In case you were wondering, those vouchers of up to $4,000 to purchase a new car through the government's "cash for clunkers" program aren't considered taxable income to buyers. So it won't cost you anything on the 2009 federal income tax return you file next year.

For tax geeks, here's the language from the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009 (CARS): 

Sec. 1302 (h)(2)

FOR PURPOSES OF TAXATION- A voucher issued under the program or any payment made for such a voucher pursuant to subsection (a)(3) shall not be considered as gross income of the purchaser of a vehicle for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

For a change, good news from the IRS!–Tobie Stanger