Table of Contents
- What Is Form 1099-DIV, Dividends and Distributions?
- Key Takeaways
- Who Can File Form 1099-DIV, Dividends and Distributions?
- How to File Form 1099-DIV, Dividends and Distributions
- Download Form 1099-DIV, Dividends and Distributions
- What Is Form 1099-DIV?
- Why Didn't I Receive a Form 1099-DIV Even Though I Was Paid Dividends?
- How Do I Report Form 1099-DIV?
What Is Form 1099-DIV, Dividends and Distributions?
Let me explain what Form 1099-DIV is—it's an IRS form that banks and other financial institutions send to you if you've received dividends or distributions from investments in a calendar year. You might get multiple of these forms, and each one needs to be included in your tax filing. Keep in mind, you won't receive one if your total dividends are $10 or less.
Key Takeaways
Form 1099-DIV covers distributions from any investment type during the year. Banks and investment companies have to send it to you by January 31. You'll enter the info on Schedule B or directly on Form 1040. The form only comes if dividends exceed $10, and institutions send copies to both you and the IRS.
Who Can File Form 1099-DIV, Dividends and Distributions?
Companies send a copy to you as the investor and to the IRS. If you're dealing with banks or investment firms, they must provide you with a 1099-DIV by January 31. The form lists your name, address, and SSN, along with the payer's details and key figures like total ordinary dividends, qualified dividends, and capital gain distributions.
Most of you receiving this will see ordinary dividends, qualified dividends, or capital gains. There are other categories too, such as unrecaptured section 1250 gains, section 1202 gains, collectibles gains, non-dividend distributions, federal income tax withheld, investment expenses, foreign tax paid, foreign country or U.S. possessions, cash and non-cash liquidation distributions, exempt-interest dividends, specified private activity bond interest dividends, and state tax withheld.
You might also need to consider FATCA requirements if you have foreign accounts—this law means U.S. citizens must report foreign holdings in U.S. dollars. Remember, certain accounts like IRAs, money purchase pension plans, profit-sharing plans, and other retirement accounts are exempt from issuing a 1099-DIV.
How to File Form 1099-DIV, Dividends and Distributions
Form 1099-DIV comes in three copies: Copy A is red and for info only, not for printing. Copy B has two parts you can download and print—one for you, the recipient, and one for your state tax return. This black section meets the recipient requirements.
You need to file the info from each 1099-DIV on your annual tax form, either on Schedule B or directly on Form 1040. If you have more than $1,500 in taxable interest or ordinary dividends, you must use Schedule B with your 1040.
Dividends get taxed at your income tax rate, but qualified dividends are an exception—they meet criteria for lower capital gains tax rates. Capital gains taxes can differ too: short-term ones match ordinary income rates, while long-term are lower.
Download Form 1099-DIV, Dividends and Distributions
You can get Form 1099-DIV from the IRS website.
What Is Form 1099-DIV?
Form 1099-DIV is required by the IRS to report dividends or distributions paid to you by financial institutions, including ordinary and qualified dividends, capital gains, withheld federal income tax, foreign tax paid, and more.
Why Didn't I Receive a Form 1099-DIV Even Though I Was Paid Dividends?
You only get Form 1099-DIV if dividends exceed $10. If yours were more and you haven't received it, contact the issuer for a replacement.
How Do I Report Form 1099-DIV?
Report the information on Schedule B or directly on Form 1040.
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