Overview
Illinois lawmakers have introduced HB4414, a bill that would create a new tax on handgun ammunition and require individual serialization of every round sold or possessed in the state. These proposals have generated significant concern among gun owners, FFLs, and law‑abiding citizens.
As of April 2026, neither the tax nor the serialization requirement is law. Here’s where things stand.
Ammunition Tax (Up to 5¢ Per Round)
HB4414 proposes a tax of up to five cents per round on handgun ammunition. Revenue would fund a new Illinois State Police tracking system.
Current Status:
- Not law
- Still in the House Judiciary – Criminal Committee
- No tax is currently being collected
- No implementation date is active
Ammunition Serialization Requirement
The bill would require every round of handgun ammunition to carry a unique serial number starting January 1, 2027.
What the bill includes:
- Serialization on each cartridge
- Serialized packaging
- A centralized Illinois State Police registry
- Criminal penalties for possessing or selling non‑serialized handgun ammo
Current Status:
- Not law
- Still in committee
- No serialization requirement exists today
What Happens to Existing Ammo?
If HB4414 passes as written:
- Non‑serialized handgun ammo could not be sold or transferred after Jan 1, 2027
- Public possession could be charged as a misdemeanor
- Each round may count as a separate offense
Exemptions
- Law enforcement
- Military
- Certain authorized individuals
Bottom Line
As of today:
- There is NO ammunition tax in Illinois
- There is NO serialization requirement
- HB4414 is still only a proposal
C.O.P.S., Inc. will continue monitoring this legislation and providing updates to keep Illinois gun owners informed and prepared.