What is the difference between qualified dividends and non-qualified dividends?

[perlynswan]

according to the investment/tax information we received turbo tax entered the same amount for ordinary dividends and qualified dividends and included that amount (only one) to our income.

[JulieCo · Accepted solution]

The most significant difference is that non-qualified dividends are taxed at the ordinary income tax rate while qualified dividends are taxed at capital gain tax rates.

On your 1099-DIV, the box 1a - ordinary dividends reflects the total dividend income received and box 1b - qualified dividends is the amount of the box 1a dividends that are qualified.  Therefore, if your box 1a and 1b amounts were the same, then all of your dividend income would be treated as qualified.  

[mohicanworm]

The IRS/SEC made some regulation changes between 2011 and 2014.  Dates depend on stocks or mutual funds.  Before the change the firms didn't need to keep track of cost basis (when you bought or sold investments)  after the reg changes all the firms have to keep track of cost basis.  Non qualified dividends are considered before the change and qualified dividends are after the change in regulations.