Advice: Brand new tax law changes

Whether you are brave enough to tackle filing your own tax return or are hiring a tax professional to prepare your returns, here are some brand new tax laws that you should be aware of. As always with the IRS, there are income limitations and other hurdles you may need to jump in order to qualify, so be sure to either check the tax code carefully or seek professional help.

1. Automobile -- Did you purchase a qualified motor vehicle after Feb. 16, 2009, and before Jan. 1? If so, in 2009, you may be able to deduct the state or local sales and excise taxes imposed on the purchase of a qualified motor vehicle. What qualifies as for this deduction? Included in the list are: purchase of a new passenger automobile, light truck, a motor home, or motorcycle.

2. First-time home-buyer -- Did you purchase your first primary residence in 2009? If so, you may be eligible to a credit of up to $8,000. This credit is fully refundable and will reduce the taxpayer's liability dollar for dollar. There are income limits and you must live in the home three years to avoid paying back a portion of the credit.

3. Credit or debit card convenience fees -- Did you pay your tax bill and/or tax estimates by credit/debit card? If so, you can deduct the convenience fee you are charged by the card processor to pay using your credit or debit card. The deduction is claimed for the year in which the fee was charged to your card .

4. Residential energy efficiency -- Did you make home improvements in 2009? If so, you may be able to take a credit for qualified solar electric property costs, solar water heating property costs, small wind energy property costs, geothermal heat pump property costs, and/or fuel cell property costs.

Jennifer Hack is a Weston-based certified public accountant.