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Bill to offset ATF suppressor tax advances amid hearing that split testimony between safety and fiscal concerns
Summary
Rep. Lucas Schubert introduced HB 854 to provide a refundable $50 state credit to offset the $200 ATF federal tax on firearm suppressors; supporters framed it as a hearing-safety incentive and youth-hunter encouragement, while the Montana Society of CPAs opposed adding a new state tax credit.
Representative Lucas Schubert opened the hearing on House Bill 854, proposing a refundable $50 Montana income tax credit — one per taxpayer per year — to offset the $200 federal transfer tax required to acquire a firearm suppressor under the National Firearms Act.
Schubert said the pilot credit would expire after tax year 2027, include automatic contingencies if the federal tax changes, and is aimed at reducing noise-induced hearing damage among hunters and recreational shooters. Proponents included sportsmen, a senator appearing in support, the American Suppressor Association and the NRA. Witnesses described suppressors as hearing-protection devices that reduce peak decibels and help youth and novice shooters learn more…
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