TaxAlmanac:Featured article/September 19, 2006

From TaxAlmanac

Hybrid Cars and Alternative Motor Vehicles

Vehicles Purchased or Placed in Service in 2006

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 replaced the clean-fuel burning deduction with a tax credit. A tax credit is subtracted directly from the total amount of federal tax owed, thus reducing or even eliminating the taxpayer’s tax obligation. The tax credit for hybrid vehicles applies to vehicles purchased or placed in service on or after January 1, 2006.

The credit is only available to the original purchaser of a new, qualifying vehicle. If a qualifying vehicle is leased to a consumer, the leasing company may claim the credit.

Hybrid vehicles have drive trains powered by both an internal combustion engine and a rechargeable battery. Many currently available hybrid vehicles may qualify for the tax credit.

These models have been certified for the credit in the following amounts:

Model Year 2007

• Chevrolet Silverado 2WD Hybrid Pickup Truck — $250
• Chevrolet Silverado 4WD Hybrid Pickup Truck — $650
• Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD — $2,600
• Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD — $1,950
• GMC Sierra 2WD Hybrid Pickup Truck — $250
• GMC Sierra 4WD Hybrid Pickup Truck — $650
• Lexus GS 450h — $1,550
• Mercury Mariner 4WD Hybrid — $1,950
• Saturn Vue Green Line — $650
• Toyota Camry Hybrid — $2,600