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Opportunity Zones
About Opportunity Zones

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) established Opportunity Zones to incite private investment in designated economically-challenged communities throughout the United States. Private investment in Opportunity Zones is encouraged through tax incentives.

Wisconsin has 120 designated Opportunity Zones, covering more than 40 counties in rural, urban and tribal areas in the state. Three of the designated Opportunity Zones are located in Jefferson and Dodge counties, one in the City of Jefferson, one in Watertown and one in Beaver Dam. Whitewater, which straddles the Jefferson and Walworth county border, also has an Opportunity Zone, but it is located entirely on the Walworth County side.

Visit our Sites and Buildings page to see the Opportunity Zones in our two-county region on the map, as well as what properties might be for sale or lease within the zones.

Opportunity Zones FAQ

Q. What is an Opportunity Zone?

A. An Opportunity Zone is an economically-distressed community where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. Localities qualify as Opportunity Zones if they have been nominated for that designation by the state and that nomination has been certified by the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury via his delegation of authority to the Internal Revenue Service. (Source: IRS Opportunity Zones FAQ)

Q. How do Opportunity Zones spur economic development?

A. Opportunity Zones are designed to spur economic development by providing tax benefits to investors. First, investors can defer tax on any prior gains invested in a Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) until the earlier of the date on which the investment in a QOF is sold or exchanged, or until December 31, 2026. If the QOF investment is held for longer than 5 years, there is a 10% exclusion of the deferred gain. If held for more than 7 years, the 10% becomes 15%.

Second, if the investor holds the investment in the Opportunity Fund for at least 10 years, the investor is eligible for an increase in basis of the QOF investment equal to its fair market value on the date that the QOF investment is sold or exchanged. (Source: IRS Opportunity Zones FAQ)

Q. How do I find a list of Opportunity Zones?

A. For a list of Opportunity Zones in Wisconsin, click here.

For a searchable, interactive map that shows Opportunity Zones throughout the United States, click on the map under the Opportunity Zones Map heading located at the bottom of this page. Important: To view all designated QOZs, click on the “Layers” tab on the menu on the right hand side of the screen. Select “Opportunity Zone Tract” and unselect “2011-2015 LIC Census Tract.

Q. What is a Qualified Opportunity Fund?

A. A Qualified Opportunity Fund is an investment vehicle that is set up as either a partnership or corporation for investing in eligible property that is located in a Qualified Opportunity Zone. (Source: IRS Opportunity Zones FAQ)

Q. Is there an Opportunity Zone fund in Wisconsin?

A. Yes! The Badger State Opportunity Fund is Wisconsin’s first statewide, multi-asset Qualified Opportunity Fund. You can learn more by visiting Wisconsin Diversified Investment’s website.

This WHEDA webinar provides an overview of the Opportunity Zone (OZ) Program that was part of the 2017 Tax Reform Act. It will explain the mechanics and Federal tax benefits of making investments in Opportunity Zones with federal capital gains tax obligations. Examples of specific real-life OZ investments will be presented. The webinar will also cover how Opportunity Zones benefits can be combined with other programs such as the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Program.

Links & Downloads
Tax Foundation Report on Opportunity Zones
IRS FAQ for Opportunity Zones
Opportunity Zones Map

Opportunity Zone Map

Click the button below for a searchable, interactive map of the United States that shows all Opportunity Zones.

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