EXCHANGE BASICS

"AN OVERVIEW OF SEVERAL REQUIREMENTS 
FOR TAX DEFERRAL"

WHAT IS IRC SECTION 1031?

Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code allows an owner of investment property to exchange property and defer paying federal and state capital gain taxes (15%+ applicable state taxes) if they purchase a like-kind property following the rules and regulations of the Internal Revenue Code. This allows investors to use all of their proceeds from their sale to leverage into more valuable real estate, increase cash flow, diversify into other properties, reduce management or consolidate into one property.

WHAT IS LIKE-KIND PROPERTY?

There is some confusion regarding what type of property qualifies for a §1031 tax deferred exchange. The Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 states that "no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if such property is exchanged solely for property of like kind which is to be held either for productive use in a trade or business or for investment." Like-Kind property can include, but is not limited to, any of the following, provided it is held for investment:

- Single Family Rental
- Duplex
- Apartment
- Commercial Property
- Raw Land

For example, a single family rental can be exchanged for raw land, or apartments or a commercial building. In addition, properties can be exchanged anywhere within the United States.

DOES AN EXCHANGE NEED TO BE SIMULTANEOUS?

No, contrary to what most owners envision, a §1031 tax deferred exchange is rarely a two-party swap. Most exchanges are delayed exchanges, whereby the Exchanger has 180 days between the sale of the relinquished property and the closing of their replacement property. They must identify the potential replacement property(s) within 45 days from closing on their relinquished property.

WHEN IS A §1031 EXCHANGE APPLICABLE?

It is applicable whenever a property owner intends to SELL any property that is not their primary residence (and falls under the definition of like-kind) and plans to BUY another like-kind property within 180 calendar days following the closing of their relinquished property. Paramount to any exchange is a competent and experienced Intermediary. Asset Preservation is the entity which structures, consults, guides and documents the exchange transaction from beginning to end.

THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. TAXPAYERS ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED TO SEEK THE ADVICE OF THEIR INDIVIDUAL TAX/LEGAL ADVISORS REGARDING THEIR SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES.