Current Analysis of the One Big Beautiful Bill and NFA Tax Repeal
As of Monday, June 16, 2025, the Gun Owners of America (GOA) announced via a post on X that the Senate Finance Committee has modified the One Big Beautiful Bill to fully repeal the excise taxes imposed by the National Firearms Act (NFA) on several categories of firearms and accessories. These include suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and any other weapons defined under the NFA. This development is, on its face, a significant step forward for gun owners and supporters of Second Amendment rights when it comes to de-fanging the NFA.
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Current Analysis of the One Big Beautiful Bill and NFA Tax Repeal
The post from the GOA specifically highlights the repeal of the excise taxes, which are additional costs applied to the manufacture and transfer of NFA-regulated items. However, the announcement does not explicitly state whether this bill also eliminates the registration requirements associated with these items. Current NFA regulations require owners to register items like suppressors and short-barreled firearms with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), involving forms such as Form 1 (for making an NFA item) or Form 4 (for transferring one), often accompanied by formerly lengthy approval processes in addition to the typical $200 tax.
Related discussions on X and web sources, such as those from the NRA-ILA, indicate that similar legislative efforts (e.g., the Hearing Protection Act) have previously focused on removing suppressors from NFA oversight entirely, which would include both taxes and registration. However, the GOA's current post and linked bill text emphasize the tax repeal without clear mention of deregistration. Comments from X users, such as those questioning the persistence of registration and paperwork (e.g., here and here), suggest uncertainty among the average gun owner about whether the registration process will also be eliminated and I have to tend to agree - there are seldom flawless victories when it comes to pro second amendment laws going on (or off) the books. However, I am not a lawyer and the bill in its entirety is over 500 pages long.
If I understand everything correctly, this version of the bill effectively removes SBRs and suppressors from the NFA’s registration requirements by redefining "firearm" under 26 U.S.C. § 5845(a) to exclude them, rendering 26 U.S. Code § 5841 - Registration of firearms inapplicable. They will shift to GCA regulation, likely requiring only a Form 4473 process - just like a gun.
However, instead of listening to me, a layperson, you should monitor the ATF’s implementation rules and state law compliance during the 90-day transition period. For definitive clarity, consult the full bill text and any accompanying legislative history or committee reports once available, as those will be the final and most official word for this possibly monumental shift in gun laws in America. What do you think this means for suppressors and SBRs? Let us know your thoughts below!
Reloader SCSA Competitor Certified Pilot Currently able to pass himself off as the second cousin twice removed of Joe Flanigan. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballisticaviation/
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Just saying isnt this how it started in Canada with machine guns and pistol permit Then slowly start denying things based on "paperwork misfiling" and other things
An AK with no stock can have any barrel length you want. But as soon as you add a buttstock it becomes some especially deadly kind of weapon worthy of heavy government regulation. It's about time common sense won out here. Shorter barrel = more noise but less power.