The replenishment centers have stock that is preconfigured by Ford with certain fixed trim levels and color options. I was told there is 1 on the West coast, and 1 on the East coast. The one on the West coast is in Oakland, and that's where my Avalanche Lariat came from.
What does you CPA say about the situation? I would contact (Or have your CPA do it) the IRS and ask if your VIN has been used to secure the tax credit to play it safe.
I think if you discussed that you wanted to take the tax credit upfront during negotiations with your selling dealer and they gave you the credit as part of your down payment, it would be enough for them to do what they needed to secure the $7500 from the IRS. Depends on the State's...
My hearing isn't great, but my wife's is. Our stock 2024 Lariat is the quietest vehicle we have ever owned. And we've had a BMW 520i and a Lexus GS350 previously. My wife's 2017 Explorer Platinum is pretty quiet for an ICE vehicle, but definitely louder than the Lightning.
6. Total Downpayment:
E. Manufacturer's Rebate $2,000
I. Cash, Cash Equivalent, Check, Credit Card, or Debit Card $7500
Total Downpayment (C through I) $9500
The line "I" entry was the Federal Tax Credit
Paperwork filled out using DocuSign on 9/30/24 as my selling dealer is out of town. Drove there and picked up my truck 10/1. $7500 Federal tax credit listed as "down payment" on my sales contract. Received IRS letter on 1/18/2025, and it has the correct VIN listed on it.
This is what I've been seeing too, although people who voted this administration in and are EV adopters keep tap dancing around the reality of what's on the new Administration's plate, or they are just sticking their heads in the sand.
Again, I find it hard to believe any dealer gave you the $7500 credit and didn't collect same from the IRS. That kind of mistake doesn't just slip between the cracks. We're not talking about a couple hundred bucks which would be easy to absorb by just reducing somebody's commission for making...
Do you really think your dealer shorted themselves $7500 on your deal? Not likely. If you take the credit on your taxes, be prepared for an audit or at the least a correction on your return plus fines and interest.