What Recent Changes to the Federal EV Tax Credit and Home Charger Incentives Should FIAT of Scottsdale Customers Know?
Federal tax incentives that helped lower the cost of electric vehicles and home chargers have been revised by recent federal legislation. The Clean Vehicle Credit (which could provide up to $7,500) and the federal credit that helps offset the cost of installing a home EV charger are now subject to accelerated sunsets under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act of 2025: vehicle credits generally end for purchases made after September 30, 2025, and the charger credit's applicability is restricted for equipment placed in service after June 30, 2026. If you're shopping for a FIAT or planning a charger installation in Scottsdale, it's important to factor those dates into your planning.
How the $7,500 Clean Vehicle Credit Is Structured
For vehicles placed in service April 18, 2023, and after, the available credit is divided into two equal pieces:
- $3,750 for meeting critical mineral sourcing requirements
- $3,750 for meeting battery component sourcing requirements.
A vehicle that satisfies both tests may be eligible for the full $7,500; a vehicle meeting only one qualifies for a partial $3,750 credit. Under the current structure, vehicles that don't satisfy either requirement aren't eligible.
Key Eligibility Rules FIAT Buyers Should Know
To be considered for the credit, a vehicle must:
- Be new at the time of sale.
- Have a battery capacity of at least 7 kWh.
- Have a GVWR below 14,000 pounds.
- Undergo final assembly in North America.
- Be produced by a qualified manufacturer.
- Fall under MSRP caps: $80,000 for vans/SUVs/pickups and $55,000 for other vehicles.
Sellers must meet household AGI limits (joint filers $300,000; heads of household $225,000; all others $150,000).
Crucially, dealers must report buyer and vehicle details to the IRS at the time of sale for a buyer to be eligible to claim the credit. Keep your time-of-sale paperwork.
What About the Home Charger Credit?
The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (often called the EV charger credit) can provide 30% of the cost of qualified charging equipment and installation, up to $1,000 per port for eligible individuals — but the detailed rules (eligible locations, census-tract tests, and placed-in-service dates) matter. Businesses and organizations follow different rules and caps. File Form 8911 to claim the credit for personal property. Recent legislation limits eligibility for property placed in service after June 30, 2026, so check timing and geographic eligibility before you commit.
Practical Steps for FIAT of Scottsdale Customers
- Confirm model eligibility: Ask your sales specialist whether the exact FIAT model and VIN meet the IRS sourcing and assembly tests. The official reference is the federal qualified-vehicle lookup (linked via IRS guidance).
- Get your time-of-sale report: The dealer's reporting is required for vehicle credits — request and keep the paper copy.
- Plan charger installs early: If you qualify for the EV charger credit, verify the placed-in-service date and any census-tract requirements that may apply.
- Talk to a tax pro: The rules include income limits, MSRP caps, sourcing tests, and reporting requirements — a tax advisor will help you claim credits correctly and advise whether to transfer or claim the credit on your return.
How FIAT of Scottsdale Can Help
At FIAT of Scottsdale, we're prepared to help you navigate the documentation and timing that matter for federal credits. We'll confirm whether a particular FIAT model may qualify under current IRS rules, provide the required time-of-sale paperwork, and coordinate information you'll need to discuss with your tax advisor. If you're considering a home charger, we can recommend local installers familiar with the paperwork and timelines that affect eligibility. Because federal rules and deadlines changed in 2025, pairing dealership support with professional tax advice is the best way to protect your potential savings.
*This article is for general informational purposes only, and is not tax, legal, or accounting advice. Rules for federal EV and charger credits change frequently, and eligibility depends on individual circumstances. Confirm eligibility with the IRS and a tax professional before relying on the information in this post. See the IRS Clean Vehicle Credit page for official guidance.
