(1) A taxpayer that is a new motor vehicle dealer licensed under the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.1 to 257.923, may claim a credit against the tax imposed by this act equal to 0.25% of the amount paid by the taxpayer to acquire new motor vehicle inventory in the tax year.

    (2) If the amount of the credit allowed under this section exceeds the tax liability of the taxpayer for the tax year, that excess shall not be refunded and shall not be carried forward as an offset to the tax liability in subsequent tax years.

    (3) As used in this section, “new motor vehicle inventory” means new motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts.