Can I File Form 8936 for 2023 EV Tax Clean Vehicle Credits Now for My Tesla Model Y?

Thanks for the quick response! So I definitely need to file a 1040-X along with the 8936? I was hoping to avoid doing a whole amended return. Do you know if the $9,500 credit is worth the hassle of amending? And how complicated is that process?

Yes, you definitely need to file Form 1040-X (Amended Return) along with Form 8936. There's no mechanism to just file the 8936 by itself after your original return was submitted. The $7,500 clean vehicle credit (not $9,500) is absolutely worth amending for - that's a significant amount of money! The process isn't overly complicated, especially through TurboTax which can help you file an amended return. You'll indicate the changes to your tax liability based on the credit, complete Form 8936, and submit everything together.

I'm looking at doing something similar. Did taxr.ai handle the actual filing of the amended return or did you still need to submit everything yourself? Not sure how that part works.

Sounds too good to be true tbh. I thought you needed VIN numbers and specific Tesla info to fill out Form 8936 correctly. Does this thing actually know all the Model Y specs and which ones qualify for the credit? Tesla changed their battery suppliers mid-2023 which affected eligibility.

It doesn't file for you - it prepares all the documentation and gives you step-by-step instructions for submitting your amendment, but you still handle the actual submission yourself. I printed and mailed mine, but they provided options for e-filing too. The tool actually asks for your VIN and purchase date, then checks it against their database of qualifying vehicles. In my case, it confirmed my Model Y qualified based on when and where it was manufactured. It also highlighted which parts of the battery met the critical mineral and component requirements for the full credit. Super thorough!

How does this actually work? Does Claimyr just keep calling the IRS for you or something? I don't understand how they get through when nobody else can.

Yeah right. So you're telling me this service somehow magically gets past the IRS phone system that literally everyone complains about? The same IRS that has like a 2% answer rate? Sorry but I'm extremely skeptical. Sounds like they just take your money and you end up waiting on hold anyway.

They use a system that navigates the IRS phone tree and holds your place in line. When they're about to connect with an agent, you get a call and they connect you directly. It's not magic - just technology that automates the frustrating part of waiting on hold. I was skeptical too, but it absolutely works. They don't just "keep calling" - they have a system that stays in the queue and monitors for when a live person picks up. I connected with an IRS representative who pulled up my amended return information and confirmed it was in process, which was the peace of mind I needed.

Thanks for that info, I wasn't aware the credit might be different based on manufacturing dates. My VIN starts with LYV which I think means it was built in the Fremont factory? I purchased in June 2023 but not sure exactly when it was manufactured. Is there an easy way to check this?

Tesla has a lookup tool on their website where you can enter your VIN to check eligibility. For June 2023 purchases, most Model Ys qualified for the full credit, but it's always good to verify. The Fremont-built models (which yours appears to be based on the LYV prefix) should qualify for the full $7,500 if purchased after April 18, 2023, when the Treasury finalized their guidance. For extra confirmation, you could log into your Tesla account where the purchase documents sometimes include manufacturing information. The IRS also published a list of qualifying vehicles that you can cross-reference with your specific vehicle details.

I amended for the same reason in March and got my refund about 16 weeks later. The "Where's My Amended Return" tool never updated beyond "received" but the money showed up in my account. Check your bank account - it might have come through already!

Welcome to the amended return club! Based on my experience and what I've seen others report here, processing times seem to vary quite a bit. I filed my 1040-X with Form 8936 in January and got my refund after about 20 weeks - definitely longer than the typical 16 weeks they quote, but it did come through eventually. For e-filing, unfortunately most tax software (including TurboTax) doesn't support e-filing amended returns with Form 8936 yet. I ended up having to print and mail everything. Make sure to send it certified mail so you have proof of delivery - that really helps if you need to call and check on status later. One tip: keep copies of absolutely everything and take photos of your mailed package. The IRS "Where's My Amended Return" tool is pretty unreliable, so having your own documentation helps a lot if you need to follow up. Good luck with your amendment!