Can the 2009 new car tax deduction be claimed by two people?

May 1st, 2010

The exact scenario is an uncle and a nephew bought a car. The uncle was the co-signer, but the nephew is the driver and ‘owner’.
When doing 2009’s tax return, can only one person claim this deduction or can they each claim 50% of the cost?
Thanks!

  1. Wayne Z - May 1st, 2010 at 4:51 pm

    Put it on the nephew’s return as he is the owner of the car and the invoice would be in his name.

  2. Badger Boise - May 1st, 2010 at 4:51 pm

    Legally, only one person can claim the tax credit. The exception would be a married couple filing jointly. A marriage between an uncle and a nephew is not recognized by the IRS.

  3. jlf - May 1st, 2010 at 4:51 pm

    The uncle did not "buy the car." He just cosigned the loan. The nephew is entitled to claim the tax deduction.