A federal tax break worth up to $7,500 for new EVs and up to $4,000 for used ones expires Sept. 30, but new Internal Revenue Service guidance says shoppers can still qualify if they sign a binding contract and make a payment before the deadline, even if the car is delivered later.

A federal EV tax credit worth up to $7,500 ends Sept. 30. But the IRS has just clarified that shoppers don't need to actually have the keys in hand by the deadline to get the credit.

The Big Beautiful Bill kills the tax credit on Sept. 30, but you no longer have to take ownership of a new EV by that date. Here's what you need to know and a list of eligible vehicles.