It is 2026, the tax stamp is $0. You still complete eForms and approvals, but the payment step is gone.

 

What Actually Changed on January 1, 2026

The ATF approval system has remained largely unchanged. You still file through eForms, you still transfer through a dealer, and you still wait for ATF approval before pickup. The big difference is simple: the tax payment step is no longer part of your Form 4 submission, NO MORE $200 tax!

What changed (tax stamp 2026):

• $0 tax stamp.

• No tax payment step during the eForm 4 submission in 2026.

• More buyers jumping in at once, which can impact approval times

What did not change (buy suppressor after 0 tax):

• You still submit an eForm 4 (2026 process).

• You still need a dealer (FFL/SOT) for the transfer.

• You still need demographic info and a photo on file.

• You still review, certify, and sign before submission.

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If you want the simplest explanation, think of 2026 as “the same process, but save $200.”

The 2026 Buyer Journey at a Glance – 3 Steps

Step 1 — Find Your Silencer

Add the suppressor you want to your cart, choose your local Powered By Silencer Shop dealer for pickup, and check out like a normal online order.

What you need to know:

Not sure what to buy? Use the Suppressor Finder or browse our best deals:

• In 2026, the tax stamp costs $0 — there’s no tax payment step for your submission.

• Choose how you want to file: Individual or Trust (both work in 2026).

• Pick a dealer you can actually get to — this is where you’ll certify and eventually pick up.

Quick sanity check: buy for your most common use. “Perfect for one gun” is cool. “Works on multiple guns” is usually smarter in a $0 world.

Step 2 — Set Up Your Profile

Profile setup is quick, and you only need to do it once.

What happens here:

• Visit Towers Armory and set up your appointment to submit your form 4 (can be done at the time of purchase for those filing as an Individual For Trusts you will be using Silencer shop which will require a second visit to complete your submission).

• We capture electronic fingerprints and demographic info and lock it into your profile for future filings.

• Upload a passport-style photo (in store or for trusts you can submit it online at silencershop.com or in the SilencerShop app).

• Use a Neutral background (single color, light background color (white or off white proffered), shoulders up, no hats/sunglasses, Face coverings or other items obstructing your face. If you have concerns of any kind religious objections included you must contact the ATF for written permission to submit any photo that is outside of these requirements.

• Create/confirm your ATF eForms account.

• Make sure your legal name, email, and address match exactly between Towers Armory, Silencer Shop, your ID, and eForms.

Pro tip: do this step early so you’re not scrambling when your ready to certify.

 

Step 3 — Sign & Submit (eForm 4)

This is the “make it official” step: verify, sign, and submit to ATF.

How it works:

• Either Towers Armory or Silencer Shop will review your forms. If everything looks right, sign.

• For Trust filings You’ll receive a Ready to Certify email once your dealer has the item ready to process.

• Schedule a quick certification with your dealer (in person or remote) and together you’ll submit the eForm 4 (2026 process).

• For individual filings you can do it at the time of purchase for in stock items!

• Have your eForms login, password, and PIN ready.

When you receive the submitted status copy (the dealer will receive a email as well) you are officially waiting — Once a decision is made, you and the Dealer will get notified via email from ATF when you’re approved and ready for pickup.

Checking Your eForm 4 Status

At a minimum you will receive an update via email from the ATF when the form is submitted and approved. Other emails may be sent if there are any issues requiring a response from you. Checking on a form's status will not speed things up, the best action is to wait patiently and check your email for any updates or problems with your submission. Responses and corrections will have a limit stated in the email noting the actions needed to be completed. Time is very important so pay attention to your inbox and Spam folders! No additional information may be submitted before a request from the ATF is sent. Make sure your Phone number and email address are current and monitored until you receive a decision. It is possible to contact the ATF if it has been a long time. Calling the ATF should be no less than 90 days after the submitted form date before your first call. Keep in mind there is no set time frame for the ATF to make a decision. Most of the process is automated but there are many reasons your submission may take additional time. Contacting the ATF excessively may actually cause delays so be patient and if you absolutely must make contact BE NICE. There is NO Supervisor that can speed things up, If you don't like what you hear remember unless directed to do something you have nothing you can do but wait. The reviewing agent has sole discretion as to when you get processed so be nice as you can possibly be. Getting upset will only make things worse. If there is any reason to contact them you will be emailed.

 

Inventory Strategy in a $0 World

Now that the tax stamp is $0, demand has spiked. That means a couple things: popular models go fast, and popular suppressors become more difficult to find.

Here’s how to shop smart and get great suppressors:

• Shop in person at Towers Armory if we have it you can buy it, and we keep 100's of models from the best names and even budget cans that perform comparably to the big names.

• Know the purpose of the can. Choosing a can that can do it all will have different results than a dedicated purpose can.

• Pay attention to the accessories. Additional end caps, muzzle devices and mounts can be expensive and are not always interchangeable.

• Start with your top 2–3 options.

