Economic Stimulus Bill Includes Motorhome Sales Incentive

In news that marks a legislative victory for the RV industry, the conference committee final version of the $789 billion economic stimulus package includes a provision to specifically help the RV industry. RVIA, RVIA member companies, RVDA, and RV dealers, and state associations worked together to ensure that the RV industry received help from the economic stimulus package.

Motorhomes are included in a tax provision that allows a portion of the sales or excise tax paid on the purchase of a new motorhome to be deducted. The deduction is attributable to taxes applying to the first $49,500 of the purchase price.  Individuals with an adjusted gross income of up to $125,000 and joint filers with an adjusted gross income of up to $250,000 are eligible for the deduction.

The inclusion in the legislation of a sales or excise tax deduction for motorhomes is a significant accomplishment for the RV industry, particularly since there were no RV sales incentives in either the House or Senate versions of the stimulus bill. Congress is expected to vote on the final version of the bill today, and an approved bill is expected to make it to President Obama's desk for signature into law as early as Monday, February 16.

RVIA said the RV industry is especially thankful to Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), Congressman Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)  who, along with their staffs, have worked tirelessly over the past several weeks to ensure that the RV industry is included in the stimulus legislation.