CLICar Loan Interest Deduction

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Negative equity, trade-ins, and add-ons

If you rolled an old loan’s balance into your new car loan, only part of the interest qualifies.

When your loan finances more than the car itself, the rules split it: proposed reg

Qualifies (part of the car’s price)Does NOT qualify
Vehicle price, sales tax, dealer fees, service contracts & extended warranties Negative equity from a trade-in, GAP insurance, other insurance, cash-out
IRS-style example: a $50,000 loan = $4,000 down + $6,000 negative equity rolled in → $48,000 of the loan qualifies, $2,000 doesn’t. Your deductible interest is pro-rated to the qualifying share.
Not tax advice. Educational information about the federal car-loan interest deduction, current as of June 2026. The IRS rules are proposed regulations and could change — verify with the IRS or a tax professional before filing.