Tax Form 8910 "Alternative Vehicle Credit"

Factual Questions
1

So, I was a good little girlscout and did my taxes nice and early. Then when I tried to file (using the do-it-yourself service on H&R Block .com) I got hit with “Your return needs Form 8910. You can’t complete your return until the program is updated.”

From their main menu, I find that Form 8910 is the Alternative Vehicle Credit and it will be ready on February 7th.

Now, I do own a hybrid vehicle but I bought it 6 years ago. I was under the impression that the credit was only good for the year I bought it. I’ve not entered any “Alternative Vehicle” information on any tax return that I’ve filed in any of the years since. More to the point, I did not enter any alternative vehicle information on this current tax return. For all the gummint knows I don’t even own the car anymore (yes, I do still own it but I’ve not entered any claim for any credit).

The H&R Block program gives me the option to “Ignore Issues” but warns “Your return might be inaccurate. Your refund might be delayed. You can’t e-file.”
So, even though this doesn’t affect me I have to wait until the form is ready?

Is this because I got the credit for the car years ago and it’s in my tax “history”, or is everyone delayed from filing until all forms are updated and complete?

2

It’s my understanding that the Alternative Fuel Vehicle credit is good only for vehicles purchased new in that model year. That was the case last year when I filed my 2010 taxes – I had bought an Audi A3 TDI in Feb. 2010, and could thus claim the $1300 tax credit. As I recall, I had to wait almost two months for the 2010 Form 8910 to be released – it didn’t come out until March.

3

Thanks, 3waygeek. Your understanding of it matches mine- so, I’m left confused as to why I still can’t file.

Maybe just something totally lame about the H&R Block service.

4

I know it’s inconvenient, but perhaps you could try alternative software? I use turbotax, and it didn’t make me fill out a form for my car.

5

You don’t need the form, of course, but maybe this might answer the question?

http://www.businessweek.com/investor/content/jan2011/pi20110114_944345.htm