Hybrid Vehicles Reviews, Cars SUVs Automobiles Comparisons

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides a credit for taxpayers who purchase certain energy efficient vehicles, including Qualified Hybrid vehicles.¹ Notice 2006-9 provides procedures for manufacturers to certify to the Internal Revenue Service that certain passenger autos and light trucks qualify for the credit and the amount of the credit.² The credit amount for qualified hybrid vehicles other than passenger autos or light trucks is computed using a different formula. Guidance regarding the credit for new qualified hybrid motor vehicles that are not passenger automobiles or light trucks will be provided in a separate notice. Generally, for a passenger car or light truck that is a qualified hybrid vehicle, a taxpayer may rely on the manufacturer’s certification that a specific make, model and model year vehicle qualifies for the credit and the amount of the credit for which it qualifies.³

Even though a manufacturer has certified a vehicle, a taxpayer must meet the following requirements to qualify for the credit:

The vehicle must be placed in service after 12-31-05 and purchased on or before 12-31-10.
The original use of the vehicle must begin with the taxpayer claiming the credit.
a. The credit may only be claimed by the original owner of a new, qualifying, hybrid vehicle and does not apply to a used hybrid vehicle.
The vehicle must be acquired for use or lease by the taxpayer claiming the credit.
a. The credit is only available to the original purchaser of a qualifying hybrid vehicle. If a qualifying vehicle is leased to a consumer, the leasing company may claim the credit.
b. For qualifying vehicles used by a tax-exempt entity, the person who sold the qualifying vehicle to the person or entity using the vehicle is eligible to claim the credit, but only if the seller clearly discloses in a document to the tax-exempt entity the amount of credit.

The vehicle must be used predominantly within the United States.

More... Alternative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit

Summary of the Tax Credit for Qualified Hybrid Vehicles