Tax Forms FAQ
Find answers to frequently asked questions about your American Funds tax forms.
Why haven’t I received a tax form yet?
Most tax forms are mailed in late January. However, keep in mind that not all accounts will generate a tax form.
See Tax Forms You May Receive for mailing dates and other detailed information by tax form.
Are tax forms available for e-delivery?
Yes. To sign up, first log in to your account. At the top of the Your Portfolio page, click the “Go Paperless” link to view and update options.
You will receive an email notification as soon as documents are available. See a sample email notification.
I received a 1099-DIV for my individual account, but not for my IRA. Why?
Tax Form 1099-DIV is only sent to owners of non-retirement and non-education accounts that received a taxable dividend or capital gain distribution. If you received a distribution from an IRA or other retirement plan, you will receive tax Form 1099-R.
What are the qualified dividends listed on my 1099-DIV?
Qualified dividends are subject to special lower tax rates when paid to an individual taxpayer who meets a holding period requirement.
What are the nondividend distributions listed on my 1099-DIV?
The amount of distributions paid by the fund during its fiscal year may be more than the amount the fund earned. The excess, if any, is characterized as a return of capital (ROC) and reflected on Form 1099-DIV as nondividend distributions.
What are the foreign taxes listed on my 1099-DIV?
Mutual funds are often required to pay foreign taxes on earnings from their investments outside the United States. You may claim a foreign tax credit or deduction for your share of the foreign taxes paid by these funds.
I invest in American Funds Tax-Advantaged Income Portfolio℠ — why is taxable and non-taxable information reported on my Form 1099-DIV?
The American Funds Tax-Advantaged Income Portfolio is composed of both taxable funds and nontaxable funds.
Where can I find my tax information online?
Go to Statements & Tax Forms to download your tax forms.
Why was my IRA distribution coded as “early distribution, no known exception”?
American Funds does not require documentation on distributions for medical expenses, health insurance premiums, first home purchases and higher education expenses. Therefore, these distributions (if taken before age 59½) are reported to the IRS as “early distribution, no known exception.” If applicable, you may file IRS Form 5329 to report the exemption code and avoid the 10% early distribution penalty.
When will I get a tax form for my IRA account?
You will receive Form 1099-R in late January if you received a distribution from an IRA or other retirement plan. If you made a contribution to a traditional, Roth, SEP or SIMPLE IRA you will receive Form 5498 in late May.
Form 5498 is not sent until late May because you have until the tax filing deadline in April to make IRA contributions. For contribution information, refer to your year-end statement or transaction history.
I haven’t received my tax form — can you send me one?
Go to Statements & Tax Forms to download your tax forms at any time.
Beginning in early February, you can also order duplicate tax forms by calling our 24-hour automated phone service at (800) 325-3590.
Why don’t I receive Forms 5498-ESA and 5498 (for IRAs) in January when I get other forms?
Since you have until the tax filing deadline in April to make contributions to IRAs and Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), we must wait until after the tax filing deadline to send these forms. Form 5498-ESA is sent in April and Form 5498 (for IRAs) is sent in May. As a reminder, you are not required to attach a copy of Form 5498 or Form 5498-ESA to your income tax return.
Where can I find cost basis information?
When available, cost basis information is included on the Form 1099-B mailed to you in late january. You may also go to Statements & Tax Forms to download your Form 1099-B (if available).
Where can I find additional information to help me with my American Funds tax forms?
Our Tax Center has year-end distribution information, interactive worksheets and other information to help you with your American Funds tax forms.