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New Auto Loan Interest Deduction: What Savvy Taxpayers Need to Know

It is not often that the tax code throws a bone to personal spending, but the new “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” has done just that. For loans originated after December 31, 2024, there is a new opportunity to deduct interest on qualified passenger vehicles. If you purchased a new car recently, this provision could provide meaningful tax relief for tax years 2025 through 2028.

At Golden State Tax & Business Services, we want to ensure our clients in Rocklin and beyond are capturing every available tax break. Here is how this new rule breaks down for your 2025 tax return.

Who Qualifies for the Deduction?

This deduction is designed to support domestic manufacturing while offering relief to consumers. However, like most tax benefits, there are strict guardrails regarding who can claim it and how much.

  • Eligible Taxpayers: Individuals, certain trusts, estates, and disregarded entities are eligible.
  • The Cap: You can claim up to $10,000 annually per tax return. If you utilize the Married Filing Separately status, each spouse is capped at $10,000.
  • Income Phaseouts: High-income professionals need to watch the thresholds. The benefit begins to phase out if your modified AGI exceeds $150,000 (or $250,000 for married couples filing jointly).

Critically, this is a deduction available even if you take the standard deduction. It is claimed as a reduction to taxable income on a new schedule filed with your Form 1040.

Tax savings concept with clock and money

Vehicle Requirements: The “Made in America” Rule

Not every car on the lot qualifies. To take this deduction, the vehicle must be new and assembled in the United States. It also must have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) under 14,000 pounds—covering most cars, minivans, SUVs, and pickup trucks.

If this made you think, “I should probably ask someone,” that’s us.
A quick conversation can clarify whether this actually applies to you—and whether there’s an opportunity you shouldn’t ignore. General guidance is helpful, but smart decisions come from advice tailored to your numbers. Whether now or later, we’re happy to help you plan ahead.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US

You can verify your vehicle's final assembly point using its VIN on the NHTSA website here: VIN Decoder provided by vPIC.

Personal vs. Business Use

For our self-employed clients and S-Corp owners, this interacts with your business deductions. To qualify initially, you must anticipate using the vehicle for personal purposes more than 50% of the time at purchase.

If you have a mixed-use vehicle (part business, part personal):

  1. Claim the business portion of the interest as a business expense (Schedule C, etc.).
  2. The remaining personal portion may be claimed under this new Schedule 1-A, proportionally reduced by your business claim.

Documentation and Forms

The IRS requires a paper trail. Interest on personal loans secured by the vehicle qualifies, but interest on loans from family members or leases does not.

Lenders are required to file the new Form 1098-VLI if you paid at least $600 in interest. However, for the 2025 tax year, you may receive a simple statement from your lender instead of the formal form.

Let’s Optimize Your Return

Between income phaseouts and the interaction with business expenses, this deduction can get technical. As we prepare your 2025 filings, we will review your auto purchases to ensure you aren't leaving money on the table.

If you have questions about a recent vehicle purchase, contact our Rocklin office today.

If this made you think, “I should probably ask someone,” that’s us.
A quick conversation can clarify whether this actually applies to you—and whether there’s an opportunity you shouldn’t ignore. General guidance is helpful, but smart decisions come from advice tailored to your numbers. Whether now or later, we’re happy to help you plan ahead.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
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