Frequently Asked Questions

Account Transactions

How do I open an account?

Obtain a prospectus and application from your financial representative, by clicking here or by calling 1-800-243-1574, Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET or until 5:00 p.m. on Friday. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

Complete and sign the application. By signing, you agree that you have received and read the prospectus and agree to its terms.

Mail the completed application and check made payable to Virtus Mutual Funds to:
Virtus Mutual Funds
PO Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074

What is the minimum investment?

The minimum initial investment for a regular account is $2,500. The minimum initial investment for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), accounts with systematic purchase or exchange is $100. There is no minimum initial or subsequent purchase amounts for defined contribution plans, asset-based fee programs, profit-sharing or employee benefit plans.

The minimum initial investment for our Systematic Investment plan is $100. This plan allows you to invest in any Virtus Mutual Fund(s) with only a $100 investment through automatic monthly deductions from your checking or savings account.

How do I purchase additional shares of Virtus Mutual Funds?

Invest Online - Click here to Log into your account. Then choose the Buy option.

Please note: You need to establish this online investment option for your existing account by contacting us at 1-800-243-1574, Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 pm. ET or until 5:00 p.m. on Friday.

Invest by Phone - Call the Fund Connection at 1-800-243-1574, option 3.

Invest by Mail - Include your fund and account number on a check made payable to Virtus Mutual Funds. Mail the check to:
Virtus Mutual Funds
PO Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074

*Systematic Purchase Plan - Invest in any Virtus Investment Partners mutual fund(s) automatically from your checking or savings account. The regular minimum investment is $100. Click here to obtain a Bank Option Application. Mail the completed form to:
Virtus Mutual Funds
PO Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074

*Invest via Federal Funds Wire - Transfer funds directly to the Virtus Mutual Funds. Include the fund name and number, account number and shareholder name and advise your bank to transfer funds to:
Bank of New York Mellon
BNF Virtus Funds
ABA: 011001234
Credit Acct # 733199
BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. as Agent FBO Virtus Consolidated Further Credit: Shareholder Fund & Account Number

(Note: Funds received prior to 4:00 p.m. ET will be invested at the closing price on the date received. Funds received after 4:00 p.m. ET., will receive the next business day's closing price.)

How do I exchange shares of one Virtus Investment Partners mutual fund for another Virtus Investment Partners mutual fund?

Obtain a prospectus from your financial representative by clicking here, or by calling our customer service center at 1-800-243-1574.  Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money. You may exchange shares of the same share class and the minimum exchange amount is $100. Any transaction processed prior to 4:00 p.m. ET (New York Stock Exchange close) will receive that days closing price.

You may exchange shares:

*Online - Click here to Log In to your account. Then choose the Exchange option. You are allowed to exchange between $100 and $50,000 online.

*By Phone - Call 1-800-243-1574. You may exchange between $100 and $50,000 through our automated account services line The Fund Connection or speak with one of our customer service representatives.

How do I redeem shares?

Certain requests may require special documentation and a STAMP 2000 Medallion signature guarantee. If you have questions about redeeming, please call us. Any transaction processed prior to 4:00 p.m. ET (New York Stock Exchange close) will receive that day's closing price.

You can redeem shares:

By Telephone - Call 1-800-243-1574 to speak with one of our customer service representatives. You may redeem up to $50,000 per day by telephone and have the check mailed to your address or bank of record.

By Mail - Download and complete a Systematic Withdrawal/Redemption Request Form or send a letter of instruction, including your fund and account number, name on the account registration, the signature of all registered owners, redemption amount, and the address of where the redemption check should be mailed. Mail to:
Virtus Mutual Funds
PO Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074

Systematic Withdrawal Plan - This plan allows you to have a specific dollar or share amount liquidated from your account and sent to your address or bank account at the frequency you choose (monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.). Download a Systematic Withdrawal/Redemption Request Form. Mail the completed form to:
Virtus Mutual Funds
PO Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074

Check-writing Option - Check-writing privileges are available for: Virtus Bond Fund, Virtus California Tax Exempt Bond Fund, Virtus High Yield Fund, Virtus Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Virtus Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund, Virtus Insight Government Money Market Fund, Virtus Insight Money Market Fund and Virtus Insight Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund. Click here to download a Check-writing Application, Mail the completed form to:
Virtus Mutual Funds
PO Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074

Can I have my redemption check sent to my new address or to a third party?

