AICPA comments on proposed tax regulations for investing in Qualified Opportunity Zones
February 27, 2019
![AICPA comments on proposed tax regulations for investing in Qualified Opportunity Zones AICPA comments on proposed tax regulations for investing in Qualified Opportunity Zones](/content/dam/aicpa/newaicpa/supportingimages/woman-checking-off-checklist-366x179.jpg)
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has submitted comments and recommendations to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) related to the proposed regulations to implement Investing in Qualified Opportunity Zones (REG-115420-18). The proposed rules provide guidance on the deferral of gains resulting from a taxpayer’s investment in a qualified opportunity fund (QOF).
The deferral is allowed under Internal Revenue Code sections 1400Z-1 and 1400Z-2 in order to encourage investment that will result in economic growth in designated low-income communities.
The AICPA recommended that the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS provide guidance on the following seven issues:
- Disposition of an interest in a pass-through entity that elected to defer gain;
- 180-day period for a partner electing deferral;
- Deferral election on an amended tax return;
- Extension of 10-year basis step-up election until December 31, 2047;
- Effect of Internal Revenue Code section 179 and bonus depreciation under section 168 on “substantial improvement” of the tangible property requirement;
- Guidance stating that rental real estate is a trade or business for purposes of section 1400Z-2;
- Guidance stating that the definition of “corporation” for all purposes of section 1400Z-2 includes subchapter S corporations;
The AICPA also requested guidance or clarification of a variety of other issues related to section 1400Z-2.