If the IRS rejects your Form 8936 due to a VIN error, here are the steps you should take:
Steps to Address the VIN Error on Form 8936
- Verify the VIN: Ensure that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) you entered is correct. Compare it with the VIN on Form 15400, which you should have received from the seller. Remember, a VIN is a 17-character code that does not include the letters “O”, “Q”, or “I”.
- Check Dealer Notification: Confirm that the dealer has notified the IRS about the vehicle’s sale via the Energy Credits Online (ECO) website. If not, the IRS may not have the VIN in their database, leading to rejection.
- Correct Entry and Resubmit: If the VIN is correct, ensure it is entered correctly in the form (no typos, correct case, and no unnecessary spaces). Resubmit the return with the corrected VIN.
- Provide Additional Documentation: If you’re certain the VIN is correct, you may need to attach a binary file or a document (like a PDF of Form 15400) to substantiate the VIN.
- Confirm Vehicle Eligibility: Verify that the vehicle qualifies for the clean vehicle credit by checking its eligibility at fueleconomy.gov or energy.gov.
- Contact Dealer and IRS: If necessary, reach out to the dealer to confirm they have submitted the vehicle’s information. You might also need to contact the IRS for further assistance.
- Consider Paper Filing or Amended Return: If the issue persists, you might need to paper file or initially file without the credit and then amend the return once the dealer has updated the IRS.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-steps-should-i-take-if-the-irs-rejects-my-form-8936-due-to-a-vin-error/
