In a significant move aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the United States, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have unveiled new guidance that promises to lower costs for consumers while also supporting car dealers in expanding their businesses.
The guidance revolves around the Inflation Reduction Act, which introduces measures to facilitate the transfer of tax credits to buyers at the point of sale, effectively making EVs more accessible and affordable.
The Inflation Reduction Act offers a substantial tax credit of up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles that meet specific production criteria, as well as a $4,000 credit for used EVs. However, the conventional process for claiming these credits typically involves waiting until the following year’s tax return.
With the new guidance set to take effect on January 1, 2024, consumers will have the option to transfer these credits directly to car dealers at the time of purchase, reducing the upfront cost of the vehicle.
One key element of the guidance is the ability for buyers to choose whether to transfer their new clean vehicle credit or previously owned clean vehicle credit to the dealer. The transferred credit can be applied as a cash rebate, reducing the vehicle’s purchase price, or used as a down payment. This flexibility is expected to make EVs more financially attractive to a broader range of consumers, especially those who might have otherwise been deterred by the initial cost.
“Providing federal incentives for cleaner vehicles is crucial for climate, clean air, and fuel savings. These incentives will encourage more drivers to switch to EVs and help dealers to expand their sales,” emphasized Katherine García, the director of the Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All campaign.
García’s statement highlights the broader environmental and health benefits of EV adoption, as the transportation sector remains a significant contributor to climate pollution and air pollution.
Additionally, the new IRS guidance clarifies the registration requirements for dealers and proposed eligibility rules for the previously owned clean vehicle credit.
Dealers will need to register with Energy Credits Online, a new website launching later this month, in order to offer consumers clean energy tax credits. This registration is also a prerequisite for dealers to submit sales information to the IRS and receive prompt payment for transferred credits.
“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,” said Chief Implementation Officer Laurel Blatchford. “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.”
Starting in January, registered dealers will be able to submit clean vehicle sales information to the IRS and promptly receive payment for transferred credits.
Energy Credits Online demonstrates the IRS’ commitment to delivering a world-class customer service experience and helping taxpayers receive the credits and deductions they are eligible for.
The IRS is committed to streamlining the process, providing an enhanced customer service experience and ensuring that consumers and dealers receive the credits they are eligible for. A modern tax administration system, as outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act, is seen as vital for achieving economic, energy security, and climate goals.
To further safeguard against fraud or misuse, the guidance lays out measures to ensure that only verified, tax-compliant dealers receive the benefit of advance payments from the IRS. This, in turn, will guarantee that only eligible vehicles receive the credit. The IRS will collect and verify information during the dealer registration process to ensure its validity.
The guidance also outlines how credit transfers and advance payments will be treated for tax purposes, ensuring that they do not affect dealers’ or buyers’ tax liability.
Advance payments received by the dealer will not be treated as a tax credit and will not be included in the dealer’s gross income. Payments made by the dealer to the consumer in exchange for the transferred credit will not be deductible by the dealer and will not be included in the consumer’s gross income.
This landmark move to make EVs more accessible and affordable has been welcomed by environmental advocates, industry experts, and consumers alike.
As the Inflation Reduction Act takes shape, the guidance provides a vital step forward in the United States’ journey towards a greener and more sustainable transportation future.