Ostensibly, the government uses clean power tax deductions as a method to promote the use of vehicles that are less harmful to the environment. The clean-fuel tax deduction is based on the incremental cost of using a vehicle model that combines traditional gasoline-powered engines with electric motors. The deduction is only available if the manufacturer has submitted vehicle specifications that the IRS has agreed to qualify the vehicle as a "Clean-Fuel Vehicle". Once this has occurred, the IRS then certifies the vehicle as one that qualifies an owner for a tax deduction.

On December 13, 2004, the IRS certified the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid as a "Clean-Fuel Vehicle" for the first time. If you purchased the Ford Escape in 2004 or 2005, you may claim a tax deduction of $2,000. You must comply with two requirements before claiming the deduction. Under current law, you must:

1. Take the deduction in the year the vehicle was originally purchased,and

2. Be the original owner, of the vehicle.

Importantly, you do not have to itemize your deductions to take advantage of the Clean-Fuel deduction. If you are using the basic 1040 form for filing your taxes, simply write "clean fuel" on line 33 and take the deduction. Make sure you review the instructions for form 1040 to correctly claim the deduction. The process is exceedingly simple.

It should be noted that the Clean-Fuel Vehicle deduction is a one-time deduction. Further, the deduction is only available on your federal tax return, not your state filing. Since the deduction will affect your adjusted gross income, however, you should see an additional saving on your state tax return since your adjusted gross income will be reduced. If you have already filed taxes for the year in which you purchased a clean-fuel vehicle, you should consider amending your tax returns to claim the deduction.

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