Foreign Tax Credit - U.S. Foreign Tax Credit On Stock Dividends

U.S. Foreign Tax Credit On Stock Dividends

Governments of most countries try to recoup millions in taxes from dividends that are paid to foreign investors by companies located in their countries. For example, when a U.S.-based investor invests in France Telecom (FTE) ADRs, the French government will deduct 25% in taxes on all dividends paid. Hence, though FTE currently has a 6.98% dividend yield, the actual yield that this investor receives will be less. However, the IRS allows a foreign tax credit (filed with IRS Form #1116) to be taken using which this investor can deduct the taxes paid to the French government. This is done to avoid double taxation of dividends. There is a maximum limit to this tax credit. This foreign tax credit does not apply and may not be claimed when generated in a nontaxable account such as an Individual Retirement Account.

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