The transferable tax credit applies if you buy a vehicle from a direct-to-consumer manufacturer, such as Tesla, Rivian, or Lucid. The definition of “dealer” in the statute is an organization licensed in a state or territory to sell vehicles. The new guidance goes further to state, “To allow for flexibility, especially in the case of direct-to-consumer sales, the proposed definition of dealer includes a dealer licensed in any jurisdiction described in section 30D(g) (other than one exclusively licensed in a U.S. territory) that makes sales in jurisdictions in which it may not be licensed.”
If you meet the buyer income limits and the vehicle meets the tax credit requirements, you can purchase from a direct-sales EV manufacturer (online, if necessary) and receive the tax credit upfront.
