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30C Active · IRS Form 8911

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (2026)

The federal Section 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit refunds 30% of the cost of installing a home EV charger — up to $1,000. The credit applies to equipment, labor, and any electrical panel work directly required for the charger. As of 2024, the property must be located in an eligible census tract (low-income community or non-urban area) — a change from earlier years when 30C was nationwide. Use the IRS 30C eligibility lookup tool or the DOE Argonne 30C tool to verify your address.

What this credit covers

Residential EV charger installations qualify for 30% of cost up to $1,000. Property must be located in an eligible census tract (low-income or non-urban).

Eligibility quick check

How do I check if my address qualifies?

Use the DOE Argonne 30C eligibility lookup tool — enter your address and it returns eligibility based on the most recent low-income community and non-urban census tract designations.

Is the credit per home or per charger?

The cap is $1,000 per single item of property. A second charger at the same address is a separate item (separate $1,000 cap), but only one credit per tax year.

Does my charger have to be hardwired?

No — both hardwired and plug-in NEMA Level 2 chargers qualify if the equipment cost plus install meets the credit basis rules.

Can I claim 30C if I lease the EV?

Yes. 30C is for the charger, not the vehicle. EV ownership status is irrelevant.

How to claim 30C on your tax return

  1. Verify census tract eligibility

    Run your address through the DOE Argonne 30C lookup tool before installing. Save a screenshot dated the day of install.

  2. Save all receipts

    Itemized invoice covering charger equipment, install labor, and any electrical panel upgrade tied directly to the charger.

  3. File IRS Form 8911

    Complete Form 8911 with your tax return. The credit is 30% of total cost up to $1,000 (residential).

  4. Apply credit to Form 1040

    Form 8911 result flows to Schedule 3 line 6m, then to your Form 1040.

Stacking with state and utility programs

30C stacks with state EV charger rebates, utility EV TOU charger rebates (PG&E, ConEd, etc.), and Amazon affiliate hardware purchases. The biggest gotcha: census tract eligibility for the federal piece since 2024.

Frequently asked questions

My address is not in an eligible census tract — am I out of luck? +
For 30C, yes. But state and utility EV charger rebates do not have the census tract restriction — many states pay $250–$1,000 for any home charger install.
Does 30C stack with state EV charger rebates? +
Yes. State and utility rebates reduce the 30C cost basis but stacking still wins. Example: $1,500 charger minus $500 utility rebate equals $1,000 basis × 30% equals $300 federal credit.
Is 30C transferable to the installer? +
No. Only 30D (new EV credit) is transferable. 30C must be claimed by the homeowner on their tax return.
Does the panel upgrade qualify under 30C? +
Yes — but only the portion of the panel upgrade directly required to support the charger. A general panel replacement does not qualify under 30C.
Can businesses claim 30C? +
Yes, with a higher cap of $100,000 per item of property — but eligibility rules differ. This page covers residential only.

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