Clean vehicle credits can help car buyers pay less at the dealership

RS Tax Tip 2023-123, Nov. 15, 2023

Taxpayers who buy a qualifying new or used clean vehicle may be able to transfer their tax credits to the dealer in exchange for a financial benefit – such as a lower cost – starting Jan. 1, 2024.

Benefits of transferring the credit

Taxpayers can now claim tax credits for new and used clean vehicles they buy during the tax year and, starting Jan. 1, 2024, can transfer that credit to the dealership. This means that the taxpayer who is buying the vehicle can exchange their credit for a financial benefit such as reduced final cost. The financial benefit is equal to the amount of the credit, whether in cash, a partial payment or a down payment.

New information about the clean vehicle credit

The IRS recently issued proposed regulationsRevenue Procedure 2023-33 and frequently asked questions that cover:

  • How taxpayers can transfer clean vehicle credits to eligible dealers.
  • How dealers can register with IRS Energy Credits Online to receive advance payments.
  • How dealers can lose their registration if they don’t comply with the program’s requirements.
  • New details on the timing and submission of seller reports.
  • Updated information for manufacturers on becoming qualified and how qualified manufacturers can submit monthly reports.

Dealers and sellers register by Dec. 1

Dealers and sellers of clean vehicles should register their organizations immediately using the Energy Credits Online tool. The IRS strongly urges sellers of clean vehicles to register by Dec. 1, 2023, to receive advance payments starting Jan. 1, 2024.

For updated clean vehicle credit frequently asked questions related to new, previously owned and qualified commercial clean vehicles, see Fact Sheet 2023-22PDF.

Using Children’s IRAs to Pay for College

Using Children’s IRAs to Pay for College If your child has earned income (maybe from working in your business), you may want to consider establishing an IRA for your child. The IRA funds can, in turn, be used to help pay your child’s college...

NFT’s and Taxes

NFT's & Taxes Did you buy, sell, donate, or receive an NFT during the tax year? If so, you must answer “yes” to the digital assets question on page one of the IRS Form 1040. Additionally, if you have sold an NFT, you could be liable for tax or...

Home Office Deduction

Home Office DeductionWith a growing number of business owners now working from home, many may qualify for the home office deduction, also known as the deduction for business use of a home. Usually, a business owner must use a room or other...
Want to know more?  Have some tax questions of your own?  Get in touch with us and we’ll guide you thru the tax and accounting process.

13 + 13 =

Tax Benefit for Business Vehicle Trade-In Eliminated

Tax Benefit for Business Vehicle Trade-In Eliminated Beginning January 1, 2018, tax reform no longer allows Section 1031 exchanges on personal property such as your business vehicle.  The trade-in was the most common 1031 exchange of a business vehicle. Now, because...

read more

Preserve the Deduction with an S Corporation

Preserve the Deduction with an S Corporation Will your business operation create the 20 percent tax deduction for you? If not, and if that is due to too much income and a lack of (a) wages and/or (b) depreciable property, a switch to the S corporation as your choice...

read more

Phaseout for New 20% Deduction

  Phase-out for New 20% Deduction If your pass-through business is an in-favor business and it qualifies for tax reform’s new 20 percent tax deduction on qualified business income, you benefit at all times, including being above, below, or in the expanded wage...

read more