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30D Active · IRS Form 8936

Clean Vehicle Credit (2026)

The federal Section 30D Clean Vehicle Credit pays up to $7,500 toward a qualifying new EV — and since January 2024 you can transfer the credit to the dealer at point of sale, taking it as cash off the price instead of waiting for tax filing. The $7,500 splits into $3,750 for critical-minerals sourcing and $3,750 for battery-components sourcing. Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) caps apply: $300,000 married filing jointly, $225,000 head of household, $150,000 single. The MSRP cap is $80,000 for SUVs, vans, and trucks, $55,000 for cars.

What this credit covers

$3,750 for critical-minerals sourcing + $3,750 for battery-components sourcing. Income-capped. Transferable to dealer at point of sale since January 2024.

Eligibility quick check

What is the income cap?

$300,000 MAGI married filing jointly, $225,000 head of household, $150,000 single. You can use the lower of the prior tax year MAGI or the year of delivery — so a high-income year does not disqualify you if last year was under the cap.

How do I find qualifying vehicles?

fueleconomy.gov maintains the official list of 30D-eligible vehicles by VIN, updated as manufacturers certify components.

Can I transfer the credit to the dealer?

Yes — since January 2024. Bring two recent tax returns and complete the dealer transfer form at purchase. The dealer applies the $7,500 (or partial) to the sale price.

What if my income exceeds the cap after I take the credit?

You must repay the full credit on your tax return. The point-of-sale transfer does not waive the income test.

How to claim 30D on your tax return

  1. Confirm vehicle eligibility on fueleconomy.gov

    Search by make/model/trim. The site lists current credit amount ($3,750 or $7,500) by VIN delivery date.

  2. Verify your income falls under the MAGI cap

    Check both the prior tax year and the delivery year — you can use the lower of the two.

  3. Decide: transfer at sale or claim at filing

    Point-of-sale transfer applies the credit immediately. Claim-at-filing requires waiting for your refund. The math is identical.

  4. Sign IRS Form 15400 at the dealer

    If transferring, the dealer files Form 15400 within 3 days of sale. You sign and keep a copy.

  5. File IRS Form 8936

    Whether transferred or claimed at filing, you must report 30D on Form 8936 with your tax return.

Stacking with state and utility programs

30D stacks with state EV rebates (24+ states), utility EV TOU charger rebates, and 30C charger credit (separate property). Cannot be combined with the commercial 45W credit on the same vehicle (lease vs. purchase choice).

Frequently asked questions

Does 30D stack with state EV rebates? +
Yes. California, Colorado, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and 19+ other states stack their state EV rebate on top of the federal 30D.
What is the difference between 30D and 25E? +
30D is for new EVs ($7,500 cap). 25E is for used EVs ($4,000 cap, lower income limits, vehicle must be 2+ model years old).
Can I claim 30D if the dealer transferred it? +
No double-dip. The transfer is the credit. You report it on Form 8936 to confirm eligibility but cannot claim again.
Can I claim 30D for a leased EV? +
No — but the leasing company can claim the commercial 45W EV credit and many pass it through as a "lease bonus." Check the lease quote.
What if I exceed the income cap after taking POS transfer? +
You must repay the full $7,500 on your tax return. The IRS treats this as a tax owed.

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