Prior to January 1, 2006, you were restricted to claiming a $2,000 tax deduction if you purchased a hybrid car. Now you can claim a tax credit, which is much more valuable.

Tax Credit Amount for Lexus GS 450 Hybrid Issued By IRS

Conspiracy theorists often offer rather exotic arguments about how the government tries to control us. When it comes to taxes, they are absolutely correct. Both federal and state governments try to influence our behavior by levying or reducing taxes. If the government wants to promote something, it gives you tax breaks if you do it. If the government wants to discourage something, it loads the product or service up with taxes. (more…)