Federal Rebate On Electric Cars

How To Tinker With Your Tax Bill

Consumers who want to buy an electric vehicle and think their tax bills will be too small to get the full $7,500 can take steps to boost their tax liability and therefore maximize the credit’s value.

For example, investors can consider converting a pretax retirement account to a Roth, a type of after-tax account they’d owe income tax on that conversion. Investors can also consider selling winning stocks or other assets, thereby incurring capital gains tax.

“If you can harvest some gains or have additional income you can pull into 2022, maybe you consider that,” Herron said.

Workers can also adjust the tax withholding on their paychecks, opting to withhold less and thereby increasing the taxes they owe at tax time. While doing so won’t affect your overall tax liability, it can help you keep more money in your paycheck during the year, with the aim of using the vehicle tax credit to offset the bigger tax-time bill.

However, Herron doesn’t recommend this route due to potential unknowns. For example, an unexpected bonus during the year might mean a larger-than-expected tax bill, depending on the withholding adjustment.

Electric Vehicle Tax Credit To Be Retroactive For 2020 Models

The electric vehicle tax credit will be available in 2020 in the text. The credit is $2,500-$7,500, depending on the battery capacity, and the manufacturer stops receiving the credit when 200,000 qualified vehicles are sold. Each qualifying vehicle can be eligible for a tax credit of up to $1,000 per year.

Inflation Reduction Act Impact On Electric Vehicles

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which was signed into law on August 16, is perhaps the most significant legislation to accelerate transportation electrification in U.S. history. The Electrification Coalition has been advocating for many of the key measures included in the law for over a decade. Altogether, this is a major win for consumers and businesses, but there are challenges on the road ahead.

Watch a webinar on recent EV legislation by the Electrification Coalition and SAFE.

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The Biden Administration Looks To Expand Electric Vehicles

President Biden first vowed to make the nations entire federal fleet all electric. Well that hasnt quite gone to plan yet. However, the White House has introduced two bills to expand EV adoption, one of which was signed by the President and includes funding for heavily expanded EV charging infrastructure.

Previously, there were rumors that the federal tax credit would be increased to $10,000. In President Bidens recent $174 billion investment plan for electrification, the tax credit was quickly mentioned as a reform. However, the summary remained vague about the reform only confirming that it will not only take the form of tax rebates but also point of sale rebates and it will now be for American-made EVs.

The second and larger bill currently sill sits in Congress contains Bidens Build Back Better Act and subsequent increases to the federal tax credit. Heres where it currently stands.

How To Claim An Ev Federal Tax Credit

Claiming your EV federal tax credit is a fairly straightforward process. First, decide on the car you want and find out if the automaker has EV tax credits available for buyers.

Before you buy an EV, assess your tax situation and ensure that youll be able to claim the federal tax credit. After purchasing a qualifying electric vehicle, you will receive a certification from the manufacturer verifying that you qualify for the federal tax credit. Use the information included in that certification to fill out Form 8936, which youll use to complete Form 1040. Submit both forms when you file your income tax return.

After 2023, an important change happens. Waiting to claim the credit until you file your annual income tax return will still be allowed, but auto dealers who sign up through the Treasury Department to participate in the program will be able to accept an EV or PHEV buyers tax credit in advance and apply it directly to the purchase of the vehicle, providing what amounts to an immediate price cut.

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What Happens To The Tax Credit That Existed Before The Inflation Reduction Act

The Internal Revenue Service has provided some preliminary guidelines regarding the EV tax credit and its immediate future.

The previous $7,500 tax credit, which did not have limitations on income, price or battery component sourcing, will still be in effect until December 31, 2022. However, now that the Inflation Reduction Act has been signed into law, the North American “final assembly” requirement will immediately apply. This will greatly reduce the pool of vehicles to choose from until automakers start to locate more of their supply chains and factories within North America, which could take a few years.

Manufacturers May Make Changes

Carmakers could adjust some prices to help customers obtain the credit.

The Tesla Model 3, for instance, comes in three trim levels. Just the least expensive, the Model 3 Standard Range, currently qualifies.

