Capital Gain Distribution
A capital gain distribution, also called a capital gain dividend, passes a fund's net long-term realized gains to shareholders.
Fund capital-gain distributions, realized gains and losses, return of capital, and in-kind investment distributions.
Capital Gain and Distribution Tax Treatment explains how realized gains, fund distributions, return of capital, and transfers of property affect investment records and after-tax interpretation.
Use this branch when a decision depends on whether value came from a security sale, a fund-level realization, a cash distribution, a basis recovery, or an in-kind transfer. Identify the account, taxpayer, jurisdiction, holding period, distribution character, and source record before drawing a tax conclusion.
| Term | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Capital Gain Distribution | A mutual fund, regulated investment company, or REIT distribution of net long-term realized gain, generally reported in Form 1099-DIV box 2a. |
| Capital Gains and Losses | Gain or loss recognized when an investment is sold or exchanged, subject to basis, holding-period, netting, and account rules. |
| In Specie | Delivery of an asset in its existing form rather than conversion to cash. |
| In-Kind Distribution | A distribution made with securities or other property instead of cash, requiring asset-level valuation and basis records. |
| Return of Capital | A distribution that generally recovers investment basis before creating gain, rather than current dividend income. |
Check the final tax form, issuer or fund statement, distribution type, record date, account type, adjusted basis, holding period, reinvestment records, and whether amounts are estimated or final. Reconcile cash received separately from income reported and basis adjusted.
This page is educational and does not recommend a specific investment strategy, security, tax treatment, or account choice.
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A capital gain distribution, also called a capital gain dividend, passes a fund's net long-term realized gains to shareholders.
Capital gains and losses measure profit or loss when capital assets such as stocks, bonds, funds, or property are sold.
In specie means transferring or distributing assets in their existing form rather than converting them to cash first.
In-kind distribution refers to the distribution of assets or property instead of selling assets and distributing the cash proceeds.
Return of capital gives investors back part of their invested principal, affecting economic yield, adjusted basis, and later capital gains.