ATF Suspends eForms System, Sparking Concerns Among Gun Rights Advocates

(ATF EForms)

Update From the Editor: At this time, service for EForms has been restored. Whether this outage was due to an emergency technical issue that needed resolution, malevolence on the part of ATF, or some other theory - ATF has not commented and likely will not. We will continue, as always, to monitor ATF and their actions as well as services carefully.

Earlier this week, rumors were circulating about the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) planning to temporarily suspend its eForms system, a claim corroborated by a second informant to YouTuber DLD After Dark. 

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The eForms platform is utilized by the ATF for handling applications under the National Firearms Act (NFA), including those for silencers and short-barreled rifles. It's a critical tool for the majority of NFA submissions, transitioning from traditional paperwork to a digital format, and is heavily relied upon by firearms dealers for NFA item transactions.

Following the tip-off, the eForms system was indeed deactivated at the predicted time, confirming the reports were accurate. Gun Coyote News confirmed this shutdown was a planned action by the ATF, attributed to "Congressional budgeting concerns" according to a notice from the eForms service provider. However, the specifics of these budgeting issues were not disclosed. Despite an impending government shutdown being averted through a continuing resolution, questions arise about the ATF's reasoning for this decision, especially since the agency remains operational under the current resolution.

Notably, there had been an increased pace in processing eForms applications recently, sparking speculation that the ATF was attempting to reduce the backlog before the system's suspension. The ATF has not commented on this surge in processing speed or its sustainability.

Funds for the ATF’s eForms system, aimed at expediting NFA applications, are specifically allocated by Congress. The shutdown of the eForms system seems to counteract Congressional directives and potentially breaches legal requirements, suggesting a disregard for legislative mandates. This action has led to concerns about the ATF's accountability and adherence to its obligations.

“The recommendation assumes that within the resources provided, ATF will prioritize funding for the National Firearms Act Division to improve firearms licensing processing timelines,” Congress wrote. “The Committee is concerned about the large number of pending applications awaiting processing by ATF. In 2013, ATF established eForms, an electronic filing process, to reduce submission and processing times as well as data entry processing backlogs. The Committee is aware ATF is currently developing ATF Form 4 into eForms and encourages ATF to prioritize funding for this continued development within the funds provided. Completing the modernization of the processing system and automating ATF Form 4 applications is critical and will free up additional resources for improved customer service and prevent backlogs from continuing to mount.”

Congress has expressed the importance of prioritizing the National Firearms Act Division's funding to enhance licensing processing times. With the initiation of the eForms electronic filing system in 2013 to alleviate processing times and backlogs, Congress has been keen on the ATF continuing the development of ATF Form 4 on eForms and has urged the allocation of necessary resources towards this end. The completion of this modernization effort is deemed crucial for enhancing customer service and preventing further backlog accumulation.