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Maximize Your Benefits: Navigating the EV Tax Credit Before It Disappears

Important Update: Have you been considering investing in a new or used electric vehicle, or contemplating expansion of your business fleet with EVs? This is your strategic heads-up: the federal tax credits that have been beneficial for many will disappear after September 30, 2025. Here is what's at stake and the key steps you should take while you still have time.

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Understanding the Deadline and Its Implications

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has unexpectedly truncated the duration of the IRA-era EV tax credits. Initially set to conclude in 2032, these credits will now end abruptly on September 30, 2025. There are no provisions for extending the deadline or grandfathering vehicles purchased after this date.

The existing credits that are at risk include:

  • New EV Credit: Potential savings of up to $7,500

  • Used EV Credit: Benefits of up to $4,000

  • Commercial EV Credit: Ranging from $7,500 to $40,000, contingent upon vehicle weight

Crucial Timing and Eligibility

To qualify, your vehicle must be in your possession by the September 30, 2025 deadline. A completed contract or delayed delivery will not meet the qualifications.

EV Leasing and the Tax Credit
Leasing an EV involves the credit being allocated to the manufacturer or dealership. In many cases, they pass these savings onto consumers through reduced leasing rates. This popular "leasing loophole" enabled certain EV models to qualify for the $7,500 credit even if they weren't eligible for purchase credits. But such arrangements will terminate on September 30. Thereafter, new leases or procurements will not qualify.

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Action Steps for Dealers and Consumers

  • Seize the moment: Verify vehicle availability and confirm delivery timelines prior to the deadline.

  • Credit transfer options: At the point of sale, you can transfer the credit to the dealership, obtaining the discount immediately, or you can claim it later via IRS Form 8936 on your tax return.

  • Eligibility nuances:

    ○      New EVs: Must adhere to sourcing and assembly guidelines; respect price limits ($55K for cars, $80K for vans/SUVs/trucks); and income ceilings (single: $150K, head of household: $225K, married filing jointly: $300K).

    ○      Used EVs: Vehicle must be at least two years old, dealer-sold, with a price tag below $25K; the lesser of $4K or 30% of sale price applies.

    ○      Commercial EVs: Business-usage credit up to $40K varying with the weight; no income restrictions.

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Market Strategies and Projections

Industry experts anticipate a surge in EV purchases as the deadline nears, with a suggested downturn in sales post-September. A comprehensive study by Harvard predicts a 6% dip in EV market share by 2030, despite the legislative savings to exceed $169 billion over ten years. (Reuters)

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For proactive buyers looking to capture these benefits, urgency is paramount. Correct timing can lead to substantial savings.

Summary in a Snapshot

Credit Type

Amount

Eligibility

Deadline

New EV (individual)

Up to $7,500

Complies with sourcing, assembly, price, income rules

Acquisition by Sep 30, 2025

Used EV

Up to $4,000 (or 30%)

Vehicle ≥2 years, ≤ $25K

As stated above

Commercial EV

Up to $40,000

Business use, weight-based criteria

As stated above

Leasing loop

Up to $7,500

Terminating post Sep 30

As supported above

Final Thoughts: Swift Action Required

If an EV purchase is in your plans, act now—secure your orders, settle on delivery schedules, and ensure credit compliance. Consult your tax adviser to align with your objectives. These tax incentives are limited—don't delay.

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