v3.26.1
INCOME TAXES
 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES
We have elected, and intend to qualify annually, to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under subchapter M of the Code and have a tax year end of December 31. In order to qualify as a RIC, we must annually distribute at least 90% of our investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, to our shareholders in a timely manner. Investment company income generally includes net short-term capital gains but excludes net long-term capital gains. A RIC is not subject to federal income tax on the portion of its ordinary income and capital gains that is distributed to its shareholders, including “deemed distributions” as discussed below. As part of maintaining RIC tax treatment, undistributed taxable income and capital gain, which is subject to a 4% non-deductible U.S. federal excise tax, pertaining to a given fiscal year may be distributed up to 12 months subsequent to the end of that fiscal year, provided such dividends are declared on or prior to the later of (1) the extended due date of the U.S. federal income tax return for the applicable fiscal year and (2) the fifteenth day of the ninth month following the close of the year in which such taxable income was generated.

For the tax year ended December 31, 2025, CSWC qualified for RIC tax treatment. We intend to meet the applicable qualifications to be taxed as a RIC in future periods. However, the Company’s ability to meet certain portfolio diversification requirements of RICs in future years may not be controllable by the Company.
We have distributed or intend to distribute sufficient dividends to eliminate taxable income for our completed tax years. If we fail to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement or otherwise fail to qualify as a RIC in any tax year, we would be subject to tax in that year on all of our taxable income, regardless of whether we made any distributions to our shareholders. During the quarter ended March 31, 2026, CSWC declared and paid a regular quarterly dividend of $0.58 per share, of which $0.1934 per share was paid monthly to holders of record as of the close of business on each of January 15, 2026, February 13, 2026 and March 13, 2026 on January 30, 2026, February 27, 2026 and March 31, 2026, respectively, and a quarterly supplemental dividend of $0.06 per share to holders of record as of the close of business on March 13, 2026 on March 31, 2026.

Our distributions for the tax years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:

Payment DateCash Dividend per Share
Tax Year Ended December 31, 2025
March 31, 20251
$0.64 
June 30, 20251
0.64 
July 31, 20250.1934 
August 29, 20250.1934 
September 30, 20251
0.2534 
October 31, 20250.1934 
November 28, 20250.1934 
December 31, 20251
0.2534 
$2.56 
Tax Year Ended December 31, 2024
March 31, 20241
$0.63 
June 30, 20241
0.63 
September 30, 20241
0.64 
December 31, 20242
0.63 
$2.53 
Tax Year Ended December 31, 2023
March 31, 20232
$0.58 
June 30, 20232
0.59 
September 30, 20231
0.62 
December 31, 20231
0.63 
$2.42 

1On each of these dates, the dividend paid included a supplemental dividend of $0.06 per share.
2On each of these dates, the dividend paid included a supplemental dividend of $0.05 per share.

Additionally, on February 24, 2026, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly regular dividend of $0.58 per share, of which $0.1934 per share will be paid to holders of record as of the close of business on each of April 15, 2026, May 15, 2026 and June 15, 2026 on April 30, 2026, May 29, 2026 and June 30, 2026, respectively, and a quarterly supplemental dividend of $0.06 per share to holders of record as of the close of business on June 15, 2026, payable on June 30, 2026.

Book and tax basis differences relating to dividends and distributions to our shareholders and other permanent book and tax differences are typically reclassified among the CSWC’s capital accounts. In addition, the character of income and gains to be distributed is determined in accordance with income tax regulations that may differ from U.S. GAAP; accordingly, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, CSWC reclassified for book purposes amounts arising from permanent book/tax differences related to the tax treatment of return of capital and/or deemed distributions, tax treatment of investments upon disposition, and non-deductible expenses, as follows (amounts in thousands):

Years Ended March 31,
20262025
Additional capital$(43,945)$(18,532)
Total distributable earnings43,945 18,532 

The determination of the tax attributes for CSWC’s distributions is made after tax year end, based upon its taxable income for the full year and distributions paid for the full tax year. Therefore, any determination made on an interim basis for fiscal year end is forward-looking based on currently available facts, rules and assumptions and may not be representative of the actual tax attributes of distributions determined at tax year end.

