Real estate tax strategy can have a significant impact on investor returns, sponsor operations, and the long-term success of an investment fund. But many commercial real estate sponsors wait until tax season to involve their CPA—when some of the most valuable tax planning opportunities have already passed. In this episode of Wealth Unfiltered, Samantha Parrinello sits down with Harisimran Khalsa of SponsorCloud, a tax and finance professional with experience at Ernst & Young (EY), venture-backed startups, publicly traded companies, and private equity, to break down the tax strategies, compliance considerations, and financial structures every real estate sponsor should understand. From cost segregation studies and bonus depreciation to 1031 exchanges, Opportunity Zones, and real estate syndication tax planning, this conversation explores how proactive tax planning can help sponsors make better decisions, avoid unexpected tax liabilities, and deliver a more informed investor experience. Whether you're a commercial real estate sponsor managing a growing portfolio, a fund manager preparing for K-1 season, or a passive real estate investor looking to better understand the tax implications of your investments, this episode offers practical insights you won't want to miss. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER: Real Estate Tax Planning: Why sponsors should involve their CPA before a deal closes—not just when tax returns are due. K-1s & Investor Distributions: Why receiving a cash distribution doesn't necessarily mean taxable income, and why investors can owe taxes without receiving cash. Cost Segregation Studies: How cost segregation works, why proper documentation matters, and how it can accelerate depreciation deductions. Bonus Depreciation: Understanding depreciation benefits and how they can impact real estate investors and fund structures. 1031 Exchanges: Important timelines, reverse 1031 exchanges, and how poor planning can trigger unexpected taxable events. Opportunity Zones (OZ 2.0): Emerging opportunities and what sponsors should understand as the next phase of Opportunity Zone investing approaches. Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) & 721 Exchanges: Understanding alternative investment structures and potential tax-deferral strategies. Real Estate Professional Status: How qualifying for real estate professional status may affect the ability to use passive activity losses. Depreciation Recapture: What happens when investors sell a property and why sponsors should communicate potential tax consequences early. Fund Accounting & Tax Compliance: Why clean books, accurate investor records, capital accounts, and proper entity structures are essential. Preparing for K-1 Season: The records, investor information, and financial documents sponsors should have ready before year-end. WHY THIS CONVERSATION MATTERS One of the biggest misconceptions in real estate investing is that tax planning starts when the CPA prepares the return. In reality, some of the most important decisions happen much earlier—from how an entity is structured to how a property is acquired, depreciated, refinanced, and ultimately sold. For sponsors, getting these details right isn't just about tax compliance. It can influence available capital, investor satisfaction, repeat investment decisions, and the operational infrastructure needed to scale. ABOUT HARISIMRAN KHALSA Harisimran Khalsa brings a unique combination of public accounting, Big Four experience, corporate finance, and private equity expertise. After working with Ernst & Young (EY), managing international back-office operations, serving in finance leadership roles, and working as a CFO for a private equity company, she returned to public accounting after identifying a significant gap in the tax and financial support available to businesses and investment funds. Today, through SponsorCloud's professional services, she helps commercial real estate sponsors navigate fund tax compliance, tax planning, investor reporting, and the financial complexities of operating investment funds. CONNECT WITH SPONSORCLOUD If you're a commercial real estate sponsor looking for experienced support with fund tax compliance, K-1 preparation, and proactive tax planning, connect with the SponsorCloud team. Book a conversation: https://SponsorCloud.io/unfiltered Learn more: https://SponsorCloud.io Subscribe to Wealth Unfiltered for more conversations about commercial real estate investing, capital raising, fund operations, investor relations, and building successful investment businesses. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax treatment varies based on individual circumstances, investment structures, and applicable regulations. Consult your qualified tax and legal professionals before making decisions.