@NCperson @GOTK @Mike9241
Great question, if the make purchased was a General Motors, Tesla or certain Toyota EV's in 2022 then there is no credit for an EV vehicle from those manufacturers.
IRS Publication 8936 (Rev. January 2023) page page 3 for Line 4b - https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i8936.pdf#page=3
Line 4b
Enter 100% unless the vehicle was a vehicle with at least four wheels manufactured by Toyota, Tesla, or GM (Chevrolet Bolt EV, etc.).
Toyota. Enter the following percentage if the vehicle was manufactured by Toyota.
• 100% if you purchased it before October 1, 2022.
• 50% if you purchased it after September 30, 2022, but before 2023.
• 100% if you purchased it after 2022.
Tesla. Enter the following percentage if the vehicle was manufactured by Tesla.
• 0% if you purchased it before 2023.
• 100% if you purchased it after 2022.
GM. Enter the following percentage if the vehicle was manufactured by GM.
• 0% if you purchased it before 2023.
• 100% if you purchased it after 2022
Additionally, on the question if the vehicle was purchased or entered into a written binding contract to purchase, a qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle after 2021 and before August 16, 2022. The instructions for Form 8936 are clear on the placed in service date.
This is where I also was mistaken in thinking that the owner could only receive the credit in the tax year when the EV was actually placed in service.
The Transition rule is clear that the date of 08/15/2022 can be used as the placed in service date.
IRS Form 8936 Instructions on page 3 for Line 3 of the form - https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i8936.pdf#page=3
Line 3
Enter 08/15/2022 if you qualify and elect to apply the transition rule discussed below.
Transition rule. If you purchased, or entered into a written binding contract to purchase, a qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle after 2021 and before August 16, 2022, you may elect to treat such vehicle as having been placed in service on August 15, 2022, the day before the enactment date of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
