 COST BASIS
NEW IRS COST BASIS GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
SUMMARY
Effective January 1, 2012, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires all mutual fund companies to follow new “cost basis” reporting procedures for mutual fund shares of taxable, non-retirement accounts. Historically, we have provided shareholders with “average cost basis” reports as a result of redemptions. However, we were not required to report this information to the IRS. Under the new rules, we are required to report cost basis not only to our shareholders, but to the IRS as well.
Current requirements to report the gross proceeds from redemptions on IRS Form 1099-B will remain in effect while FAM Funds is also required to report “cost basis” and “holding period” information (i.e., short-term or long-term gain/ loss) for all shares redeemed.
Mutual fund shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012 are known as “covered shares” and we are required to report the cost basis to the IRS when these shares are redeemed. Shares acquired prior to the effective date are known as “non-covered shares.” The cost basis of the non-covered shares will not be reported to the IRS.
FAM Funds’ accounting “default method” for covered shares beginning January 1, 2012 is “average cost.” Shareholders have the option to choose an alternate cost basis accounting method provided they notify FAM Funds in writing first.
DEFINITIONS
Cost Basis = In a taxable account, cost basis is generally the original amount paid for shares of a security, including the amount of reinvested dividends and capital gains, plus or minus certain adjustments. Cost basis is used to determine gains/losses on any shares you sell in a taxable (non-retirement) account. This information is essential for preparing your income tax return.
Holding Period = The time between the purchase date and redemption date of the mutual fund shares. If the difference is more than one year, the gain/loss is long-term. If it is equal to or less than one year, it is short-term.
Covered Shares = Shares purchased on or after the effective legislation date (1/1/2012).
Non-Covered Shares = Shares purchased prior to the effective legislation date (1/1/2012).
Fund Default Method = A cost basis accounting method assigned to any account(s) in which the shareholder(s) does not choose a cost basis accounting method for the account or upon redemption.
|
|