Dividend income tax rates depend on the dividend type, an individual's filing status, and taxable income. Dividends are taxed at the long-term capital gains or ordinary income tax rate. Taxpayers are issued 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Form 1099-DIV from the entity that pays the dividends. They commonly report this income on Schedule B of their Federal tax return.
Some dividends are exempt from taxes, as some mutual funds or other regulated investments may hold municipal or tax-exempt securities that yield nontaxable dividends.
Key Takeaways
- Dividends can be considered qualified or ordinary.
- Qualified dividends are taxed at the long-term capital gains rate.
- Ordinary or non-qualified, dividends, are taxed at the ordinary income rate.
- Taxpayers receive a Form 1099-DIV from entities that issue dividends.
Qualified Dividends
A 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:qualified dividend is taxed at one of three long-term 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:capital gains tax rates instead of the usually higher tax rate applied to an individual’s ordinary income. As of 2025, these tax rates are 0%, 15%, and 20%.
To be considered qualified, the stock must be held for more than 60 days during the 121 days beginning 60 days before the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:ex-dividend date. For preferred stock, the stock must be held more than 90 days during the 181 days starting 90 days before the ex-dividend date if the dividends are due in a period longer than 366 days. Additionally, the dividend must be paid by one of the following:
- A U.S. company
- A company in U.S. possession
- A foreign company residing in a country that is eligible for benefits under a U.S. tax treaty
- A foreign company whose stock can be easily traded on a major U.S. stock market
Tip
A 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) automatically uses the proceeds generated from dividend 🌱stocks to purchase more sh♉ares.
Ordinary Dividends
Ordinary dividends do not meet the qualified dividend requirements. The income derived is treated as a short-term capital gain and applies to investments held less than a year. These gains are taxed as 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:ordinary income, an individual's income tax rate, and included when individuals file taxes for their yearly income. Taxpayers might receive ordinary dividends from investments like 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:real estate invest🐠ment trusts ﷽(REITs).
0%
If a taxpayer's taxable income is low enough, qualified dividend income is assessed a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:marginal tax rate of 0%.
Capital Gains Tax Rates
Tax paid on qualified dividends depends on the taxpayer's filing status and taxable income. Below a certain income threshold, qualified dividend income is tax-free. Qualified dividend income is taxed at 20% for those who exceed the maximum allowed income threshold. The capital gains taxes on qualified dividends for tax years 2024 and 2025 are:
Capital Gains Tax Rates for Qualified Dividends for Tax Year 2024 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Filing Status | 0% Tax Rate | 15% Tax Rate | 20% Tax Rate |
Single | $0 to $47,025 | $47,026 to $518,900 | $518,901 or more |
Married Filing Jointly | $0 to $94,050 | $94,051 to $583,750 | $583,751 or more |
Married Filing Separately | $0 to $47,025 | $47,026 to $291,850 | $291,851 or more |
Head of Household | $0 to $63,000 | $63,001 to $551,350 | $551,351 or more |
Capital Gains Tax Rates for Qualified Dividends for Tax Year 2025 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Filing Status | 0% Tax Rate | 15% Tax Rate | 20% Tax Rate |
Single | $0 to $48,350 | $48,351 to $533,400 | $533,401 or more |
Married Filing Jointly | $0 to $96,700 | $96,701 to $600,050 | $600,051 or more |
Married Filing Separately | $0 to $48,350 | $48,351 to $300,000 | $300,001 or more |
Head of Household | $0 to $64,750 | $64,751 to $566,700 | $566,701 or more |
What Are the Common Types of Dividends?
Dividends are distributions a corporation pays shareholders who own stock. Corporations pay most dividends in cash but might pay them as stock or another property. Individuals might receive distributions if they are in a 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:business partnership or from an estate or trust.
Can Individuals Avoid Taxes on Dividends?
There are several strategies taxpayers can employ to avoid paying 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:taxes on dividends. They can try to stay in lower tax brac🅺kets or invest in tax-exempt se𓆉curities. Investors may also leverage tax-exempt accounts or tax-deferred accounts to defer taxes.
Do Individuals Get Taxed on Dividends If They Reinvest Them?
Yes. The rate applied depends on whether the dividends are qualified or ordinary. Those with a dividend reinvestment plan may only tax based on the difference between the shares' fair market value and the purchase price.
The Bottom Line
Many investors seek additional cash flow by investing in dividend-issuing securities. Some securities are tax-exempt, while other types of dividends held within certain retirement accounts are non-taxable. Ordinary dividends are taxed at the ordinary income tax rate per a taxpayer's marginal tax bracket while qualified dividends are taxed at capital gains tax rates.
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