Even if you missed out on the “cash for clunkers” government rebate earlier this year, you can still save big by deducting the state and local taxes you pay when you buy a new car, light truck, motor home or motorcycle by December 31. (Sorry -- used vehicles don’t qualify for the sales-tax break.)
The deduction, which you claim when you file your 2009 tax return next spring, is limited to the taxes and fees paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of a vehicle, but there is no limit to how many vehicles you can buy. So, for example, a married couple could buy two cars and deduct the sale taxes on both. The break starts phasing out for individuals with incomes of more than $125,000 and disappears at $135,000. It’s available to married couples with incomes of up to $250,000, phasing out at $260,000.
The deduction applies to vehicles purchased from February 17, 2009, through the end of the year. The sales-tax break is set to disappear at year-end and isn’t likely to be extended.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
If you don’t itemize, you can add the sales-tax amount to your standard deduction. If you itemize, you’ll include the sales tax with your other write-offs. And if you live in one of the five states that don’t impose a state sales tax -- Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon--you can deduct other fees or taxes on the vehicle purchase imposed by your state or local government, as either an add-on to your standard deduction or an additional itemized deduction.
This break is of no benefit to taxpayers who itemize and choose to deduct state sales taxes instead of state income taxes (a scenario most likely in states that don’t impose an income tax). Even before the new rule took effect, they could deduct the sales tax paid on a car -- new or used -- with no purchase-price limit.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Rally Despite Rising Geopolitical TensionThe main indexes were mixed on Tuesday but closed well off their lows after an early flight to safety.
-
What's at Stake for Alphabet as DOJ Eyes Google's ChromeAlphabet is higher Tuesday even as antitrust officials at the DOJ support forcing Google to sell its popular web browser. Here's what you need to know.
-
Premium Tax Credit: Are You Eligible For This Health Insurance Tax Break?Tax Credits The tax credit can help qualifying individuals pay for coverage from the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace.
-
FSA Contribution Limits Are Higher for 2025FSA A flexible spending account allows you to build tax-free savings for certain medical expenses.
-
Florida Tax Deadline Extension: What You Need to KnowTax Relief The IRS extended federal tax return file time due to severe storms.
-
IRS: Here’s How to Recover Your Tax Records After a Natural DisasterTax Records Your tax documents can help you get federal relief faster, the IRS says.
-
Voters Approve New Veteran Property Tax ReliefTax Relief Thanks to the election, some Veterans will soon see expanded property tax exemptions.
-
Nevada Approves Diaper Tax Relief Amid Childcare CrisisTax Relief Nevada voters have expanded sales tax relief to diapers. But are prices still too high?
-
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) 2024: How Much Will You Get?Tax Credits The refundable amount for workers with or without children is slightly higher this year. Here’s what you need to know.
-
IRS Expands Tax Breaks for Breast Cancer Screenings, ContraceptivesHealthcare Now you can get a tax deduction or reimbursement for certain medical expenses, like over-the-counter birth control and condoms.
