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IRS guidance on binding written contract

Bristlecone

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See below: it seems bad news for those of us who did the binding contract with the $100 penalty.(See last paragraph below). Hope I'm wrong.

"Transition Rule for Vehicles Purchased before August 16, 2022

If you entered into a written binding contract to purchase a new qualifying electric vehicle before August 16, 2022, but do not take possession of the vehicle until on or after August 16, 2022 (for example, because the vehicle has not been delivered), you may claim the EV credit based on the rules that were in effect before August 16, 2022. The final assembly requirement does not apply before August 16, 2022.

Vehicles Purchased and Delivered between August 16, 2022 and December 31, 2022
If you purchase and take possession of a qualifying electric vehicle after August 16, 2022 and before January 1, 2023, aside from the final assembly requirement, the rules in effect before the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act for the EV credit apply (including those involving the manufacturing caps on vehicles sold). If you entered into a written binding contract to purchase a new qualifying vehicle before August 16, 2022, see the rule above.

What Is a Written Binding Contract?
In general, a written contract is binding if it is enforceable under State law and does not limit damages to a specified amount (for example, by use of a liquidated damages provision or the forfeiture of a deposit). While the enforceability of a contract under State law is a facts-and-circumstances determination to be made under relevant State law, if a customer has made a significant non-refundable deposit or down payment, it is an indication of a binding contract. For tax purposes in general, a contract provision that limits damages to an amount equal to at least 5 percent of the total contract price is not treated as limiting damages to a specified amount. For example, if a customer has made a non-refundable deposit or down payment of 5 percent of the total contract price, it is an indication of a binding contract. A contract is binding even if subject to a condition, as long as the condition is not within the control of either party. A contract will continue to be binding if the parties make insubstantial changes in its terms and conditions."
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Tango45

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That came out a month ago and was discussed in the super thread of everyone freaking out, but it was like on page 5,624 of the thread.

The writing there might make you think all is lost, but I am not concerned (and I'm usually pessimistic and paranoid). The key writing here is (emphasis is mine):

"While the enforceability of a contract under State law is a facts-and-circumstances determination to be made under relevant State law, if a customer has made a significant non-refundable deposit or down payment, it is an indication of a binding contract. For tax purposes in general, a contract provision that limits damages to an amount equal to at least 5 percent of the total contract price is not treated as limiting damages to a specified amount. For example, if a customer has made a non-refundable deposit or down payment of 5 percent of the total contract price, it is an indication of a binding contract."

That is not a hard-and-fast rule. By using the words "in general", it is saying that is an example, not the rule. I am still planning on filling out the appropriate forms and claiming my deduction. If I am audited (which won't happen) and the auditor jumps on that, I will fight them on the fact that "significant non-refundable deposit or down payment" is a subjective standard and I expect I would win on that count.

No need to get freaked out, unless freaking out means you're cancelling an order that is ahead of me in line.

--Not tax advice--
 
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Bristlecone

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Thanks Tango45. I'm glad you read it that way. Somehow I missed the previous thread. And I'm way behind you in line.
 

R1Sky Business

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Thanks Tango45. I'm glad you read it that way. Somehow I missed the previous thread. And I'm way behind you in line.
Sooooooo, not canceling huh......
 
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Bristlecone

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Nope, in for the long haul. Though my 4Runner has 235k miles on it, and fingers are crossed that I get to the head of the line before it goes belly up.
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