Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

NOTE: This incentive expired on December 31, 2021, and was reinstated through December 31, 2024, by Public Law 117-169.

A tax incentive is available for alternative fuel that is sold for use or used as a fuel to operate a motor vehicle. A tax credit in the amount of $0.50 per gallon is available for the following alternative fuels: natural gas, liquefied hydrogen, propane, P-Series fuel, liquid fuel derived from coal through the Fischer-Tropsch process, and compressed or liquefied gas derived from biomass. For propane and natural gas sold after December 31, 2015, the tax credit is based on the gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) or diesel gallon equivalent (DGE). For taxation purposes, one GGE is equal to 5.75 pounds (lbs.) of propane and 5.66 lbs. of compressed natural gas. One DGE is equal to 6.06 lbs. of liquefied natural gas.

For an entity to be eligible to claim the credit they must be liable for reporting and paying the federal excise tax on the sale or use of the fuel in a motor vehicle. Tax exempt entities such as state and local governments that dispense qualified fuel from an on-site fueling station for use in vehicles qualify for the incentive. Eligible entities must be registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The incentive must first be taken as a credit against the entity’s alternative fuel tax liability; any excess over this fuel tax liability may be claimed as a direct payment from the IRS. The tax credit is not allowed if an incentive for the same alternative fuel is also determined under the rules for the ethanol or biodiesel tax credits.

For more information about claiming the credit, see IRS Form 4136, which is available on the IRS Forms and Publications website.

(Reference 26 U.S. Code 6426 and Public Law 117-169)

NOTE: This incentive was originally set to expire on December 31, 2022, but has been extended through December 31, 2024, by Public Law 117-169.

A biodiesel blender that is registered with the IRS may be eligible for a tax incentive in the amount of $1.00 per gallon of pure biodiesel, agri-biodiesel, or renewable diesel blended with petroleum diesel to produce a mixture containing at least 0.1% diesel fuel. Only blenders that have produced and sold or used the qualified biodiesel mixture as a fuel in their trade or business are eligible for the tax credit. The incentive must first be taken as a credit against the blender’s fuel tax liability; any excess over this tax liability may be claimed as a direct payment from the IRS. Claims must include a copy of the certificate from the registered biodiesel producer or importer that: identifies the product; specifies the product’s biodiesel, agri-biodiesel, and/or renewable diesel content; confirms that the product is properly registered as a fuel with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and confirms that the product meets the requirements of ASTM Standard D6751. Renewable diesel is defined as liquid fuel derived from biomass that meets EPA’s fuel registration requirements and ASTM Standards D975 or D396; the definition of renewable diesel does not include any fuel derived from co-processing biomass with a feedstock that is not biomass.

For more information about claiming the credit, see IRS Form 4136, which is available on the IRS Forms and Publications website.

(Reference 26 U.S. Code 6426 and Public Law 117-169)

NOTE: This incentive was originally set to expire on December 31, 2022, but has been extended through December 31, 2024, by Public Law 117-169.

A taxpayer that delivers pure, unblended biodiesel (B100) into the tank of a vehicle or uses B100 as an on-road fuel in their trade or business may be eligible for an incentive in the amount of $1.00 per gallon of biodiesel, agri-biodiesel, or renewable diesel. If the biodiesel was sold at retail, only the person that sold the fuel and placed it into the tank of the vehicle is eligible for the tax credit. The incentive is allowed as a credit against the taxpayer’s income tax liability. Claims must include a copy of the certificate from the registered biodiesel producer or importer that: identifies the product; specifies the product’s biodiesel, agri-biodiesel, and/or renewable diesel content; confirms that the product is properly registered as a fuel with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and confirms that the product meets the requirements of ASTM Standard D6751. Renewable diesel is defined as liquid fuel derived from biomass that meets EPA’s fuel registration requirements and ASTM Standards D975 or D396; the definition of renewable diesel does not include any fuel derived from co-processing biomass with a feedstock that is not biomass.

