Update – Opportunity Zones

On Friday, October 19^th, the IRS issued the first round of long-awaited guidance on investments in Opportunity Zones. The proposed regulations and related revenue ruling aim to bring clarity to many questions investors have been asking. The Treasury Department said additional guidance will be released before the end of the year, but according to one Treasury official they “felt it was important to issue the core guidance now that’s needed to get the funds up and operating and not wait until we have every question answered.”

Some highlights of the proposed regulations include: 

• Clarification of gains eligible for deferral
• List of eligible taxpayers including individuals, corporations, and pass-through entities
• Clarification that qualified investments only include equity interests in a qualified opportunity fund
• Rules outlining substantial improvement requirements for land and buildings
• Release of Form 8949 in draft to elect deferral under the Opportunity Zone program

Click here to learn more about opportunity zones or contact us at opportunityzones@bmss.com.