Advance Auto Zone

DISCLAIMER: Everything contained here is information gathered by me through various news sources and IRS publications. Be sure to consult your CPA or Tax Attorney before purchasing a vehicle to make sure you qualify.

Background: In the mid 1940s, Congress passed a law that would allow for tax deductions to farmers after World War II that would allow them to write off the cost of new equipment to encourage more people to work the land. Although many people took advantage of the law, it sat on the books for years without any changes to speak of. However, in 1996 the amount of money allowable to be written off started to grow for the sole purpose of encouraging business. Besides farm equipment, other things were added to the list such as vehicles.

To keep to the original spirit of the law, vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight of over 6000 pounds qualify for accelerated tax write-offs in the year they are bought up to a certain dollar amount. Until recently, that amount was $25000. In simple terms, if you qualify, you could write off up to $25000 of the amount of the vehicle in the same year you purchased it, plus the remainder of the price over the following four years.

GREAT NEWS: In May of this year, thanks to the 2003 Tax Act, the amount was raised to $100,000. That means that you can buy one or more eligible vehicles and write-off the entire amount up to $100,000 on your 2003 tax return! This is all documented in Section 179 of the tax code. Prior to this, you could take advantage of writing off depreciation, but it had to be done over five years.

EXAMPLE: So say you spend $40,000 to buy a new truck or SUV thats used 100% in your self-employed business activity (meaning you conduct your operation as a sole proprietor, LLC member, or partner). Provided you make the vehicle purchase before year-end and start using it for business before then, you can probably deduct the entire $40,000 cost on this years business tax forms.

SO WHATS THE CATCH? Only that your newly acquired vehicle will need to be used more than 50% of the time for business purposes. Heres a little more background so youll understand how the Section 179 break works. Ill walk you through steps to complete this process and hopefully reduce your tax liability for THIS YEAR.

STEP ONE is to find a vehicle that qualifies for the deduction. Again, it has to have a gross vehicle weight rating of over 6000 pounds. At the end of this article, I will give you a list of new vehicles that is current AND that for sure qualify based on the weight. You can also usually look on the drivers door of any car, and there will be a sticker with pertinent information on it. GVWR is what you are looking for.

Next, be SURE to PURCHASE the vehicle. Leases do not qualify. However if you DO lease there are certain deductions you can take, but generally you can only take them as you make payments. Interest rates are a non-issue, but rebates will affect the amount you can write off because factory rebates lower the sales transaction price.

MILEAGE LIMITATIONS: As with most vehicle related deductions, you are going to have to document your mileage to protect yourself in the case of an audit. Remember, your vehicle must be used a minimum of 50% of the time for business purposes to even qualify for the deduction, but the AMOUNT of business use will also dictate what amount you can write off this year. For instance, lets say you buy a $50,000 Lincoln Navigator and you use it 100% for your business, then you can write off $50,000 this year. But lets take that same Navigator, and say you only use it for business 60% of the time…. then your write off for the year is $30,000 ($50,000 times 60%=$30,000).

To read the rest of this extensive tax code 179 including a list of affected vehicles visit prestigeok.com, your one stop shop to buy new or used cars, sell your vehicle, get an online insurance quote, buy spare parts, accessories and even an get an extended warranty. Original article written by Jerry Reynolds, GM of Prestige Ford in Texas.

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RV awnings are a great feature to have on your RV. There are different types of RV awnings and they serve different purposes. There are window and door awnings that provide shade over your RV windows or entry door. There are slide out awnings that protect the slide out roof from debris and water. And there are patio awnings that provide us with shade when we want to sit and enjoy the outdoors. The awnings on your RV will provide years of reliable trouble free operation, if you take the time to do a little preventive maintenance and cleaning.

The fabric used on awnings is made from vinyl or acrylic. Some awnings have an aluminum or vinyl wrap-around weather guard that protects the awning fabric when it’s in the travel position. When you open the awning for the first time each year, or if it has been stored for a while, you will need to inspect the awning fabric for any signs of mildew or stains. Vinyl awnings will mildew. If the awning fabric is fairly clean, normal cleaning can be accomplished with a soft brush and mild soap and water. Do not use oil based or abrasive cleaners. Clean and thoroughly rinse both sides of the awning. For more difficult stains, or mildew, there are after market commercial cleaners made just for awning fabrics.

