Most investors only look at the top-line yield. But the IRS treats dividends differently based on their source. A 10% yield from a Covered Call ETF (Ordinary Income) puts less money in your pocket than a 7% yield from a Qualified Dividend payer.
The 3 Buckets of Income
Ordinary Income: Taxed at your marginal rate (up to 37%). Includes Bonds, REITs, and most Covered Call ETFs (JEPI).
Qualified Dividends: Taxed at favorable capital gains rates (0%, 15%, or 20%). Includes standard stocks (SCHD, KO).
Return of Capital: Not taxed today. Reduces your cost basis. Tax is deferred until you sell. Includes some MLPs and Option strategies (SPYI).
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This article was last audited by our Research Team on 2026-01-10. We cross-reference all yield data with official prospectus filings and FactSet. Unlike automated screeners, we manually verify "Return of Capital" classifications to ensure your tax-efficiency data is accurate.
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DivAgent does not accept payment from ETF issuers, fund managers, or public companies to feature their products. Our Risk Tier Ratings (Tier 1 to Tier 5) are mathematically derived from volatility and drawdown metrics, not editorial opinion.
*Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Dividend yields are backward-looking and heavily influenced by share price movement. Past performance of a covered call strategy does not guarantee future results. Always consult a generic financial advisor before making portfolio decisions.