Opportunity Zones

The nomination period is open through 4 CDT on July 31, 2026 . Selected zones will become effective January 1, 2027 . nominate an Arkansas census tract for Opportunity Zone status What are Opportunity Zones? Opportunity Zones are economically distressed census tracts designated to encourage long-term private investment in communities through federal tax incentives. Investors who invest eligible capital gains through Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs) may qualify for certain federal tax benefits when investing in designated Opportunity Zones. Beginning in 2027, Opportunity Zones will be redesignated every 10 years to ensure the program continues to target communities with the greatest economic development needs. How are Opportunity Zones designated? The governors of each state are responsible for nominating eligible census tracts for designation as Opportunity Zones. Under current law, governors may nominate up to 25 percent of a state's eligible low-income census tracts as defined in Section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code, subject to certification by the Department of the Treasury. This recurring designation process allows states to ensure that Opportunity Zone boundaries continue to reflect changing economic conditions and community needs. How Do Opportunity Zones Encourage Investment? Opportunity Zones encourage private investment by providing federal tax incentives to investors who reinvest eligible capital gains through Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs) organized as a corporation or partnership for the purpose of investing in Opportunity Zone businesses and property. QOFs are created and managed by private-sector investors and fund managers, not by state or local governments. The investments made are subject to applicable federal laws and IRS regulations. Because Opportunity Zone tax provisions have changed under the new law and may continue to evolve through federal guidance, investors should consult their tax and legal advisors regarding eligibility and available tax benefits. Opportunity Zones in Arkansas In 2018, the Department of the Treasury approved 85 Opportunity Zones in Arkansas under the original Opportunity Zone program. Those Opportunity Zones will remain in effect through December 31, 2028. The new 78 Arkansas Opportunity Zones selected by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and certified by the Department of the Treasury will go into effect on January 1, 2027. OPPORTUNITY ZONE RESOURCES Opportunity Zone Census Tract Nomination Form Eligible Census Tracts Map Arkansas Opportunity Zone Map 1.0 Department of the Treasury Opportunity Zone Resources IRS Opportunity Zone Guidance FINANCIAL RESOURCES Community Development Competitive Communities Initiative - CCI Military Affairs Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Financing Resources Rural Services Arkansas Rural Connect (ARC) Program Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) We want your input! Answer 5 questions about our new website. ASK AWAY No thank you >

Arkansas has opened the nomination portal for eligible Arkansas census tracts to be nominated for Opportunity Zone (OZ) status. The nomination period is open through 4 CDT on July 31, 2026 . Selected zones will become effective January 1, 2027 . nominate an Arkansas census tract for Opportunity Zone status