Q. How does a corporation or partnership become certified as a Qualified Opportunity Fund?
A. To become a Qualified Opportunity Fund, an eligible corporation or partnership self-certifies by filing Form 8996, Qualified Opportunity Fund, with its federal income tax return. Early-release drafts of the form and instructions are posted, with final versions expected in December. The return with Form 8996 must be filed timely, taking extensions into account.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/opportunity-zones-frequently-asked-questions