Can I apply the EV tax credit to the tax balance I owe from previous years? I am paying that balance on an installment agreement.

[dvb909]

My tax bill from this year will be small.  I just bought a qualifying EV, and I'd like to use as much of the $7500 tax credit as I can.  Thanks!

[NCperson]

No, you can't.  

Look at Line 22 on your tax return.  The credit can be used to reduce this number by $7500 but it can not go below zero.  Whatever can't be used is lost; it can not be used in a future year. 

[Mike9241]

the credit can't be used to pay prior year taxes.