Washington State Just Made a Tesla Model 3 a $16K Reality

Federal Used EV Tax Credit — $4,000 Off, On the Spot

Welcome to the golden ticket: the Federal Used Clean Vehicle Credit. It slices up to $4,000 off your EV purchase—right at the dealership. That means no waiting, no paperwork limbo, and no wondering if the IRS will ghost you in April.

To unlock it, here’s your checklist:

✅ Federal Credit Eligibility:

Requirement Criteria:

• Income Cap: $75K (single), $112.5K (head), $150K (joint)

• Vehicle Price: Must be ≤ $25,000

• Model YearAt least 2 years older than purchase year (≤ 2023)

• Battery: 7 kWh minimum capacity

• Dealer: Must be licensed and IRS-registered

• You: Individual buyer, not a dependent, no prior claim

🔑 Pro Tip: Tell your dealer you want the point-of-sale transfer. That’s how you get $4K off instantly—not next tax season.

🌲 Washington State Used EV Rebate — Another $2,500 at Checkout

Now stack this: Washington’s Instant EV Rebate. That’s $2,500 more off, applied directly at the dealership.

This isn’t a "maybe you'll get it" mail-in deal. It’s real money, taken off your invoice today—if you qualify based on income and household size.

✅ Washington EV Rebate Rules:

Requirement Details

• Residency: Must live in Washington

• Income: ≤ 300% of Federal Poverty Level ($45K solo, $93.6K family of 4)

• Vehicle Type: Battery electric only, 2016+ model year

• Dealer: Must be part of the state’s EV program

• Price Limit: MSRP must be under $90K (you're safe with a used Model 3)

• Timeframe: Valid through May 31, 2025 or until funds are gone

💡 Translation: Act now because the deadlines passed and now its about what's left.

🔎 Let’s Do the Math:

A 2022 Tesla Model 3 in Seattle

Sample listing from Autotrader:
2022 Tesla Model 3 – $23,991

Now apply your savings:

Price

$23,991

Federal Credit

Subtract: $4,000

WA Rebate

Subtract: $2,500

Sales Tax Savings*

Subtract: $1,300 to $1,500

Final Price

$16,000–$16,200

*Washington also waives sales tax on the first $16,000 of the vehicle price—an underrated perk that knocks off another ~$1,300–$1,500 depending on location.

🏁 Action Plan: Move Fast or Miss Out

1. ✅ Check your income eligibility (300% of FPL)

2. 🔍 Find a used EV (2016+ battery electric, ≤ $25K) from a participating dealer

3. 💬 Ask about point-of-sale transfers for the federal credit

4. 📝 Complete your eligibility form for the WA rebate

5. 🛻 Drive off in a Tesla that cost less than a used Camry

Bottom Line: A Premium EV for $20K...maybe $16K

If you check the boxes—right income, right dealer, right car—you’re looking at one of the cheapest Tesla deals in the country. The tech, the range, the brand… all yours for around $16K.

But heads up: These incentives expire or run out. Washington’s rebate ended in May 2025 but, if the budget is still available, you can claim your deal.