NEW CLIENTS! Get in Touch Today for a FREE Business Assessment!

Learning Center
We keep you up to date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

New Auto Loan Interest Deduction: A Practical Guide for Montana Taxpayers

Living here in Billings and serving clients across Montana, we know that a reliable vehicle isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. whether you are navigating a job site or crossing state lines for a client meeting, you rely on your truck or car to keep moving. There is some welcome news coming out of Washington regarding the financing of those vehicles.

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a new deduction is available for interest paid on loans for qualified passenger vehicles. If you originated a loan after December 31, 2024, you might be eligible for this relief on your 2025 through 2028 tax returns. This aligns perfectly with our goal of keeping your taxes optimized—one of the three legs of our "business stability stool."

Is Your Vehicle Eligible?

To support domestic manufacturing, this deduction is specifically for new, American-assembled vehicles. This includes cars, minivans, and—crucially for our subcontractor and ranching clients—SUVs and pickup trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating below 14,000 pounds.

Calculator and pen on financial documents

If you aren't sure where your vehicle was assembled, you can verify it using the VIN. The government provides a tool for this exact purpose:

Welcome to VIN Decoding : provided by vPIC

For Subcontractors and Service-Based Businesses

Many of you operate service-based businesses earning between $100K and $500K, often using a vehicle for both work and family life. This is where accurate bookkeeping becomes vital.

Speak To An Expert
Speak to an expert today on how we can help your business
Get Started

If you use your truck for both business and personal trips, you can still claim a business expense deduction for the interest related to business use. The remaining interest may be claimable under this new personal deduction (Schedule 1-A), reducing your taxable income further. However, the vehicle must have been anticipated for personal use over 50% of the time at purchase to qualify for the personal portion.

The Financial Details

We value simplicity and honesty, so let’s look at the hard numbers and limitations:

  • The Cap: You can deduct up to $10,000 in interest annually per tax return. Married couples filing separately also get a $10,000 limit each.
  • Income Limits: The benefit phases out for Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) over $150,000 (or $250,000 for married filing jointly).
  • Loan Types: Interest on personal loans secured by the vehicle qualifies. However, interest on leases or "handshake loans" from family members does not qualify.

Documentation Matters

Lenders are required to file the new Form 1098-VLI if you paid at least $600 in interest. For the 2025 tax year, you might receive a simple statement in place of the official form. Keep this document with your records.

Navigating these changes can be complex, but it fits right into our philosophy of providing practical, personal solutions. If you are looking to update your fleet or buy a family car and want to understand the tax implications, let's talk.

Contact our Billings office today to ensure you are maximizing every deduction available to you.

Speak To An Expert
Speak to an expert today on how we can help your business
Get Started
Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .
Clarity Tax + Accounting Hello! How can we help?
Welcome to ClarityBot--your smart assistant for clarifying payroll, bookkeeping and tax!
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully