Electric Vehicle Tax Credits

by | Nov 9, 2023 | Tax

If you are looking into getting an electric vehicle (EV) there are multiple opportunities for tax credits and savings. The credits can be confusing and overwhelming but listed below are the different credits and restrictions on them.

Buying New Electric Vehicle

If you purchased vehicle between 8/16/22 and 12/31/22 but didn’t not take delivery until 2023 you will follow the 2023 and after rules.

Vehicles bought 2022 or before

  • Eligible for up to $7500 ($2,917 if the vehicle’s battery capacity is 5kWh, Plus $417 for every kWh of capacity over 5)

Rules

  • Must be bought for use not resale
  • Used Primarily in U.S.
  • Vehicle must have external charging source
  • Vehicle must weigh less than 14,000 pounds
  • Manufacturer of vehicle has not sold more than 200,000 Electric Vehicles in U.S.

 

Vehicle bought 2023 or after

  • Vehicles placed in service 1/1/23 to 4/17/23
    • Eligible for up to $7,500 ($2,500 base amount, Plus $417 for vehicle with 7 Kwh, Plus $417 for each kWh over 5)
  • Vehicles placed in service 4/18/23 or after
    • Eligible for up to $7,500 ($3,750 if the vehicle meets critical minerals requirements, $3,750 If vehicle meets battery components requirements)

Rules

  • Must be bought for use not resale
  • Used primarily in U.S.
  • Buyer must not exceed Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limits
    • $300,000 Married, Filing Joint
    • $225,000 Head Of Household
    • $150,000 Others
  • Vehicle has battery capacity of 7 kWh
  • Vehicle weighs less than 14,000 pounds
  • Vehicle made by a qualified manufacturer
  • Vehicles final assembly in North America
  • Vehicle meets critical mineral and battery component requirements
  • MSRP of Vehicle can’t exceed $80,000 for Vans, SUV’s, and Trucks or $55,000 for other vehicles

 

For new vehicles, click the link below to check if you vehicle or the vehicle you are considering qualifies.

https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax2023.shtml

 

Buying Used Electric Vehicle

Beginning in 2023 if you buy a used vehicle from a licensed dealership and receive a credit of up to $4,000 (30% of the sales price)

Rules

  • Vehicle is $25,000 or less
  • Vehicle is for use, not resale
  • You can’t be the original owner
  • You can’t be claimed as a dependent on anyone else’s tax return
  • You have not claimed another clean vehicle credit in the 3 years before purchase
  • You must be under AGI limits
    • $150,000 MFJ/SS
    • $112,500 HOH
    • $75,000 all others

 

For used vehicles, click the link below to check if you vehicle or the vehicle you are considering qualifies.

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxused.shtml

 

Leasing an Electric Vehicle

 

There is a section in the tax law for the credit that allows a $7,500 credit for commercial vehicles. This credit will go to the dealership that leases you the vehicle. This is because you are not actual purchasing the vehicle yourself. It is possibly the dealership can give you a form of discount because of this credit but remember the credit goes to the dealership, not you.  

 

Always remember, Senter, CPA is here for you if you need any assistance.

Don't hesitate to give us a call at 248-934-0550, or contact us below.

Tax Extensions for 2025 Returns: What Current Clients Need to Know

First, let’s be clear

A tax extension gives you more time to file. It does not give you more time to pay.

Beware of the Latest IRS Impersonation Scam

IRS impersonation scams are becoming more sophisticated. The newest trend involves fraudulent IRS communications – delivered via email, phone calls, or even seemingly official mail – that attempt to intimidate individuals into providing personal information or making payments.

How Senter CPA Helps You Stay Organized, Compliant, and Confident

Accurate record-keeping, strong organizational habits, and effective use of accounting software are essential pillars of sound financial management. Whether managing a small business, a nonprofit, or personal finances, these practices not only ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements but also support smarter decision-making and long-term financial health.

National Reading Month at Senter, CPA 

March is National Reading Month, and it’s a reminder of something simple but incredibly powerful: books change lives.

Most of us can remember our favorite childhood story. You know the one we asked to hear again and again before bedtime, or the book that first made reading feel fun instead of like homework. Those early moments matter more than we often realize. They help children build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

That’s one of the reasons Senter, CPA has chosen to support the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

A Day in the Life of a CPA During Tax Season (Please Send Snacks)

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you drop off your tax documents, here’s a little behind-the-scenes look at life inside a small CPA firm during tax season.

Sharing Online Banking with Your Accountant

To allow your accountant access to your bank’s online banking system, follow these general steps. This typically involves navigating to a “User Management” or “Account Access” section, where you can add a new user and set permissions—usually “view-only” for accountants.

The 7 Deadly (Tax) Sins of Small Business Owners

Running a business is hard enough — between serving customers, managing staff, and juggling invoices, your taxes can feel like an afterthought. But beware, small business owner: the IRS has seen it all, and a few “little” mistakes can cost you big.

What the New “No Tax on Tips” Rule Means for You

The treatment of tip income is changing in 2025, thanks to the new “No Tax on Tips” provision introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). While tips remain taxable in several respects, eligible workers may now claim a federal income tax deduction of up to $25,000 annually for “qualified tips.”

Why QuickBooks Can’t Replace Your Accountant (Even If It Thinks It Can)

Let’s face it — QuickBooks is amazing. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of bookkeeping. It tracks your income, pays your bills, and even sends friendly reminders that you forgot to reconcile your bank account… again. But while QuickBooks can do a lot, it can’t do everything — especially the things that can make or save you money. And that’s where your accountant (hi, that’s us) comes in.

Business Mileage Deductibility: What Qualifies and What Does Not

Vehicle expenses can be a valuable tax deduction, but only when mileage is properly classified and documented. For tax purposes, the deductibility of mileage depends on whether the travel is considered business, commuting, or personal. Understanding these distinctions is essential to support allowable business mileage deductions.