Ladies and gentlemen, our public education system at work. People are shocked — shocked! — to learn that the $4,500 tax rebate they received in the Cash for Clunkers program is taxable. Every dollar of it.

The Cash For Clunkers program is adding to the activity at treasurers’ offices all around South Dakota. First, people were asking for proof of ownership, so they could show they owned their vehicle for a full year, allowing them to cash it in. Now, they’ll be returning to register their new vehicle. And when they do, new owners need to bring every bit of paperwork provided to them by their dealer.

“That means they need their title, their damage disclosure, their bill of sale and the dealers have 30 days to get that to them,” Minnehaha County Treasurer Pam Nelson said.

But many of those cashing in on the clunkers program are surprised when they get to the treasurer’s office windows. That’s because the government’s rebate of up to $4500 dollars for every clunker is taxable.

“They didn’t realize that would be taxable. A lot of people don’t realize that. So they’re not happy and kind of surprised when they find that out,” Nelson said.

People are quickly learning that “free money” isn’t really “free”. The government is just giving you money they confiscated from other productive individuals. And then taxing you for every penny of it.

Thanks to HAH.