For more information about claiming the credit, see IRS Forms 637 and 8864, which are available on the IRS Forms and Publications website. For information about registering with the EPA, see the EPA Fuels Registration, Reporting, and Compliance Help website.

(Reference 26 U.S. Code 40A and Public Law 117-169)

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-169) amended the Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit (IRC 30D), now known as the Clean Vehicle Credit, and added a new requirement for final assembly in North America that took effect on August 17, 2022. Additional requirements apply for vehicles placed in service (delivered) on or after January 1, 2023, and the amount of the credit will depend on whether the vehicle meets new critical minerals and battery components requirements for vehicles placed in service after April 17, 2023. See the IRS Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Credit for more information. Taxpayers who purchase an eligible vehicle may qualify for a tax credit of up to $7,500. Additional details are provided below based on when the vehicle is purchased or placed-in-service.

For up-to-date information on eligibility requirements for the Clean Vehicle Credit or for additional detail, see the information from the IRS. For a list of incentives by vehicle, see Federal Tax Credits on FuelEconomy.gov. For a summary of the credit, see Electric Vehicle (EV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Tax Credit.

(Reference U.S. Code 30D and Public Law 117-169)

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program may offer direct loans to eligible manufacturers for up to 30% of the cost of re-equipping, expanding, or establishing manufacturing facilities in the United States used to produce qualified ATVs, ATV components, or alternative fuel infrastructure, including associated hardware and software. Qualified ATVs are light-, medium-, and heavy-duty ultra-efficient vehicles that meet specified federal emission standards and fuel economy requirements, and emit low or zero exhaust. Ultra-efficient vehicles are fully closed compartment vehicles, designed to carry at least two adult passengers, which achieve at least 75 miles per gallon while operating on gasoline or diesel fuel, as hybrid electric vehicles operating on gasoline or diesel fuel, or as fully electric vehicles. Qualified components must be designed for ATVs and installed for the purpose of meeting ATV performance requirements, as determined by DOE. For more information, see the DOE’s ATVs Manufacturing Loan Program website and ATVs Manufacturing Loan Program fact sheet.

(Reference 42 U.S. Code 17013 and Public Law 117-169)

NOTE: This incentive expired on December 31, 2021, and was reinstated through December 31, 2024, by Public Law 117-169.

An alternative fuel blender that is registered with the IRS may be eligible for a tax incentive on the sale or use of the alternative fuel blend (mixture) for use as a fuel in the blender’s trade or business. The credit is in the amount of $0.50 per gallon of alternative fuel used to produce a mixture containing at least 0.1% gasoline, diesel, or kerosene. Qualified alternative fuels are liquefied hydrogen, P-Series fuel, liquid fuel derived from coal through the Fischer-Tropsch process, and liquid fuel derived from biomass. The incentive must be taken as a credit against the blender’s alternative fuel tax liability. The tax credit is not allowed if an incentive for the same alternative fuel is also determined under the rules for the ethanol or biodiesel tax credits.

For more information about claiming the credit, see IRS Form 720, which is available on the IRS Forms and Publications website.

(Reference 26 U.S. Code 6426 and Public Law 117-169)

Fueling equipment for natural gas, propane, liquefied hydrogen, electricity, E85, or diesel fuel blends containing a minimum of 20% biodiesel installed through December 31, 2022, is eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the cost, not to exceed $30,000. Permitting and inspection fees are not included in covered expenses. Fueling station owners who install qualified equipment at multiple sites are allowed to use the credit towards each location. Unused credits that qualify as general business tax credits, as defined by the IRS, may be carried backward one year and carried forward 20 years. For more information about claiming the credit, see IRS Form 8911, which is available on the IRS Forms and Publications website.

Beginning January 1, 2023, fueling equipment for natural gas, propane, hydrogen, electricity, E85, or diesel fuel blends containing a minimum of 20% biodiesel, is eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the cost or 6% in the case of property subject to depreciation, not to exceed $100,000. Permitting and inspection fees are not included in covered expenses.