Note: Carefully follow all awning and cleaner manufacturer directions.

Inspect the awning fabric for any tears or excessive wear. Do not store the awning when the fabric is wet. Allow it to dry completely on both sides before storing. You can clean the awning hardware with the same cleaner you use to wash the RV. While the awning is out, inspect the awning hardware. The bottom awning brackets support most of the load from the awning. Check that the lag screws in the awning brackets are tight. Inspect the arm pivot holes for any enlarged holes or broken rivets in the handles. Check for a warped roller tube. If the roller tube is warped it will be noticeable when you roll the awning out. Inspect the end caps for secure mounting and broken rivets.

Caution: Do not attempt to remove the awning end caps. Spring tension can result in serious injury.

Make sure the awning rail is securely mounted to the side of the RV. Have any damaged or broken parts repaired before using the awning. In addition to cleaning and inspecting your awning there are a few things to keep in mind when using the awning. Always lower one end of the awning to allow for water run off. The weight from water pooling on the awning fabric can cause extensive and costly damage.

Wind gusts over 20 miles per hour can also cause extensive damage to the awning and to the RV. Never leave the awning out unattended. If everyone is leaving the campsite, store the awning in the travel position. When you go to bed, store the awning. Even when you are at the campsite, you should use awning tie downs to prevent any sudden damage caused by high wind gusts or a sudden storm. You have the option to position the awning arms straight down and stake them to the ground, but you will get better support if they’re attached to the bottom awning brackets on the side of the RV. Remember, it is much easier to prevent damage to your awning than it is to repair it.

Happy Camping,

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk, owner of RV Education 101

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America’s most highly regarded series of DVD’s, videos, books, and e-books. rveducation101.com/ rveducation101.com/

Mark Polk is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three, specializing in wheeled and track vehicle fleet maintenance operations. Polk owns and operates RV Education 101, (based in North Carolina) since 1999, and also has an extensive RV background working in RV service, sales and management. Polk has a degree in Industrial Management Technology with 30 plus years of experience in maintenance includes working as an RV technician, a wheeled vehicle and power generation mechanic, an automotive maintenance technician, Battalion and Brigade level Maintenance Officer, an RV sales manager and also in the RV financing department as the Finance & Insurance manager. rveducation101.com/ rveducation101.com/

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While there are many good quality used cars out there with only one careful owner and there are also unscrupulous dealers out there who will swear that the car has only been driven by their grandma.
So when looking for a used car you should use common sense and a little judgement. Some of the main pitfalls which you should be aware of and which you should avoid at all costs are laid out below to help you avoid buying an ‘old crate’.

One of the most common rip-offs which is seen in used cars is tampering with the odometer. This allows the seller to change the mileage from a high amount to a lower one to make it look as though the car hasn’t done as many miles as it actually has done.

You should always pay close attention to the dashboard. Things like lose screws could mean signs of tampering. Chips on the grille, bumper and bonnet could also indicate high mileage.

Always be on the lookout for any signs that the car has been “cut and shut”. This means that two halves of separate cars that have been involved in accidents have been welded together.

Bring along someone who knows about cars with you to the viewing as two heads are better than one. And don’t forget to do a test drive.

The car should always come with documents and recent MOT certificates. If for whatever the reason the dealer doesn’t offer you documents or gives you excuses for not having them, then run away from the deal as fast as you can.

Finally, a good way to check out a cars history is to have a vehicle data check done. This will look at the car’s background and show up whether it has been stolen or if there is outstanding finance on it, plus whether the mileage is correct.

Louis Rix is a Director of Netcars.co.uk, one of the UK’s leading motoring websites. First established in January 2000, its mission is to become the UK’s number one site for used car searches and motoring information. Netcars also provide netcars.co.uk Car Finance, loans and insurance.

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