For tax purposes, 2025 dividends totaled $2.5604 per share and were comprised entirely of ordinary income. Included in ordinary income per share is approximately $0.6686 per share of qualified dividend income. In addition, 82.55% of each of the ordinary distributions represent interest-related dividends. 82.55% of total distributions represent the portion of CSWC's dividends received by non-U.S. residents and foreign corporation shareholders that are generally exempt from U.S. withholding tax. For tax purposes, the 2024 dividends totaled $2.53 per share and were comprised entirely of ordinary income. In addition, 92.89% of each of the ordinary distributions represent interest-related dividends. 92.89% of total distributions represent the portion of CSWC's dividends received by non-U.S. residents and foreign corporation shareholders that are generally exempt from U.S. withholding tax.

Ordinary dividend distributions from a RIC do not qualify for the 20% maximum tax rate on dividend income from domestic corporations and qualified foreign corporations, except to the extent that the RIC received the income in the form of qualifying dividends from domestic corporations and qualified foreign corporations. The tax attributes for distributions will generally include both ordinary income and capital gains, but may also include qualified dividends or return of capital.
The tax character of distributions paid for the tax years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was as follows (amounts in thousands):
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
20252024
Ordinary income (1)$140,809 $118,216 
Distributions of long term capital gains— — 
Distributions on tax basis (2)$140,809 $118,216 
(1)Includes qualified dividend income of approximately $36.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025.
(2)Includes only those distributions which reduce estimated taxable income.

As of March 31, 2026, CSWC estimates that it has cumulative undistributed taxable income of approximately $64.5 million, or $1.07 per share, that will be carried forward toward distributions to be paid in future periods. We intend to meet the applicable qualifications to be treated as a RIC in future periods.
The following reconciles net increase in net assets resulting from operations to estimated RIC taxable income for the years ended March 31, 2026 and 2025:
Years Ended March 31,
Reconciliation of RIC Distributable Income (1)20262025
Net increase in net assets from operations$112,995 $70,548 
Net unrealized depreciation (appreciation) on investments25,832 (2,423)
Expense/loss recognized for tax on pass-through entities— (80)
Realized (gain) loss book/tax differences(4,775)(10,876)
Capital loss carryover (2)29,255 70,883 
Net operating income - wholly-owned subsidiary(40,127)(14,568)
Dividend income from wholly-owned subsidiary33,223 9,038 
Non-deductible tax expense2,622 1,424 
Loss on extinguishment of debt(4,089)(2,726)
Non-deductible compensation5,137 6,693 
Compensation related book/tax differences2,227 (2,741)
Interest on non-accrual loans6,626 11,999 
Other book/tax differences103 (187)
Estimated distributable income before deductions for distributions$169,029 $136,984 
Distributions (3):
    Ordinary$145,564 $123,569 
Estimated annual RIC undistributed taxable income$23,465 $13,415 

1The calculation of taxable income for each period is an estimate and will not be finally determined until the Company files its tax return each year. Final taxable income may be different than this estimate.
2At March 31, 2026, the Company had long-term capital loss carryforwards of $160.1 million to offset future capital gains. These capital loss carryforwards are not subject to expiration.
3Includes only those distributions which reduce estimated distributable income.
As of March 31, 2026, 2025 and 2024, the components of estimated RIC accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows (amounts in thousands):
Years Ended March 31,
Components of RIC Accumulated Earnings on a Tax Basis1
202620252024
Undistributed ordinary income - tax basis$64,528 $41,594 $28,845 
Undistributed net realized (loss) gain(160,068)(130,951)(60,056)
Unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on investments(98,565)(80,308)(68,529)
Other temporary differences(2,100)(4,201)(9,584)
Components of distributable earnings at year-end$(196,205)$(173,866)$(109,324)

1The calculation of taxable income for each period is an estimate and will not be finally determined until the Company files its tax return each year. Final taxable income may be different than this estimate.
A RIC may elect to retain all or a portion of its net capital gains by designating them as a “deemed distribution” to its shareholders and paying a federal tax on the net capital gains for the benefit of its shareholders. Shareholders then report their share of the retained capital gains on their income tax returns as if it had been received and report a tax credit for tax paid on their behalf by the RIC. Shareholders then add the amount of the “deemed distribution” net of such tax to the basis of their shares.

