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How to get the full $7500 EV tax credit?

The federal electric vehicle (EV) tax credit can provide up to $7,500 in tax savings for eligible EV purchases. However, to claim the full credit, there are several requirements and guidelines you need to be aware of. This article will walk you through the key steps to ensure you receive the maximum EV tax credit.


Qualifying for the EV Tax Credit


The federal EV tax credit is available for the purchase of new, qualified plug-in electric vehicles. To qualify, the vehicle must meet the following criteria:



  • Be a new, qualified plug-in electric vehicle with a battery capacity of at least 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh)

  • Be purchased for use in the United States

  • Be acquired for use or lease, and not for resale

  • Be placed in service during the tax year you are claiming the credit


The credit amount can vary based on the vehicle's battery capacity, but the maximum credit is $7,500.


Claiming the Full $7,500 EV Tax Credit


To claim the full $7,500 EV tax credit, you'll need to meet a few additional requirements:



  • The vehicle must have a battery capacity of at least 16 kWh

  • The vehicle must be assembled in North America

  • Your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) must be below certain thresholds ($300,000 for married filing jointly, $225,000 for head of household, or $150,000 for single filers)


If your vehicle's battery capacity is less than 16 kWh or your MAGI exceeds the income limits, you may still be eligible for a partial credit, but the amount will be reduced.


Claiming the EV Tax Credit on Your Tax Return


To claim the EV tax credit, you'll need to file IRS Form 8936 with your federal income tax return. This form requires information about your vehicle, such as the make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN). Be sure to keep all relevant documentation, such as your purchase or lease agreement, to support your claim.


Remember, the EV tax credit is a non-refundable credit, meaning it can only be used to offset your tax liability. If your tax liability is less than the credit amount, you won't receive a refund for the difference.

What is the income limit for a Tesla $7500 discount?


EV tax credit income limits for new and used EVs

SINGLEModified AGI over $150,000
MARRIED (Filing Jointly)Modified AGI over $300,000
HEAD OF HOUSEHOLDModified AGI over $225,000
ALL OTHER FILERSModified AGI over $150,000



How does the Tesla $7 500 tax credit work?


Customers who take delivery of a qualified new Tesla vehicle and meet all federal requirements are eligible for a tax credit up to $7,500, which can be deducted from the purchase price at time of delivery for eligible cash or financing purchases through Tesla.



How many times can you claim 7500 EV tax credit?


With the used EV tax credit, you can only claim it once every three years.



How does a tax credit work if you don't pay taxes?


A refundable tax credit is a credit you can get as a refund even if you don't owe any tax. Tax credits are amounts you subtract from your bottom-line tax due when you file your tax return. Most tax credits can reduce your tax only until it reaches $0.



Does tax credit mean you get money back?


Tax credits are amounts you subtract from your bottom-line tax due when you file your tax return. Most tax credits can reduce your tax only until it reaches $0. Refundable credits go beyond that to give you any remaining credit as a refund.



Do you get all the money from a tax credit?


A tax credit reduces the specific amount of the tax that an individual owes. For example, say that you have a $500 tax credit and a $3,500 tax bill. The tax credit would reduce your bill to $3,000. Refundable tax credits do provide you with a refund if they have money left over after reducing your tax bill to zero.



How to get the full 7500 tax credit?


For clean vehicles placed in service beginning April 18, 2023, the new Clean Vehicle Credit is made up of two requirements that total to $7,500 ($3,750 each) - battery components and critical minerals. You'll need to meet each requirement to claim each portion of the Clean Vehicle Credit on Form 8936.



How does EV tax credit work if I get a refund?


The EV tax credit is a nonrefundable tax credit offered to taxpayers who purchase qualifying electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles. Nonrefundable tax credits lower your tax liability by the corresponding credit amount but do not result in a refund of any excess credit amount.



Why am I not getting the full 7500 EV tax credit?


The car has to qualify to allow a tax credit to you. Many EV cars won't qualify in full for 2024 as they did in 2023. No body really knows with 100% of certainty since carmakers can opt to provide discounts to potential customers compensating for all of part of the loss for those non-qualifying EVs.



How does EV tax credit work if I don't owe taxes?


If you don't owe any money on your income taxes, the only way to take advantage of the federal EV tax credit on a car is to transfer it to the dealership you're buying from. It then can be applied as a discount on the purchase.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.