VW is giving me a $1000 kickback. Would it be taxable?

Jan 04, 2016 1 Replies

As a "Goodwill gesture", VW is giving me a $1000 gift card for selling me a diesel with tampered emissions back in 2014. According to their FAQ, they will not issue a 1099, but says that I should consult a tax adviser.



I consider this to be a reduction in basis, which is a moot point as the car is probably worth far less than my basis at this point. Out of curiosity: Under what circumstances would this be a taxable event?


It would be taxable if you were deducting the cost of the car as a business expense (depreciation) and didn't have sufficient remaining basis, or had already disposed of the vehicle in a taxable transaction.

Ira Smilovitz

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