FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Further Information:

Zweig Funds Shareholder Services

(800) 272-2700

zweig@virtus.com

THE ZWEIG TOTAL RETURN FUND, INC. DECLARES DISTRIBUTION AND

DISCLOSES SOURCES OF DISTRIBUTION – SECTION 19(a) NOTICE

New York, July 1, 2015 — The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc. (NYSE: ZTR) today announced a monthly distribution of $0.087 per share, payable on July 20, 2015, to shareholders of record on July 13, 2015 (ex-date July 9, 2015).

The Fund has a Managed Distribution Plan (“Plan”) to pay 7% of the Fund’s net asset value on an annualized basis, consistent with its primary investment objectives and as required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Distributions may represent earnings from net investment income, capital gains, or if necessary, return of capital. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund’s Plan.

The following chart discloses information on the sources of the distribution:

Distribution Estimates	June 2015 (MTD)				Year-to-date (YTD) (1)
(Sources)	Per Share Amount		Percentage of Current Distribution		Per Share Amount		Percentage of Current Distribution
Net Investment Income	$	0.025		28.2%	$	0.102		19.2%
Net Realized Foreign Currency Gains		-		0.0%		-		0.0%
Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains		-		0.0%		0.160		30.0%
Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains		0.062		71.8%		0.271		50.8%
Return of Capital (or other Capital Source)		-		0.0%		-		0.0%
Total Distribution	$	0.087		100.0%	$	0.533		100.0%

   (1) YTD February 2, 2015 to January 11, 2016. (The distribution paid on January 9, 2015 was reportable for tax on Form 1099 in 2014)

Under the terms of the Fund’s managed distribution policy, the Fund seeks to maintain a consistent distribution level that may be paid in part or in full from net investment income and realized capital gains, or a combination thereof. Shareholders should note, however, that if the Fund’s aggregate net investment income and net realized capital gains are less than the amount of the distribution level, the difference will be distributed from the Fund’s assets and will constitute a return of the

shareholder’s capital. A return of capital is not taxable; rather it reduces a shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares of the Fund.

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send shareholders a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

Information regarding the Fund’s performance and distribution rates is set forth below. Please note that all performance figures are based on the Fund’s NAV and not the market price of the Fund’s shares. Performance figures are not meant to represent individual shareholder performance.

June 30, 2015
Average Annual Total Return on NAV for the 5-year period ended this month (2)	9.96	%
Current Fiscal YTD Annualized Distribution Rate (3)	7.22	%
YTD Cumulative Total Return on NAV (4)	-0.01	%
YTD Cumulative Distribution Rate (5)	3.61	%

(2) Average Annual Total Return on NAV is the annual compound return for the five-year period. It reflects the change in the Fund’s NAV and reinvestment of all distributions.

(3) Current Fiscal YTD Annualized Distribution Rate is the cumulative distribution rate annualized as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV at month end.

(4) YTD Cumulative Total Return on NAV is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV from the first day of the year to this month end, including distributions paid and assuming reinvestment of those distributions.

(5) YTD Cumulative Distribution Rate is the dollar value of distributions from the first day of the year to this month end as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV at month end.

Section 19(a) notices are posted on the Fund’s website at:

ZTR 19A Notices

The Zweig closed-end funds are advised by Zweig Advisers LLC. For more information on the Fund, please contact shareholder services at 800.272.2700, by email at zweig@virtus.com, or visit us on the web at www.virtus.com.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Further Information:

Zweig Funds Shareholder Services

(800) 272-2700

zweig@virtus.com

THE ZWEIG TOTAL RETURN FUND, INC. DECLARES DISTRIBUTION AND

DISCLOSES SOURCES OF DISTRIBUTION – SECTION 19(a) NOTICE

New York, August 3, 2015 — The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc. (NYSE: ZTR) today announced a monthly distribution of $0.086 per share, payable on August 20, 2015, to shareholders of record on August 13, 2015 (ex-date August 11, 2015).

