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Tax-Saving Opportunities with Puerto Rico’s Qualified Opportunity Zones

Tax-Saving Opportunities with Puerto Rico’s Qualified Opportunity Zones

By:

Mark Perlberg

Published:

August 10, 2023

Updated:

October 14, 2026

1 min read

If you are looking to minimize capital gains recognition, consider the qualified opportunity zone (QOZ) provisions under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. These provisions offer tax benefits for investments made in economically depressed communities across the United States and certain territories, plus additional tax-saving opportunities offered by combining QOZ benefits with Puerto Rico’s local incentives for economic growth.

With most of the island designated as QOZs, Puerto Rico presents a unique opportunity for investors. Under Puerto Rico’s Act 60 investors can leverage these incentives. Nearly 10% of all QOZs nationwide are in Puerto Rico. Qualified Opportunity Zones – Tax Benefits, Strategies and How They Compare to 1031 Exchanges – YouTube, second only to California. Fully 98% of the island is designated as a QOZ so any investment in Puerto Rico is essentially an investment in a QOZ. By investing through a qualified opportunity fund (QOF) in Puerto Rico, investors can potentially reduce capital gains from prior investments and enjoy tax-free gains after a 10-year holding period.

Key Takeaway
You don't have to choose between your financial goals. Start by taking advantage of available employer benefits, then balance your remaining savings between short-term priorities and long-term financial growth. Keep money needed in the near term in an appropriate low-risk option, and consider the tax implications before using long-term savings.

Puerto Rico’s holds a special status tax policies since it is considered part of the United States for many federal laws, but it has its own income tax laws. This means residents don’t pay federal income taxes on Puerto Rico-source income. Puerto Rico is also treated as a foreign country under the Internal Revenue Code, offering distinct tax advantages for entities organized in the territory. Work with your professional tax and investment advisors to see if this tax saving investment is right for you. Capital Gains Planning w/ DST’s and Qualified Opportunity Zones – YouTube

About the author

Mark Perlberg

Certified Tax Planner

Mark Perlberg is a CPA, Certified Tax Planner, and specializes in helping real estate investors and entrepreneurs achieve their financial goals through strategic tax planning. He has been a CPA since 2015, and since 2019, has served hundreds of entrepreneurs to create tax plans with savings as high as $2.5 Million in a single year through advanced planning methods. Mark and his team collaborate closely with clients to understand their unique goals and circumstances, evaluating all sources of past, present, and future financial events to guide them toward the most advantageous business and financial decisions. Originally from New York and now based in Atlanta, Mark is also a passionate foodie and a world traveler.

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