One of the most frequently asked questions about firearms regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA), is whether you need a 'Class 3 License' to own silencers/suppressors, short barrel rifles (SBR), short barrel shotguns, AOWs, full auto, etc. A license is only need by a gun dealer or manufacturer who wishes to engage in the commercial sale or production of NFA firearms. That is why you might here a gun dealer or gun maker called an 'FFL'--Federal Firearms Licensee. An FFL must obtain a Class 3 license and pay a Special Occupation Tax (SOT) to deal in NFA firearms.
For ordinary people, an NFA firearm may be transferred or made, subject to state law and federal law, by first obtaining a tax stamp from ATF. The tax stamp is proof the NFA firearm was registered before it was sold or built. To obtain a tax stamp, the applicant must submit ATF Form 5320.4 ('Form 4') or ATF Form 5320.1 ('Form 1') along with a tax payment. The tax is $200 per firearm, but it is only $5 for firearms classified as 'Any other Weapon' ('AOW'). Interestingly, the amount of tax on NFA firearms has never changed--not since 1934.
The easiest and safest way to register NFA firearms in this process is our Arsenal Gun Trust™. It can simplify the tax stamp paperwork, and it can be used to allow other people to have access or possession of NFA firearms. Additionally the Arsenal Gun Trust™ can serve as an estate plan for your entire gun collection so the people inheriting your arms can avoid the court system.
To request an Arsenal Gun Trust™, complete our online questionnaire.
Arsenal Attorneys™ is perhaps the only law firm offering direct attorney-client relationships for the creation of a gun trust for NFA firearms. We use no middle man, so you know who is responsible for the work. You and your successors will likely have the opportunity to seek our support in the future even if you relocate to another state, which would be an entirely different jurisdiction with its own laws. Not only is the Arsenal Gun Trust™ designed to be portable and valid in other states, subject to local gun laws, but our national law practice could be there just when you need us.
Our law firm provides a variety of other services, including general estate planning, business services, criminal defense, and civil litigation. While we serve a variety of clients, we are renowned for our solutions tailored for the special needs of gun owners and the firearms industry. We represent many new and growing businesses in the firearms industry, including gun ranges and manufacturers. Arsenal Attorneys™ has also served as the general counsel for a presidential campaign. Please consider us when you face a new opportunity to pursue or an emerging problem to solve.
If you're located in metropolitan Washington, DC, watch for details of special events organized by our law firm. Our "Essentials of Self-Defense Law Seminar" is very popular and takes place at NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia. We also lead the organizing committee of the "National Capital Friends of NRA", whose banquet at Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia raises money for educational programs.
To request more information about our services and upcoming events, review our webiste or use our contact form.
