MoDOT Eases Truck Regulations for Row Crop Transportation

Throughout a soggy Missouri, farmers are rushing to harvest row crops and get them to storage before unseasonably heavy rainfall ruins this year’s production. The Missouri departments of Transportation and Agriculture are working to help Missouri's farmers cope with the situation.

At the request of MDA, MoDOT issued an emergency declaration that eases certain state transportation regulations through Nov. 30. While the declaration is in effect, farmers are allowed to load their trucks up to 10 percent heavier than the legal licensed weight when transporting row crop commodities from the farm to a local storage facility. Farmers may also operate their vehicles beyond the normal hours-of-service limits when hauling to storage facilities and returning the empty truck to the farm.

These heavier loads are not allowed on Missouri interstates, nor are they allowed on any bridge with a weight restriction lower than the gross weight of the loaded vehicle. When traveling over bridges, the drivers must limit their speed to 45 mph and drive down the center of two lanes.

A copy of Emergency Declaration 09-11 must be carried in each commercial motor vehicle that operates in response to the relief effort. It is posted on MoDOT Motor Carrier Services’ Web site, www.modot.org/mcs.

Because many highways are under repair and might have narrow lanes, drivers are expected to review their respective routes for work zone restrictions before beginning each trip. Consult the Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org or call MoDOT customer service at 1-888 ASK MoDOT (275-6636).

Mike Gillespie files a great story this month in the Journal regarding tax tips for businesses. For everyone who doesn't own a business, here are some for you.

First-Time Homebuyer Credit

If you didn't own a principal residence during the past 3 years and purchase a home before Dec. 1, you can receive a credit of up to $8,000 on either an original or amended 2008 tax return, or a 2009 return. The IRS has more information at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,, ... 71,00.html

Special Sales Tax Deduction for Car Purchases

With 2010 models arriving in dealer showrooms, don't forget that purchasing a new car, light truck, motor home or motorcycle could qualify you for a special deduction for the state and local sales and excise taxes on your 2009 tax returns if made before Jan. 1, 2010. The deduction is limited to the sales and excise taxes and similar fees paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of a new vehicle. The deduction is reduced for joint filers with modified adjusted gross incomes (MAGI) between $250,000 and $260,000 and other taxpayers with MAGI between $125,000 and $135,000. Taxpayers with higher incomes do not qualify. More online at http://www.irs.gov.

Energy-Efficient Home Improvements

The Recovery Act also encourages taxpayers to make their homes more energy efficient. The law increases the rate to 30 percent of the cost of all qualifying improvements and raises the maximum credit limit to a total of $1,500 for improvements.

This credit equals 30 percent of what a homeowner spends on eligible energy-saving improvements, up to a maximum tax credit of $1,500 for the combined 2009 and 2010 tax years. The cost of certain high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and stoves that burn biomass all qualify, along with labor costs for installing these items. In addition, the cost of energy-efficient windows and skylights, energy-efficient doors, qualifying insulation and certain roofs also qualify for the credit, though the cost of installing these items does not count.

By spending as little as $5,000 before the end of the year on eligible energy-saving improvements, a homeowner can save as much as $1,500 on his or her 2009 federal income tax return. Due to limits based on tax liability, other credits claimed by a particular taxpayer and other factors, actual tax savings will vary. These tax savings are on top of any energy savings that may result.

Credit for First Four Years of College

The new credit modifies the existing Hope credit for tax years 2009 & 2010, making it available to a broader range of taxpayers, including many with higher incomes and those who owe no tax.

1. This credit, which expands and renames the existing Hope Credit, can be claimed for qualified tuition and related expenses that you pay for higher education in 2009 and 2010. Qualified tuition and related expenses include tuition, related fees, books and other required course Materials.

2. The credit is equal to 100 percent of the first $2,000 spent and 25 percent of the next $2,000 per student each year. Therefore, the full $2,500 credit may be available to a taxpayer who pays $4,000 or more in qualifying expenses for an eligible student.

3. The full credit is generally available to eligible taxpayers who make less than $80,000 or $160,000 for married couples filing a joint return. The credit is gradually reduced, however, for taxpayers with incomes above these levels.

4. Forty percent of the credit is refundable, so even those who owe no tax can get up to $1,000 of the credit for each eligible student as cash back.

5. The credit can be claimed for qualified expenses paid for any of the first four years of post-secondary education.

6. You cannot claim the tuition and fees tax deduction in the same year that you claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit. You must choose to either take the credit or the deduction, which ever is more beneficial for you.

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