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Opportunity Zone Tax Benefits

Maximize your tax savings with strategic OZ investment planning

Three Powerful Tax Benefits of Opportunity Zone Investments

Opportunity Zone investments offer three distinct tax advantages that can significantly reduce your tax burden while generating strong returns. Understanding these benefits is crucial for maximizing your investment potential.

1. Capital Gains Deferral

Defer paying capital gains taxes until December 31, 2026, or when you sell your OZ investment, whichever comes first.

  • Defer taxes on capital gains from any source
  • Must invest within 180 days of gain realization
  • Taxes due by December 31, 2026
  • No limit on deferral amount
Example: $1M capital gain → Defer $200K in taxes until 2026
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2. Basis Step-Up

Reduce your deferred capital gains by 10% after 5 years and an additional 5% after 7 years, for a total 15% reduction.

  • 5-year hold: 10% basis step-up
  • 7-year hold: Additional 5% (15% total)
  • Must hold until December 31, 2026
  • Maximum 15% reduction on deferred gains
Example: $1M gain → Pay taxes on only $850K after 7 years
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3. Tax-Free Appreciation

Eliminate capital gains taxes on appreciation if you hold your OZ investment for at least 10 years.

  • Must hold for 10+ years
  • Tax-free appreciation on OZ investment
  • No limit on appreciation amount
  • Must sell by December 31, 2047
Example: $1M investment → $3M value after 10 years → $2M appreciation tax-free

Strategic Tax Planning for OZ Investments

⏰ Timing Optimization

Strategic timing of your OZ investment can maximize tax benefits:

  • Invest before December 31, 2021 for full 7-year benefits
  • Consider market conditions and property availability
  • Plan for December 31, 2026 tax payment
  • Optimize for 10-year hold period

💰 Gain Source Strategy

Different types of capital gains can be optimized for OZ investment:

  • Stock market gains
  • Real estate sale proceeds
  • Business sale proceeds
  • Cryptocurrency gains

🏛️ Fund vs. Direct Investment

Choose the right investment structure for your situation:

  • QOF for diversification and professional management
  • Direct investment for control and higher returns
  • Consider your expertise and time availability
  • Evaluate fees and management structure

OZ Tax Savings Calculator

Calculate Your Potential Tax Savings

Tax Benefits Case Study

$5M Business Sale Tax Optimization

Situation: Tech entrepreneur sold company for $5M with $4M in capital gains

Without OZ Investment

  • Capital gains tax: $800K (20%)
  • Net proceeds: $4.2M
  • Investment amount: $4.2M
  • 10-year value: $9.1M
  • Tax on appreciation: $980K
  • Net after taxes: $8.1M

With OZ Investment

  • Deferred tax: $800K until 2026
  • Basis step-up: $120K (15%)
  • Investment amount: $5M
  • 10-year value: $10.8M
  • Tax-free appreciation: $5.8M
  • Net after taxes: $9.9M

Total Tax Savings: $1.8M

Additional return of 22% over 10 years

Ready to Maximize Your Tax Benefits?

Schedule a consultation with our tax specialists to develop a strategic OZ investment plan that maximizes your tax savings.