GREAT NEWS FOR CAR BUYERS

AUTO SALES AND EXCISE TAX DEDUCTION

President Obama signed “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009” into law on February 17, 2009. The law includes a new consumer tax deduction for State and local sales and excise taxes paid to purchase a motor vehicle during 2009.

1. Provides consumers a new tax deduction on their 2009 Federal income taxes for “qualified motor vehicle taxes.” Deduction allowed for non-itemizers.

2.Qualified motor vehicle taxes include any State or local sales or excise tax imposed on the purchase of a qualified motor vehicle.

3. Qualified motor vehicles include passenger automobiles or light trucks with a weight rating of not more than 8,500 pounds.

4. Applies to NEW vehicles only.

5. Deduction allowed for non-itemizers.

6. Limitation on Vehicle Price: limited to the tax on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of a qualified motor vehicle.

7. Income Limitation: Phased out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income between $125,000 and $135,000 ($250,000 and $260,000 in the case of a joint return).

8. Effective Date: Purchases on or after February 17, 2009, and before January 1, 2010.

Customers with questions related to their particular tax situation should be advised to consult with a financial adviser.