Under the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (JGTRRA), beginning in 2003 and continuing through 2008, “qualified dividend income” or qualified dividends received by an individual is now taxed at the same tax rates that apply to long-term capital gains.
Tax_Rates_on_Qualified_Dividends.html
Qualified Dividends are reported in column 1b of 1099 - DIV Forms. Qualified Dividends are included in the “Ordinary Dividends” reported in column 1a of Form 1099 - DIV.
1099_-_DIV_Forms.html
The holding period requirement can be satisfied if the stock is acquired the day before the ex-dividend date and then held for 60 days.
Holding_Period_for_Qualified_Dividends.html
List of non qualified dividends and their capital gains tax rates.
Non-_Qualified_Dividends.html
Mutual funds are able to pass through Qualified Dividend Income they receive to their shareholders. Qualified dividends include actual dividends passed through from mutual funds holdings but does not include interest or short-term capital gains (despite the fact that these latter two items are also reported as dividend income).
Mutual_Funds.html
Real estate investment trust (REITs) distributions can qualify for the lower dividend tax rate. However, since REITs must invest primarily in real estate assets (rather than qualifying corporate stock), it is unlikely that a significant portion of REITs distributions will qualify for the lower rates. Check with the REITs directly for specific information regarding qualified dividends distributions.
Qualified_Dividends_FAQs.html