Preserve Equity, Build for the Future Using a 1031 Tax Exchange
sale. The QI then delivers the funds directly to the closing agent for the replacement property who deeds the property to the taxpayer.
Central to a 1031 Exchange is the interpretation of like-kind property. While the common assumption is that like-kind implies land for land or a condominium for a condominium swap, the interpretation of like kind is actually less literal. Rather, it defines like kind as meaning that both the replacement and the original property must be used as an investment. So land, condominiums, single-family homes and motels can all be exchanged for one another as long as they are used in the exchanger's business or held as an investment. The amount of debt held on the replacement property must be the same as the amount of debt on the original.
1031 Exchanges are complex mechanisms and like all IRS requirements very specific. For example, exchangers have 45 days from closing to identify properties they intend to purchase and 180 days to complete the purchase. Purchase and Sale agreements must include verbiage indicating the intent to affect a 1031 Exchange.
The 45-day time frame used to be onerous for sellers. Now, they can opt for a Reverse Exchange, in which an additional third party called "the exchange accommodation title holder" (EAT) acquires title to the replacement property until the original property sells. Reverse Exchanges shift the 45- and 180-day time frame to the selling side of the transaction. With an Improvement Exchange, which also uses an EAT to hold the replacement property, sellers can build investment properties from the ground up or improve existing properties. The improvements have to be built and paid for during the 180-day period.
If you are interested in a 1031 Exchange, the first step is to consult your tax advisors as well as an attorney or CPA who is knowledgeable with 1031 Exchanges. Make sure that your real estate professional knows you plan to conduct an exchange and be sure that he or she is familiar not only with the process but also with the specific documentation and time frame mandated by the IRS.
This article is intended to inform readers, but does not constitute any financial or legal advice.
Central to a 1031 Exchange is the interpretation of like-kind property. While the common assumption is that like-kind implies land for land or a condominium for a condominium swap, the interpretation of like kind is actually less literal. Rather, it defines like kind as meaning that both the replacement and the original property must be used as an investment. So land, condominiums, single-family homes and motels can all be exchanged for one another as long as they are used in the exchanger's business or held as an investment. The amount of debt held on the replacement property must be the same as the amount of debt on the original.
1031 Exchanges are complex mechanisms and like all IRS requirements very specific. For example, exchangers have 45 days from closing to identify properties they intend to purchase and 180 days to complete the purchase. Purchase and Sale agreements must include verbiage indicating the intent to affect a 1031 Exchange.
The 45-day time frame used to be onerous for sellers. Now, they can opt for a Reverse Exchange, in which an additional third party called "the exchange accommodation title holder" (EAT) acquires title to the replacement property until the original property sells. Reverse Exchanges shift the 45- and 180-day time frame to the selling side of the transaction. With an Improvement Exchange, which also uses an EAT to hold the replacement property, sellers can build investment properties from the ground up or improve existing properties. The improvements have to be built and paid for during the 180-day period.
If you are interested in a 1031 Exchange, the first step is to consult your tax advisors as well as an attorney or CPA who is knowledgeable with 1031 Exchanges. Make sure that your real estate professional knows you plan to conduct an exchange and be sure that he or she is familiar not only with the process but also with the specific documentation and time frame mandated by the IRS.
This article is intended to inform readers, but does not constitute any financial or legal advice.
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