In addition, the Taxable Subsidiary holds a portion of one or more of our portfolio investments that are listed on the Consolidated Schedule of Investments. The Taxable Subsidiary is consolidated for financial reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP, so that our consolidated financial statements reflect our investments in the portfolio companies owned by the Taxable Subsidiary. The purpose of the Taxable Subsidiary is to permit us to hold certain interests in portfolio companies that are organized as limited liability companies, or LLCs (or other forms of pass-through entities) and still satisfy the RIC tax requirement that at least 90% of our gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes must consist of qualifying investment income. Absent the Taxable Subsidiary, a proportionate amount of any gross income of a partnership or LLC (or other pass-through entity) portfolio investment would flow through directly to us. To the extent that our income did not consist of investment income, it could jeopardize our ability to qualify as a RIC and therefore cause us to incur significant amounts of U.S. federal income taxes at corporate rates. Where interests in LLCs (or other pass-through entities) are owned by the Taxable Subsidiary, however, the income from those interests is taxed to the Taxable Subsidiary and does not flow through to us, thereby helping us preserve our RIC tax treatment and resultant tax advantages. The Taxable Subsidiary is not consolidated for U.S. federal income tax purposes and may generate an income tax provision as a result of their ownership of the portfolio companies. The income tax provision, or benefit, and the related tax assets and liabilities, if any, are reflected in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

As of March 31, 2026, the cost of investments held by the RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes was $2,049.8 million, with such investments having gross unrealized appreciation of $20.7 million and gross unrealized depreciation of $119.3 million, resulting in net unrealized depreciation of $98.6 million. As of March 31, 2026, the cost of investments held by the Taxable Subsidiary for U.S. federal income tax purposes was $72.5 million, with such investments having gross unrealized appreciation of $88.3 million and gross unrealized depreciation of $14.5 million, resulting in net unrealized appreciation of $73.8 million. On a consolidated basis, the total investment portfolio has net unrealized depreciation of $24.8 million for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

The Taxable Subsidiary is not a RIC and is subject to U.S. federal income tax at the current corporate rate. For tax purposes, the Taxable Subsidiary has elected to be treated as a taxable entity, and therefore is not consolidated for tax purposes and is taxed at normal corporate tax rates based on its taxable income and, as a result of its activities, may generate an income tax provision or benefit.

The taxable income, or loss, of the Taxable Subsidiary may differ from book income, or loss, due to temporary book and tax timing differences and permanent differences. This income tax provision, or benefit, if any, and the related tax assets and liabilities, are reflected in our consolidated financial statements. The Taxable Subsidiary records valuation adjustments related to its investments on a quarterly basis. Deferred taxes related to the unrealized gain/loss on investments are also recorded on a quarterly basis. A valuation allowance is provided against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Establishing a valuation allowance of a deferred tax asset requires management to make estimates related to expectations of future taxable income. As of March 31, 2026 and March 31, 2025, the Taxable Subsidiary had a deferred tax liability of $12.5 million and $16.8 million, respectively.
Based on our assessment of our unrecognized tax benefits, management believes that all benefits will be realized and they do not contain any uncertain tax positions.

The following table sets forth the significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2026 and March 31, 2025 (amounts in thousands):
March 31, 2026March 31, 2025
Deferred tax asset:
Net operating loss carryforwards$443 $253 
Interest2,541 1,811 
Total deferred tax asset2,984 2,064 
Deferred tax liabilities:
Net unrealized appreciation on investments(12,907)(15,054)
Net basis differences in portfolio investments(2,584)(3,790)
Total deferred tax liabilities(15,491)(18,844)
Total net deferred tax (liabilities) assets$(12,507)$(16,780)

The income tax provision, or benefit, and the related tax assets and liabilities, generated by CSWC and the Taxable Subsidiary, if any, are reflected in CSWC’s consolidated financial statements. The following table sets forth the significant components of income tax provision as of March 31, 2026, 2025 and 2024 (amounts in thousands):

Years Ended March 31,
Components of Income Tax Provision202620252024
Excise tax$2,499 $1,351 $872 
Tax (benefit) provision related to Taxable Subsidiary(1,501)841 22 
Other123 73 50 
Total income tax provision$1,121 $2,265 $944 

Although we believe our tax returns are correct, the final determination of tax examinations could be different from what was reported on the returns. In our opinion, we have made adequate tax provisions for years subject to examination. Generally, we are currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service as well as state taxing authorities for the years ended December 31, 2022 through December 31, 2024.
The following table is a reconciliation of the federal and state income taxes paid, net of refunds received, for the years ended March 31, 2026, 2025 and 2024 (in thousands):

Years Ended March 31,
202620252024
Federal$12,136 $1,251 $1,052 
State(1)
182 192 124 
Total$12,318 $1,443 $1,176 
(1)There were no jurisdictions for which the annual income taxes paid (net of refunds received) represent 5% or more of the Company's total annual income taxes paid (net of refunds received).