Tax incentives for buying a new Prius?

I heard the same thing but it turns out it was nothing according to my dealership and the tax man. Just the standard new car buying tax writeoff

 

Those tax incentives are long gone...

 

2010 Hybrid Models & Tax Credits

• Ford Fusion Hybrid - $3,400 (until 3/31/09, then halved--expires 4/1/10)
• Mercury Milan Hybrid - $3,400 (until 3/31/09, then halved--expires 4/1/10)

2009 Hybrid Models & 2009 Tax Credits

• Ford Escape 2WD Hybrid — $3,000
• Ford Escape 4WD Hybrid — $1,950
• Mazda Tribute 2WD Hybrid - $3,000
• Mazda Tribute 4WD Hybrid - $1,950
• Mercury Mariner 2WD Hybrid — $3,000
• Mercury Mariner 4WD Hybrid — $1,950
• Nissan Altima Hybrid - $2,350

The Prius credit expired a long time ago. Many car diesels are still qualifying for tax credit, such as the VW Golf and Jetta TDI's...

 

incentives and Altima Hybrid

For a list of the Federal current tax credits for hybrids and diesels, see Fuel Efficient Vehicle Tax Incentives Information Center.

Since you're in CA, you should seriously consider the Altima Hybrid. From West Nissan Dealers Altima Hybrid Offers - 0.0% APR - $279 Lease - Nissan USA, I see $5000 in incentives, but it looks like $1000 of it ends 5/31 and the other $5000 ends 6/1. I don't know if they'll be renewing those since I don't track these offers.

Then, you've also got the $2350 tax credit. If you face AMT, you might not get any of that. I'd double check the details if you've been hit by it before or are close.