SECTION 1. OVERVIEW

The Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (P.L. 108–27, 117 Stat. 752) (the “2003 Act”) was enacted on May 28, 2003. Subject to certain limitations, the 2003 Act generally provides that a dividend paid to an individual shareholder from either a domestic corporation or a “qualified foreign corporation” is subject to tax at the reduced rates applicable to certain capital gains. A qualified foreign corporation includes certain foreign corporations that are eligible for benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States which the Secretary determines is satisfactory for purposes of this provision and which includes an exchange of information program. In addition, a foreign corporation not otherwise treated as a qualified foreign corporation is so treated with respect to any dividend it pays if the stock with respect to which it pays such dividend is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States.

This notice provides guidance for persons required to make returns and provide statements under section 6042 of the Internal Revenue Code regarding distributions with respect to securities issued by a foreign corporation, and for individuals receiving such statements. This notice provides generally that the simplified procedures and other rules contained in Notice 2003–79 are extended to apply for 2004 information reporting of distributions with respect to securities issued by foreign corporations.