In this case, there would need to be an audit and you bring your paperwork showing you bought the car new. Why would the tax credit be first come first serve?!? Anyone can get a VIN off the dealer website.As I recall. you list the VIN in the section of your tax return where you claim tax credits. Then pray that this VIN hasn't already been claimed by someone else when IRS gets around to matching up all the VINs claimed that year. Buying a 'new' car showing 200 miles might be a gamble that some dealer or leasing company was in reality the first owner and already claimed the credit.
That's why I suggested get a written promise from the dealer guaranteeing to refund the tax credit to you, if IRS says sorry, a year or so later.
I assume (retired government auditor here) everyone claiming a specific VIN would be required to show their purchase paperwork showing that VIN. The earliest credible purchase paperwork with that VIN wins the right to use the credit.Why would the tax credit be first come first serve?!? Anyone can get a VIN off the dealer website.
Well, if two people have purchase documents showing NEW from the dealer, then looks like the dealer needs to cough up the $ or get sued for fraud.I assume (retired government auditor here) everyone claiming a specific VIN would be required to show their purchase paperwork showing that VIN. The earliest credible purchase paperwork with that VIN wins the right to use the credit.
But ... asking for a guarantee from the dealer protects you, if things somehow go weird and IRS denies you the credit.
Well, this is interesting...Well, if two people have purchase documents showing NEW from the dealer, then looks like the dealer needs to cough up the $ or get sued for fraud.
They want proof of the date of sale presumably because the phase out began shortly thereafter.I just got a letter from the IRS disputing my $7,500 tax credit for a 2019 Bolt EV purchased 3/3/19. It said the VIN is invalid (it's not). And it said I need to send in a copy of the bill of sale and the manufacturer's certification.