Are Utility rebates taxable income?

stevens
stevens Member Posts: 1 Newcomer

Are rebates from utility providers income if sent as a cash transaction separate from the utility provided?

I have received this rebate from Southern California Edison in 2024 for having obtained a used electric vehicle. SCE calls this a rebate, but this was mailed to me as a check and not directly credited against an energy bill.

https://evrebates.sce.com/

Answers

  • MatthewD
    MatthewD FreeTaxUSA Team Posts: 409

    Hello stevens,

    The IRS has ruled that such incentives are nontaxable and you do not report it as income. Think of it this way. You use a coupon at a retail store or you apply for a cash-back discount on the purchase of a new TV. Do you have to report the discount or cash back as taxable income. No.