(LAKEWOOD, NJ) C.A.R.S. (Cash For Clunkers) and Back Taxes. There is a lot of bad information out there about the C.A.R.S (Or Cash For Clunkers) pr

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) C.A.R.S. (Cash For Clunkers) and Back Taxes.

There is a lot of bad information out there about the C.A.R.S (Or Cash For Clunkers) program. Today, I heard a car dealer on a radio talk show say that if the consumer owes any federal or state taxes when they buy a Cash For Clunkers car, the dealer is on the hook to get reimbursed by the consumer or eat the difference, because the federal payment will take out the taxes owed before sending out the rebate.

UNTRUE!

One, the paperwork is submitted by the dealer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, not the IRS and definitely not to the state revenue department. In fact, the NHTSA goes out of their way in the rule to note that they are not experienced or authorized to deal with taxes.

Two, the rebate is payable to the dealer, not to the individual. The dealer provides the discount at sale, not at reimbursement. If rebates were subject to tax checks, dealers would be essentially become responsible for collections of back taxes. That would be messy and cumbersome – not to mention the number of privacy issues involved.

Three, the rule clearly states:

“For a purchaser, a dealer must collect individual or entity name, address and State or corporate identification number (e.g., driver’s license number, State identification number, corporate tax identification number). This information is used to verify the identity of the purchaser and to confirm no prior participation in the program.”

In theory, then, you could simply provide your name, address and license number. That’s not enough information to run a tax check instantaneously. I mean, the IRS database is good, but it’s not that good.

CONTACT US AT:
MORE QUESTIONS? CONTACT US AT OUR YEAR 'ROUND OFFICES

LAKEWOOD PLAZA
1700 MADISON AVE
LAKEWOOD, NJ 08701
Phone: 732-364-3000

TOWN AND COUNTRY CENTER
1900 RTE 70 STE 218
LAKEWOOD, NJ 08701
Phone: 732-920-9333

MANCHESTER PLAZA
1039 RTE 70
MANCHESTER, NJ 08759
Phone: 732-408-9123

93 3RD AVE
BLDG E STE 505
NEPTUNE CITY, NJ 07753
Phone: 732-502-8314

Want tax guidance year-round? Text HRBLOCK to 37160 to receive tax tips, important information and updates from H&R Block to your mobile device.