer wait time because these submissions can take time. The wait period is because of the manual data entry and processing by the ATF.
Let’s say you mailed your application in January. You might not receive approval until September or later—such a lengthy wait can be frustrating, but we don’t have a choice here.
Electronic Form 4 (eForm) Submission
The ATF has now introduced the eForm system to speed up the application process. You can noticeably reduce the waiting period by submitting an electronic form as it usually takes 90 to 180 days.
I’ve heard from fellow shooters who received their tax stamps in as little as 60 days using the eForm system — the faster turnaround surely makes the electronic method an attractive option.
Go to Liberty Cans to Get a Tax Stamp for Your Suppressor
When you make up your mind about adding a suppressor to your gear, swing by Liberty Cans, and we’ll make the whole tax stamp process a breeze.
It doesn’t matter if you choose the speedy eForm option and get things wrapped up faster or go traditional with a paper Form 4, which can stretch; we’ve got your back.
We double-check your application to make sure everything’s spot on, which is super important to avoid any delays. We’ll also keep you in the loop with updates on your application and offer pro tips on getting your firearm ready for the suppressor.
So, team up with Liberty Cans and breeze through the process. Patience pays off, and soon, you’ll have your suppressor, all legal and hassle-free!
FAQs
Is the tax amount the same for all suppressors?
Yes, the tax amount is consistently $200 for each suppressor, regardless of the type or size.
Do you need to update the tax stamp if you get a new suppressor or silencer?
Yes. a tax stamp is required for each suppressor you purchase. So, if you’re planning to buy multiple suppressors, you’ll have to pay the $200 tax and complete the application process for each one.
Can you transfer a suppressor tax stamp to another person?
You may do it but only through a formal process. The new owner must complete a Form 4 transfer application and pay the $200 transfer fee to legally acquire the suppressor.
How long is a suppressor tax stamp valid?
A suppressor tax stamp is valid as long as you own the suppressor. There is no expiration date, but you must maintain possession of the tax stamp for legal verification.
What happens if you lose your suppressor tax stamp?
If you lose your tax stamp, contact the ATF to request a replacement. But try to keep its copy to avoid the extra hassle.