Cash for clunkers program 2009

Now that Congress has passed the cash-for-clunkers bill, I'll answer some questions I've been getting about this controversial program.

First some basics: The bill was included in the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009 (HR 2346), which provides emergency funding for our wars in the Middle East. President Obama is expected to sign the bill.

The original idea was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce our dependence on oil. But the concept was carjacked by Detroit and turned into another way to stimulate new-vehicle sales.

Cash for clunkers california program

As passed, people who trade in a vehicle made in 1984 or later that gets 18 miles per gallon or less can get a taxpayer-financed voucher to buy a new vehicle getting slightly better gas mileage.

For passenger cars, the new car must get at least 4 mpg better for a $3,500 voucher or 10 mpg better for a $4,500 voucher.

For light trucks and SUVs, the mileage improvement must be 2 mpg for a $3,500 voucher or 5 mpg for a $4,500 voucher.

United States Senate Bill 247 Cash For Clunkers

For pick-ups and vans weighing between 6,000 and 8,500 pounds, the new vehicle must get at least 15 mpg. The voucher will be for $3,500 if the new vehicles gets at least 1 mpg better than the old one or $4,500 for a 2 mpg improvement.

Different rules apply to work trucks weighing 8,500 to 10,000 pounds.

Mileage requirements are EPA combined city/highway mpg as posted on window stickers or at www.fueleconomy.gov.

List of Cars Qualifying For Cash for Clunkers Program

To qualify, the new vehicle must be purchased or leased between July 1 and November 1, 2009. The trade in must go to a participating dealer. The dealer must agree to scrap the clunker but can sell parts except for engine blocks and drive trains.

Congress only provided $1 billion for the program, but everyone figures that's just a down payment. "The industry is going to come racing back for more money," says Dan Becker, director of the Safe Climate Campaign.

Q: Richard P. asks, "Could you purchase an old car with poor mileage, just to trade it in on a new one. Or does the clunker have to be something you have owned for a period of time?"

A: The trade-in vehicles must be in drivable condition and continuously insured and registered to the same owner for at least one year.

Q: Shula Z. asks: "If I had two qualifying clunkers and turned them in could I combine the vouchers for one new car?"

A: No. There is one voucher per person, and one voucher per trade-in for vehicles with multiple registered owners. Only one voucher can be used toward the purchase of a car.

Q: Craig S. asks, "If you purchase a new car this year (after Feb. 16), you can deduct the sales tax on your 2009 (federal) tax return. Is cash for clunkers something in addition to that tax deduction, or in lieu of?"

A: You could get both incentives, assuming you qualify for both. While the sales-tax deduction has income limits clunkers does not.

Q: Steve S. asks, "I traded in an Explorer earlier this year that would qualify as a clunker. Can I get a voucher retroactively?

A: No. Although previous versions of the bill were retroactive to March 30, the final one is not.

If you have more questions, e-mail me. Some answers might have to wait. After Obama signs the bill, the government has 30 days to publish a Web site that includes guidelines for determining eligible trade-ins, details on participation and a list of new vehicles that meet program requirements.

When Are The Child Tax Credit Checks Being Mailed

One good thing about the tax cuts in the new law is that most people didn't have to wait long to start seeing the savings. Employers have generally lowered the amount of federal tax withheld from their workers’ paychecks, reflecting lower tax rates for most people and a larger standard deduction for married couples.

The Treasury mailed checks to most people who claimed the Child Tax Credit last year, as an advance payment of the credit’s increase. And these mailings will continue until the end of the year to eligible taxpayers who filed after April.

If you claimed this credit on your 2002 tax return, you may be eligible for up to $400 for each qualifying child. That’s the difference between the old maximum credit of $600 and the new amount of $1,000.

You don't have to do anything to get these benefits. Your employer adjusts your paycheck withholding based on the W-4 form you had on file. The IRS figures if you’re entitled to any advance Child Tax Credit payment and has it sent straight to your mailbox – automatically! You don’t have to call, apply or fill out another form.

Some other changes aren’t so automatic, but could also mean extra money in your pocket. Lower tax rates for long-term capital gains and qualifying dividends may allow you to reduce your estimated tax payments for the rest of the year.

An increase in the Alternative Minimum Tax exemption may insulate you from that tax computation. Business owners may claim larger first-year depreciation allowances and Section 179 expensing amounts.