How to Maximize Opportunity Zone Tax Benefits for Startups and Real Estate Investors

This course provides a general and non-technical overview of the qualified opportunity zone (QOZ) program, which was enacted by the 2017 Tax Reform Act in order to encourage development and entrepreneurial activities in designated low-income communities. Investors have already poured tens of billion dollars into opportunity zones in order to obtain significant tax deferral and tax exemption benefits, in addition to earning economic profits and making a positive social impact.

Although some opportunity zone projects involve real estate development, the tax benefits are also useful for startups and other operating businesses in the zones. This program, led by tax attorney Libin Zhang, will provide some practical examples of how the investments can be properly structured in order to obtain the maximum tax and economic benefits for investors, fund sponsors, existing business owners, and entrepreneurs.

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine the tax benefits provided by opportunity zone investments
2. Compare the opportunity zone program with other tax incentives, such as section 1031 like-kind exchanges
3. Review the rules and limitations for startup and operating businesses in opportunity zones
4. Discuss how real estate owners can encourage businesses to become their tenants in the zones
5. Recognize how opportunity zone tax benefits can be combined with multiple tax credits and other tax benefits (known as tripleting or turduckening)