Debited for Dividend while short...

I was short AT&T for a few months and just noticed that my account was debited for the .41 quarterly dividend. I don't have a lot of experience on the short side. Is this correct, that the short seller is liable for the stock's dividend payment?

tx

 

yep

 

yes thats correct. you sold it so you owe the owner the dividend

 

thanks

Ouch

Can I write it off against dividends received?

 

Yes, just like when you receive a dividend it is considered income, when you are short and it is taken from you it is a loss/payment.