• If your first choice is out of stock, switch to an alternate with:

• similar features

• similar size/weight

• the same caliber rating (or more versatile)

• Expect some items to move in and out of stock quickly, If the can you want is available, buy it. Shopping in store is highly recommended because if they have in stock you can purchase it and start the process immediately.

• Promotions online are not always a good deal. A lot of promotions are filled from Manufacturers directly and will have additional transfer costs and other fees you are responsible for.

 

Retail mindset: build a short list, move when you see stock, and backorder if you can but waiting forever on one suppressor to come into stock is just adding to your delay. Be flexible, its faster when a back up option is available. Waiting is just a part of the process for good or bad it just is.

Trust vs Individual Filing (What’s Different)

The $0 filing does not change how Trust vs Individual works. The practical differences are still about who is listed, who signs, and what supporting info is required.

• Trust: more administrative duties (Responsible Persons tracking, submissions and signatures), but is more flexible for shared possession

• Individual: simpler paperwork, faster approvals NO shared possession you must be present during use and it must be secured when you are not.

If you are deciding between the two, the Single Shot trust is probably the best solution for you. It combines the simplicity of filing as an individual with the flexibility and advantages of a trust.

Learn more about NFA Trusts: https://www.silencershop.com/blog/gun-trust

Tracking Your Application

After you submit, tracking is mostly about knowing where to look and what each status means you really can't track your progress beyond what you are sent by the ATF

Where to find confirmations:

• Your email inbox (submission and action required related messages)

• Your account order details (not really updates but a record of what you've completed)

What common statuses look like:

• Submitted / In Process: your application is in the ATF system and you are officially waiting

• Approved: you are cleared for pickup at your dealer, congrats!

• Denied: You must appeal the decision if you disagree. The reason will be on the last page.

• Returned without action: Your form is not approved or denied there is a reason on the last page, you may be able to correct the issue and resubmit (must be within the time frame stated or you will have to resubmit a new form)

• Withdrawn: You stop the process prior to a decision effectively recalling the form so you can start over. It can also be used to withdraw a previously approved form (usually if you made an SBR and are returning it to its original Pistol Form) this will require additional paperwork to complete.

How to read timestamps:

• Save the submission confirmation and note the date/time it was received.

• If you need support, having the confirmation number handy helps your dealer or support team find the exact record faster.

When to follow up:

• Follow up if you believe you missed anything, a signature request, changed ID/address details mid-process, or suspect you submitted incorrect information.

• Otherwise, avoid “just checking”. The best thing you can do is keep your inbox clean and respond instantly if any action is requested.

Pickup Day Prep

Bring:

• A valid government-issued ID

• Your ATF approval email, on your phone is fine

 

Filling out your 4473

You will be required to fill out a 4473 form at pickup there are no additional checks this is simply filled out to document the dealer completed the transfer. This step is extremely important if not done you cannot legally posses the item. Always make sure you complete a 4473 at pickup!

Verify before you leave:

• Confirm the serial number matches what you purchased

• Make sure you understand safe handling and any included accessories (mounts, pistons, tools)

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FAQs

Can I do everything at the same time?

Yes and No. Filing as an Individual with a in stock item is possible to do on the first visit. Trust filings require a different preparation which will make a second visit mandatory.

Do I still use eForms now that the stamp is $0?

Yes. You still submit an eForm 4 in 2026. The only change is the tax payment step is gone—the filing, signatures, dealer transfer, and approval process still apply.

Are approvals faster in 2026?

A $0 stamp does not guarantee faster approvals. The best way to avoid delays is an accurate form at submission: matching ID details, complete information, current photo, and fast signature responses.

Can I reuse fingerprints from last year?

Yes—if your prints are already on file at Towers Armory or if filing as a trust through Silencer Shop, you’re good to go. If you are changing from a trust and doing an individual filing you may have to be reprinted at Towers Armory. Doing a same day submission the first time at Towers Armory or submitting as a trust the first time through silencershop. While there are other reasons to be reprinted most fingerprints are considered to be the same for your lifetime. If you have any differences due to medical reasons or you don't have the standard ten fingerprints you may need a new set of prints.

Can I reuse the photo from last year?

Yes—if your photo is less than 12 months old. A new photo can be added at anytime on silencershop or Towers Armory so if your not sure how old your photo is upload a new one and your good to go.

Can I change dealers after I submit in 2026?

Dealer selection is tied to the transfer, and changing after submission can be done but is difficult. Pick the right dealer upfront before you certify. Shipping, Handling and transfer fees will have to be covered by you if you change dealers later. Once the item arrives you are responsible for these additional costs to change dealers.

What if my ID or address changes mid-process?

As long as you live in the same state, you are good to go. You will need a valid in-state license to pick up your suppressor. After pick up you will need to file a change of address with the ATF you can find the instructions on the ATF website.

Do I need a printed copy of my approval at pickup?

Usually not but having a copy of the approval on your phone can help us find your approval faster. Keep a digital copy handy and bring whatever your dealer requests—plus your ID—for an easy pickup. You can print a copy anytime from your eforms account.