Qualified versus nonqualified (ordinary) dividends
Qualified dividendsare a special type of dividend that often receive preferential tax treatment. They’re taxed as long-term capital gains (the rates are 0%, 15%, and 20%).
In order to be considered qualified dividends, they must:
- Be paid by an American company or a qualifying foreign company
- Be paid between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023
- Meet the holding period requirement for the stock—the holding period is at least 60 days during the 121-day period that begins 60 days before the ex-dividend date (the day after a company announces its dividend payments to shareholders)
Generally, form 1099-DIV provides the details of qualified dividends.
Nonqualified (ordinary) dividends don’t receive any special tax treatment, they’re taxed as ordinary income.
