In support of IRS guidance that the credit may be taking the year BEFORE the purchase of the vehicle (if AGI is lower), Form 8936 clearly includes “new clean vehicles” purchased AFTER 2022. The definition of a “new clean vehicle” is one that is purchased after 2022 and meets the new criteria including:
Has a gross vehicle weight of less than 14,000 pounds;
Had its final assembly within North America;
Has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of not more than $55,000 ($80,000 for a van, sport utility vehicle (SUV), or pickup truck); and
Meets certain additional requirements discussed under New Clean Vehicle Certification and Other Requirements , later.
(See, https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8936#en_US_2022_publink100011167)
So, it seems like you can take the credit the year before you purchased the vehicle provided the car meets the new, more stringent criteria of a “new clean vehicle “. Would you agree?
