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EV Tax Credit Deadline: Maximize Savings Before It Disappears

Urgent Call: If you're considering purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), whether personal or commercial, the time to act is now. The significant federal tax credits, pivotal for reducing your financial outlay, are ending on September 30, 2025. Get up to speed on the implications and how you can still benefit.

Critical Changes in EV Tax Credits

The groundbreaking One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has unexpectedly accelerated the expiration of EV tax incentives established during the IRA era. Originally intended to support purchases until 2032, these credits now terminate unceremoniously on September 30, 2025. There will be no gradual phase-out, no grace period, and no allowances for postponed deliveries.

Specifically, the credits set to expire include:

  • New EV Credit: Up to $7,500

  • Used EV Credit: Up to $4,000

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

Understanding Key Deadlines and Acquisition

For eligibility, ownership must be transferred by September 30, 2025. This is an absolute deadline. Neither a finalized contract nor a delivery schedule after this date will be sufficient.

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Impact of Leasing on Tax Credits
The clean vehicle tax credits associated with leased EVs generally benefit the manufacturer or dealer, not the consumer directly. These savings are often shared with consumers via reduced leasing rates. Previously, leasing allowed full access to the $7,500 tax credit, even when direct purchase options didn’t qualify. However, this opportunity ceases on September 30.

Advisory for Dealers and Buyers: Steps to Take

  • Immediate Action: For those in the EV market, it’s imperative to confirm product availability and secure delivery dates well in advance of the deadline.

  • Understanding Credit Transfers: Credits can be transferred to the dealer at the point of purchase for immediate discounts or claimed through IRS Form 8936 on your tax return.

  • Eligibility Considerations:

    ○      New EVs: Must satisfy sourcing, assembly, pricing requirements; subjected to income limits ($150K for singles, $225K for heads of households, $300K for joint filers).

    ○      Used EVs: Should be a minimum of two model years old, bought from a dealership, priced ≤ $25K; credit capped at $4K or 30% of sale price.

    ○      Commercial EVs: For business usage, credit is weight-dependent; not subject to income limits.

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Market Dynamics and Strategic Decision-Making

Experts anticipate a surge in EV purchases in the coming months as consumers strive to capitalize on these expiring benefits, leading to a potential decline in sales from October onward. A prominent Harvard study has projected a 6% reduction in EV market penetration by 2030, despite the legislation saving taxpayers $169 billion over the next decade. (source)

Even with the clock ticking, strategic buyers who act promptly can achieve considerable savings. Timing is crucial.

Quick Reference Guide

Credit Type

Amount

Eligibility

Deadline

New EV (individual)

Up to $7,500

Meets sourcing, assembly, price, income rules

Must take possession 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 criteria

Same as above

Leasing loophole

Up to $7,500

Ends after Sep 30

Included above

Conclusion: Act Without Delay

If acquiring an EV is part of your financial strategy, initiate the purchasing process now—secure orders, reaffirm delivery schedules, and verify credit eligibility. Consult with a financial advisor to ensure you're optimizing available benefits. Remember, these tax advantages are time-sensitive.

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