Without action by Congress the current dividend tax of 15% will end as 2012 comes to a close and will instead be taxed as normal income according to the article below.

http://www.smartmoney.com/invest/st...ividends-to-increase-1332723167618/?mg=com-sm

May be worth keeping an eye on hedging any dividend aristocrat index portfolios you may own. Some low theta puts may be a reasonable strategy.