Note: This incentive expired December 31, 2009, with the exception of hydrogen fuel, but will remain posted until the federal tax filing deadline.
A tax incentive is available for alternative fuel that is sold for use or used as a fuel to operate a motor vehicle. A tax credit in the amount of $0.50 per gallon is available for the following alternative fuels: compressed natural gas (based on 121 cubic feet), liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied hydrogen, P-Series fuel, liquid fuel derived from coal through the Fischer-Tropsch process, and compressed or liquefied gas derived from biomass. For an entity to be eligible to claim the credit they must be liable for reporting and paying the federal excise tax on the sale or use of the fuel in a motor vehicle. Tax exempt entities such as state and local governments that dispense qualified fuel from an on-site fueling station for use in vehicles qualify for the incentive. Eligible entities must be registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The incentive must first be taken as a credit against the entity's alternative fuel tax liability; any excess over this fuel tax liability may be claimed as a direct payment from the IRS. The tax credit is not allowed if an incentive for the same alternative fuel is also determined under the rules for the ethanol or biodiesel tax credits. The credit for liquefied hydrogen remains in effect until September 30, 2014. For more information, see IRS Publication 510 and IRS Forms 637, 720, 4136, and 8849, which are available via the IRS Web site. (Reference Public Law 110-343, Section 204, and 26 U.S. Code 6427)
Excise Tax Branch
U.S. Internal Revenue Service Office of Chief Counsel
Phone (202) 622-3130
http://www.irs.gov/