The National Securities Market Improvement Act establishes rules for covered securities, which are exempt from state restrictions and regulations. These securities need to be acquired after a specific date to qualify. The purpose of these rules is to streamline regulatory compliance and create a standardized approach.
Basics
Covered securities are a type of financial investment that benefits from special exemptions from state regulations in the United States. These securities, which include stocks and other financial instruments, were introduced to make it easier for companies to comply with regulations across different states.
Most stocks traded in the U.S. fall under the category of covered securities. They are designed to have consistent rules and requirements, regardless of the state where they are bought or sold.
The National Securities Market Improvement Act passed in 1996, established the guidelines for covered securities. This act replaced state-level regulations and defined what qualifies as a covered security. It applies to securities listed on major stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, as well as other national exchanges with similar standards.
Covered securities also include investment products issued by registered investment companies. The goal is to simplify the process for both companies and investors by having a unified set of rules.
Overall, covered securities are meant to provide a standardized and streamlined approach to investing in the United States, making it easier for companies and investors to navigate the regulatory landscape.
The National Securities Market Improvement Act
Enacted in 1996, The National Securities Market Improvement Act introduced guidelines for covered securities. Here is a summary of some of the key provisions:
- Covered securities refer to securities listed on major stock exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, as well as other national exchanges with similar listing standards.
- Stocks traded on specific tiers of exchanges like the Pacific Exchange, Philadelphia Stock Exchange, and Chicago Board Options Exchange are also classified as covered securities.
- Options listed on the International Securities Exchange are considered covered securities.
- Securities issued by registered investment companies or those that have filed registration statements under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are designated as covered securities.
- The law establishes specific acquisition dates to determine whether security qualifies as covered. For instance, stocks in corporations, including American depositary receipts (ADRs), acquired on or after January 1, 2011, are considered covered securities.
- Dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs) and mutual fund shares purchased on or after January 1, 2012, are also classified as covered securities.
- Bonds, notes, commodities, and options purchased from 2013 onwards are generally categorized as covered securities.
Covered Securities Taxes
When selling covered securities, brokers are required to disclose the adjusted cost basis to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by filing Form 1099-B. Additionally, taxpayers who sell covered securities must report these transactions when filing their taxes. It's important to note that if both covered and non-covered securities are held in the same investment account, they will be treated separately for tax purposes.
Certain criteria determine whether a security is considered covered. Stocks acquired from 2011 onwards, as well as shares obtained through dividend reinvestment plans and mutual funds purchased in 2012 and later, are classified as covered securities. This classification extends to many bonds, notes, commodities, and options acquired from 2013 onwards. Securities purchased before these specified dates, however, fall under the category of non-covered securities, and their adjusted cost basis is not reported upon sale.
Conclusion
Both investors and brokers need to understand what qualifies as a covered security and how to handle taxes associated with their sale. The National Securities Market Improvement Act of 1996 established the guidelines for covered securities, which were designed to streamline regulatory compliance and create a standardized approach. When selling covered securities, brokers are required to disclose the adjusted cost basis to the IRS, and taxpayers who sell these securities must report the transactions when filing their taxes. By understanding the rules and regulations associated with covered securities, investors and brokers can navigate the investment landscape with greater ease and confidence.