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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Please select a topic from the list on the left. You will then be able to choose a specific question from the list of the most common and important questions our shareholders ask. If you ever need more information, or can't find the question or topic you want to explore, please call our Shareholder Services Representatives at 800-422-1050, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Eastern time.

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Tax FAQs

When will I receive Form 1099-DIV?

Harbor Funds generally mails Form 1099-DIV, which is consolidated with Form 1099-B, by the fourth week of January. Please review the Harbor Funds Tax Statements section in the Tax Center for periodic updates to the mailing schedule.

What is the difference between short-term and long-term capital gains?

Short-term gains are gains on securities held one year or less. These gains are taxed at the same rate as ordinary income and are included along with ordinary income in Box 1a of Form 1099-DIV. Long-term gains are gains on securities held more than one year. These gains are generally taxed at a lower rate and are reported in Box 2a of Form 1099-DIV.

Why are qualified dividends less than 100% of total ordinary dividends for my Fund?

Total ordinary dividends may include other income which is not qualified dividend income. If a fund has income other than non-qualified dividend income that exceeds fund expenses, the fund will distribute at least some dividends that are not qualified. Sources of income that are not qualified dividend income include interest, capital gains, securities lending income, certain preferred or foreign dividends, dividends from real estate investment trusts (REIT dividends), and dividends on securities where the Fund did not meet certain holding period requirements.

Mutual fund shareholders are subject to the same holding period requirements as the fund in order to take advantage of the lower tax rate on qualified dividend income. You must hold your Harbor Funds shares for at least 61 days during the 121 days beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date. As an example, for Harbor Funds' qualified dividend distributions in December 2023, the ex-dividend date was December 19, 2023. You must have held the shares for 61 days between October 20, 2023 and February 18, 2024 to qualify for the lower tax rates.

Why may the price of a share decline when a distribution is made?

On all funds except the Harbor Money Market Fund, income in a fund is accumulated and reflected in the fund's Net Asset Value (NAV) until it is distributed. Once distributed, the amount of the distribution is deducted from the NAV. Capital gain distributions have the same effect on a fund's NAV. Throughout the year, securities are sold from the portfolio, some at a gain and some at a loss. These gains and losses are included in the NAV of a share. When a net gain is distributed to shareholders, it is deducted from the NAV, reducing the NAV by the amount of the distribution.

If federal income tax was withheld from my distribution, will it appear on Form 1099-DIV?

Yes, the amount withheld for federal income tax will appear in Box 4 of the form.

Why does my Form 1099-DIV have an amount in Box 7 for Foreign Tax Paid?

If Form 1099-DIV has an amount in Box 7, the fund had investments in foreign securities. The income from these investments is subject to foreign taxes. Individuals should refer to IRS Form 1116 and corporations should refer to Form 1118 to determine if they may take a deduction or tax credit. For more information, please view the Foreign Tax frequently asked questions.

Why didn't I receive a Form 1099-DIV?

The following may be reasons why you did not receive Form 1099-DIV from Harbor Funds:

  • Total dividends and capital gain distributions from the fund were less than $10.00 and you did not have backup withholding or any foreign tax paid. Regardless of whether you received a Form 1099-DIV, your year-end statement will show the amount of dividends and capital gains that were paid to you throughout the year.
  • The fund you invested in did not pay a distribution during the calendar year.
  • The tax status on your account may be listed as "exempt recipient." A corporation, charitable organization, IRA, political subdivision or pension/profit-sharing plan may be exempt from reporting.
  • Nonresident aliens will not receive a Form 1099-DIV. Form 1042-S will be mailed to nonresident aliens by March 15.

Why did I receive Form 1099-DIV if my dividends and capital gains were reinvested into the same fund?

Distributions of dividends and capital gains are taxable and must be reported on your tax return regardless of whether you receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares.

What is the difference between qualified and nonqualified dividends?

For a dividend to be qualified, the mutual fund company must hold the shares for at least 61 days. If the shares are sold prior to 61 days and a dividend was paid during that time period, the dividend is considered nonqualified. Nonqualified dividends may be subject to your ordinary income tax rate. In addition, as a result of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, qualified dividends may receive the same low tax rates as long-term capital gain.

Where can I find more information regarding the tax treatment for nondividend distributions?

Please see IRS Publication 550 or consult your tax adviser regarding adjusting your basis for a return of capital.


Harbor Capital and its associates do not provide legal or tax advice.

Any tax-related discussion contained in this material, including any attachments/links, is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding any tax penalties or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to any other party any transaction or matter addressed herein. Please consult your independent legal counsel and/or tax professional regarding any legal or tax issues raised in this material.

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Harbor Funds Distributors, Inc. is the Distributor of the Harbor Mutual Funds.
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Investing involves risk and the potential loss of capital.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of a fund before investing. To obtain a summary prospectus or prospectus for this and other information, click here or call 800-422-1050. Read it carefully before investing.

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