At press time, Tesla had removed pricing for the Model 3 Long Range from its website. That may be a coincidence. But we wouldnt be surprised to learn that the automaker was exploring lowering its price to meet the new requirements.

Other manufacturers could bring production to the U.S. to meet the new rules. Kia, for instance, builds its electric vehicles in South Korea. But the company is in the process of building a new plant in Georgia to bring production stateside. Kias EVs may be eligible when that factory opens.

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What Makes An Ev Eligible For Federal Incentives

The IRA updated the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit, now known as the Clean Vehicle Credit. There are two key new requirements that impact an EVs eligibility, which go into effect at different points:

Tax & Rebate Incentives

EvoCharge charging stations may be eligible for utility discounts and rebates, state or federal tax credits. Browse available electric car rebates and incentives for residential, commercial and public charging stations. Because electric car rebates and incentives depend on the municipality or utility that provides them, this list should be used as a starting point. Please contact your local utility provider for more information if you dont see them listed here as they may have rebates and other money-saving programs for electric vehicle owners or businesses that provide EV chargers.

Rebates and incentives are subject to change.

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Oregon Offers Two Big Rebates Instead Of Electric Vehicles Tax Credits

• Light-Duty Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates
• Note: This rebate has currently reached its maximum number of applicants and may or may not return in 2023.
• The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality administers the Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program for the purchase or lease of a new light-duty vehicle powered by compressed natural gas , propane, hydrogen, or electricity. Electric drive vehicles powered by a battery or hydrogen fuel cell, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a battery capacity of at least 4 kWh, are eligible for a rebate of up to $2,500. One rebate is available per eligible vehicle. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, see the TCEQ Texas Emissions Reduction Plan website.

Federal Tax Credit Worth $7500

Chances are, youve heard of the most significant government incentive a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for certain alternative-energy cars. That can drive down the cost of a more fuel-efficient car, but it doesnt apply in all circumstances. The tax credit was passed in a 2009 bill and still applies to 2010 and newer plug-in electric vehicles. Heres how it works:

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New York Electric Vehicle Charging Rebates

• Public Service Enterprise Group Long Island offers a $400 rebate to residential customers who install a smart, Level 2 EV charging station between August 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022.
• Any eligible chargers purchased before August 1, 2022 qualify for a rebate of $500.
• Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to two rebates per year, per residential account. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including how to apply, see the PSEG Long Island Smart Charger Rebate website.

Other Ev Rebates And Incentives To Know About

In addition to the federal EV incentives available through the Clean Vehicle Credit, depending on where you live you may have state or local EV incentives. Check to see what state-specific EV rebates and incentives are available. Also, as part of the IRA you can also claim 30 percent of the costs to install a home EV charger if you install it by December 31, 2022. Read more about home EV charger incentives.

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Which Electric Cars Qualify For Federal Incentives Under The New Rules

Nineteen cars all electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids likely qualify for a federal tax credit today. A handful more will gain eligibility early in 2023. All will lose eligibility when government agencies finish drafting rules the law requires unless the automotive industry makes quick changes.

Thats the takeaway from a list of likely eligible vehicles published by the U.S. Department of Energys Alternative Fuels Data Center late yesterday. But the word likely is doing some work there. Even the government seems less than sure about how the new government incentive program works.

Do The Electric Car Tax Credits Expire

The government has already begun to phase out electric vehicle tax credits. This is because sales volume is increasing, and they were introduced to encourage this industry.

Theres no set date for when electric vehicle tax credits are due to expire. It depends on the manufacturer. This arises when a manufacturer sells 200,000 qualifying vehicles. Tesla was the first manufacturer to reach this limit back in July 2018.

Thats why from January 1st to June 30th, 2019, the tax credit has decreased by $3,750. From July 1st until the end of the year, the credit is only worth $1,875. From 2020, you wont be able to claim tax credits on a Tesla.

General Motors became the second manufacturer to hit this milestone in the final financial quarter of 2018. From April 2019, qualifying vehicles are only worth $3,750 in tax credits. Then, from October 2019 to March 2020, the credit drops to $1,875. After that, the credit phases out completely.

