1031 exchange tips guide

Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC)· Further in order to have a cent percent tax
defines the 1031 exchange. 1031 exchange also knowndeferment on the disposition of property, there are
as Like kind exchange specifies that if an asset that isthree basic steps to be followed. Firstly right after the
most often a land or a building, is sold and thesale of the original or relinquished property, it is
proceeds of the sale are then reinvested in a similarnecessary to acquire a replacement property as early
type of asset then there is no gain or loss and theas possible. The replacement property must be equal
capital gains taxes are deferred.to or greater than the value of the relinquished
A 1031 exchange is an ideal way to suspend the taxesproperty. Secondly those who wish to have 100%
that are immediately due after the first sale. Forcapital tax deferment must reinvest all of their net
instance if an investor purchases a residential propertyequity from the surrendered property in the
for say $250,000 and sells it for $30,000 after 5 years,replacement property. Finally one must assume debt
the profit of $50,000 which he incurs will be subject toon their replacement property that is equal to or
capital tax. But if the profit so accrued is invested ingreater than the debt on the original property. In case
another similar kind of commercial real estate, there willthe debt on your replacement property is less than the
be no taxation on it. So his taxes will be deferred todebt on your original property then people seeking
some date in future.complete capital tax suspension should put in additional
1031 exchange is a source to save your money beingcash to balance the exchange transaction.
spent in capital taxes, but on the same hand an· There are certain rules to identify an adequate
individual should be careful and keep few points in mindreplacement property. For instance according to the
before entering this exchange.three-property rule you may identify up to three
· Before entering the 1031 exchange, whether asreplacement properties overlooking their fair market
an investor or a seller it is better to do a little researchvalue. You may not purchase all the identified
and consult your tax advisor to get an estimate onproperties but it is best to have alternatives in hand.
your tax exposure.While under the 200 percent rule you are allowed to
· Several assets such as boats, horses or cattleidentify more than three replacement properties only
etc. qualify for the 1031 exchange but on the sameon the condition that the fair market value of these
hand only real estate can be exchanged for a realproperties does not cross 200 percent of the contract
estate. So the real estate should be an investmentprice of the property sold. In the 95 percent rule if the
property. A building purchased for renovations andfair market value of more than three identified
selling and land purchased for construction of housesproperties exceeds 200 percent of the value of the
etc. cannot qualify for 1031 exchange because in suchoriginal property, the exchange can still hold id the 95
instances the owner does not intend to hold on topercent of the total cost of all the properties on the list
them for a period of time for investment reasons.are purchased.