Yes, if you purchase the eligible electric vehicle during the tax year you can use the credit for that tax year. If the credit reduces your tax liability to zero any further credit is lost. This is not a once in a lifetime credit.

When does the tax credit for plug in cars end?

Purchasers of qualified vehicles can continue to claim the credit until the manufacturer has sold 200,000 qualified vehicles for use in the United States. Once a manufacturer’s U.S. sales reach 200,000 qualified vehicles, the Credit for all qualified vehicles produced by the manufacturer will begin to phase-out over a one year period.

Do you have to certify a vehicle to get a tax credit?

Manufacturers don’t have to certify their vehicles to the IRS that they meet the requirements of the credit. You can generally rely on manufacturers and their word as to whether a vehicle is eligible. This also applies to electric motorcycles, three-wheel EVs, and other similar vehicles.

Who is eligible for the plug in tax credit?

The Plug-in Tax Credit can only be claimed by purchasers of a new qualified vehicle who use the vehicle primarily in the U.S. If you lease a car at a dealership the leasing company can claim the credit since it is considered to be the purchaser of the vehicle.

Where to claim plug in electric vehicle credit?

The 30G (g) credit is claimed on Form 8934, Qualified Plug-in Electric and Electric Vehicle Credit.

When do you claim the EV tax credit?

You can only claim the tax credit the year you purchase the EV. If you do not have a federal tax liability, some experts suggest moving money from your traditional IRA account to a Roth IRA to create a tax liability that you can use the credit to offset. Traditional IRAs are taxed when you withdraw funds.

When does plug in electric vehicle credit phase out?

You must have purchased it in or after 2010 and begun driving it in the year in which you claim the credit. The credit ranges between $2,500 and $7,500, depending on the capacity of the battery. The credit begins to phase out for a manufacturer, when that manufacturer sells 200,000 qualified vehicles.