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Industry gets new rural Opportunity Zone tool

The Sorenson Impact Center has created the “Rural Opportunity Zone and Recovery Playbook: A new blueprint to attract private investment for community priorities.”

September 23, 2022 10:01PM

States with the most Opportunity Zone investments

Knowing the top states for OZ investments can help investors have a better understanding of the factors they should look at when it comes to where to place their OZ investments.

September 09, 2022 07:27PM

What is fueling the continued surge of OZ investments?

The opportunity zone program is currently experiencing a surge in investments, following a lull due to the pandemic, as more investors learn about investment options and tax benefits within the opportunity zone program.

June 08, 2022 04:21PM

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UPCOMING EXPOS

Join us at our nationwide conference dedicated to Opportunity Zone stakeholders. Through its extensive network of professionals and industry experts, the Opportunity Zone Expo helps expand your business network and keep you updated about the industry.

Economic Development Agencies

Economic development agencies develop and bolster economic growth within a defined city, state or region. The agencies provide necessary resources and invaluable assistance, making them among the best sources of information for start-ups and expanding businesses looking for new development or investment opportunities.

Many of these agencies throughout the United States have created a prospectus highlighting their Opportunity Zones. The agencies note what projects or developments are needed and would be successful for their communities.

The Opportunity Zone Expo’s goal is to promote agencies using our product offerings, such as our website, podcasts, magazine, social media accounts and events. Using the Opportunity Zone Expo platform will gain exposure to potential investors across the country.

Featured Economic Development Agencies

OZExpo Magazine

Opportunity Zone Magazine

Opportunity Zone Magazine is published by Opportunity Zone Expo — the country’s leading education, networking and marketing platform for key players in the industry.

The platform was created out of the need for marketplace transparency and to connect individuals who are interested in learning about opportunity zones, including fund managers, attorneys, real estate developers, tax specialists, investment banks, institutional investors and government officials.

Opportunity Zone Magazine publishes peer-reviewed and board-approved articles written by experienced professionals in the industry.


Top Q&A Contributors

Matthew Rappaport

685 Answers

Falcon Rappaport & Berkman

Maria De Los Angeles Rivera

371 Answers

Kevane Grant Thornton

Brad Cohen

255 Answers

Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell

Marko Belej

162 Answers

Taft

Matt Campbell

159 Answers

Hall Estill

Testimonials

At the Opportunity Zone Expo, I met everyone I needed to put our deal together; from my attorneys to my investors. This conference group is very professional and value additive.

Grant King - Relevant Group

I found the conference to be very impressive in terms of the quality of speakers, panels and networking. I came away with a lot of business cards and made the acquaintance of several other advisors in the space.

Timothy Trifilo - CohnReznick

You all did an absolutely great job. You managed to not only provide experts in the field, but you also managed to provide an environment where people can interact and exchange information. GREAT JOB!

Lance Growth - Growth 1031

I wanted to let you know that I have found your forum to be the most exciting and compelling repository of thought leadership on the OZ front. You have also created a fabulous team around this and I enjoy working with each of them.

Susan Rounds - Deutsche Bank

It was an amazing event. Great information, great contacts, and you guys put on a first-class exposition. We look forward to future events.

Brent Forsberg - Urban Systems

As always, you guys put on a top-class conference. The content, panelists and sponsors were all amazing!

Mike Hines - First Foundation Bank

You guys did a phenomenal job putting the right people out there to cover the various related topics… it was a great Expo and much needed for the industry for sure!

Joe Awad - RE/MAX Leaders

We had a great time at the Expo and we were able to gain lots of traction for our project.

Robert Degen - Lee & Associates

I have already been communicating with a few attendees and some of the panelists from the event, so we definitely see the value of participating in future events.

Austin Maness - Harvest Returns



What is the current status of the Opportunity Zone tax incentive?

The Opportunity Zone tax incentive is currently set to expire in 2026. However, there is bipartisan legislation working its way through Congress designed to extend these incentives until 2028. The bill, as currently written, will add more reporting requirements while sunsetting some opportunity zones that are no longer considered impoverished. The Opportunity Zone program allows investors to defer taxes on capital gains while investing in poor areas – a win win situation for both locals and investors.


What is a Qualified Opportunity Zone?

These are designated economically distressed communities, where the federal government installed tax incentives for those who improve these communities through investments. They are determined through census tracts. They became part of the tax code through the passage of the bipartisan Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on December 22, 2017.


What is a Qualified Opportunity Fund and how can I create one?

It’s an investment vehicle created specifically for opportunity zone properties. Any entity can invest in or create an opportunity fund, including partnerships, corporations and LLCs. A partnership or corporation can self-certify a QOF by filing an IRS form 8996. After five years the taxable capital gain is reduced by 10%. After seven years the capital gain is reduced by another 5%. Any appreciation on the capital gains invested in a QOF is tax free.


How can I invest in Opportunity Zones and what capital gains are eligible?

Investors can invest in Opportunity Zones by creating or partnering in a Qualified Opportunity Fund. Capital gains generated through almost any asset – such as financial investments, real estate, personal property, or collectibles – qualify.


What is Qualified Opportunity Zone property?

It is property purchased by a QOF after 2017 and is being used in a trade or business. Most of the business must be conducted in the QOZ tract. In addition, at least 90 percent of its assets must be invested in QOZ business or business property. If the QOF fails to meet the 90 percent threshold, it must pay a penalty for each month it fails to meet this requirement.


How can I create a Qualified Opportunity Zone Business?

First you must create a Quality Opportunity Fund by filing IRS tax form 8996. The QOF must earn at least 50% of its gross income from business activities within a Qualified Opportunity Zone and must do so every year.


When do I need to invest my qualified gain to qualify for the QOZ tax incentive?

The capital gain must be invested in a QOF within 180 days from the sale or exchange of the asset.