IRS Publication 5724-A – Credit for Clean Vehicles

IRS Publication 5724-A – Credit for Clean Vehicles – If you’re searching for IRS Publication 5724-A, the official IRS resource on the Credit for Clean Vehicles, you’ve come to the right place. This short but authoritative flyer (Rev. August 2023, Catalog Number 93694I) explains the New Clean Vehicle Credit under IRC Section 30D for qualifying electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles purchased after August 16, 2022.

Download the PDF directly here: IRS Publication 5724-A.

Important 2026 Update: Due to provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill (Public Law 119-21), the New Clean Vehicle Credit, Previously Owned Clean Vehicle Credit, and Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit are no longer available for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. You can still claim the credit on your 2025 tax return (filed in 2026) if you acquired a qualifying vehicle on or before that date with a binding written contract and payment. Always verify your specific situation with a tax professional or the latest IRS guidance.

This SEO-optimized guide breaks down everything in Publication 5724-A, expands with full IRS requirements from trusted sources (irs.gov), and includes eligibility, credit amounts, vehicle rules, claiming steps, and FAQs.

What Does IRS Publication 5724-A Cover?

Publication 5724-A is a consumer-friendly one-page flyer designed for dealerships, buyers, and taxpayers. It answers three core questions in simple bullet-point format:

  1. What is the credit for new clean vehicles?
  2. What are the income limits?
  3. What clean vehicles qualify?

It emphasizes that the credit applies only to qualifying clean vehicles and directs readers to IRS.gov/cleanvehicles for more details. The publication does not cover used vehicles (see Publication 5724) or commercial vehicles (Publication 5724-B).

New Clean Vehicle Credit Amount and Limits

According to Publication 5724-A and IRS Form 8936 instructions:

  • Maximum credit: Up to $7,500 per vehicle.
  • The credit is nonrefundable — it can only reduce your tax liability to zero (excess cannot be refunded or carried forward unless transferred at sale).
  • MSRP caps (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, including options and accessories but excluding destination fees):
    • $80,000 for vans, SUVs, and pickup trucks.
    • $55,000 for all other vehicles.

For vehicles placed in service on or after April 18, 2023 (and before the 2025 cutoff), the $7,500 is split:

  • $3,750 for meeting critical mineral requirements.
  • $3,750 for meeting battery component requirements.
  • You get the full amount only if the vehicle meets both; partial credit ($3,750) if it meets only one.

Income Limits for the New Clean Vehicle Credit

Publication 5724-A clearly lists these modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) thresholds. Use the lower of your MAGI from the year you take delivery or the prior year:

Filing Status Maximum MAGI
Married Filing Jointly / Qualifying Surviving Spouse $300,000
Head of Household $225,000
Single / Married Filing Separately $150,000

MAGI definition (per the publication): Adjusted gross income plus any foreign earned income exclusion.

Vehicle Eligibility Requirements (Straight from Pub 5724-A + Full IRS Rules)

To qualify, a vehicle must meet all of these (as summarized in Publication 5724-A and detailed on IRS.gov):

  • Vehicle type: New plug-in electric vehicle (EV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV).
  • Battery capacity: At least 7 kWh with external charging capability.
  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): Less than 14,000 pounds.
  • Final assembly: Must occur in North America (effective for vehicles acquired after August 16, 2022). Check the VIN on the NHTSA VIN Decoder (nhtsa.gov/vin-decoder).
  • Qualified manufacturer: The maker must be on the IRS-approved list (searchable at fueleconomy.gov).
  • New vehicle: You must be the original owner (not for resale).

Additional 2023+ sourcing rules (not in the basic flyer but required for full/partial credit):

  • Critical minerals extracted/processed in the U.S. or free-trade countries (percentage requirements increased over time).
  • Battery components manufactured or assembled in North America.

Pro tip: Use the IRS Fuel Economy site tool or ask the dealer for the official time-of-sale report to confirm eligibility before purchase.

How to Claim the Clean Vehicle Credit?

  1. At purchase (time-of-sale reporting, required since 2024): The dealer must register with the IRS, verify qualifications, and give you a paper copy of the report.
  2. On your tax return: File Form 8936, Clean Vehicle Credit with your Form 1040 for the year you place the vehicle in service (usually the delivery year).
  3. Transfer option: You can transfer the credit to the dealer at purchase for an immediate discount (effective 2024+).

Keep records: Purchase contract, VIN, time-of-sale report, and proof of MAGI if audited.

Key Changes and 2026 Status

  • Pre-2023 rules differed (no North America assembly requirement, different credit calculation).
  • Inflation Reduction Act (2022) expanded and modified the credit.
  • September 30, 2025 termination: No new credits for acquisitions after this date. Vehicles with binding contracts and payments by 9/30/2025 may still qualify if placed in service later.

Publication 5724-A (Rev. 8-2023) reflects post-IRA basics but does not include every sourcing detail or the termination (which came later).

  • Publication 5724: Used (Previously Owned) Clean Vehicle Credit (up to $4,000).
  • Publication 5724-B: Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit.
  • Form 8936 Instructions (latest 2025 version available on IRS.gov).
  • Main hub: irs.gov/clean-vehicle-tax-credits.
  • Vehicle eligibility checker: fueleconomy.gov.
  • Full FAQs: IRS newsroom pages on clean vehicle credits and the One Big Beautiful Bill modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions About IRS Publication 5724-A and the Clean Vehicle Credit

  • Is Publication 5724-A still relevant in 2026?
    Yes — it remains the official IRS summary for the New Clean Vehicle Credit rules that applied to eligible purchases through September 30, 2025.
  • Can I still claim the credit in 2026?
    Only if your vehicle was acquired on or before September 30, 2025 (with proof of binding contract and payment). File with your 2025 tax return.
  • Does the credit apply to leased vehicles?
    Generally no for the buyer (lessor may claim it), but rules vary — check IRS FAQs.
  • What if my income is over the limit?
    You are ineligible, even if the vehicle qualifies.
  • Where can I find the qualified manufacturers list?
    fueleconomy.gov or the IRS clean vehicles page.

Final Advice

IRS Publication 5724-A provides an excellent quick-reference starting point, but always cross-check with the latest Form 8936 instructions and your specific tax situation. Tax laws changed rapidly with the 2025 legislation, and the credit window has now closed for new acquisitions.

For personalized advice, consult a qualified tax professional or use the IRS Free File / VITA programs. Never rely solely on this article — official IRS sources are the gold standard.

Bookmark this page and the direct PDF link for easy reference when filing or planning vehicle purchases. Questions about the clean vehicle credit? The IRS website updates frequently.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not tax or legal advice. All information is based on official IRS publications and webpages as of February 2026.