Energy Investments and Tax Deductions: What Accredited Investors Should Know
Corey Smith Corey Smith

Energy Investments and Tax Deductions: What Accredited Investors Should Know

For accredited investors, energy investments offer some of the most powerful — and most overlooked — tax advantages in the U.S. tax code. From Intangible Drilling Cost (IDC) deductions that can offset 65–80% of your investment in the year it's made, to depletion allowances and renewable energy tax credits, the right energy strategy can significantly reduce your tax burden while diversifying your portfolio.

Whether you're a high-income earner in a peak year or a business owner coming off a major liquidity event, energy investments may be the missing piece in your tax planning strategy. At True North Private Investments, we help accredited investors access curated energy opportunities — and work directly with your CPA to make sure every deduction is working as hard as you are.

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How to Work With Your CPA and Financial Advisor to Minimize Taxes
Corey Smith Corey Smith

How to Work With Your CPA and Financial Advisor to Minimize Taxes

Tax planning isn't a once-a-year event — it's a year-round strategy. And for high-net-worth investors, the difference between a good outcome and a great one often comes down to one thing: whether your CPA and financial advisor are actually working together.

In this post, we break down what a truly coordinated planning team looks like, the key strategies that require collaboration — including 1031 exchanges, Delaware Statutory Trusts, and Qualified Opportunity Zones — and how to make sure your advisors are aligned before a major financial event catches everyone off guard.

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What Is an Accredited Investor and What Investments Can You Access?
Corey Smith Corey Smith

What Is an Accredited Investor and What Investments Can You Access?

If you've ever heard the term "accredited investor" and wondered whether it applies to you — it's worth finding out. Accredited status isn't just a label. It's a key that unlocks a broader universe of private investments that most people never get access to.

In this post, we break down exactly what it means to qualify as an accredited investor, the SEC's official criteria, and — more importantly — what doors it opens. From private equity and real estate-backed funds to Qualified Opportunity Zones and energy investments, we'll show you what's available and how to start putting it to work.

If you've built significant wealth and you're ready to go beyond stocks and mutual funds, this is your starting point.

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1031 Exchange Deadlines: What Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Know
Corey Smith Corey Smith

1031 Exchange Deadlines: What Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Know

A 1031 exchange can be one of the most powerful moves in a real estate investor's playbook — but the clock starts the moment you close. Miss a deadline, and the tax deferral you worked so hard to secure disappears.

In this post, we break down the two critical timelines every investor must know: the 45-day identification window and the 180-day closing deadline. We'll walk you through the most common mistakes that derail exchanges, and show you how Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) offer a smart, time-efficient solution when the pressure is on.

Whether you're planning your first exchange or your tenth, understanding these deadlines — before your property sells — could save you tens of thousands in unnecessary taxes.

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Wealth Preservation Strategies for Business Owners After a Sale
Corey Smith Corey Smith

Wealth Preservation Strategies for Business Owners After a Sale

You've spent years building your business — but what happens to the proceeds after you sell? Without a proactive plan, taxes alone can consume 30–40% of your sale price. Here are the strategies smart business owners use to preserve and grow their wealth after a major liquidity event.

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What Is a Delaware Statutory Trust and Is It Right for You?
Corey Smith Corey Smith

What Is a Delaware Statutory Trust and Is It Right for You?

If you've recently sold a property — or are planning to — a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) could be the passive, tax-smart replacement you've been looking for. Here's what it is, who it's best suited for, and what to consider before investing.

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Why High-Net-Worth Investors Are Moving Beyond Stocks and Bonds
Corey Smith Corey Smith

Why High-Net-Worth Investors Are Moving Beyond Stocks and Bonds

For decades, the 60/40 portfolio was the gold standard. But today's high-net-worth investors are looking beyond Wall Street — toward alternative investments that offer stronger diversification, tax advantages, and passive income potential. Here's what's driving the shift.

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