Opportunity Zones
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created a new federal incentive called Opportunity Zones. These OZ’s were created to spur investment with capital gains in under capitalized regions which have traditionally high unemployment and poverty rates. Randolph is one of 25 census tracts designated as an Opportunity Zone in Vermont by Governor Phil Scott. The Federal program provides three incentives for investing capital gains in Opportunity Zones:
- Temporary deferral of taxes on previously earned capital gains. Investors can place their realized capital gains into a qualified Opportunity Zone Fund and delay the taxes owed on those gains until the end of 2026 or when the Fund is disposed of.
- Step-up in basis for those realized capital gains. Investors who keep their capital gains in a qualified Opportunity Zone Fund for at least five years receive a 10% increase in basis on their capital gains. An additional 5% increase in basis can be attained for investments held for seven years.
- Permanent exclusion of taxable income on new gains. Investors who hold their investments in a qualified Opportunity Zone Fund for 10 years pay no taxes on any gains accrued in their investment stake in the Opportunity Zone Fund.