In: Finance
A qualified dividend is a dividend paid by an American corporation or a qualified foreign entity.
You must have held the stock for which the dividend was paid for at least 60 days within the 121-day period that ends 60 days prior to the ex-dividend date. If the ex-dividend date is Dec. 1, for example, then you must have owned the stock for at least 60 days during the period between June 3 and Oct. 2.