Opportunity Zones are federally-designated census tracts classified as low-income communities.  The Opportunity Zones program provides substantial tax benefits for capital gains reinvested into these economically disadvantaged areas.  In Niagara County, Opportunity Zones are located in the Cities of Lockport, Niagara Falls, and North Tonawanda.

Tax benefits include:

  • Deferral of capital gains tax until the investment is sold or until 12/31/2026, whichever is earlier.

  • Discounted capital gains of 10% for investments held 5 years if invested by December 31, 2021.

  • Discounted capital gains of 15% for investments held 7 years if invested by December 31, 2019.

  • Exclusion of 100% of future gains for investments held 10 years or longer.

Qualified investments include real estate, stock or equity interest in an existing business, startup businesses, and business property, as long as the investment is located in an Opportunity Zone.  For business investements, at least 50% of revenues must be derived from the active conduct of business in the Opportunity Zone and at least 70% of the tangible property of the business must be located in an Opportunity Zone.

Download the Niagara County Opportunity Zones Investment Prospectus

 

Use our interactive map to find Opportunity Zone investment sites:

Click to view a larger map