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Capture the EV Credit Before It's Gone: A Tax Prospectus

Urgent Tax Notice: Are you contemplating the purchase of an electric vehicle for personal use or a business fleet? Time is of the essence! The substantial federal tax credits, initially extended through legislation, are on the brink of expiration after September 30, 2025. Act now to benefit from these disappearing incentives.

Unpacking the Expiry and Its Significance

The federal scheme, known under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), intended to support the sustainability sector with tax incentives through 2032, is being curtailed. Originally a strategic part of the IRA-era reforms, these credits will now terminate on September 30, 2025, leaving no room for transitional arrangements, such as phase-outs or exceptions.

Eligible credits include:

  • New Electric Vehicle Credit: Up to $7,500

  • Used Electric Vehicle Credit: Up to $4,000

  • Commercial Electric Vehicle Credit: Ranges from $7,500 to $40,000, contingent on vehicle weight

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Clarifying Acquisition and Eligibility

To seize these credits, it's vital to take possession of the vehicle by the September 30, 2025 deadline. Notably, finalizing a sales contract or scheduling a delivery post-deadline will disqualify the transaction from eligibility.

Consideration for Lease Agreements
With leasing arrangements, the tax credit typically benefits the manufacturer or dealership rather than the individual consumer. This financial advantage is often reflected in reduced leasing rates, a policy many automakers embraced. The favorable “leasing loophole,” which enabled qualifying vehicles to claim the $7,500 credit under lease conditions, concludes alongside other provisions on September 30.

Action Items for Dealers and Purchasers

  • Prompt Action Required: For those considering a purchase, verify product availability and projected delivery chains ahead of the stipulated cut-off date.

  • Transfer Mechanisms: You may assign the credit to the dealer at the point of sale for immediate financial benefits or claim it through your tax submissions utilizing IRS Form 8936.

  • Eligibility Criteria:

    ○ New EVs: Compliance with sourcing, assembly standards, price limitations ($55K for cars, $80K for vans/SUVs/trucks); income thresholds (single: $150K, head of household: $225K, married jointly: $300K).

    ○ Used EVs: Must be a minimum of two model years old, bought from a dealer, and valued ≤ $25K; credit equates to the lesser of $4K or 30% of the purchase price.

    ○ Commercial EVs: Intended for business usage, providing up to $40K credits based on vehicle weight, unrestricted by income criteria.

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Broader Implications: Market Changes & Timing Strategy

Industry experts predict a notable upsurge in EV sales as the deadline approaches, anticipating a slowdown post-September. Harvard research indicates a potential 6% decline in EV market penetration by 2030, though the modification offers governmental fiscal savings estimated at $169 billion over 10 years. (Reuters)

The narrowing window still allows astute buyers to secure substantial tax incentives—timing remains the key factor.

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Concise Overview

Credit Type

Amount

Eligibility

Deadline

New EV (Personal)

Up to $7,500

Meets sourcing, assembly, price, income criteria

Possession by Sep 30, 2025

Used EV

Up to $4,000 (or 30%)

≥2 years old, ≤ $25K

Same as above

Commercial EV

Up to $40,000

Business usage, weight criteria

Same as above

Leasing Loophole

Up to $7,500

Ends after Sep 30

Included above

Final Insights: Don't Delay

If adding an electric vehicle is on your horizon, now is the time to take decisive action. Solidify your orders, confirm delivery schedules, and validate credit eligibility. Consult with your tax advisor to ensure compliance and optimise opportunities. These tax incentives are on a definitive countdown.

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