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Maximize Savings Before the EV Tax Credit Ends

Important Notice: Considering an electric vehicle (EV)—either for personal use or a business fleet? Your window for the generous federal tax credits is closing on September 30, 2025. Time is of the essence, and here's everything you need to know to capitalize on these savings before they disappear.

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Understanding the Expiration

The electric vehicle tax credits, initially extended under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), are now slated to sunset earlier than expected—set to expire by September 30, 2025. Originally intended to continue through 2032, this change leaves no room for extensions or phased reductions.

Here's what the credits entail:

  • New EV Credit: Amounts up to $7,500

  • Used EV Credit: Amounts up to $4,000

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

Critical Dates and Acquisition Requirements

In order to qualify, it is imperative to take possession of the EV by September 30, 2025. A legitimate contract or shipment scheduled post-deadline will not suffice.

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EV Leasing and Tax Benefits:
Generally, when an EV is leased, the associated tax credit benefits the manufacturer or dealer. This usually results in potentially lower lease agreements or diminished monthly payments. This "leasing loophole" has facilitated qualifying for the maximal $7,500 credit even if purchasing the same EV would not meet the prerequisites, yet, this ends September 30.

Actions for Dealers and Buyers

  • Immediate Action: If you are in the acquisition phase, verify inventory or planned deliveries well ahead of the cutoff.

  • Credit Transfer Options: You can assign the credit to the dealer at acquisition, securing the financial advantage at the point of sale, or apply it to your tax filing through IRS Form 8936.

  • Eligibility Awareness:
    ○  New EVs: Must comply with sourcing, assembly norms, maintain price caps ($55K for cars, $80K for vans/SUVs/trucks); income thresholds apply (single: $150K, head of household: $225K, joint: $300K).
    ○  Used EVs: Require an age of at least two model years, transaction through a dealership, cost of ≤ $25K; credit is lesser of $4K or 30% of purchase price.
    ○  Commercial EVs: Business utilization, maximum $40K reliant on vehicle's mass; no income constraints.

Market Trend Considerations

Projections forecast a surge in EV transactions as the deadline nears, potentially followed by a sales decline starting October. For instance, a Harvard analysis anticipates a 6% reduction in EV market share by 2030, despite government savings of $169 billion over a decade. (Source)

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As deadlines loom, informed buyers can secure notable savings, emphasizing the importance of astute timing and strategy.

Quick Reference Guide

Credit Type Amount Eligibility Deadline
New EV (individual) Up to $7,500 Compliance with sourcing, assembly, price, income rules Must acquire by Sep 30, 2025
Used EV Up to $4,000 (or 30%) Vehicle at least 2 years old, ≤ $25K Same as above
Commercial EV Up to $40,000 Commercial application, weight specification Same as above
Leasing advantage Up to $7,500 Terminates post-Sep 30 As detailed above

Conclusion: Timing Is Key

If you're considering an EV, act promptly—secure orders, verify delivery dates, and ensure credit eligibility. Consult with your tax adviser to align your purchase effectively. Remember, these savings won't last forever.

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