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New Auto Loan Interest Deduction: A Guide for 2025 Filings and Beyond

If you have purchased a new car recently, you know the sticker shock is real. Between rising vehicle prices and interest rates, monthly payments have taken a bigger bite out of household budgets here in Orlando and across the country. However, there is some welcome news for the current tax season.

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a new tax break has arrived that could help lower your tax bill. Effective for loans originated after December 31, 2024, you may now be able to deduct the interest paid on loans for qualified passenger vehicles. This is a temporary provision scheduled to run through the 2028 tax year, and it is specifically designed to support the purchase of new, American-assembled vehicles.

At Sandra Stearns CPA, we know that every deduction counts. Since we are currently in the thick of tax season (February 2026), we want to make sure you don't miss this on your 2025 return.

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Who Qualifies for the Deduction?

One of the most distinct features of this new rule is that it is a "below-the-line" deduction. This means you do not have to itemize to claim it. Whether you take the Standard Deduction or itemize, you can still take advantage of this tax break if you meet the criteria.

However, there are specific limits to keep in mind:

  • The Cap: You can claim up to $10,000 in interest per tax return annually. If you are married but filing separately, that cap is split to $10,000 each.

  • Income Limits: This benefit is targeted at middle-to-upper-middle-income earners. The deduction begins to phase out if your modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) exceeds $150,000 for single filers or $250,000 for married couples filing jointly.

  • Ownership: It is available to individuals, certain trusts, estates, and disregarded entities.

Does Your Vehicle Make the Cut?

Not every car on the lot qualifies. To claim the interest deduction, the vehicle must be new (not used) and intended for personal use at least 50% of the time when you buy it. The good news is that if your personal use drops below 50% in future years, you are not required to adjust the original estimate.

The vehicle must also be assembled in the United States and have a gross vehicle weight rating under 14,000 pounds. This covers most standard cars, minivans, SUVs, and pickup trucks.

Unsure if your car was assembled in the U.S.? You can check the final assembly location using the vehicle’s VIN at the official NHTSA site here: Welcome to VIN Decoding : provided by vPIC

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What Expenses and Loans Qualify?

The deduction applies to interest on the financed purchase price, as well as interest linked to vehicle service plans, sales taxes, and fees. If you take out a personal loan to buy the car, that interest is deductible too—provided the loan is secured by the vehicle itself.

Important Exclusions:

  • Leases: Interest paid on leased vehicles does not qualify.

  • Family Loans: You cannot claim interest on a loan from a relative. The loan must come from an independent lender, like a bank or credit union.

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For Our Business Owners and Freelancers

Many of our clients use their vehicles for both family errands and business trips. If you fall into this category, the accounting gets a little more involved, but it is manageable.

You can still claim a business expense deduction for the interest related to your business use. This business deduction will proportionally reduce the amount you can claim on the new personal deduction form (Schedule 1-A). The goal is to ensure you aren't double-dipping, but still maximizing what you are owed.

How to File

For the current filing season (tax year 2025), keep an eye on your mail. Lenders are required to report this interest if it exceeds $600. While a new form, Form 1098-VLI, has been created for this purpose, the IRS is allowing lenders to send a simple statement with the interest amount for this year.

When we prepare your Form 1040, we will include the new Schedule 1-A, which requires listing the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Let’s optimize your return

With over 38 years of experience, Sandra Stearns and our team have seen the tax code change time and time again. This new deduction is a great opportunity, but the details—like income phaseouts and mixed-use calculations—require precision.

If you bought a new car in 2025 or are planning to buy one soon, let’s discuss how this impacts your tax situation. Contact our office today to ensure you are getting every dollar of tax relief available to you.

Schedule a Free Consultation
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