As of January 1, 2023, Americans can claim a $7,500 tax credit when buying a Tesla (and other electric vehicles). The Inflation Reduction Act allows eligible buyers the opportunity to claim a clean vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500 under Internal Revenue Code Section 30D.
We knew this was coming, and it slowed demand as shoppers were delaying their purchases until the new year. However, Tesla introduced an end-of-year sale, discounting their vehicles by $7,500 to encourage people not to wait.
Tesla Models That Qualify for the Tax Credit
The Tesla discount disappears on December 31, 2022, and the new government tax credit kicks in. But it is important to note that not all Teslas qualify for the clean vehicle tax credit. Model S and Model X are not on the list of eligible vehicles due to price, but the rear wheel and long-range versions of the Model 3 did make the list if the manufacturer's suggested retail price is below $55,000.
Six versions of the Model Y also made the list. They include the all-wheel drive, long-range and performance versions in the five-seat and seven-seat variations. Interestingly, Tesla does not produce a Model Y Performance in the seven-passenger setup, but it’s available for credit.
The IRS appears to work closely with vehicle manufacturers to determine eligible models. This could be telling of what Tesla plans to offer in 2023.
We may not only see a seven-seater performance Model Y, but we may also see Tesla reintroduce the Long Range Model 3 or Model Y for under $55,000 in 2023.
The Model Y all-wheel drive, long-range and performance five-seat variants do not currently qualify for the tax rebate according to the IRS since their MSRP is above the $55,000 threshold. We'll have to see if Tesla makes any changes to these models to get them under the $55,000 MSRP limit.
Model Year | Vehicle Description | Applicable MSRP Limit |
2023 | Tesla Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive | $55,000 |
2023 | Tesla Model 3 Long Range | $55,000 |
2023 | Tesla Model Y All-Wheel Drive - 7 seat variant (3-rows) | $80,000 |
2023 | Tesla Model Y Long Range - 7 seat variant (3-rows) | $80,000 |
2023 | Tesla Model Y Performance - 7 seat variant (3-rows) | $80,000 |
2023 | Tesla Model Y All-Wheel Drive - 5 seat variant (2-rows) | $55,000 |
2023 | Tesla Model Y Long Range - 5 seat variant (2-rows) | $55,000 |
2023 | Tesla Model Y Performance - 5 seat variant (2-rows) | $55,000 |
Older EVs also Qualify
The tax credits are not just for vehicles purchased in 2023. According to the IRS’ website, purchases made between August 17 (when the legislation was announced) and December 31, 2022, may also qualify for a tax break. There is also a used EV tax credit allowing consumers tax credits for up to $4,000 or 30% of the cost of a used EV that’s at least two years old.
To check if your vehicle meets requirements, use the vehicle identification number decoder on the Department of Energy’s website.
What is the Inflation Reduction Act?
The government says the Inflation Reduction Act is “the most significant climate legislation in U.S. history.” It includes $739 billion aimed at “green power, lower costs through tax credits, reduce emissions, and advance environmental justice.” When announced, the government said, “It will offer new access to tax credits as well as grants and incentives to reduce air pollution.”
The Inflation Reduction Act also has several credits available for EV charging. There is a property credit for companies that install EV chargers. The IRS will offset up to 30 percent of the total costs of purchase and installation of charging equipment, up to $100,000 per charger. Experts believe this new legislation will help the U.S. reduce emissions by 40% by 2030.
