Each Year, Wall Street Firms Force Investors to Hand Over Billions in Unlawful Taxes
Join the Fight Against Unjust Taxation of Your Investment Income and the Damage of "Buying a Dividend"
The Problem
When you purchase securities that distribute dividends or capital gains, the first payments you receive represent your own money being returned to you, not taxable income. Unfortunately, for hundreds of millions of people, these payments are unjustly taxed. Wall Street calls this problem "buying a dividend," draining an estimated $236+ billion from investors like you every year. This oversight isn't just an error—it's a massive financial drain on your net worth and financial well-being.
Our Markets are Riddled with Hidden Costs & Unjust Taxation
Industry Practices Reduce Your Net Worth
When you invest in income-producing securities, Wall Street’s backward accounting practices mean you’re also buying a hidden tax liability attached to the security you will now be responsible for paying.
Investor Harm is Acknowledged
Asset managers admit to over-taxation through disclaimers in every investment fund prospectus. Investors deserve to know about hidden fees and unjust taxation up front, not buried in the fine print.
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Inflated Prices &
Excessive Fees
The value of an income-producing security is artificially inflated by an amount equal to its unpaid dividends and capital gains. This results in investors buying fewer shares, earning fewer dividends and paying higher fees.
Investors Pay a Heavy Price For Wall Street Inaction
Estimated Annual Investor Losses
US Investor Losses
$131+
BILLION
Global Investor Losses
$236
BILLION
# of Investors Impacted
1
BILLION
No Stone Left Unturned:
Gatekeepers and Regulators Informed
Regulators
The SEC and its Commissioners are fully aware of the ongoing harm to investors. Over the past several years, we have engaged with two sitting SEC Commissioners and over 30 senior SEC staff members. Additionally, we have alerted more than 30 state securities regulators to these issues and offered to provide them with investor education.
Government Agencies
We have alerted over 30 state attorneys general, contacted more than 100 members of Congress, and held discussions with members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Additionally, we have formally informed senior officials at the IRS, and the Treasury Department and have also testified before the Federal Trade Commission.
Gatekeepers
We have disclosed this ongoing investor harm to over 15,000 Chief Compliance Officers and held meetings with hundreds of senior gatekeepers, including asset managers, auditors, exchanges, fund administrators, transfer agents, brokers, custodians, leading securities law firms, and tax preparers. The seriousness of the problem is undisputed by all parties involved.
Industry Indifference:
Losses Deemed Acceptable
Industry leaders admit that billions in investor funds are lost annually due to this preventable and disclosable problem. Yet, some claim these losses are "perfectly fine," arguing that the lack of investor awareness justifies their inaction. This response reveals a troubling lack of concern for your legal investor rights. This problem can and should be fixed.
Your Legal Rights are Being Ignored
Financial services companies have a high legal duty, known as fiduciary duty, to act in the best interest of investors. Under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, this duty mandates that advisers place their clients' interests above their own (15 U.S.C. § 80b-6). Additionally, companies must provide comprehensive and accurate risk disclosures that are not misleading, as stipulated by the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. § 77q). Moreover, the Internal Revenue Code mandates that tax returns submitted to the IRS be accurate and complete (26 U.S.C. § 7206) - failure to do so is a felony. These legal statutes ensure transparency and trust in the financial markets.
Can This Problem be Fixed?
Yes, commercially available software exists that can resolve these issues with a simple upload and the press of a button. Unfortunately, for the past five years, these straightforward solutions have been ignored, with the industry collectively working hard to ensure they are never implemented.
“Silence Gives Consent” - Plato
Unfair taxation due to backward industry practices has silently eroded your investments, and the financial industry has done nothing to rectify this injustice. It's time to demand your rights as a citizen and investor. Join the Investor Protection Initiative and take a stand against these unethical practices. Your voice can catalyze the change needed to protect and recover your investments.
Together – we can make a difference. Join our Substack Community, where we will organize and speak with one voice.
