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EV Tax Credit Deadline Approaching: Take Advantage Before It's Gone

Time-Sensitive Alert: If an electric vehicle has been on your radar—whether for personal use or business expansion—consider this your crucial notification. The substantial federal tax incentives for electric vehicles are concluding on September 30, 2025. Let’s delve into why this matters and your remaining options.

The Fade-Out: Why the Expiration Matters

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has fast-tracked the termination of the IRA era EV tax credits. Originally set to last until 2032, these credits are slated for a total expiration on September 30, 2025—without any phase-out or grace period, and no grandfathering for outstanding contracts.

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Key Implications:

  • New EV Credit: Up to $7,500

  • Used EV Credit: Up to $4,000

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

Critical Dates and "Acquired" Defined

Eligibility Requirement: You must take possession of the vehicle by September 30, 2025. Only vehicles delivered before this date qualify, regardless of contract date or delivery schedule.

Leasing and Credit Transfer
When leasing an EV, the clean vehicle tax credit applies to the manufacturer or dealer underwriting the lease—not the consumer. Generally, this credit decreases the lease price, effectively making monthly payments more affordable.

The popular "leasing loophole," allowing EVs to qualify for the full $7,500 credit irrespective of purchase compliance, ends on September 30. Beyond this, newly initiated leases or purchases do not qualify for this arrangement.

Immediate Actions for Dealers and Buyers

  • Take Immediate Action: Confirm vehicle availability or delivery schedules well before the expiration date.

  • Credit Transfer Options: You may transfer the credit to the dealer at purchase for an immediate discount, or reflect it in your tax return using IRS Form 8936.

  • Understand Eligibility Norms:

    ○ New EVs: Must comply with sourcing and assembly prerequisites, with price caps ($55K for cars, $80K for SUVs, trucks, and vans); income limits apply (individuals: $150K, head of household: $225K, married filing jointly: $300K).

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    ○ Used EVs: The vehicle must be at least two model years old, dealer-sold, priced ≤ $25K; credit equals the lesser of $4K or 30% of sale price.

    ○ Commercial EVs: For business-only purposes, credit rises to $40K based on weight; no income restrictions apply.

Big Picture: Strategic Market Reactions & Timing

Experts predict a significant surge in EV purchases as the deadline approaches, possibly followed by a decrease in sales post-October. A Harvard study highlights a likely 6% decline in EV market share by 2030, though the legislative shift saves the government $169 billion over ten years. (Reuters)

Given the dwindling timeline, astute buyers can still leverage these savings—but prompt action is paramount.

Quick Reference Summary

Credit Type

Amount

Eligibility

Deadline

New EV (individual)

Up to $7,500

Compliant with criteria

Acquire by Sep 30, 2025

Used EV

Up to $4,000 (or 30%)

Vehicle ≥2 years old, ≤ $25K

Same as above

Commercial EV

Up to $40,000

Business use, weight-based

Same as above

Leasing loophole

Up to $7,500

Ends after Sep 30

Included above

Final Insight: Don’t Delay Too Long

If buying an EV is on your agenda, now is the optimal time to act—ensure orders are confirmed, delivery dates finalized, and credit eligibility validated. Consult with your tax adviser to make everything seamless; remember, these credits are fleeting.

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