Eligible fueling equipment must be installed in locations that meet the following census tract requirements:

• The census tract is not an urban area;
• A population census tract where the poverty rate is at least 20%; or
• Metropolitan and non-metropolitan area census tract where the median family income is less than 80% of the state medium family income level.

Eligible projects must also meet apprenticeships and prevailing wage requirements.

Consumers who purchase qualified residential fueling equipment between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032, may receive a tax credit of up to $1,000.

(Reference 26 U.S. Code 30C, 30D, and 38 and Public Law 117-169)

Beginning January 1, 2023, the Clean Vehicle Credit provides a tax credit of up to $4,000 for the purchase of a pre-owned EV or FCEV. Eligible vehicles must be of a model year at least two years prior to the year of purchase and may not have a purchase price above $25,000. Individuals with a gross annual income below the following thresholds are eligible for the tax credit:

• $150,000 for joint filers
• $112,500 for head-of-household filers
• $75,000 for single filers

Only one tax credit may be claimed per vehicle. Individuals may not claim more than one pre-owned vehicle tax credit in a three-year period.

(Reference Public Law 117-169)

Beginning January 1, 2023, a tax credit will be available to businesses for the purchase of new EVs and FCEVs. Vehicles with a GVWR below 14,000 lbs. must have a battery capacity of at least seven kWh and vehicles with a GVWR above 14,000 lbs. must have a battery capacity of at least 15 kWh. The tax credit amount is equal to the lesser of the following amounts:

• 15% of the vehicle purchase price for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
• 30% of the vehicle purchase price for EVs and FCEVs
• The incremental cost of the vehicle compared to an equivalent internal combustion engine vehicle

Maximum tax credits may not exceed $7,500 for vehicles under 14,000 lbs. and $40,000 for vehicles above 14,000 lbs. Businesses may not combine this tax credit with the Clean Vehicle Tax Credit.

(Reference Public Law 117-169)

By February 12, 2023, the EPA must create a grant program for heavy-duty ZEVs and associated infrastructure. Grant award amounts vary and may cover up to 100% of total project costs. Eligible project costs include:

• The incremental cost of a Class 6 or 7 EV;
• Capital, installation, operation, and maintenance costs of ZEV charging or refueling infrastructure;
• Workforce development and training programs to support the maintenance, charging, fueling, and operation of ZEVs; and,
• Planning and technical activities that support the adoption and deployment of ZEVs.

Eligible applicants include state governments, municipalities, tribal governments, and non-profit school transportation associations. Additional funding is available for projects located in nonattainment communities. For more information, see the EPA Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program website.

(Reference Public Law 117-169)

Qualified advanced energy projects are eligible for a 30% tax credit for project investments to reequip, expand, or establish certain manufacturing facilities. Credits cannot be allocated to projects located in census tracts where projects have been previously allocated. A qualifying advanced energy project includes, but is not limited to, projects that reequip, expand, or establish a manufacturing or industrial facility for the production or recycling of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty EVs, FCEVs, EV charging stations, and hydrogen fueling stations. Additional terms apply.

(Reference Public Law 117-169 and 26 U.S. Code 48C)

The EPA must establish a competitive Clean Ports grant program for the purchase or installation of zero emission port equipment or technology. Eligible applicants must include port authorities, state governments, local governments, tribal governments, air pollution control agencies, and private entities that own, operate, or use port. Zero emission technology includes EVs and FCEVs. Additional funding is available for projects located in nonattainment communities. For more information, see the EPA Ports Initiative website.

(Reference Public Law 117-169)

Producers of SAF are eligible for a tax credit of $1.25 per gallon. Qualifying SAF must reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50%. SAF that decreases GHG emissions by more than 50% is eligible for an additional $0.01 per gallon for each percent the reduction exceeds 50%, up to $0.50 per gallon. To be eligible, SAF producers must be registered with the IRS. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, see the IRS SAF Credit website.

(Reference Public Law 117-169 and 26 U.S. Code 40B)