To have your redemption check forwarded to an address other than the address of record or to mail to an address that has changed within the last 30 days, send a letter signed by all registered owners or if not signed by the registered owners(s), signed by the authorized individual(s) in their capacity. All signatures must be guaranteed with a STAMP 2000 Medallion signature guarantee. All other redemption requirements apply. Please speak with your financial representative or call us for more information.

How soon will my transaction(s) be processed?

Your transaction will be confirmed at the price determined as of the New York Stock Exchange market close on the day that the request is received in good order by Virtus Investment Partners. Requests received after the NYSE close will be confirmed at the price determined on the next business day.

How do I change my name?

It is required that your signature be guaranteed to have your name changed. You may change your name on your account(s) as follows:

*Online - Click here to download the Name Change Authorization Form. Please mail to:
Virtus Mutual Funds
PO Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074

*By Mail - Please include your fund and account number, new and former name on the account registration, and the signatures of all registered owner(s) verified with one of the following: Signature Validation Program Stamp, Non-Medallion Guarantee or Notarization. Send the completed form to:
Virtus Mutual Funds
PO Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074

How do I change the owner of my account?

Click here to download an Account Re-Registration/Transfer of Ownership Form. For specific requirements, contact your financial advisor or call a customer service representative Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET or until 5:00 p.m. on Friday.

How do I change my dividend option?

*By Telephone - Call 1-800-243-1574, Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET or until 5 p.m. on Friday, to speak with one of our customer service representatives.

*Online - Click here to Log In to your account. Once you are logged in, click on "work with this account" and then "update distribution options"

*By Mail - Please include your fund and account number, name on the account registration, requested change and the signatures of all registered owner(s). Send to:
Virtus Mutual Funds
PO Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074

To have your dividend and/or capital gain proceeds sent to a third party, contact your financial representative or call 1-800-243-1574, Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET or until 5:00 p.m. on Friday.

How can I set up a systematic withdrawal?

To establish a plan that allows you to have a specific dollar or share amount liquidated from your account and sent to your address or bank account at any frequency you choose (monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.), Click here to obtain a Systematic Withdrawal/Redemption Request Form. Mail the completed form to:
Virtus Mutual Funds
PO Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074

How can I set up a systematic purchase?

Our Systematic Purchase plan allows you to invest as little as $100 in any Virtus Mutual Fund(s) through automatic deductions each month or any frequency you choose from your checking or savings account. Click here to obtain a Bank Option Application and mail the completed form to:
Virtus Mutual Funds
PO Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074

B Share Funds

Questions and Answers Regarding B Share Funds No Longer Accepting Purchases

Effective December 1, 2009, Class B Shares of the Virtus Mutual Funds will no longer be available for purchase by new or existing shareholders, except by existing shareholders through Qualifying Transactions, as defined in the attached Frequently Asked Questions.

 

General Questions

What is Paperless Legals?

Paperless Legals eliminates the need for supporting documentation to accompany certain legal securities transfer requests by establishing a policy that the transfer agent will accept without the supporting documentation original requests to transfer or redeem accounts that are signed, include the capacity of the signer, and are STAMP 2000 Medallion guaranteed. This is because the transfer agent is able to rely upon the warranties provided by the Guarantor in supplying the STAMP 2000 Medallion that the Guarantor has examined the appropriate documents to establish the identity and legal capacity of the signer. Virtus adopted the Paperless Legals Policy effective April 1, 2009. Please contact Mutual Fund Services at 1-800-243-1574, Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET or until 5:00 p.m. on Friday for more information.

What is a Signature Guarantee and/or Signature Validation Program Stamp and where can I obtain one?

A STAMP 2000 Signature Guarantee makes certain warrantees upon which the transfer agent can rely; the signature is genuine; the signer was an appropriate person to endorse or originate the instruction and had the legal capacity to sign the request. The guarantee financially backs the transaction in the event of fraudulent activity.

