Hello!

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about 1031 Tax Deferred exchanges. If you have any questions feel free to give me a call.

How long do I have to identify replacement property?

The replacement properties must be identified within 45 days after the sale of the relinquished property. This requirement is strictly enforced and no extensions are possible. Identification must be in writing, signed and dated and received by Title One Exchange Company no later than45 days after the sale of relinquished property. Replacement property must be identified unambiguously. Usually, either a legal description or a mailing address is sufficient.

How long do I have to purchase the replacement property?

The replacement property must be purchased within 180 days after the sale of the relinquished property. This requirement is strictly enforced and no extensions are possible. The time period may be shorter if you are required to file a tax return prior to the expiration of the 180 day period and you do not see an extension to file your return.

Am I limited to how many properties I may identify?

The IRS limits the number of properties you may identify. You are basically limited to identifying 3 properties. You may identify more than 3 properties if the combined fair market values of the properties you identify do no exceed two times the sales price of the relinquished property.

Do I have to purchase all the properties I identify?

No. You may purchase some, or all or none of the properties you identify. Identifying more than one property simply gives the exchanger more options.

What program is like kind to my property?

When it comes to real estate, all real estate is basically like kind to all other real estate. For example, a office building could be exchanged for an apartment complex or bare ground could be exchanged for a duplex. The two types of real property that generally don’t qualify for 1031 exchange purposes are a persons personal residence or a vacation home.

What must I do to have a fully deferred exchange?

The general rule in order to have a fully deferred exchange is that the exchangor must trade equal or up in equity and equal or up in fair market value. The effect of this rule is that the exchangor uses the entire net proceeds from the relinquished property on the purchase of the of the replacement property. Also, the exchangor must replace any mortgage paid off at the sale of the relinquished property with an equal or greater mortgage on the replacement property.

May I have a partially tax deferred exchange?

If the rule described in number 6 above is violated, a partially tax deferred exchange is the likely outcome. If the exchangor trades down in either fair market value or equity then some gain is likely to be recognized. If the exchange is otherwise valid, a partially deferred tax exchange is the result.

May I receive cash at the closing of the relinquished property?

Yes, cash may be taken out at the closing. However, any such cash will be treated as “cash boot” and will have to recognized for tax purposed to the extent of any given in the transaction.

May I do a multiple property exchange?

Yes. Several relinquished properties may be exchanged for a single replacement property or one relinquished property may be exchanged for several replacement properties.

May I exchange into fractional interest in the replacement property?

Yes. A fraction interest in a replacement property may be acquired keeping in mind the fractional interest of the purchase price must be greater than the sales price of the relinquished property to be a fully deferred exchange.

May I exchange property with a related property?

Generally speaking, if an exchange occurs involving related persons or entitles then all exchanged properties must be held by the exchangor and the related party for a period of two years after the date of the last transfer. Any proposed exchanged between related parties should be discussed with the exchangor’s attorney and accountant prior to the exchange.

What is my tax basis in the replacement property?

The tax basis in the relinquished property is carried forward into the replacement property in addition to any additional cash to purchase replacement property.

Can I used exchange funds to pay down a mortgage on property I already own?

No. This is not considered a like kind exchange by the IRS.

Can I use exchange funds to build improvements on replacement property?

Yes, if it is structured correctly. Generally speaking, the best way to accomplish this goal is to have a “Special Purpose Entity” acquire title to the replacement property, have the Special Purpose Entity build the improvements, and have the exchangor acquire the replacement property and improvements from the Special Purpose Entity under the regulations foe exchanges.

What is a reverse exchange?

A reverse exchange is an exchange wherein the replacement property is purchased prior to the relinquished property being sold. Reverse Exchanges are complicated and should be discussed with a Title One Exchange Company employee to fully understand all of the steps in the transaction.