If you were hoping to submit a form electronically in order to cut your wait time, your window of opportunity may have just closed. ATF eForms users are being greeted with this message:

The eForms software is not performing to our expectations.  As a result, we are taking the eForms system down until further notice.  We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work with our industry partners to deliver a quality product.  Any eForm submitted will continue to be processed. The finalized forms will be sent to the user via email.

Until the eForms system is returned to service for the industry, all imports forms (Forms 6 Part I and 6A), NFA forms (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 10), and AFMER reports (Form 5300.11) must be submitted via paper, including any eForms in draft status.

• Tax refund for draft eForms
  • Direct a request for refund to eForms.Refunds@atf.gov
  • Include the email that was generated for the payment
• Copy of submitted or finalized eForm
  • Direct a request to eForms.Request@atf.gov
  • Provide specific information regarding what is being requested
• Status queries
  • Contact the NFA Branch at (304) 616-4550
  • Contact the Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch at (304) 616-4550
• Other eForms questions
  • Direct the question to eForms.admin@atf.gov

Folks watching the NFA Tracker trend graph know that the eForms time advantage has been declining as more users have shifted to the system away from paper applications.  Previously, using eForms meant as much as an eight month advantage, but paper application turnaround times have been falling, with applications submitted the old-fashioned way in late May and early June now starting to come back. Meanwhile, eForms wait times have climbed from little more than three months to about five months. With all the data entry shifted back to NFA Branch from the gun dealers who were using the eForms system, average overall wait times are sure to start climbing again with the eForms system out of commission.

UPDATE: The eForms login page now displays a different message, indicating that the eForms outage may be temporary after all.

eForms Outage

Due to maintenance, the eForms system is unavailable.  We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience.