Federal Clean Vehicle Tax Credit

[EVcredit]

Purchased and put into service a used EV car in August, 2025.  Requirements of the vehicle and my income are met with this vehicle. One significant issue is the Time of Sale report which our dealership did not submit to the IRS or provide a copy to us. We have contacted the dealership but are not getting response.  What alternative do we have in providing the IRS with other valid purchase info in order to get past this dealership not providing the info and get the tax credit?

[AmyC · Accepted solution]

You have one definite route and one possible route left. Technically, you need the time of sale report for automatic approval. Since the dealership is not providing it

Possibly: You can let the dealership know that the 3 day reporting period is currently waived and they can submit the information or you will file a complaint with the State Attorney General for tax non-compliance or you could even take them to small claims court.

If you can get them to register, you can e-file.

Definitely:

If you can't get them to do anything, you will need to paper file. Be sure to include:

• Form 8396 - complete it as if you have the report
• A copy of the bill of sale that includes the VIN, purchase date and sales price (under $25,000)
• Proof of eligibility - a printout showing the model is on the IRS eligible list, go to FuelEconomy.gov 
• A cover letter explaining the situation in short easy to read sentences.
• The credit can only be used once per vehicle regardless of the owners so you may want to provide proof the car hasn't been used to claim the credit before, service like CARFAX or AutoCheck may help.