Opportunity Zone Investments: A Tax Deferral Opportunity You May Have Overlooked

Kirsch CPA Group

Feb 17, 2021

Opportunity Zone Investments: A Tax Deferral Opportunity

Many investors are unaware of the potential to defer taxes by investing in a qualified opportunity zone (“QOZ”). Created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and intended to spur economic development in economically distressed areas, QOZs are authorized under U.S. Treasury Department and IRS regulations.

While the rules surrounding QOZ investments can be complicated, the potential benefits to the investor are significant. For business owners and other investors who found themselves selling investments during 2020 to take advantage of lower capital gain tax rates, reinvesting all or a portion of these gains in a QOZ enables you to defer paying tax on the gain until 2026. Even better, if the investor holds the QOZ investment for at least 10 years and it appreciates, the investor pays no tax on the appreciation.

There are risks to be considered, starting with the fact that this investment, like any other, may fail. Investment in a QOZ is not guaranteed. Investors are making an investment into an operating business or real estate located in an opportunity zone.

Long-Term Horizon Required for Maximum Benefit

In addition, achieving the full benefits of the QOZ requires a long-term investment horizon since the main benefits are a result of leaving the investment in the QOZ until at least 2026 and up to 10 years. However, if an investor is willing to make such an investment, the QOZ may be worth considering.

Another advantage of investing in a QOZ is that unlike traditional “like-kind exchanges” or “1031 exchanges” an investor does not have to structure the QOZ investment in advance of selling the original investment. An investor can reinvest some or all of the capital gains from a previously sold investment into the QOZ prior to filing and paying tax on that year’s tax return.

There are other considerations and rules that can factor into the decision, but under the right circumstances, a QOZ investment may be worth a look.

Contact us to learn more about opportunity zone investments

About The Author

Kirsch CPA Group is a full service CPA and business advisory firm helping businesses and organizations with accounting,…

Read More


Sign Up for Email Updates


Accounting & Financial News

Can Your Manufacturing Company Benefit From the Work Opportunity Tax Credit?

The quest for skilled laborers in the manufacturing sector continues. Indeed, more than 600,000 manufacturing-related jobs remained…

Help Staffers Boost Retirement Savings With a Roth 403(b) Plan

For-profit businesses with 401(k) retirement plans can offer Roth 401(k) plans to their employees. Likewise, not-for-profits can…

What You’re Missing If You’re Not Getting Good Monthly Financials

Many small and mid-size business owners think they are getting the monthly financials they need to make good decisions and…