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If the dealership did not file the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) within the required 72 hours for your clean vehicle purchase, there are a few important steps and considerations based on IRS guidance and recent updates:
What to Do if the Dealership Missed the 72-Hour VIN Filing Deadline
- Understand the IRS Timeline and Relief: Starting January 1, 2024, dealers of clean vehicles must submit time-of-sale reports, including the VIN, to the IRS within 3 calendar days of sale to qualify for the Clean Vehicle Tax Credit. However, the IRS recognized delays and has provided relief for dealers to submit previously missed filings.
- Late VIN Submission Window: As of December 10, 2024, the IRS Energy Credits Online (ECO) Tool reopened to accept late VIN submissions for 2024 transactions. Dealers can and should submit any unfiled reports immediately to avoid IRS processing delays.
- Communicate with the Dealer: Contact the dealership to confirm whether they have submitted the VIN now through the IRS ECO Tool. If they have not, insist they do so immediately citing the IRS relief allowance for late submissions.
- If the Dealer Fails to Act: Unfortunately, if the dealership refuses or fails to submit the VIN even after the relief period, your ability to claim the tax credit may be jeopardized because the IRS relies on those reports for credit eligibility confirmation.
- Contact the IRS or Seek Assistance: While direct guidance from the IRS to consumers is limited, you may attempt to contact the IRS for advice. However, many affected consumers report poor response from the IRS on this issue.
- Escalate to Elected Officials: Some consumers impacted by missed VIN filings have found it helpful to reach out to their congressional representatives to seek legislative or administrative relief, especially if the dealer is unresponsive.
- File Your Taxes with Caution: Without the dealer’s timely VIN submission, your ability to claim the Clean Vehicle Credit on your tax return may be denied, so do not file incorrectly hoping the credit will be granted without proper IRS documentation.
Summary
- The 3-day VIN filing deadline is mandatory but the IRS has allowed dealers to submit late filings through the ECO Tool starting December 10, 2024.
- If your dealer missed the deadline, push them to submit the VIN immediately.
- If the dealer fails to comply, your credit may be lost.
- Contacting the IRS directly or your congressional representative may be necessary if the dealer remains uncooperative.
This situation underscores the importance of dealer compliance in timely VIN reporting to secure the clean vehicle tax credit. If you find yourself in this predicament, prompt and persistent communication with your dealer and possibly elected officials is recommended.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-should-i-do-if-the-dealership-didnt-file-the-vin-within-72-hours/
