US EV charging tax credit - do I need an electrical permit for the tax credit?

So I'm looking at installing a home EV charging station for my new Tesla (so excited!), and I'm trying to figure out the tax credit situation. Here's where I'm confused - my county doesn't require electrical permits for charging stations if you're using an existing circuit. Even if we need to add a new circuit, there are some exceptions to the permit requirement. I was looking at the draft Schedule A, form 8911, and it's asking about permits, which got me worried. I'm happy to follow the rules to claim the tax credit, but I'm wondering if I actually need to get a permit even though my jurisdiction doesn't require one for my situation. Has anyone gone through this process? Do I need to get an unnecessary permit just to qualify for the tax credit? Or is it fine to follow my local jurisdiction's rules that say I don't need one? I'd rather not pay extra for a permit I don't technically need, but I definitely want to claim that tax credit correctly!

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18 comments

Luca Russo

•8M

The EV charging station tax credit (Form 8911) requirements can be a bit confusing. Based on my experience with tax credits for home improvements, you should follow your local jurisdiction's requirements. If they don't require a permit for your specific installation scenario, then you shouldn't need one for the tax credit. The form is likely asking about permits to ensure installations are done properly and safely, but if your jurisdiction explicitly exempts your type of installation, you should be fine. What I would recommend is documenting that your jurisdiction doesn't require a permit for your specific situation. Print and save the relevant section of your local code that provides the exemption. When you file, include a note explaining that per local regulations, no permit was required for this installation. Include documentation of the local exemption if possible.

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Luca Russo

•8M

If your jurisdiction requires a permit but your electrician is suggesting they won't get one, that's different from your jurisdiction not requiring a permit. In that case, you should insist on proper permitting - skipping a required permit could not only jeopardize your tax credit but could create insurance issues if something goes wrong. For the tax credit specifically, if a permit is required by law in your area, then having that permit is likely necessary for the credit. The IRS may ask for documentation if you're audited, and you don't want to be in a position where you can't provide required permits.

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GalaxyGazer

•8M

I went through this exact headache last summer when installing my ChargePoint station. I spent hours researching but was getting nowhere until I found https://taxr.ai which literally saved me thousands on my EV charging credit. Their system analyzed my installation documents and local permit requirements and gave me a custom report showing exactly what I needed to claim the credit. In my case, my city had a similar exception for low-amp chargers, and taxr.ai confirmed I was good to go without the permit while still claiming the full credit. They explained that the form is basically checking if you followed local requirements, not creating new federal permit requirements. Their system even generated documentation explaining why no permit was needed that I included with my taxes.

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GalaxyGazer

•8M

They have a free assessment that tells you if they can help before you commit to anything. I was skeptical too but ended up using their full service because my situation was complicated with a detached garage installation. They actually do have a comprehensive database of local requirements - apparently they partner with building code specialists across the country. They'll ask you for your address and installation details to check your specific jurisdiction's rules. In my case, they found an obscure exception in my county's electrical code that even my electrician wasn't aware of, which saved me from getting an unnecessary $250 permit.

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Aisha Mahmood

•8M

Just wanted to update after checking out taxr.ai from the recommendation above. I was really skeptical about whether they'd actually know my local requirements, but I was impressed. Turns out my county has different requirements depending on the charger amperage, and I needed a permit for my 50 amp setup despite thinking I didn't. They analyzed my installation plans and flagged that my jurisdiction allows online permit applications with same-day approval for EV chargers. Got my permit yesterday for $85, which is way cheaper than potentially losing the $1000+ tax credit. Their documentation package also includes all the forms and receipts formatted exactly how the IRS wants them for the 8911 form. Really made the whole process straightforward.

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Ethan Moore

•8M

If you're having trouble getting answers from the IRS about the EV charger credit requirements, try using https://claimyr.com to actually reach a human at the IRS. I spent WEEKS trying to get through to someone who could answer specific questions about Form 8911, especially around the permit question. Finally used Claimyr and got through to an IRS rep in under 45 minutes (after previously spending hours on hold and getting disconnected). They have this system that basically waits on hold for you and calls when an agent is available. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The IRS agent confirmed that they're looking for compliance with local requirements - if your jurisdiction doesn't require a permit, you don't need one for the credit. Just need documentation supporting that your installation was compliant with local code.

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Ethan Moore

•8M

It doesn't put you at the front of any line - it just waits on hold for you. Their system basically calls the IRS and navigates the phone tree, then waits on hold so you don't have to. When an actual agent picks up, you get a call and are connected with them. They definitely don't have special access - they're just using technology to handle the horrible wait times. I was skeptical too, but it works because it's essentially just automating the hold process. I was able to do other things instead of sitting with my phone on speaker for hours hoping someone would eventually answer.

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Carmen Vega

•8M

I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I decided to try it anyway because I was desperate to get clarification about my EV credit situation. Not only did it work exactly as described, but I got through to an extremely helpful IRS agent who spent almost 20 minutes answering all my questions about Form 8911. She confirmed that the permit question is checking if you followed local requirements - if no permit is required in your jurisdiction, you won't be penalized. She recommended getting something in writing from your local building department stating no permit is required for your specific installation, which I was able to get via email the same day. Honestly saved me so much stress and I'm now confident about claiming the full credit!

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Andre Moreau

•8M

I claimed the credit last year for a similar setup, and it went through fine. I included a statement from my electrician certifying the installation met local code requirements, plus his license number. No issues with the IRS. The important thing is being able to document you followed local requirements. If you didn't need a permit, get something in writing stating that. Could be from your electrician, local building department, or even a printout of the relevant code section.

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