Blog

Learning Center

We keep you up-to-date with all the latest tax news and changes in the industry.

Maximize Your Savings: Guide to Expiring EV Tax Credits

Urgent Alert: Are you considering purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) or upgrading your business fleet? Act fast—the current federal tax credits for EVs are set to expire on September 30, 2025. Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to make substantial savings. Here's how you can leverage these incentives before they vanish.

Understanding the Change: Why This Matters

The termination of electric vehicle incentives under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is a critical shift. Originally extended until 2032, these credits are now slated to end abruptly by the end of September 2025—no staggered phase-out, grace period, or room for exceptions based on delivery timelines.

The implications are significant:

  • New EV Credit: Up to $7,500

  • Used EV Credit: Up to $4,000

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

Crucial Deadlines and the Definition of “Acquired”

To benefit from these credits, you must take possession of the vehicle by September 30, 2025. Contracts signed after this cut-off date will not qualify. The clean vehicle tax credit from leasing typically benefits manufacturers or dealers, who often pass these savings on to you via reduced lease payments or lower prices.

Image 1

After September 30, the chance to leverage this so-called “leasing loophole” will disappear, eliminating future credits for new leases or post-deadline deliveries.

Immediate Actions for Consumers and Dealers

  • Act Quickly: Secure your order and delivery timelines well in advance of the deadline.

  • Transfer Options: Consider transferring the credit to the dealer when purchasing, allowing immediate savings, or claim it on your tax return via IRS Form 8936.

  • Eligibility Must-Knows:

    - New EVs: Must meet specific sourcing and assembly criteria, price limits, and income thresholds. Cars—$55K cap; vans/SUVs/trucks—$80K limit. Income caps: single—$150K, head of household—$225K, married filing jointly—$300K.

    - Used EVs: At least two years old, sold by a dealer, used cost not exceeding $25K; credit limited to $4K or 30% of sale price.

    - Commercial EVs: Weight-based criteria with an upper cap of $40K; no income restrictions.

Free Discovery Call
Let's Get Started! Book Today!
Schedule An Appointment

Image 2

Forecasting Market Impacts and Strategic Purchasing

Industry analysts predict a surge in EV sales leading up to the deadline, potentially followed by a downturn in October. A Harvard study projects a 6% drop in EV market share by 2030, juxtaposed with a governmental saving of $169 billion over ten years (Reuters).

Despite this stark horizon, strategic buyers can still capture substantial savings with timely and proactive planning.

Key Highlight Summary

Credit Type

Amount

Eligibility

Deadline

New EV (individual)

Up to $7,500

Sourcing, assembly, price, income criteria

Must take possession by Sep 30, 2025

Used EV

Up to $4,000 (or 30%)

≥2 years old, ≤ $25K price

Same as above

Commercial EV

Up to $40,000

Business use, weight parameters

Same as above

Leasing loophole

Up to $7,500

Ends after Sep 30

Included above

Image 3

Bottom Line: Take Action Now

If buying an EV is on your agenda, make your move now. Solidify your orders, ensure timely delivery, and confirm eligibility with a tax advisor. Remember, once these tax credits go, they won't return.

Free Discovery Call
Let's Get Started! Book Today!
Schedule An Appointment
Share this article...

Sign up for our newsletter.

Each month, we will send you a roundup of our latest blog content covering the tax and accounting tips & insights you need to know.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

We care about the protection of your data.

Affiliations

Welcome to ABC Financial Group Busines hours 9AM-9PM EST
I'm happy to help you. What can I assist you with?
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully