In Episode 153 of the Teaching Tax Flow podcast, hosts Chris Picciurro, CPA, and John Tripolsky welcome Jessica Correnti from Capital Square to unpack the power and potential of Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) Funds.

For entrepreneurs, investors, and tax pros, Opportunity Zone Funds represent one of the most significant planning opportunities available — offering ways to defer capital gains, reduce taxes, and unlock tax-free growth. Jessica shares how these funds work, why they were introduced, and how business owners and investors can leverage them before key deadlines hit in 2026.

From real-world examples to industry insights, this episode highlights how QOZs can support economic development while also delivering powerful tax advantages.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds allow investors to defer and reduce capital gains taxes

• Why the program was created and which communities benefit most

• The timeline for Opportunity Zone deferrals (and why 2026 matters)

• Strategies for pairing QOZs with other tax planning tools

• Key industries — like hospitality and real estate — where QOZs have been most impactful

Key Insights:

QOZ Funds are more than just a tax break — they’re a strategic tool for reinvestment and growth. By rolling gains into qualified projects, investors can achieve tax-free appreciation while driving economic development in underserved areas.

Notable Quotes:

• “You are allowed to defer your capital gains into an Opportunity Zone Fund — and if held long enough, the appreciation can be tax-free.” – Jessica Correnti

• “Hospitality has been good because the zones are typically where they’re trying to drive revenue.” – Jessica Correnti

• “Ideas are cheap, but implementation is valuable.” – Chris Picciurro

Resources:

• Capital Square

• Teaching Tax Flow Hub

• DefeatingTaxes.com

• Teaching Tax Flow YouTube

Episode Sponsor:
Strategic Associates, LLC
Roger Roundy
www.linkedin.com/in/roger-roundy-86887b23

• (00:03) - Exploring Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds and Tax Strategies
• (04:03) - Exploring Tax Benefits of Opportunity Zone Funds
• (06:24) - Sports Fandom and Team Loyalties Across Cities
• (07:29) - Exploring Opportunity Zone Funds and Their Tax Benefits
• (09:27) - Maximizing Tax Benefits with Opportunity Zone Investments
• (15:25) - The Impact and Future of Opportunity Zone Funds
• (22:48) - Understanding Opportunity Zones and Resources for Ongoing Support

Welcome to Episode 152 of the Teaching Tax Flow podcast! Co-hosts Chris Picciurro, CPA and John Tripolsky break down how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3) reshapes the landscape for small business owners—covering everything from the QBI deduction and 100% bonus depreciation to Opportunity Zones, SALT planning, and new credits for employers and employees. Sponsored by Sunsets & Dinks, this episode gives entrepreneurs and closely held businesses a clear roadmap for tax-smart decisions.

What You’ll Learn:

• How OB3 permanently extends key provisions like QBI and restores 100% bonus depreciation

• Where Opportunity Zone Funds fit into an overall planning strategy

• SALT cap increases and how PTE workarounds can lower effective federal tax

• New and expanded credits (e.g., FICA tip credit expansion to beauty/service industries) and dependent care limits

• Practical, ethical strategy stacking to maximize deductions while staying compliant

Key Insights:

OB3 creates durable planning opportunities for small businesses—particularly those investing in equipment, real estate, or operating in high-tax states. Pairing QBI, bonus depreciation, and SALT strategy with OZ planning can materially change after-tax outcomes when implemented thoughtfully.

Notable Quotes:

• “What bonus depreciation is, is a provision that allows you to deduct the entire amount of asset purchase instead of writing it off over five, seven, or 15 years.” – Chris Picciurro

• “I think this is something that a lot of people are overlooking and we are going to lean into… in getting a special guest on to specifically talk about Opportunity Zone funds.” – Chris Picciurro

• “The people in our community, the teaching tax flow community, the voice of tax planning, by the way, drive our content, not us.” – Chris Picciurro

• “Now you could deduct if you’re married up to $40,000.” – Chris Picciurro (on SALT increases)

• “Ideas are cheap, implementation is valuable.” – Chris Picciurro

Resources:

• Teaching Tax Flow Website

• Teaching Tax Flow YouTube Channel
• OB3 Playlist

• Defeating Taxes

Episode Sponsor:

Sunsets & Dinks — premium pickleball apparel for the TTF community. Save 15% at teachingtaxflow.com/pickleball with code TTF15.

• (00:03) - Exploring OB3's Impact on Small Businesses and Pickleball Gear
• (01:44) - Exploring Tax Benefits for Small Business Owners
• (04:57) - Key Tax Benefits for Business Owners and Real Estate Investors
• (09:02) - Exploring Tax Strategies and Opportunities for Business Owners
• (14:14) - Tax Strategies for Business Owners in High Tax States
• (17:09) - The Value of Tax Planning and Professional Guidance
• (20:00) - New Tax Credits and Deductions for Employers and Employees
• (26:16) - Understanding IRS Guidance and Tax Planning Strategies

In this episode of the Teaching Tax Flow podcast, hosts Chris Picciurro, CPA, and John Tripolsky welcome back Scott Maurer, VP at Advanta IRA, to take a deep dive into the world of self-directed IRAs.

Many investors don’t realize that retirement funds can be used for much more than just stocks and mutual funds. Scott breaks down how self-directed IRAs open the door to real estate, private lending, startups, precious metals, and even cryptocurrency — all while maintaining tax advantages.

The conversation explores how these accounts work, what you can and can’t invest in, compliance requirements, and practical strategies for combining traditional IRAs with self-directed ones. Whether you’re an investor seeking greater control or a tax pro advising clients, this episode uncovers strategies that can maximize retirement wealth.

What You’ll Learn:

• What self-directed IRAs are — and what they are not

• How to diversify retirement funds into real estate, private companies, and more

• The rules for disqualified persons and prohibited transactions

• The difference between custodial and checkbook IRAs

• How to plan ahead for RMDs with illiquid assets

• Practical compliance requirements and why custodians matter

Key Insights:

Self-directed IRAs give investors control and flexibility, but with that freedom comes responsibility. From avoiding prohibited transactions to balancing liquidity for RMDs, Scott explains why working with a knowledgeable custodian is essential for both compliance and strategy.

Notable Quotes:

• “Most people don’t know it’s possible to invest in real estate or startups with their IRA — because their brokerage won’t tell them.” – Scott Maurer

• “Your IRA cannot transact with or benefit a disqualified person. That’s critical to know.” – Scott Maurer

• “Control is the number one benefit of a self-directed IRA.” – John Tripolsky

• “Ideas are cheap — implementation and compliance are what make the difference.” – Chris Picciurro

Resources:

• Advanta IRA

• Teaching Tax Flow Hub

• Join the Community: DefeatingTaxes.com

• Sunsets & Dinks Pickleball Apparel – teachingtaxflow.com/pickleball (Use code TTF15)

• (00:00) - Exploring Self-Directed IRAs and Pickleball Enthusiasm
• (01:59) - Exploring Self-Directed IRAs with Scott Maurer of Advanta IRA
• (06:13) - Exploring Self-Directed IRAs for Diverse Investment Opportunities
• (14:23) - Exploring Investment Opportunities in Self-Directed Retirement Accounts
• (19:03) - Navigating IRA Rules and Disqualified Persons in Investments
• (20:43) - Impact of Technology on Self-Directed Investments and Opportunities
• (24:26) - Navigating Self-Directed IRAs and Custodial Requirements
• (30:49) - Exploring Tax Strategies and Upcoming Content on YouTube