Signature Validation Program Stamps are used for non-securities transactions. A non-securities transaction is defined as any commercial transaction that does not pertain to a sale, assignment, transfer or redemption of a security.

Both types of stamps may be obtained from certain credit unions; domestic banks; trust companies and broker/dealers. For a complete list of types of firms that provide them and for additional details, Click here.

What is Virtus Investment Partners' mailing address?

For regular mail:
Virtus Mutual Funds
PO Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074

For overnight delivery:
Virtus Mutual Funds
4400 Computer Drive
Westborough, MA 01581-1722

What is the telephone number?

1-800-243-1574. You can reach a customer service representative Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ET or until 5:00 p.m. on Friday.

What is the fax number?

508-599-6179

Online Transactions/Web Site Access

What type of security is used with online transactions?

Virtus Investment Partners uses a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) server. This ensures that all communications between you and the server are encrypted and cannot be viewed by third parties. In addition to using a secure server, the Virtus Investment Partners server requires 128-bit encryption (the highest level of security available). Please note: Some companies and Internet service providers (ISPs) do not allow users to access sites using SSL. If you experience problems after upgrading to a strong-encryption browser, please contact your ISP or a computer support professional.

What are the browser requirements for online transactions?

You must have a browser that supports Secure Socket Layer (SSL) 3.0. SSL 3.0 is supported by Netscape Navigator 3.0 or higher, Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 or higher and America Online 3.0 or higher. If you do not have a compatible browser, you can download either Netscape Communicator or Internet Explorer. To upgrade your Microsoft Internet Explorer browser, visit their site at http://www.microsoft.com/ie/ or to upgrade your Netscape Navigator browser, visit the Netscape site at http://home.netscape.com.

Tax-Related Frequently Asked Questions

When are Virtus Investment Partners mutual funds' tax forms mailed to shareholders?

Forms 1099R and 1099Q will be mailed no later than January 31, 2012. Forms 1099DIV, 1099INT and 1099B will be mailed no later than February 15, 2012. Tax forms are mailed from Lynnfield, MA.

What tax form reports my contributions to my IRA?

Form 5498 reports contributions to IRA(s). This form is mailed in May for contributions made through December 31 and eligible contributions for the prior year made through April 15.

Where can I find my cost basis?

Cost basis is reported for most Virtus Mutual Fund shareholders on Form 1099-B. Form 1099-B is mailed to investors who redeemed or exchanged shares in a non retirement account.

Why isn't my cost basis listed on my Form 1099-B?

You did not receive cost basis information if:

• There were no exchanges or sales in your account in the current tax year.
• Your account is a retirement account.
• You hold a money market account since the fund maintained a $1.00-per-share value.
• Your account was opened before 1991.
• Your account was transferred from another account before 1999.
• Your account was established as a result of a fund conversion.

 

What method does Virtus use to calculate cost basis?

We use the average cost/single category method to calculate gain or loss based on the average price paid for all shares, regardless of how long those shares have been held.

Why did I receive a 1099-R when I converted my Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA?

Form 1099-R reports all distributions and re-characterizations. When a Traditional IRA is converted to a Roth IRA, it is treated like a distribution and is taxable in that year.

I received a dividend this year but did not get Form 1099-DIV. Why?

You did not receive a 1099-DIV if you owned a tax-deferred account, such as an IRA, or if the distributions on your account were less than $10.

How can I get copies of my tax forms?

Log in to your account and follow the links to view and print your tax forms, or call us at 1-800-243-1574.

Why would I include my dividends and capital gains as part of my cost basis?

Because dividends and capital gains are taxed yearly, you must include them in your cost basis. Failure to include dividends and capital gains when computing your cost basis may result in additional taxes and penalties.

What if my Social Security Number/Taxpayer Identification Number is incorrect on my tax forms?

If your Social Security Number/Taxpayer Identification Number is incorrect or missing from your tax form(s), please complete Form W-9 and send it to Virtus Mutual Funds.

Mail:
Virtus Mutual Funds
PO Box 9874
Providence, RI 02940-8074

Fax:
1-508-599-6179

Email

Download and print Form W-9 online, or obtain one by calling us at 1-800-243-1574 or visiting your local post office.