Understanding the Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Opportunities and Challenges

When new tax rules hit the headlines, they often sound like they’ll change everything—until you dig into the fine print. The Opportunities for Borrowing Benefits for American Automobiles (OBBBA) is a perfect example. On paper, it looks exciting: up to a $10,000 deduction on interest paid for passenger vehicle loans. But like a lot of tax code “gifts,” the details can turn that shiny perk into more of a puzzle.

So let’s break it down in plain English.

Who Qualifies (and Who Doesn’t)

  • Personal-use vehicles only: If you’re a small business owner who uses your car for both business and personal errands, you won’t be able to write off the interest under OBBBA. This one’s strictly for personal-use vehicles under 14,000 pounds.

  • New cars only: Buying used? Sorry—this deduction won’t apply. Even eco-friendly used car buyers are left out.

  • No RVs: Cars, motorcycles, SUVs are in. Motorhomes and RVs? Not eligible.

  • Loan requirements: The loan has to be secured against the vehicle. That rules out leases or borrowing from a friend or family member.

  • Assembled in the U.S.: The car has to be built in the U.S. With global supply chains, this rule may trip up more people than expected.

  • Income limits: Higher earners may see the deduction shrink or disappear. For singles, it starts phasing out at $100,000 in income; for couples, at $200,000.

The Catch

Even if you check all the boxes, this deduction is temporary—it’s only available from 2025 through 2028 unless Congress decides to extend it.

Is It Worth It?

For some taxpayers, especially those in the 22% bracket, the deduction could save a decent chunk of change. But for many, the hurdles make it less appealing. And for small business owners, it doesn’t touch the vehicles you actually use to grow your business.

That’s why the OBBBA feels less like a slam dunk and more like a reminder: every new tax provision has layers. The trick isn’t just knowing what’s available—it’s knowing whether it fits into your bigger financial strategy.

running car road to success

The Bottom Line

At Freedom Line Accounting & Tax, we help small business owners cut through the noise and focus on what really moves the needle for your business. Whether it’s deductions like OBBBA, strategic planning, or outsourced CFO services, our goal is simple: to free you from financial headaches so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.

👉 Curious how this provision—or others—might apply to you? Book a complimentary consultation with Freedom Line Accounting & Tax today. Let’s make sure you’re not just reacting to tax changes but actually using them to your advantage.

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