What is capital gain dividend?

Capital gain dividends also are called capital gain distributions. They're paid to you or credited to your account by such sources as mutual funds and real estate investment trusts (REITs). The Payer sends you Form 1099-DIV (Dividends and Distributions). The amount of the capital gain dividends are shown in box 2a (total capital gain distr.). These distributions are reported as long-term capital gains, no matter how long you've owned your shares in the mutual fund or REIT.

For more information, go to www.irs.gov/formspubs for Publication 550 (Investment Income and Expenses).