If the dealer hasn’t reported the vehicle sale to the IRS, follow these critical steps to resolve the issue and claim your clean vehicle tax credit:
- Contact the dealer immediately
Remind them of their legal obligation to submit the time-of-sale report via IRS Energy Credits Online (ECO) within 3 calendar days of the sale date. If the report is missing, your eligibility for the tax credit is jeopardized. - Request documentation
The dealer must provide:- Time-of-sale report (detailing vehicle eligibility and credit amount)
- IRS confirmation of their ECO submission.
If you received a paper copy, ensure it matches the IRS-accepted version.
- Escalate if unresolved
If the dealer refuses or fails to comply:- Document all communication (emails, letters)
- Visit the dealership in person to request assistance.
- Contact the IRS at a later stage if the tax credit is denied due to the missing report.
Key consequences of inaction:
Without a successfully submitted time-of-sale report, you cannot claim the credit, even if the vehicle qualifies. The IRS explicitly states this requirement is non-negotiable for 2024+ vehicle purchases.
Pro tip: Always verify the dealer’s IRS registration status before purchasing by asking for their IRS Energy Credits Online confirmation.
While the search results don’t specify IRS contact procedures for buyers in this scenario, general IRS guidance recommends working through the dealer first, as they alone can submit the required report.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-should-i-do-if-the-dealer-hasnt-reported-the-vehicles-sale-to-the-irs/
