IRS New Rules Slash $7,500 off Electric Vehicle Prices

The new IRS regulations reduce electric vehicle prices by $7500 which will transform the clean vehicle credit transfer process for customers and dealers in the United States. Set to be effective from 1-January-2024, these guidelines are launched in relation to the Biden-Harris Administration’s goals. Consumers can now get credit right away for buying a clean vehicle at a dealership, instead of waiting for tax returns. The Act includes strict measures to prevent fraud and abuse, plus it also provides clarity on how federal income tax will be treated.

The Inflation Reduction Act relies heavily on a modern tax administration system to effectively reach its economic, energy security, and climate goals. Starting January 1, 2024, consumers can transfer their new clean vehicle credit of up to $7,500 and their previously owned clean vehicle credit of up to $4,000 to a car dealer under the Inflation Reduction Act.

The main change is that you can now get the credit immediately when purchasing a car at a dealership, instead of having to wait for your tax return. This way, you won’t have to wait for months to receive your money. Another important change is that now all qualifying buyers receive the complete tax benefit, regardless of whether they have any federal tax liability. Currently, tax filers only receive as much of the credit as they owe in taxes.

Certain surveys show that consumers prefer receiving an immediate rebate when buying a car. The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have released guidance that aims to reduce costs for consumers and support car dealers by making it easier to access Inflation Reduction Act credits for new and used clean vehicles at the point of sale. This move is in line with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda.

Laurel Blatchford, Chief Implementation Officer for the Inflation Reduction Act said, “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is focused on lowering transportation costs for consumers and giving American car companies the tools to lead the market. For the first time, the Inflation Reduction Act allows consumers to reduce the up-front cost of a clean vehicle, expanding consumer choices and helping car dealers expand their businesses. The IRS has focused on streamlining this process for car dealers as part of its commitment to improving service and helping taxpayers claim the credits, they are eligible for.”

The guidance explains new regulations for the clean vehicle credit and how the transfer process will function.
Proposed eligibility rules for car dealers and consumers’ registration requirements are also covered in this. Moreover, it tells who can transfer the credit to the dealer, and if consumers can get the credit and transfer it or not. Also, it mentions when taxpayers need to repay part of a transferred credit.

Highlights from the New Guidelines

Starting January 1, 2024, buyers can claim or transfer credit if the dealer they bought the vehicle from is registered with Energy Credits Online.

1. It presents a set of rules about who can transfer the credit to the dealer and when they might have to pay back some of the transferred credit.
2. Dealers will use Energy Credits Online to submit time of sale reports. These reports confirm if vehicles are eligible for credit, regardless of whether the buyer transfers the credit to the dealer.
3. Registered dealers will either lower the vehicle’s purchase price or give the buyer cash when they decide to transfer the credit. The amount given must match the total credit available for the qualifying vehicle.
4. When finalizing the sale, the dealer will electronically send transfer information and a time of sale report to receive an advance payment for the credit value. The IRS plans to issue advance payments within 72 hours.
5. The dealer will give buyers the necessary information about the credit transfer and electronic time-of-sale submission process.
6. They will also provide written confirmation that the vehicle is eligible for credit and state the credit amount.
7. Consumers have the option to transfer the credit if they confirm their eligibility, such as meeting the income requirements for the previous year or anticipating it to fall below these thresholds when the vehicle is put into service.
8. If consumers exceed the applicable modified adjusted gross income limitation, they will have to repay the full value of a transferred tax credit directly to the IRS when filing their taxes.

Steps taken to Prevent Frauds and Abuse

The guidance would also incorporate crucial measures to effectively deter any potentially fraudulent activities or misuse.

1. These measures will make sure that only verified dealers who comply with tax regulations will receive advance payments from the IRS.
2. Additionally, only eligible vehicles will qualify for the credit.
3. During the IRS Energy Credits Online dealer registration process, these measures will ensure the collection and verification of information provided by the dealer.
4. The dealer will receive the registration ID only after the IRS is sure that the registration is valid.
5. Consumer and dealer resources, such as fact sheets, FAQs, and checklists, will be released by the year-end.

Also See: What is the Federal Solar Tax Credit?

Clarity on Federal Income Tax Treatment

New IRS Regulations Reduce Electric Vehicle Prices by $7500, but it will also clarify how the transferred credit and advance payment will be treated for federal income tax purposes by the buyer and the dealer.

According to the proposed regulations:

1. Dealers’ tax liability would generally remain unaffected by credit transfers and advance payments.
2. When the dealer pays the value of the credit transfer to the consumer, it is considered as repayment made by the consumer towards the purchase price of the vehicle. As a result, this amount is recognized as income received by the dealer.
3. The dealer shall not consider the advance payments received as a tax credit, and they may even surpass the dealer’s usual tax liability.
4. Moreover, the advance payments received by the dealer shall not be included in the dealer’s gross income.
5. The dealer cannot deduct the payment made to the consumer for the transferred credit.
6. The payment the dealer makes to the consumer, whether in cash, down payment, or partial down payment, is not considered part of the consumer’s gross income.

By offering consumers an immediate down payment on their clean vehicle at the time of purchase, this will substantially reduce the overall cost of the vehicle. This means that individuals no longer must wait until the following year to claim their credit on their tax return. It’s important to note that this benefit is only applicable to vehicles purchased under the consumer clean vehicle credits.

The Treasury Department and the IRS are currently seeking public input prior to their finalization of the regulations in the near future. Once implemented on 01-January-2024, the proposed modifications will apply to both electric vehicles and fuel-cell vehicles, marking a significant step forward in promoting sustainable transportation.

Source: US Treasury, IRS provide guidance to expand clean vehicle tax credits, aid car dealers