The Fund has a Managed Distribution Plan (“Plan”) to pay 7% of the Fund’s net asset value on an annualized basis, consistent with its primary investment objectives and as required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Distributions may represent earnings from net investment income, capital gains, or if necessary, return of capital. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund’s Plan.

The following chart discloses information on the sources of the distribution:

Distribution Estimates	July 2015 (MTD)				Year-to-date (YTD) (1)
(Sources)	Per Share Amount		Percentage of Current Distribution		Per Share Amount		Percentage of Current Distribution
Net Investment Income	$	0.023		27.1%	$	0.126		20.2%
Net Realized Foreign Currency Gains		-		0.0%		-		0.0%
Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains		-		0.0%		0.129		21.0%
Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains		0.063		72.9%		0.364		58.8%
Return of Capital (or other Capital Source)		-		0.0%		-		0.0%
Total Distribution	$	0.086		100.0%	$	0.619		100.0%

 (1) YTD February 2, 2015 to January 11, 2016. (The distribution paid on January 9, 2015 was reportable for tax on Form 1099 in 2014)

Under the terms of the Fund’s managed distribution policy, the Fund seeks to maintain a consistent distribution level that may be paid in part or in full from net investment income and realized capital gains, or a combination thereof. Shareholders should note, however, that if the Fund’s aggregate net investment income and net realized capital gains are less than the amount of the distribution level, the difference will be distributed from the Fund’s assets and will constitute a return of the

shareholder’s capital. A return of capital is not taxable; rather it reduces a shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares of the Fund.

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send shareholders a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

Information regarding the Fund’s performance and distribution rates is set forth below. Please note that all performance figures are based on the Fund’s NAV and not the market price of the Fund’s shares. Performance figures are not meant to represent individual shareholder performance.

July 31, 2015
Average Annual Total Return on NAV for the 5-year period ended this month (2)	9.044%
Current Fiscal YTD Annualized Distribution Rate (3)	7.26%
YTD Cumulative Total Return on NAV (4)	-0.21%
YTD Cumulative Distribution Rate (5)	4.24%

(2) Average Annual Total Return on NAV is the annual compound return for the five-year period. It reflects the change in the Fund’s NAV and reinvestment of all distributions.

(3) Current Fiscal YTD Annualized Distribution Rate is the cumulative distribution rate annualized as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV at month end.

(4) YTD Cumulative Total Return on NAV is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV from the first day of the year to this month end, including distributions paid and assuming reinvestment of those distributions.

(5) YTD Cumulative Distribution Rate is the dollar value of distributions from the first day of the year to this month end as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV at month end.

Section 19(a) notices are posted on the Fund’s website at:

ZTR 19A Notices

The Zweig closed-end funds are advised by Zweig Advisers LLC. For more information on the Fund, please contact shareholder services at 800.272.2700, by email at zweig@virtus.com, or visit us on the web at www.virtus.com.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Further Information:

Zweig Funds Shareholder Services

(800) 272-2700

zweig@virtus.com

THE ZWEIG TOTAL RETURN FUND, INC. DECLARES DISTRIBUTION AND

DISCLOSES SOURCES OF DISTRIBUTION – SECTION 19(a) NOTICE

New York, September 1, 2015 — The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc. (NYSE: ZTR) today announced a monthly distribution of $0.081 per share, payable on September 18, 2015, to shareholders of record on September 11, 2015 (ex-date September 9, 2015).

The Fund has a Managed Distribution Plan (“Plan”) to pay 7% of the Fund’s net asset value on an annualized basis, consistent with its primary investment objectives and as required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Distributions may represent earnings from net investment income, capital gains, or if necessary, return of capital. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund’s Plan.

