Fill out Form 8936 (Clean Vehicle Credits) online
Form 8936 is used to claim tax credits for the purchase of qualified clean vehicles, including new electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles. The credit can be worth up to $7,500 for new clean vehicles and up to $4,000 for previously owned clean vehicles.
How to fill out Form 8936 (Clean Vehicle Credits)
Verify vehicle eligibility
Confirm that your vehicle qualifies by checking the VIN against the IRS list of eligible clean vehicles. Verify that the vehicle meets final assembly, battery capacity, and critical mineral or battery component requirements.
Complete vehicle information
Enter the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, year, and date placed in service. Indicate whether the vehicle is new or previously owned.
Calculate the credit amount
For new vehicles, determine the credit based on the critical minerals and battery components requirements (up to $3,750 each, for a maximum of $7,500). For previously owned vehicles, the credit is 30% of the sale price, up to $4,000.
Apply income and price limits
Verify that your modified adjusted gross income does not exceed the threshold for your filing status. For new vehicles, confirm the MSRP does not exceed $80,000 for SUVs, vans, and pickups or $55,000 for other vehicles.
Transfer the credit to your return
Enter the total clean vehicle credit on the appropriate line. If you elected to transfer the credit to the dealer at the time of sale, report the advance payment received and reconcile on this form.
About Form 8936 (Clean Vehicle Credits)
Who needs this form
Taxpayers who purchased or leased a qualifying new or previously owned clean vehicle during the tax year. The vehicle must meet specific manufacturer, assembly, battery, and critical mineral requirements, and the buyer must meet income eligibility limits.
Where to submit
Attach Form 8936 to your Form 1040 or 1040-SR when filing your annual federal income tax return. The credit flows to Form 1040 via Schedule 3.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Claiming the credit for a vehicle that does not meet the final assembly requirement (must be assembled in North America)
- Exceeding the modified adjusted gross income limits ($150,000 single, $300,000 married filing jointly for new vehicles)
- Not verifying the vehicle identification number (VIN) against the IRS list of qualifying vehicles
- Failing to obtain a seller report or time-of-sale report from the dealer for a previously owned vehicle credit
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Can I transfer the clean vehicle credit to the dealer at the point of sale?
Yes. Starting in 2024, you can elect to transfer your new or previously owned clean vehicle credit to a registered dealer, who applies it as a reduction to the purchase price at the time of sale. You must still file Form 8936 with your tax return to report the transfer and reconcile the credit amount.
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