Overview
A new EV tax credit rule could affect many electric vehicle buyers, including Tesla customers. While earlier guidance allowed some flexibility on delivery timing, updated information suggests a stricter deadline that buyers must meet to secure the $7,500 credit—especially at the point of sale.
What Changed From the Previous Rule
After the Trump Administration initiated the phase-out of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, buyers were given a temporary extension. Under that extension, customers who placed orders before September 30 could still qualify for the credit even if delivery occurred later.
However, a new requirement appears to tighten those rules, adding another hurdle for buyers who planned to take delivery after the original cutoff.
December 31 Delivery Deadline
According to confirmation from a Tesla Sales Advisor, any current Tesla order that has the $7,500 tax credit applied must be delivered by December 31, 2025. In other words, buyers must take possession of the vehicle by the end of the year to keep the credit at the point of sale.
This is because the U.S. government plans to close the EV tax credit portal at the end of the year. Once closed, buyers will no longer be able to apply the credit directly at purchase.
Uncertainty Around Filing Taxes in 2025
At this time, it remains unclear whether buyers who ordered before September 30—but take delivery after December 31—will still be able to claim the $7,500 credit when filing their 2025 tax returns.
If the answer is no, those buyers may still proceed with their orders, but they would have to pay the full vehicle price without receiving the tax credit.
Buyers Caught in Limbo
This situation puts some customers in a difficult position, particularly those who ordered higher-demand vehicles like the Model Y Performance. While some deliveries have already occurred or are scheduled before year-end, others are not expected until January.
For those buyers, the timing of delivery could determine whether they receive the tax credit—or lose it entirely.
Bottom Line
To secure the $7,500 EV tax credit at the point of sale, buyers should ensure their vehicle is delivered by December 31, 2025. Until there is clearer guidance from the government, customers with deliveries scheduled after that date face uncertainty about whether the credit will still be available through their tax filings.
