Hybrid Car Review

Under the current tax law, the credit for buying a hybrid vehicle begins to phase out during the second calendar quarter after the quarter in which the company sells its 60,000th hybrid or lean burn technology vehicle.

The credit for all new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicles or new qualified hybrid passenger automobiles or light trucks manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation will begin to phase out on Oct. 1, 2006.

Vehicles purchased before Oct. 1, 2006 qualify for the full credit. For Toyota hybrid vehicles bought on or after October 1, 2006, and on or before March 31, 2007, the credit is 50 percent of the otherwise allowable credit amount. Taxpayers buying vehicles on or after April 1, 2007, and on or before September 30, 2007, can only get 25 percent of the credit.

Here are the credit amounts for Oct. 1, 2006 - March 31, 2007:

* 2005 Prius - $1,575
* 2006 Prius - $1,575
* 2006 Highlander 4WD Hybrid - $1,300
* 2006 Highlander 2WD Hybrid - $1,300
* 2006 Lexus RX400h 2WD - $1,100
* 2006 Lexus RX400h 4WD - $1,100
* 2007 Camry Hybrid - $1,300
* 2007 Lexus GS 450h - $775

Here are the credit amounts for April 1, 2007 - September 30, 2007:

* 2005 Prius - $787.50
* 2006 Prius - $787.50
* 2006 Highlander 4WD Hybrid - $650
* 2006 Highlander 2WD Hybrid - $650
* 2006 Lexus RX400h 2WD - $550
* 2006 Lexus RX400h 4WD - $550
* 2007 Camry Hybrid - $650
* 2007 Lexus GS 450h - $387.50

Beginning October 1, 2007, taxpayers who buy a Toyota hybrid cannot claim the related tax credit.