The Internal Revenue Service updated its Opportunity Zones (OZ) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page to include a new question on the realization of an Internal Revenue Code Section 1231 gain.

“Q: Before the last day of my 2018 tax year but during the 180-day period beginning with the realization of a section 1231 gain, I invested the amount of that section 1231 gain into a QOF.  The amount that I invested was less than my 2018 net section 1231 gain.  Can I make a valid deferral election based on that investment, even though proposed regulations say that the 180-day period for my net section 1231 gain began on December 31, 2018?

A:  Yes.  Under these facts, because your tax year ended before May 1, 2019, your QOF investment can support a valid deferral election.  Making that election will not impair your ability consistently to rely on all other aspects of proposed regulations published on May 1, 2019.”