RIFLE Act: A Step Towards Repealing Firearm Transfer Tax

On April 1, 2025, U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) unveiled the Repealing Illegal Freedom and Liberty Excises Act, commonly referred to as the RIFLE Act. This proposed legislation, known under the House Bill H.R. 2552 and Senate Bill S.1224, aims to abolish the $200 excise tax imposed on law-abiding gun owners acquiring specific firearms and accessories regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA).

Background on the Excise Tax

Since its inception in 1934, the NFA has mandated a $200 tax, often labeled as a “sin tax,” on specific items such as suppressors and short-barreled rifles. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) states that this tax serves to “curtail, if not prohibit, transactions” of these legal products. The RIFLE Act seeks to eliminate this financial barrier for responsible gun owners.

Legislative Intent and Support

“The Second Amendment is a Constitutional right that is not to be infringed. Law-abiding gun owners should not be forced to pay an unconstitutional firearm tax. This bill will remove unnecessary financial barriers on lawful gun owners from the antiquated 1934 National Firearms Act and protect the Second Amendment rights of Iowans and Americans,” stated Representative Hinson.

Senator Cotton added, “Law-abiding Americans who exercise their Second Amendment rights should not be subject to unnecessary taxes and restrictions preventing them from doing so. Passed into law in 1934, the National Firearms Act needs to be amended. Our legislation will remove the red tape that places an undue financial burden on would-be gun owners.”

NRA’s Endorsement

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has expressed strong support for the RIFLE Act. John Commerford, Executive Director of NRA-ILA, remarked, “This $200 punitive tax has only ever served as a financial barrier for law-abiding Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights.”

Legislative Journey

Representative Hinson has gathered the support of 28 colleagues in the House, while Senator Cotton has earned backing from 12 Senate colleagues. The NRA-ILA will continue to provide updates as the RIFLE Act progresses through the legislative process.

About NRA-ILA

The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), established in 1975, is dedicated to preserving the rights of law-abiding individuals to purchase, possess, and utilize firearms for legitimate purposes, as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.