The following chart discloses information on the sources of the distribution:

Distribution Estimates	August 2015 (MTD)				Year-to-date (YTD)  (1)
(Sources)	Per Share Amount		Percentage of Current Distribution		Per Share Amount		Percentage of Current Distribution
Net Investment Income	$	0.031		38.3%	$	0.156		22.3%
Net Realized Foreign Currency Gains		-		0.0%		-		0.0%
Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains		-		0.0%		-		0.0%
Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains		0.050		61.7%		0.544		77.7%
Return of Capital (or other Capital Source)		-		0.0%		-		0.0%
Total Distribution	$	0.081		100.0%	$	0.700		100.0%

 (1) YTD February 2, 2015 to January 11, 2016. (The distribution paid on January 9, 2015 was reportable for tax on Form 1099 in 2014)

Under the terms of the Fund’s managed distribution policy, the Fund seeks to maintain a consistent distribution level that may be paid in part or in full from net investment income and realized capital gains, or a combination thereof. Shareholders should note, however, that if the Fund’s aggregate net investment income and net realized capital gains are less than the amount of the distribution level, the difference will be distributed from the Fund’s assets and will constitute a return of the

shareholder’s capital. A return of capital is not taxable; rather it reduces a shareholder’s tax basis in his or her shares of the Fund.

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send shareholders a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

Information regarding the Fund’s performance and distribution rates is set forth below. Please note that all performance figures are based on the Fund’s NAV and not the market price of the Fund’s shares. Performance figures are not meant to represent individual shareholder performance.

August 31, 2015
Average Annual Total Return on NAV for the 5-year period ended this month (2)	8.42%
Current Fiscal YTD Annualized Distribution Rate (3)	7.63%
YTD Cumulative Total Return on NAV (4)	-4.76%
YTD Cumulative Distribution Rate (5)	5.09%

(2) Average Annual Total Return on NAV is the annual compound return for the five-year period. It reflects the change in the Fund’s NAV and reinvestment of all distributions.

(3) Current Fiscal YTD Annualized Distribution Rate is the cumulative distribution rate annualized as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV at month end.

(4) YTD Cumulative Total Return on NAV is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV from the first day of the year to this month end, including distributions paid and assuming reinvestment of those distributions.

(5) YTD Cumulative Distribution Rate is the dollar value of distributions from the first day of the year to this month end as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV at month end.

Section 19(a) notices are posted on the Fund’s website at:

ZTR 19A Notices

The Zweig closed-end funds are advised by Zweig Advisers LLC. For more information on the Fund, please contact shareholder services at 800.272.2700, by email at zweig@virtus.com, or visit us on the web at www.virtus.com.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Further Information:

Zweig Funds Shareholder Services

(800) 272-2700

zweig@virtus.com

THE ZWEIG TOTAL RETURN FUND, INC. DECLARES DISTRIBUTION AND

DISCLOSES SOURCES OF DISTRIBUTION – SECTION 19(a) NOTICE

New York, October 1, 2015 — The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc. (NYSE: ZTR) today announced a monthly distribution of $0.079 per share, payable on October 20, 2015, to shareholders of record on October 13, 2015 (ex-date October 8, 2015).

The Fund has a Managed Distribution Plan (“Plan”) to pay 7% of the Fund’s net asset value on an annualized basis, consistent with its primary investment objectives and as required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Distributions may represent earnings from net investment income, capital gains, or if necessary, return of capital. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund’s Plan.

The following chart discloses information on the sources of the distribution:

Distribution Estimates	September 2015 (MTD)				Year-to-date (YTD) (1)
(Sources)	Per Share Amount		Percentage of Current Distribution		Per Share Amount		Percentage of Current Distribution
Net Investment Income	$	0.017		21.9%	$	0.174		22.3%
Net Realized Foreign Currency Gains		-		0.0%		-		0.0%
Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains		-		0.0%		-		0.0%
Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains		0.028		35.7%		0.572		73.4%
Return of Capital (or other Capital Source)		0.034		42.4%		0.033		4.3%
Total Distribution	$	0.079		100.0%	$	0.779		100.0%

 (1) YTD February 2, 2015 to January 11, 2016. (The distribution paid on January 9, 2015 was reportable for tax on Form 1099 in 2014)

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains in the fiscal year to date; therefore, a portion of the distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.”

