Geithner says to keep dividends tax rates at 20 percent

U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said on Wednesday that the Obama administration intends to keep the top tax rate on dividends and capital gains at 20 percent as it mulls tax reform.

Interviewed on CNBC television, Geithner said every effort will be made to ensure that any tax changes that are proposed will benefit businesses that create jobs and individuals.

We're going to make sure that we keep at 20 percent the existing rates on dividends and capital gains, Geithner said. We think that's good policy.

(Reporting by Glenn Somerville)