Central Fund of Canada: Special Tax Form Required
If you hold (or held) Central Fund of Canada (Ticker: CEF ) IN A TAXABLE ACCOUNT you will need to file a special tax form in the first tax year which you own it (it is possible to file it late, but you need to ask the IRS for a waiver). At the time of writing, you need not it file each year.
You must file IRS Form 8621 which is available here: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8621.pdf
The information to fill it out for the 2008 tax year is here: http://centralfund.com/pfic/PFIC2008.pdf
On the IRS form most people will want to have the PFIC treated as a Qualified Electing Fund (QEF).
There are other options available to you including another method known as Mark-to-Market. I advise you to seek the council of a qualified tax professional, attorney or CPA in determining which would be most suitable for your situation.
The consequences of failing to file this form in the first year you own this security include, but are not limited to, paying a higher tax rate on your gains (assuming you have gains) when you sell this holding.
The issue is explained in detail in the prospectus for the fund:
http://centralfund.com/prospectus/2008%20Prospectus/CFOC%20Cdn%20Supplement%20and%20Base%20prospectus%20Sep%2024%2008.pdf
Please take this letter and the above forms to your tax preparer and ask them to provide you with individualized advice on the matter.
To aid you and your advisors in understanding the issue these links may help:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_foreign_investment_company
http://www.altassets.net/casefor/countries/2002/nz3254.php
http://www.rpifs.com/offshoretax/otpfic.htm
http://www.intltaxlaw.com/OUTBOUND/PFIC/frontpage.htm
http://www.centralfund.com/Financials.htm
http://www.goldenqueen.com/PFIC.htmn
www.ftb.ca.gov/aboutFTB/manuals/audit/water/ch10.pdf
