Acorns Integrates Free Tax Filing for Gold Members
Financial wellness company Acorns announced a partnership with april to offer free tax filing for its Gold tier customers. The new feature is designed to help users file taxes easily and provides an option to automatically invest their tax refund.
- For real estate investors, a key tax strategy beyond simple filing is the 1031 exchange, which allows for the deferral of capital gains taxes on the sale of a property if the proceeds are reinvested into a "like-kind" property within a specific timeframe. - The Chicago multifamily market is forecasted to see continued rent growth in 2026, with citywide rents having already ranked in the top five for U.S. markets for seven straight quarters due to a constrained supply of new apartments. New apartment deliveries in 2026 are expected to be at their lowest level since 2012, which is projected to keep the vacancy rate low. - Investors are finding opportunities in emerging Chicago neighborhoods such as Bronzeville, Logan Square, and Avondale, which are noted for their strong appreciation potential and affordable entry points. For those seeking rental income, 2-4 unit buildings in areas like Pilsen and Humboldt Park offer a common investment strategy. - When analyzing publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) with a Midwest presence, such as industrial REITs Prologis or First Industrial Realty, investors look beyond standard earnings to metrics like Funds From Operations (FFO), which better reflects the cash-generating ability of the property portfolio. - To transition into a real estate investment firm in Chicago, employers typically look for candidates with 1-3 years of experience in commercial real estate or a degree in finance, real estate, or economics, with skills in financial modeling and property valuation being critical. - Networking is crucial for breaking into the local market; organizations like the Chicago Area Real Estate Investors Association (CAREIA) and various local meetups offer opportunities to connect with active investors, lenders, and other industry professionals in the Chicagoland area. - Adaptive reuse projects are a significant source of new housing units in Chicago, with 806 such units scheduled for delivery downtown in 2026 and another 3,921 proposed, indicating a key development trend for investors to watch. - Midwest commercial real estate cap rates are expected to remain relatively stable in 2026, particularly for the multifamily and industrial sectors, reflecting the region's durable income growth and appeal to investors seeking cash flow over speculative appreciation.
