Dollars for domiciles is starting to look like “Cash for Clunkers."  Analysts credit both with recently boosting their economic sectors and, like its clunkers cousin, the first-time homebuyer credit is soon expiring. 

More than $200 billion of the stimulus plan went to tax breaks and incentives and billions in credits for businesses, car buyers, home buyers and the unemployed sunset this year. Cash for Clunkers alone gave a boost to car makers such as Ford (F) , General Motors, Chrysler and Toyota (TM).

The first-time homebuyer credit, worth up to $8,000, applies to deals finalized before Dec. 1.  A deduction for the state and local sales taxes paid on new cars costing $49,500 or less also expires at the end of the year. Customers can also deduct taxes and fees paid in states with no sales tax.

Under current tax law, a worker is much better off losing their job before the first of next year.  The first $2,400 in unemployment benefits is tax-free until Dec. 31.  Workers laid off this year are eligible for the government to pay 65% of the premium for COBRA health coverage for nine months.   

Small businesses can take advantage of generous tax breaks, but must do so in the next few months.  Businesses can deduct their 2008 losses going back to 2003.  They have until Sept. 15 to claim it.  Individuals must do so by Oct. 15.  As for capital purchases this year, businesses can immediately write off 50% of the cost of certain business equipment.

Individual taxpayer can also claim enhanced earned income tax credits, additional child tax credits and the American Opportunity Credit.

Employer-provided benefits for transit and parking are up in December.  For this year the stimulus upped the monthly tax exclusion for employer-provided transit benefits to $230. 

Also, a long list of credits and incentives for energy efficient products has varying expiration dates over the next few years.

Lawmakers and lobbyists are already pushing to extend and expand these tax credits.  Many face opposition over deficit concerns and a historically busy congressional agenda.