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Real Estate, Tax Deferral, and The Value of Collaborative Planning

Real Estate, Tax Deferral, and the Value of Collaborative Planning

How CPAs and Financial Advisors Can Collaborate to Support 1031 Exchange Conversations

For business owners, real estate investors, and high-income earners looking to reduce capital gains tax burdens while contributing to long-term economic development, Opportunity Zones remain an often overlooked planning tool. And yet, many professionals still aren’t having this conversation with their clients.

That’s why now is the perfect time to revisit what Opportunity Zones are, how they work, and why financial advisors and CPAs should be collaborating more closely on these complex but potentially effective strategies depending on the client’s goals.

What Are Opportunity Zones?

Opportunity Zones were established as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to promote long-term investments in economically distressed communities. These designated areas allow taxpayers to reinvest eligible capital gains into Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs) and potentially receive specific federal tax benefits in return.

According to the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, investors in a QOF may be eligible for the following federal tax incentives:

Temporary deferral of capital gains taxes on the invested amount until the earlier of the date the QOF investment is sold or exchanged, or December 31, 2026.
Potential elimination of capital gains taxes on any appreciation from the QOF investment itself if held for at least 10 years.

More details on these rules are available directly from the IRS.

A CPA’s Role in Opportunity Zone Planning

Here’s where collaboration becomes critical.

Many Opportunity Zone strategies require insight into both the client’s full tax picture and their long-term financial plan. That’s why CPAs and financial advisors who work together may be able to uncover additional planning opportunities through joint review.

Through our CPA Alliance, we bring these conversations to life, collaborating while also committing to doing what’s best for your client. Whether you’re already part of the CPA Alliance or just beginning to explore the benefits of working more closely with a financial advisor, Opportunity Zones are a great reason to open a discussion.

Planning with Opportunity Zones

This August, we’re hosting a CEU event built entirely around Opportunity Zones: how they are used, how to open the discussion with clients, and how to plan around them.

We’ll break down:

The mechanics of QOFs and how they may fit into broader portfolios
Real-world examples of how Opportunity Zones could work in business sales, real estate exits, and generational wealth planning
Why proactive planning between CPAs and advisors can help provide a holistic planning approach.

This session is designed to help you better understand the planning landscape and explore the potential in working with our CPA Alliance.

Let’s connect on LinkedIn!

Tax professionals, including Certified Public Accountants, should consult their state board or professional standards if unsure whether certain conversations exceed advisory scope

Investment advisory services offered through Trek Financial LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.

The information presented herein is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as, and should not be construed as, specific investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Nothing in this material should be interpreted as a recommendation or endorsement of any particular investment strategy or product.

This content does not take into account your unique objectives, financial situation, or needs, and is not intended to be an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Trek Financial LLC does not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, or legal professional prior to implementing any strategies discussed.

Investment Advisory Services offered through Trek Financial LLC., an (SEC) Registered Investment Advisor.

Information presented is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered specific investment advice, does not take into consideration your specific situation, and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. For specific tax advice on any strategy, consult with a qualified tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Trek 25-267

Bridging the Gap: What CPAs Wish Advisors Knew and Vice Versa

When you are running a firm, you know exactly how much your clients depend on you. You are not just filling out tax forms. You are helping families, guiding small businesses, and offering perspective when it matters most. The weight of that responsibility is not lost on you, and that is why collaboration matters.

But too often, the relationship between CPAs and financial advisors feels disjointed. Not because we do not respect each other’s work, but because we rarely pause to ask what true partnership could look like.

Sometimes, the most powerful shifts begin with questions. What could we accomplish if we redefined partnership? What more could you provide to your clients if together, we elevate the client experience?

What CPAs Want Advisors to Understand:

“I am more than the numbers.”
You may be surprised by just how involved we are in our clients’ lives. Beyond the balance sheets, we help navigate family transitions, business challenges, and long-term financial goals. Our insight is grounded in both data and trust. We see the whole picture and we appreciate when financial advisors do too.

“My time is not just money, but capacity.”
As a boutique firm, we serve our clients personally and thoroughly. That means our calendars fill fast. When advisors send over disorganized requests or need us to chase down missing pieces, it puts a strain on the client experience we work so hard to protect. Clear communication, shared processes, and respect for time go a long way.

Example: CPAs are deeply involved with their clients, often serving as both advisor and advocate. Their approach is hands-on, and they prioritize quality over volume. Because of this, their time is carefully allocated to ensure each client receives thoughtful attention. When working with financial advisors, they appreciate shared organization and proactive communication.

“My reputation is part of my value”
CPAs are protective of their client relationships because they are built on years of trust. When they introduce a financial advisor to a client, it is not just a handoff, but a reflection of standards. Advisors who operate with transparency, care, and consistency make it easy to open that door.

What Advisors Wish Boutique CPAs Knew:

“We are here to support, not overshadow.”
Financial advisors who understand the value of a true partnership are not trying to take control of the relationship. We are here to help solve problems together. Whether that is a retirement projection, a tax-sensitive investment strategy, or a second set of eyes on a family’s estate plan, we want to complement what you already do so well.

“We agree that financial planning is personal.”
We know that no two clients are the same. Financial planning involves people’s lives, emotions, and decisions. The tax lens is important, and we value what CPAs bring to the table. We want to integrate your knowledge and experience into a more complete and thoughtful plan.

“We are looking for a relationship, not a transaction.”
Advisor and CPA alliances are built over time. They grow through conversations, shared values, and aligned goals. We are not asking for a list of client names. We are asking if you want to work together to serve the people you already care deeply about, even better.

Advisor/CPA Alliances form gradually, built on trust, common values, and a mutual desire to do right by clients. Rather than focusing on transactions, we invite conversation about how we might complement the work you’re already doing.

Where Collaboration Begins

Start with one client: One shared relationship in the CPA Alliance can lay the foundation for a repeatable and seamless process.

Schedule a check-in: Whether it is an annual review or a quick debrief after tax season, regular touchpoints keep things aligned.

Send something interesting: Check-in with our blog and our LinkedIn for educational materials you can share with clients at any time.

Be transparent: Discuss how you work, what matters to you, and what you need to feel confident in a professional partnership.

Celebrate each other’s role: Clients notice when their professionals are working together, and it may lead to more confidence and loyalty.

You’ve built your firm with care and serve your clients with intention. You deserve professional relationships that reflect the same standard. When women-led CPA firms and client-focused financial advisors collaborate, they often create a more integrated experience that help clients feel supported across the full picture of their financial lives.