Firearms and Ammunition Excise Taxes, Parts and Accessories (97R- 1457P)

This final rule amends regulations relating to the manufacturers excise tax on firearms and ammunition. Under 26 U.S.C. 4181, a tax is imposed on the sale by the manufacturer, importer or producer of firearms, shells, and cartridges. The tax is 10 percent of the sale price for pistols and revolvers, 11 percent for firearms (other than pistols and revolvers), and 11 percent for shells and cartridges. Current regulations provide that no tax is imposed by section 4181 on the sale of parts or accessories of firearms, pistols, revolvers, shells, and cartridges when sold separately or when sold with a complete firearm. This final rule amends the regulations to clarify which parts and accessories must be included in the sale price when calculating the tax on firearms.