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send shareholders a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

Information regarding the Fund’s performance and distribution rates is set forth below. Please note that all performance figures are based on the Fund’s NAV and not the market price of the Fund’s shares. Performance figures are not meant to represent individual shareholder performance.

September 30, 2015
Average Annual Total Return on NAV for the 5-year period ended this month (2)	7.05	%
Current Fiscal YTD Annualized Distribution Rate (3)	7.79	%
YTD Cumulative Total Return on NAV (4)	-6.99	%
YTD Cumulative Distribution Rate (5)	5.84	%

(2) Average Annual Total Return on NAV is the annual compound return for the five-year period. It reflects the change in the Fund’s NAV and reinvestment of all distributions.

(3) Current Fiscal YTD Annualized Distribution Rate is the cumulative distribution rate annualized as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV at month end.

(4) YTD Cumulative Total Return on NAV is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV from the first day of the year to this month end, including distributions paid and assuming reinvestment of those distributions.

(5) YTD Cumulative Distribution Rate is the dollar value of distributions from the first day of the year to this month end as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV at month end.

Section 19(a) notices are posted on the Fund’s website at:

ZTR 19A Notices

The Zweig closed-end funds are advised by Zweig Advisers LLC. For more information on the Fund, please contact shareholder services at 800.272.2700, by email at zweig@virtus.com, or visit us on the web at www.virtus.com.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Further Information:

Zweig Funds Shareholder Services

(800) 272-2700

zweig@virtus.com

THE ZWEIG TOTAL RETURN FUND, INC. DECLARES DISTRIBUTION AND

DISCLOSES SOURCES OF DISTRIBUTION – SECTION 19(a) NOTICE

New York, November 2, 2015 — The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc. (NYSE: ZTR) today announced a monthly distribution of $0.082 per share, payable on November 19, 2015, to shareholders of record on November 12, 2015 (ex-date November 9, 2015).

The Fund has a Managed Distribution Plan (“Plan”) to pay 7% of the Fund’s net asset value on an annualized basis, consistent with its primary investment objectives and as required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Distributions may represent earnings from net investment income, capital gains, or if necessary, return of capital. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund’s Plan.

The following chart discloses information on the sources of the distribution:

Distribution Estimates	October 2015 (MTD)				Year-to-date (YTD) (1)
(Sources)	Per Share Amount		Percentage of Current Distribution		Per Share Amount		Percentage of Current Distribution
Net Investment Income	$	0.006		7.6%	$	0.180		20.9%
Net Realized Foreign Currency Gains		-		0.0%		-		0.0%
Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains		-		0.0%		-		0.0%
Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains		-		0.0%		0.466		54.1%
Return of Capital (or other Capital Source)		0.076		92.4%		0.215		25.0%
Total Distribution	$	0.082		100.0%	$	0.861		100.0%

 (1) YTD February 2, 2015 to January 11, 2016. (The distribution paid on January 9, 2015 was reportable for tax on Form 1099 in 2014)

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains in the fiscal year to date; therefore, a portion of the distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.”

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send shareholders a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

Information regarding the Fund’s performance and distribution rates is set forth below. Please note that all performance figures are based on the Fund’s NAV and not the market price of the Fund’s shares. Performance figures are not meant to represent individual shareholder performance.

October 30, 2015
Average Annual Total Return on NAV for the 5-year period ended this month (2)	7.56	%
Current Fiscal YTD Annualized Distribution Rate (3)	7.42	%
YTD Cumulative Total Return on NAV (4)	-2.71	%
YTD Cumulative Distribution Rate (5)	6.19	%

(2) Average Annual Total Return on NAV is the annual compound return for the five-year period. It reflects the change in the Fund’s NAV and reinvestment of all distributions.

