How Much Am I tax on Dividend Income?

R@pToRLast Updated: March 16, 2023

5 4 minutes read

How Much Am I tax on Dividend Income? — How Much Am I tax on Dividend Income

The amount you are taxed on dividend income depends on several factors, such as the type of dividend, your tax bracket, and any deductions or credits you may be eligible for.

Qualified dividends are taxed at the long-term capital gains tax rates, which are generally lower than ordinary income tax rates.

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For individuals in the 10% and 15% tax brackets, qualified dividends are generally taxed at 0%. For those in the 25%, 28%, 33%, or 35% tax brackets, qualified dividends are taxed at 15%. And for those in the highest 37% tax bracket, qualified dividends are taxed at 20%.

Non-qualified dividends, on the other hand, are generally taxed at ordinary income tax rates, which can range from 10% to 37%.

It’s important to note that certain types of dividends, such as those from tax-exempt organizations or those received in tax-advantaged retirement accounts like an IRA, may not be taxable.

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It’s recommended to consult with a tax professional or use tax software to accurately determine your tax liability on dividend income based on your individual circumstances.

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What Are Qualified and Ordinary Dividends?

Qualified dividends and ordinary dividends are two types of distributions that investors may receive from stocks or mutual funds. Qualified dividends are dividends that meet certain requirements set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to qualify for lower tax rates.

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To be considered qualified, the dividend must have been paid by a U.S. corporation or a qualifying foreign corporation, and you must have held the stock for a certain period of time. Most dividends paid by U.S. companies are considered qualified dividends.

Qualified dividends are taxed at the long-term capital gains tax rates, which are generally lower than ordinary income tax rates.

On the other hand, ordinary dividends are distributions that do not meet the requirements to be considered qualified dividends. They are generally taxed at your ordinary income tax rate, which can be higher than the long-term capital gains tax rate.

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It’s important to note that some dividends may be partially qualified and partially ordinary, depending on the circumstances. It’s recommended to consult with a tax professional or use tax software to accurately determine the tax treatment of your dividends based on your individual circumstances.

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How Are Qualified Dividends Taxed?

Qualified dividends are taxed at the long-term capital gains tax rates, which are generally lower than ordinary income tax rates. The specific tax rate you will pay on qualified dividends depends on your tax bracket.

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For individuals in the 10% or 15% tax bracket, qualified dividends are generally taxed at 0%. For those in the 25%, 28%, 33%, or 35% tax brackets, qualified dividends are taxed at 15%. And for those in the highest 37% tax bracket, qualified dividends are taxed at 20%.

To be considered a qualified dividend, the dividend must meet certain requirements set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), including being paid by a U.S. corporation or a qualifying foreign corporation and meeting certain holding period requirements. Most dividends paid by U.S. companies are considered qualified dividends.

How Are Ordinary Dividends Taxed?

Ordinary dividends are taxed at your ordinary income tax rate, which can range from 10% to 37%, depending on your tax bracket.

Unlike qualified dividends, which meet certain requirements set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), ordinary dividends do not have any special tax treatment. Most dividends that are not qualified dividends are considered ordinary dividends.

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Additionally, if you have foreign investments, you may be subject to foreign tax withholding on any dividends received from foreign corporations. You may be eligible for a foreign tax credit to offset any foreign taxes paid.

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How to Minimize Your Dividend Taxes

There are several strategies you can use to minimize your dividend taxes:

Invest in tax-advantaged accounts: Consider investing in tax-advantaged accounts like an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or a 401(k). These accounts offer tax-deferred growth or tax-free withdrawals, which can help minimize your dividend taxes.

Hold qualified dividends: Qualified dividends are taxed at lower long-term capital gains tax rates, so consider investing in stocks or mutual funds that pay qualified dividends.

Avoid high-dividend-yield stocks: High-dividend-yield stocks may offer attractive yields, but they can also trigger higher taxes. Consider investing in growth-oriented stocks that reinvest their profits instead of paying out dividends.

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Monitor your portfolio: Keep track of your portfolio’s dividend income and make any necessary adjustments to minimize your tax liability. Consider selling stocks that pay large dividends and reinvesting the proceeds in stocks that pay lower dividends or don’t pay dividends at all.

Harvest tax losses: If you have stocks in your portfolio that have lost value, consider selling them to offset any gains from dividend income. This can help reduce your overall tax liability.

It’s important to note that these strategies should be evaluated in the context of your overall financial plan and tax situation. Consider consulting with a financial advisor or tax professional to determine the best approach for your individual circumstances.

Bottom Line

In general, you will be taxed on dividend income at your ordinary income tax rate, which can range from 10% to 37%, depending on your tax bracket.

However, if you receive qualified dividends, they will be taxed at the lower long-term capital gains tax rates, which range from 0% to 20%, depending on your tax bracket.

It’s important to note that some dividends may be partially qualified and partially ordinary and that foreign taxes on dividends may also apply. Consider consulting with a tax professional or using tax software to accurately determine your tax liability on dividend income.