I was trying to determine if I need any documents from my dealer for my 2006 HCH purchase (in Dec 2005) to claim the 2005 tax credit of $2000.00.

I found the following on the IRS web site, there is no reference to requiring any backup document. Does anyone know if a document is required to make the claim?

Thanks.

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p535/ch12.html#d0e10560
How To Claim the Deductions





How you claim the deductions for clean-fuel vehicle property and clean-fuel vehicle refueling property depends on the use of the property and the kind of income tax return you file.

Deduction for nonbusiness clean-fuel vehicle property by individuals. Individuals can claim the deduction for clean-fuel vehicle property used for nonbusiness purposes by including the deduction in the total on line 36 of Form 1040. Also, enter the amount of your deduction and “Clean Fuel” on the dotted line next to line 36. If you use the vehicle partly for business, see the next two discussions.

 

I am including my sales tax recipet as an exhibit, so that there won't be any question. I will also probably attach my proof of sales, as additional backup

 

I did not send any documentation for my income credit on my 2004 tax return, when I claimed two hybrid purchases. I have the documentation in my files, ready to send, just in case. Normally, if there is something wrong with my return, they notify me by the August after I file.

 

We used turbotax, which doesn't require anything other than the price and I think the date of purchase. Just keep your purchase receipt incase of an audit..... although the hybrid in your garage should be proof enough.

 

I've looked on the IRS site and the 2006 model year Honda Civic Hybrid is not certified for the Clean-Fuel Deduction in the 2005 tax year. So if you purchased it in 2005, like me, you might not qualify for either the Clean-Fuel deduction or the Energy Policy Act of 2005 credit. Yeah sucks. I submitted a formal request to the Taxpayer Advocate Service of the IRS. I suggest everyone in this situation submit a request to certify the 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid for the 2005 Clean-Fuel Deduction.

 

I went ahead and claimed it anyway on my 2005 return. If they audit or verify, I'll deal with it then.