(3) Current Fiscal YTD Annualized Distribution Rate is the cumulative distribution rate annualized as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV at month end.

(4) YTD Cumulative Total Return on NAV is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV from the first day of the year to this month end, including distributions paid and assuming reinvestment of those distributions.

(5) YTD Cumulative Distribution Rate is the dollar value of distributions from the first day of the year to this month end as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV at month end.

Section 19(a) notices are posted on the Fund’s website at:

ZTR 19A Notices

The Zweig closed-end funds are advised by Zweig Advisers LLC. For more information on the Fund, please contact shareholder services at 800.272.2700, by email at zweig@virtus.com, or visit us on the web at www.virtus.com.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Further Information:

Zweig Funds Shareholder Services

(800) 272-2700

zweig@virtus.com

THE ZWEIG TOTAL RETURN FUND, INC. DECLARES DISTRIBUTION AND

DISCLOSES SOURCES OF DISTRIBUTION – SECTION 19(a) NOTICE

New York, December 1, 2015 — The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc. (NYSE: ZTR) today announced a monthly distribution of $0.081 per share, payable on December 18, 2015, to shareholders of record on December 11, 2015 (ex-date December 9, 2015).

The Fund has a Managed Distribution Plan (“Plan”) to pay 7% of the Fund’s net asset value on an annualized basis, consistent with its primary investment objectives and as required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Distributions may represent earnings from net investment income, capital gains, or if necessary, return of capital. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund’s Plan.

The following chart discloses information on the sources of the distribution:

Distribution Estimates	November 2015 (MTD)				Year-to-date  (YTD) (1)
(Sources)	Per Share Amount		Percentage of Current Distribution		Per Share Amount		Percentage of Current Distribution
Net Investment Income	$	0.021		25.6%	$	0.201		21.3%
Net Realized Foreign Currency Gains		-		0.0%		-		0.0%
Net Realized Short-Term Capital Gains		-		0.0%		-		0.0%
Net Realized Long-Term Capital Gains		0.060		74.4%		0.624		66.3%
Return of Capital (or other Capital Source)		-		0.0%		0.117		12.4%
Total Distribution	$	0.081		100.0%	$	0.942		100.0%

 (1) YTD February 2, 2015 to January 11, 2016. (The distribution paid on January 9, 2015 was reportable for tax on Form 1099 in 2014)

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains in the fiscal year to date; therefore, a portion of the distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.”

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send shareholders a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

Information regarding the Fund’s performance and distribution rates is set forth below. Please note that all performance figures are based on the Fund’s NAV and not the market price of the Fund’s shares. Performance figures are not meant to represent individual shareholder performance.

November 30, 2015
Average Annual Total Return on NAV for the 5-year period ended this month (2)	7.36	%
Current Fiscal YTD Annualized Distribution Rate (3)	7.47	%
YTD Cumulative Total Return on NAV (4)	-3.24	%
YTD Cumulative Distribution Rate (5)	6.85	%

(2) Average Annual Total Return on NAV is the annual compound return for the five-year period. It reflects the change in the Fund’s NAV and reinvestment of all distributions.

(3) Current Fiscal YTD Annualized Distribution Rate is the cumulative distribution rate annualized as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV at month end.

(4) YTD Cumulative Total Return on NAV is the percentage change in the Fund’s NAV from the first day of the year to this month end, including distributions paid and assuming reinvestment of those distributions.

(5) YTD Cumulative Distribution Rate is the dollar value of distributions from the first day of the year to this month end as a percentage of the Fund’s NAV at month end.

Section 19(a) notices are posted on the Fund’s website at:

ZTR 19A Notices

The Zweig closed-end funds are advised by Zweig Advisers LLC. For more information on the Fund, please contact shareholder services at 800.272.2700, by email at zweig@virtus.com, or visit us on the web at www.virtus.com.

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