The tax stamp is $0 now.
For 90 years the federal tax on a suppressor transfer was $200 — on a cheap rimfire can, sometimes half the price again. Legislation passed in 2025 zeroed it out starting January 1, 2026.
What changed
The $200 tax on transferring and making suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and AOWs is $0 for applications filed on or after January 1, 2026. Machine guns and destructive devices still pay the old $200.
What didn't change
Everything else. These are still NFA items: the Form 4, fingerprints, photo, the ATF review, and the in-person transfer at an SOT dealer all still apply. You still get an approved stamp on your form — it just doesn't cost anything. Keep a copy with the can, same as always.
One thing worth knowing
Before 2026, a lot of sellers advertised "we pay your tax stamp." That's not a deal anymore — the stamp is free everywhere, by law. If you're comparing sellers now, compare price, what the receiving dealer charges, and whether anyone picks up the phone when your application has a question.
Common questions
Which items get the $0 stamp?
Suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and AOWs. Machine guns and destructive devices still pay the old $200.
Did the process change?
No. Form 4, fingerprints, photo, ATF review, transfer at an SOT dealer — all still there. Only the tax went away.
I bought before 2026 — do I get my $200 back?
No. It applies to applications filed January 1, 2026 or later. Nothing gets refunded retroactively.
Is the $0 stamp a promotion some dealers run?
No — it's federal law, the same at every dealer. Anyone advertising 'free tax stamp' in 2026 is advertising the law.
Southern Armory Group — licensed FFL & Class 2 SOT, Simpsonville, SC. Published 2026-07-22, updated 2026-07-22. Education, not legal or tax advice.