Nissan is expected to be the third manufacturer to hit the limit, but as of this writing, its still 70,000 sales away from this. However, analysts expect sales to pick up soon.

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Washington Electric Vehicle Charging Tax Rebates

• Anyone who purchases an electric vehicle battery or fuel cell, or installs an electric vehicle battery, fuel cell charging station, or hydrogen fueling stations on purchases on or after Aug. 1, 2019 until July 1, 2025.
• Qualifying activity:
• Sale or use of batteries and fuel cells for EVs, including those sold as a component of an electric bus.
• Sale of or charge made for labor and services rendered in respect to installing, repairing, altering, or improving electric vehicle batteries and fuel cells.
• Sale of or charge made for labor and services rendered in respect to installing, constructing, repairing, or improving battery or fuel cell EV infrastructure, including hydrogen fueling stations.
• Sale or use of tangible personal property that will become a component of battery or fuel cell electric vehicle infrastructure during the course of installing, constructing, repairing, or improving battery or fuel cell electric vehicle infrastructure.

Success Story: Sep And Vw Settlement Funds In Alaska

In June 2021, the Alaska Energy Authority awarded nearly $1 million in grants to support EV charging station deployment throughout the State. The grants will enable the installation of eight Level 2 chargers and 15 DCFCs in nine communities across the State.

Funding for the project comes from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Fund and the U.S. Department of Energys State Energy Program.

The DOE State Energy Program provides funding and technical assistance to States, territories, and the District of Columbia to enhance energy security, advance State-led energy initiatives, and increase energy affordability.

Some States allocate funds to projects that promote the buildout of EVSE in rural areas. A State energy office can provide information about program guidance and eligibility for a particular State.

• Eligible EV activities: LDV charging, infrastructure planning, commercial charging, public transportation charging
• Eligible applicants: States

• Eligible EV activities: Commercial charging public transportation charging vehicle acquisition
• Eligible applicants:

• Eligible EV activities: LDV charging
• Eligible applicants: Nonprofits, private sector, individuals
• Maximum credit amount: 30 percent of eligible project costs, maximum $30,000
• Frequency: Ongoing, through 2021

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How Do Ev Tax Credits Work

Does The Tax Credit Apply To Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars

Yes, the $7,500 tax credit also applies to hydrogen fuel-cell cars. However, its important to check the US Department of Energys website and see if you live near a hydrogen refueling station otherwise, it doesnt make sense to invest in a hydrogen fuel cell car. Some good models include the Hyundai Nexo, Honda Clarity, and Toyota Mirai.

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Which New Vehicles Qualify For The Federal Ev Tax Credit For The Rest Of 2022

The following vehicles should qualify the federal EV tax credit for the remainder of 2022 because they are or will be assembled in North America. After the guidelines have been set for 2023, we’ll have a better idea of the exact amount of tax credits each vehicle will qualify for and the list of eligible vehicles may change. The current list comes from the U.S. Department of Energy and is based on data submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and FuelEconomy.gov as of August 1, 2022.

Whether or not the vehicle you’re interested in is on the list, it’s a good idea to double-check its build location to be sure. You can run the vehicle identification number through a VIN decoder and look for the country name in the “Plant Information” field at the bottom of the page, or else simply check the window sticker if you have access.

We will strive to keep the list up to date as vehicle manufacturers continue to submit the applicable vehicle identification information to the relevant government agencies and more information becomes available.

Will The New Ev Tax Credit Be Retroactive

First and foremost, the incentive is not subject to renewal. The new credit will be applied to electric vehicles delivered after December 31, 2022 which means they will be delivered in 2023.

It is not retroactive to the year in which you purchased your EV, and you must claim it on your taxes for the year in which it was purchased. If you were to buy an EV in 2021 prior to a 2022 credit increase, you would be eligible for what was in effect in 2021. The Ford Credit does not provide the credit to lessees of the Mustang Mach-E, nor does it appear to intend to do so for the F-150 Lightning. Most major automakers have supply constraints, and brands such as Tesla have announced deliveries will be delayed beyond 2023, making it difficult for buyers to plan ahead of time.

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