After ordering a 2025 Tesla Model Y, one customer posted a video expressing her concern that she will no longer receive the tax credit that incentivized her to order the vehicle.
On Sept. 22, TikTok user @legacy7mama posted a video asking her viewers if she has reason to worry that she will no longer receive a tax credit, likely referring to the Clean Vehicle Tax Credit under the Inflation Reduction Act.
“I ordered my 2026 Tesla Y on Sept. 9. It's not here yet. I have nine days left in the month until I don't get the tax credit,” she explained. “So I'm slightly freaking out. Okay. I'm really freaking out.”
She states that she checks the app every day out of fear that the vehicle will not arrive before Sept 30 and shares a screenshot of a new message that appeared on the screen, which says, “Delivery scheduling will open once we confirm your vehicle’s arrival date.”
After explaining her circumstances, she asks, “I don't understand. How do I know that it's gonna be here?”
What Is The Clean Vehicle Tax Credit?
The user is most likely referring to the federal Clean Vehicle Tax Credit under the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides up to $7,500 for qualifying new electric vehicles, including Teslas, purchased by eligible buyers.
The tax credit is an incentive designed to encourage consumers to buy new electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be applied directly to the buyer’s federal income taxes to effectively reduce the cost of the vehicle. The goal of the credit is to accelerate the adoption of low‑emission vehicles and support the transition to cleaner transportation in the United States.
What Happens On Sept. 30?
Viewers of her video were quick to answer her questions in the comments. “As long as you placed a deposit and or signed a contract to purchase by end of month you’ll qualify for the tax credit,” said one user.
“They changed the rules, as long as you paid the order fee before end of month you still get the credit,” explained one user. “It's on their website now.”
The commenters are largely correct, but there are important details to understand. Under the Inflation Reduction Act and the IRS guidance, the vehicle must be “acquired” on or before the cutoff date to preserve eligibility for the tax credit. The IRS defines acquisition as when “a written binding contract is entered into and a payment has been made.”
This means that a customer who places an order, signs a binding purchase contract, and pays the required amount by Sept. 30, 2025, can still qualify for the tax credit even if delivery occurs after that date.
