Tax Credits for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

If you purchase an electric or hybrid electric vehicle, you need a place to charge it. The electric car manufacturer may recommend a company that can install a home charging station. For example, as reported by Dana Hull for Mercury News, Nissan has chosen AeroVironment. The estimated cost of the charging dock plus labor and installation is about $2,200. AeroVironment handles the permitting and paperwork. To help offset part of the cost, you can claim a credit on your federal income tax return and you may qualify for a state income tax credit depending on where you live.

Federal income tax credit

The federal income credit is 50 percent of the cost of the charging station, up to a maximum credit of $2,000. To claim the credit, you must file Form 8911 - Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit. This credit is currently in effect for refueling property installed by December 31, 2010.

State tax credits

In Arizona, you can claim a $75 tax credit for a charging station you install in a home you construct. To claim the credit you need to complete Arizona Form 319 - Credit for Solar Hot Water Plumbing Stub Outs and Electric Vehicle Recharge Outlets.

In Colorado, you can claim a state income tax credit for 20 percent of the cost of installing a home charging station in 2010. The alternative fuel refueling facility credit is claimed on Form 104CR - Individual Credit Schedule.

In Georgia, a business enterprise can claim an income tax credit for an electric vehicle charger. The credit is 10% of the cost of the equipment, up to a maximum credit of $2,500. The credit can be passed through by a business that is a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation or LLC and is reported on Georgia Form 500, Schedule 2, with credit code 119 - Electric Vehicle Charger Credit.

Louisiana offers an income tax credit for 50% of the cost of constructing an alternative fueling station. You claim the credit on Form IT-540. The credit for a charging station is covered under the credit for converting vehicles to alternative fuel usage.

New York offers an income tax credit for 50% of the cost of infrastructure for charging electric vehicles. The credit is claimed on New York Form IT-253.

In Oklahoma, you can claim an income tax credit for 75% of the cost of installing alternative fueling infrastructure, which includes electrical. The credit is claimed on Form 511CR - Other Credits Form.

Business owners in Oregon who invest in alternative fuel infrastructure projects can claim a tax credit for up to 50% of the costs through the Oregon Business Energy Tax Credit. You must apply for this credit before your start the project.

Sources:
Alternative Fuel Income Tax Credits - Colorado Department of Revenue
Arizona Form 319 - Arizona Department of Revenue
Dana Hull, "Electric vehicles: What you need to know about home charging" - Mercury News
Federal & State Incentives and Laws - U.S. Department of Energy
Form 104CR - Individual Credit Schedule - Colorado Department of Revenue
Form 8911 - Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit - IRS
Georgia Form 500 - Georgia Department of Revenue
Louisiana Form IT-540 - Louisiana Department of Revenue
New York Form IT-253 - New York Department of Revenue
Oklahoma Form 511CR - Oklahoma
Oregon Business Energy Tax Credit - Oregon Department of Energy