I Was Denied the Colorado EV Tax Credit for My 2025 Rivian R1S, Even Though It Meets the Weight Requirement, and Now I’m Wondering If I Checked the Wrong Box

You’d think that buying a fully electric SUV in a state like Colorado would come with a smooth path to incentives. After all, we’re constantly told that going electric is the future, and the tax breaks are part of the reward. But for some Rivian owners, that promise is turning into a paperwork nightmare that feels like it shouldn’t be this difficult.

This week, I came across a Facebook post from a Rivian owner named Mara, who shared her frustrating experience applying for the 2024 Colorado EV tax credit after purchasing a 2025 Rivian R1S. Despite submitting all the documents and proving that the R1S meets the weight requirement, she was still denied, with no real explanation from the state.

Here’s Mara’s post in her own words: “Hi, has anyone received a 2024 tax year credit for a 2025 R1S in Colorado? We were disallowed the credit because it didn't meet the GVWR for the light-duty passenger vehicle (it does, 8,532 lbs). When we provided the supporting documentation for GVWR, we were denied again without further explanation. We are appealing that decision, but wanted to see if there is some experience out there that perhaps we should be checking the box for 'light-duty electric truck' on our form instead of 'light-duty passenger motor vehicle.' We have looked through forums and see others have wrestled with the definitions and obtaining the credit, but didn't find any conclusive results. Curious if anyone has had success in claiming the credit and can explain their experience. Thank you!”

When the Right Specs Still Lead to a Denial

Let’s be clear: the Rivian R1S has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 8,532 pounds, plenty to qualify under Colorado’s light-duty vehicle incentive guidelines. So what went wrong?

The most likely culprit is the classification box that applicants have to check when applying. Mara suspects that selecting “light-duty passenger motor vehicle” instead of “light-duty electric truck” might have caused the rejection. And the scary part is, she’s not alone in thinking this small detail could derail the entire process.

In the comments under Mara’s post, another owner named Eddie shared this: “I also applied for the credit and I’m waiting on a decision. The registration has the wrong GVWR, so I’m assuming the Colorado DMV would need to correct it as well.”

That’s another twist, if your vehicle registration lists an incorrect GVWR, even when the manufacturer rating says otherwise, it could get flagged by the system. It’s entirely possible that the database the state uses doesn’t match up with Rivian’s specs, and that mismatch becomes your problem to fix.

The Fine Print That Trips You Up

There’s no public step-by-step for this kind of issue, which makes it all the more confusing. Mara submitted documentation showing the correct GVWR, but her appeal was denied again. No reasoning. No helpful feedback. Just a vague rejection that leaves her wondering if she misunderstood the form, or if the system just isn’t built for vehicles like hers.

And when you step back, it’s not hard to see how a new kind of SUV like the Rivian R1S doesn’t fit neatly into the old categories. It has the ride comfort of a luxury vehicle but the size and hauling power of a truck. As seen in this long-distance towing story where an R1S pulled a trailer 1,200 miles, it’s fully capable of truck-like work. So calling it a passenger vehicle or a light-duty truck both seem equally valid, and that gray area is exactly where issues like this start.

Paperwork Shouldn’t Be This Hard

If you’re in Colorado and recently bought an R1S, now’s a good time to check what GVWR is listed on your registration. If it’s wrong, it may need to be corrected by the DMV before you file your EV credit paperwork. Because as Eddie’s comment shows, the software Colorado uses to review applications may auto-reject anything that doesn’t align exactly with its own internal records.

Even though this feels like a minor technicality, the implications are huge. A state EV credit can be worth thousands of dollars, and for many owners, that money is factored into their budget and even their decision to buy electric in the first place. Being denied that credit can feel like a punch in the gut, especially when you’ve done nothing wrong.

And it’s not the only time R1S owners in Colorado have faced confusing or frustrating issues with their new vehicles. One owner shared how their 2025 R1S completely shut down while trying to precondition the battery, leaving them stranded in the dark with no warning.

Does the System Understand These Vehicles Yet?

There’s a broader conversation happening here, one that goes beyond just tax credits. EVs like the R1S are cutting-edge machines, and in many ways, the state systems we rely on haven’t caught up. Everything from DMV classifications to emissions exemptions to title paperwork can feel like it was written for a totally different generation of vehicles.

Just ask the owner whose R1S broke down suddenly after 2,000 flawless miles. Their story is another reminder that no matter how advanced these EVs are, the policies and processes built around them are often still stuck in the past.

A System That Needs an Update

When government paperwork becomes a barrier to clean vehicle adoption, something’s gone wrong. And unfortunately, that’s what seems to be happening here. Owners are left to sort out unclear classifications and file appeals without real guidance, all because a checkbox might be mislabeled or a database hasn’t been updated.

And it’s not just tax credits, another R1S owner recently reported a strange popping noise from their SUV after taking sharp turns, a mystery that even service centers were struggling to diagnose. While not directly related to tax forms, it’s all part of a bigger issue: Rivian owners are often blazing the trail in more ways than one.

What You Can Do If This Happens to You

Here’s what I’d recommend if you’re applying for the Colorado EV tax credit:

• Double-check your registration. Make sure the GVWR listed is accurate. If it’s wrong, contact the DMV to get it fixed before you file anything.
• Ask for clarification before submitting. If you’re unsure about which classification to check on the form, reach out to the Colorado Department of Revenue and ask which box applies to the R1S.
• Talk to other owners. Forums and Facebook groups can be surprisingly helpful. As seen in this story about an RV trip that revealed a great fast charging station, Rivian owners often rely on one another to fill in the gaps.
• Don’t be afraid to appeal. Just like Mara, you have the right to challenge a rejection, but keep copies of every document you submit and follow up consistently.

What This Says About EV Adoption in 2025

As someone who covers EVs every day, I’ve learned that the biggest barriers to adoption often aren’t about the cars themselves, they’re about the systems around them. The R1S is an impressive, capable, and forward-thinking vehicle. Even after being rear-ended, one owner found the repair process more complex than expected, revealing just how many cracks there still are in the infrastructure surrounding electric vehicles.

That’s why stories like Mara’s matter. Because they show that owning a Rivian, or any EV, isn’t just about embracing new technology. It’s about navigating outdated systems that weren’t designed with these cars in mind. And until those systems are updated, owners will keep running into obstacles that shouldn't exist.

Key Takeaways

• Vehicle classification matters: If you're applying for the Colorado EV credit, double-check whether “light-duty passenger vehicle” or “electric truck” is the right choice for your R1S.
• Check your registration for GVWR accuracy: A mismatch between what Rivian publishes and what the DMV lists can quietly cause your application to fail.
• The appeal process lacks transparency: Even with the right documents, applicants like Mara are being denied without a clear reason, so persistence is key.
• This isn’t an isolated issue: From charging mishaps to mechanical quirks, Rivian owners across the country are realizing that support systems still need serious modernization.

Let’s Hear From You

1. Have you tried applying for the Colorado EV tax credit for your Rivian? If so, what classification did you choose, and did it go through smoothly?
2. Were you denied the credit like Mara? What steps did you take afterward, and were you ever able to resolve it?

Let us know in the comments below, your experience might help another owner avoid the same headache.

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.

Image source: Mara's Facebook & Rivian Press Room