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Maximize Your EV Benefits Before Tax Credits Expire

Urgency Alert: If purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), whether new or used, or expanding your business fleet is on your to-do list, it’s time to shift gears. The lucrative federal tax credits for EVs will cease after September 30, 2025. Here’s the critical intel you need, plus actionable strategies.

Key Expiration Details and Their Impact

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) hastened the end of IRA-era EV tax credits that were originally set to last until 2032. These incentives will now terminate by September 30, 2025, with no gradual phase-outs or exceptions for vehicles delivered later.

Here's what you stand to gain (or lose):

  • New EV credit: Up to $7,500

  • Used EV credit: Up to $4,000

  • Commercial EV credit: From $7,500 to $40,000, based on vehicle weight

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Understanding Eligibility and Timing

To qualify, you must take possession of the vehicle by September 30, 2025. Merely having a signed contract maturing post-deadline won’t suffice.

Leasing Loopholes:
During leasing, the tax credit doesn’t directly benefit consumers but instead goes to the lessor—most often automakers. They usually translate this into lower lease prices. This leasing benefit ceases as of September 30. Post this date, any new leases or vehicle deliveries will not enjoy this fiscal advantage.

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Immediate Steps for Dealers and Buyers

  • Move promptly: Confirm availability or delivery plans well before the deadline.

  • Credit Transfer Option: Opt to transfer the credit to the dealer upon purchase for instant discounts or claim it via IRS Form 8936 later.

  • Know Your Eligibility:

    ○ New EVs: Must adhere to sourcing/assembly requirements, pricing caps ($55K for cars, $80K for vans/SUVs/trucks), and income restrictions (single: $150K, household head: $225K, joint filers: $300K).

    ○ Used EVs: Should be at least two model years old, dealership-sold, and priced ≤ $25K; credit is the lesser of $4K or 30% of the sale price.

    ○ Commercial EVs: Eligible for business use with weight-based credits up to $40K and no income restrictions.

Market Dynamics and Strategic Planning

Analysts project an uptick in EV purchases over the summer due to impending deadlines, followed by a possible sales decline in October. A Harvard study forecasts a 6% reduction in EV market share by 2030, though policymakers estimate savings of $169 billion over the next decade (Reuters).

Smart planning can still yield substantial savings—timing is paramount.

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Quick Summary

Credit

Value

Eligibility

Cut-off

New EV

Up to $7,500

Sourcing, assembly, price, income rules

By Sep 30, 2025

Used EV

Up to $4,000 (or 30%)

≥2 years old, ≤ $25K

Same as above

Commercial EV

Up to $40,000

Business use, weight criteria

Same as above

Leasing option

Up to $7,500

Ends post-Sep 30

Included above

Take Action Swiftly

If an EV is in your plans, the time to act is now. Secure orders, confirm delivery timelines, and validate credit eligibility. Consult your tax advisor to optimize results. These tax incentives are on a countdown.

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