Gun Business Tax Policy Toolkit

Gun violence costs the United States more than $500 billion each year, while programs that prevent violent crime and support communities are in jeopardy. The gun business currently does not shoulder any of the cost for the impact of its products—it's fully on the American economy and taxpayers.

State and local gun business taxes are policies that could help make this cost more fairly shared. The tax helps secure funding for critical services like community violence intervention, school safety, and veterans services by placing a business-level tax on gun products.

Guns Down America has developed a resource hub with research, policy and messaging guidance, and campaign resources to help advocates advance this strategy in your state or county to save community safety programs by ensuring the gun industry pays their fair share of the costs.

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$557 BILLION

the annual cost of gun violence on the American economy

$500 MILLION

the amount in public safety and gun violence prevention grants cut by the Trump administration in 2025

70%

the decrease in the US Crime Victims Fund since 2018

Gun Business Tax Policy Toolkit

The Gun Business Tax Policy Toolkit contains a variety of resources to understand the tax and its potential application for your state or local community. Lessons are taken from extensive research into the policy and Guns Down America's experience supporting the voter-backed gun business tax in Colorado.

To access the full toolkit and receive helpful updates about the tax, provide your information below.

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Toolkit Contents

Overview
‍A one-page summary of the gun business tax and frequently asked questions.

Get the one-page overview →

State of Community Safety Programs
A background on victims services and community violence intervention programs, their life-saving impact, and their funding insecurity.

Gun Business Tax History & Proposals
A timeline of the history of the gun business excise tax (dating back to 1919!) and the current state of proposals: what's passed, what's in progress, and what's failed.

Policy Checklist & Communication Guide
Everything we have learned and observed about the best way to talk about and structure this proposal to save programs, increase safety, and serve voters.