There’s a $7,500 tax credit for some car buyers: Here’s what vehicles qualify

There’s a $7,500 tax credit for some car buyers: Here’s what vehicles qualify

Buyers who purchase certain types of electric vehicles could be in line for a hefty tax credit, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

The new tax credit provides up to $7,500 for qualified plug-in or fuel cell vehicles. The important word there is “qualified” and there are several requirements’ buyers have to meet to claim their credit.

To qualify, you have to purchase the vehicles for your own use and not resale and it has to be primarily used in the U.S. There are also limits on the amount of adjusted growth income you can earn: $300,000 for married couples filing jointly; $225,000 for heads of households; and $150,000 for all other filers.

The credit is nonrefundable, meaning you can’t get back more on the credit than you owe in taxes.

Which vehicles qualify?

To qualify, a vehicle has to have a battery capacity of at least 7 kilowatt hours; have a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds; and be made by a qualifying manufacturer, including undergoing final assembly in North America.

The vehicle must be new and the manufacturer suggested retail price can’t exceed $80,000 for vans, sports utility vehicles and pickup trucks or $55,000 for other vehicles.

Qualifying manufacturers include models by Honda, Audi, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Chrysler and Jeep, Subaru, Tesla and Toyota. You can go here to see a specific list of vehicles.

How to claim the credit

To claim the credit, file Form 8936, Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit (Including Qualified Two-Wheeled Plug-in Electric Vehicles) with your tax return. You will need to provide your vehicle’s VIN.