How to Verify Dealer Registration for Tax Credits
- Check the IRS Energy Credits Online (ECO) Portal
Dealers who are authorized to accept and process tax credits must register on the IRS Energy Credits Online (ECO) portal. This portal is used by clean vehicle dealers to submit time-of-sale reports and, if licensed, to receive advance payments to offset tax credits applied during the vehicle purchase. - Dealer Must Be Licensed and Registered
A dealer must be licensed by a state, the District of Columbia, an Indian tribal government, or an Alaska Native Corporation to register for receiving or processing certain tax credits, including advance payments. Non-licensed sellers may only submit time-of-sale reports but cannot accept credit transfers or receive advance payments. - Use PlugStar’s EV Dealer Directory (Optional)
PlugStar.com maintains a directory of dealerships confirmed to be registered with the IRS to offer federal EV tax credits. Dealers listed there have been verified and have a badge indicating they can provide the appropriate tax credit paperwork to customers. - Contact or Search the Dealer Directly
You can contact the dealership and ask if they are registered on the IRS ECO portal to process tax credits. Legitimate dealers should be able to provide confirmation or direct you to their credentials. Some may also be listed on sites like PlugStar which verify dealer registration status. - Registration Verification via IRS or Official Communications
There is no publicly accessible IRS list to directly verify dealer registration; however, dealers must register themselves via the IRS tool, providing their EIN, business details, and applicable licenses. Dealers authorized to accept advance payments must submit additional documentation and be approved by the IRS.
Summary
- Dealers registered to accept tax credits must be listed in the IRS Energy Credits Online portal, verified by their registration under the dealership’s EIN and license.
- You can use resources like PlugStar.com’s EV dealer directory for verified dealers offering federal EV tax credits.
- Confirm directly with the dealer or request proof of registration as part of your vehicle purchase process.
This approach ensures you are dealing with a licensed and IRS-registered dealer authorized to help you claim applicable tax credits when purchasing clean or electric vehicles.
References
- IRS Energy Credits Online (ECO) portal registration and reporting
- PlugStar EV dealer directory verification
- Dealer registration demonstration video and guidance
- IRS registration launch details for EV dealers
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-can-i-verify-if-a-dealer-is-registered-to-accept-tax-credits/
