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.
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 inventory planning.
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.
If you want the cleanest experience, 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 a Silencer Shop kiosk at a local dealer (about 5 minutes).
- We capture electronic fingerprints and demographic info and lock it into your profile for future filings.
- Upload a passport-style photo (online or in the app).
- Neutral background, shoulders up, no hats/sunglasses.
- Create/confirm your ATF eForms account.
- Make sure your legal name, email, and address match exactly between Silencer Shop, your ID, and eForms.
Pro tip: do this step early so you’re not scrambling when your dealer is ready to certify.
Find a kiosk: https://www.silencershop.com/storelocator?store_group=store
Step 3 — Sign & Submit (eForm 4)
This is the “make it official” step: verify, sign, and submit to ATF.
How it works:
- We email your digital forms to review. If everything looks right, sign.
- 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).
- Have your eForms login, password, and PIN ready.
Then you wait — and you’ll get notified via email from ATF when you’re approved and ready for pickup.
Check Your eForm 4 Status
You can easily check your status within your Silencer Shop dashboard: https://poweredby.silencershop.com/Orders. Check your orders, then select “View” on any item to see your application status and any actions you need to take.
You will also receive updates via email from the ATF when the form is submitted and approved.
Day-One Filing Checklist (for new 2026 buyers)
If you do nothing else, do this list. It prevents the most common mistakes when submitting a suppressor application.
- Your ID name + address match your profile exactly
- You have your trust document uploaded to your Silencer Shop account
- You have all Responsible Person (RP) info
Inventory Strategy in a $0 World
When the tax stamp is $0, demand spikes are expected. That means a couple things: popular models go fast, and some suppressors may become more difficult.
Here’s how to shop smart and get great suppressors:
- 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, take advantage when a can you want is available.
- Promos still matter in 2026, but the real advantage is simpler: you are no longer stacking a $200+ tax stamp on top.
Retail mindset: build a short list, move when you see stock, and do not get stuck waiting forever on one suppressor.
Trust vs Individual in 2026 (What’s Different for You)
In 2026, the $0 change 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 admin (RP info, signatures), more flexible for shared possession
- Individual: simpler paperwork flow, fewer moving parts
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 in 2026
After you submit, tracking is mostly about knowing where to look and what each status means in plain English.
Where to find confirmations:
- Your email inbox (submission and signature-related messages)
- Your account order details (basic status updates)
What common statuses look like:
- Submitted / In Process: your application is in the ATF system
- Approved: you are cleared for pickup at your dealer, congrats!
How to read timestamps:
- Save the submission confirmation and note the date/time it was received.
- If you need support, having the confirmation handy helps your dealer or support team find the exact record faster.
When to follow up:
- Follow up if you believe you missed a signature request, changed ID/address details mid-process, or suspect you selected the wrong dealer.
- Otherwise, avoid “just checking” every day. The best thing you can do is keep your inbox clean and respond instantly if action is requested.
Pickup Day Prep
Bring the stuff that makes pickup easy, then make your first range day smart.
Bring:
- A valid government-issued ID
- Your ATF approval email, on your phone is fine.
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)
First-range-day tips:
- Use the right ammo for your host and setup
- Re-check mount tightness after your first few shots
- Confirm alignment and function before you send it
FAQs
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 biometrics/photo, and fast signature responses.
Can I reuse fingerprints from last year?
Yes—if your prints are already on file with Silencer Shop, you’re good to go.
Can I change dealers after I submit in 2026?
Dealer selection is tied to the transfer, and changing after submission is difficult. Pick the right dealer upfront before you certify.
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.
Do I need a printed copy of my approval at pickup?
Usually not but having a copy of the approval on your phone can’t hurt. Keep a digital copy handy and bring whatever your dealer requests—plus your ID—for an easy pickup.
