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Maximize Your EV Savings Before the 2025 Tax Credit Deadline

Deadline Alert: Save big on your next electric vehicle purchase by acting now. The substantial federal tax credits for both new and used electric vehicles (EVs) and business fleets will expire on September 30, 2025. Understanding the significance of this deadline could drive substantial savings for you or your business. Here’s a detailed look at the implications and how you can seize the opportunity.

Why This Matters: A Brief Overview

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has unexpectedly curtailed the IRA-initiated EV tax credits. Originally set to last until 2032, these credits will now end abruptly, with no incremental phase-out. This gives prospective EV buyers a limited window to leverage the existing credits, maximizing their financial benefits.

Here’s what’s at stake:

  • For new EV buyers: Avail a credit of up to $7,500

  • For used EV purchasers: Benefit from credits up to $4,000

  • For commercial EVs: Opportunities range from $7,500 to $40,000 in credits, depending on vehicle specifications

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Critical Dates and Definitions

To qualify for these credits, ensure that you take possession of your EV by the September 30, 2025 deadline. A potential buyer with nothing more than a signed contract or a delivery scheduled post-deadline will unfortunately not qualify.

Leasing and Credit Applications
The clean vehicle tax credit on a leased EV doesn’t go directly to you, the consumer. Instead, it is designated to the manufacturer or dealer. Often, they pass these savings onto you through lowered lease costs or reduced monthly payments—making leasing a popular scrimmage to take full advantage of the $7,500 credit, even in instances where a purchase would fall short of this benefit. But remember, this stipulation meets its end on September 30.

Next Steps for Dealers and Buyers Alike

  • Immediate action: If you’re contemplating a purchase, check availability and estimate delivery timelines ahead of the September deadline.

  • Understand credit allocations: You have the flexibility to transfer the tax credit to a dealer for upfront cost savings or later redeem it through your tax filings using IRS Form 8936

  • Eligibility parameters:
    ○      New EVs: Comply with sourcing and assembly standards. Adhere to price limits ($55K for cars, $80K for vans/SUVs/trucks) and income thresholds (single: $150K, household: $225K, married filing jointly: $300K).
    ○      Used EVs: Must be at least two model years old, dealer-sold, and under $25K. Benefit up to the lesser of $4K or 30% of purchase cost.
    ○      Commercial EVs: Tailored for business use, targeting credits up to $40,000 based on vehicle size, with no income caveats.

Navigating Market Dynamics

Anticipate a surge in EV purchases as consumers hustle to meet the deadline, followed by a potential sales downturn by October. Industry insights, including those from a Harvard study, predict a potential 6% dip in EV market share by 2030. Fiscal savings for the government tally up to $169 billion over ten years (Reuters).

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Despite these changes, prudent buyers can still harness substantial savings—but quick action is vital.

Summary at a Glance

Credit Type

Amount

Eligibility

Deadline

New EV (individual)

Up to $7,500

Meets sourcing, assembly, price, & income criteria

Must take possession by Sep 30, 2025

Used EV

Up to $4,000 (or 30%)

At least 2 years old, ≤ $25K

Meeting the same deadline

Commercial EV

Up to $40,000

Business utilization, weight-based criteria

Same deadline

Leasing Loophole

Up to $7,500

Opportunity concludes post-Sep 30

Included above

Final Thoughts: Don’t Delay

If an electric vehicle is in your plans, the time to act is now—finalize orders, verify delivery timelines, and confirm your credit eligibility. A conversation with your tax advisor can be invaluable in ensuring all elements are aligned. Remember, these tax advantages are not on extended play.

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