EV Charging Station

Are you looking to find tax rebates for electric vehicle charging stations? The rise of gasoline prices and the call for more environmentally sound technologies for automobiles have ushered in a widespread electric car movement in the recent years. In an effort to boost consumer purchases of environmentally friendly electric vehicles  (EVs), state governments offer tax rebate incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles. A good example of such a rebate is the CVRP (Clean Vehicle Rebate Project) ¹ that grants between $2000 – 7500 to consumers based on eligibility criteria in California. Additionally, consumers and businesses were eligible for tax rebates when they installed charge stations² available for personal or business use. However, the expiration of a federal program on December 31^st 2011, has complicated what was initially a seamless discount for consumers and businesses aiming to claim up to 30% of charger purchase and installation costs through tax rebates.³ With the expiration of a sustainable federal program, the prospect of charging station tax rebates have been left to state governments with largely variable results. Only a select number of states offer some form of rebate for electric charging equipment and such rebates highly differ in financial benefits rewarded. This guide will look at the existing rebate programs in various states for installing EV charging equipment.

greenhouse gases . Moreover, the growth in alternative energy technologies are also beginning to lower the carbon footprint of electricity generated at power plants, so the use of electricity to power EVs is also becoming less of an environmental burden.

BENEFITS FOR YOUR WALLET: For the consumer, the cost of fuel is greatly reduced from almost $4 a gallon to approximately 70 cents a gallon with the usage of electric vehicles.⁵ A standard level 2 charger will cost consumers up to $1000. Assuming that you would save $3.30 per gallon of gasoline, the average consumer would make up the cost of the charger after 303 gallons. This of course may sound like a lot, but the cost is made up in about 6000 miles, which is less than 1% of the a well maintained and built vehicle’s lifetime.⁶ Although rebates will vary from state to state, the consumer and business owner is bound to bring down the breakeven point for these estimated figures.

TIME AND EFFORT: Medium to high. Unfortunately, without the continuation of a federal program (groups are pushing for an extension of the program that expired at the end of 2012 but no word yet), obtaining a charge station rebate will be tricky. Only a small number of states offer this rebate, and the benefits of such a rebate will vary. Therefore, it can get a bit hairy finding and completing the correct application for such a rebate. But with the completion of general administrative work coupled with a little fact finding, it should be fairly straightforward to file for such a rebate since many rebates are income tax credits.

COST: As in all rebates, tax rebates on electric charging apparatus should be a money saving scheme. This should save you money!

Instructions:

1. Buy a compatible electric vehicle, especially one that also qualifies for a purchasing rebate on top of the charge station rebate. Different states will have different rebate rates for zero emission vehicle purchases. The rebate, however, does not apply to gas-electric hybrids such as the Toyota Prius, but to those vehicles using electric power as a primary energy source. Two of the most popular upcoming vehicles are the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt,⁷ which are fully accredited for electric vehicle rebates.
2. Research an applicable state rebate program that offers charge station rebates. It is worth mentioning that charge stations and car home chargers are both synonymous terms in legal verbiage. Every state has a unique rebate program for individuals and businesses, and they are generalized in the next portion of this guide.⁸
3. Stay on the lookout for an extension of the federal rebate program. Previously, homeowners and business owners could use IRS tax form 8911 to claim the rebate for installing an EV charging station. You may want to consult your accountant or continue to search online to see if there is a new form for 2012 published by the IRS.
4. Send in the required paperwork and collect the maximum allowable rebate depending on the state program you have applied. Whether you are a business or individual, claiming the right rebates for your electric car is a simple and easy way in rewarding yourself as an environmentally caring and daring change agent.

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CONSUMER REBATES

The EV project¹⁰ is a national initiative funded by the Department of Energy and ECOtality that aims to expand the usage of electrical vehicles in select cities around America. Although the EV project payment is not strictly a rebate, one can sign up for the program online, provided the participant follows a few stipulations such as in providing basic vehicle usage data and buying a certified electric vehicle. You can apply for the EV project as a resident of any state.

Arizona: One can claim a $75 tax credit for a home installed charging station intended for electric vehicles by completing Arizona Form 319 – Credit for Solar Hot Water Plumbing, Stub Outs and Electric Vehicle Recharge Outlets.

California: Unfortunately, no statewide programs exist for charge station rebates at the moment, but several cities and towns have adopted legislation that offer sizeable rebates for building personal charge stations at home. Confirm the availability of charge station rebates with your local city council office.

• Los Angeles: Up to $2000 offered in charge station rebates as of April 20, 2011.¹¹ An additional $1200 can subsidized via the EV project.
  
• Riverside: A free charger can be claimed and installation can be subsidized up to $1200 through the EV project. Additionally, the City of Riverside has a rebate program of alternative fuel vehicle purchases that you should be sure to look into if you live there: http://www.riversideca.gov/air/alternativefuel.asp.¹²

Colorado: One can claim a state income tax credit for up to 20% of the cost of installing a home charging station by completing Form 104CR – Individual Credit Schedule.

Louisiana: One can claim up to 50% income tax credit of the cost of acquiring charging apparatus by declaring the charge station as an alternative fueling station under form IT-540 and listing code 71F for “Conversion of Vehicle to Alternative Fuel.” It is worth mentioning that individual charger purchases also qualify as charging stations under this scheme.

New York: Similar to Louisiana’s rebate policy, one can claim up to 50% of the cost of charging infrastructure through income tax credit as an alternative fueling station claimed in form  IT – 253.

Oklahoma: Similar to Louisiana and New York’s rebate policy, one can claim up to 75% of the cost of charging infrastructure through income tax credit as an alternative fueling station claimed in form 511 CR – Other Credits Form.

BUSINESS REBATES

Georgia: In Georgia, only businesses can claim charge station rebates through income tax credits. The credit ranges from 10% of the equipment cost and is capped at $2500. Eligible businesses include sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations, and LLCs and are reported on Georgia Form 600, Schedule 9, with credit code 119 – Electric Vehicle Charger Credit.¹³

West Virginia: Businesses can claim up to 50% in income tax credits off of installation and purchasing costs for electric charging stations capped at $10,000, $250,000 and $312,500 for residential, commercial and publicly accessible areas respectively under form AFTC -1.