FAQ Table of Contents

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  1. What is a 1031 Exchange?
  2. Who can use an exchange?
  3. What is a Qualified Intermediary and do you have to have one?
  4. Why would you use a 1031 Exchange?
  5. What can you exchange?
  6. What is the difference between IRC Sections 1031 and 121?
  7. How are you protected in an exchange?
  8. Financial and Real Estate Professionals – What you need to know.
  9. Imagine the Possibilities – Real life examples.
  10. What are the requirements and process for a 1031 Exchange?
  11. Will you mail free information to me or someone I recommend?
  12. What is a Reverse Exchange?
  13. What is a Construction Exchange?
  14. How much does an exchange cost?

1. What is a 1031 Exchange?

Normally, when you sell investment or business property, you must pay tax on the gain.  Gain is caused by property appreciation and/or depreciation deductions taken for tax purposes.  A 1031 Exchange is not a tax loophole, but a provision in the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) that allows any taxpayer who meets the requirements to transfer property and defer paying taxes on the gain.  In effect, Uncle Sam loans you the money you would have paid in capital gains taxes to invest in your next property or properties.  This leverage gives you more of your sale proceeds and allows you to build wealth more quickly.  The current federal capital gains rate for most property transactions is 15% and many states add an additional 5%.  Give us a call or see on our “Step by Step 1031 Guide” to see the requirements.

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2.  Who can use an exchange?

Any taxpaying entity (individual, S Corp, LLC or C Corp) that desires to give up real property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment, for re-investment in property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment.  If it doesn’t involve your primary residence, then it is most likely exchangeable.

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3.  What is a Qualified Intermediary and do you have to have one?

The Qualified Intermediary (QI), sometimes called the accommodator or facilitator, is a federal law requirement for IRC §1031.  For you, the taxpayer, to exchange property and defer the tax, you cannot have control of the proceeds from the sale of your old property. By law, the money is held by a QI during the exchange for the new property.  You are not able to simply leave the money in escrow until the new property is purchased.  Also, the QI cannot be your attorney, relative, associate, broker, CPA, or an employee.  Our QI is a nationally recognized leader in Section 1031 Exchanges and:

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4.  Why would you use a 1031 Exchange?

The simple answer is to defer payment of capital gains tax and thereby reinvest more of your sale proceeds into the next investment property.  Instead of paying about 20% tax on the gain, you, in effect, get an interest free loan from Uncle Sam and the state, and that money works for you as leverage to increase wealth.  Additionally, exchanging real estate allows you to relocate, consolidate or diversify, reduce your management involvement or increase cash flow.  IRC Section 1031 allows you to meet your investment objectives without giving up your hard earned equity to taxes.

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5.  What can you exchange?

With respect to real property, the like-kind requirement of Section 1031 is very broad.  Any property used to produce income is like-kind to any other income producing property.  So you may exchange a rental house for a condominium or a ranch for apartments or a duplex to buy raw land or virtually any combination of investment or business properties.  In general, as long as it does not involve your primary residence, you can exchange it.

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6.  What is the difference between IRC Sections 1031 and 121?

Section 1031 provides for the deferral of capital gains tax on the like-kind exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment.  Section 121 completely excludes up to $500,000 gain on the sale of primary residences that meet its requirements.  While these are two different provisions for different kinds of transactions, they can both be included in a longer term strategy to eventually exclude capital gains on investment property.

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7.  How are you protected in an exchange?

With a quick phone call, we can provide you with detailed information about our national Qualified Intermediary (QI).  A QI is required by federal tax law.  Our nation-wide QI not only has an experienced staff of CPAs, Attorneys, Accountants, Real Estate and Lending Professionals, but also:

for more, see What is a Qualified Intermediary and do you have to have one?

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8.  CPAs, Attorneys, Accountants, Real Estate Professionals, Financial Planners and Tax Advisors – What you need to know.

Call us for complete information about our nationwide Qualified Intermediary, and to request a copy of a Section 1031 Exchange Handbook that we would be happy to send to you.  When you or your clients ask the question, “Can I do a 1031 Exchange?” you will have the information, resources and professionals to make it happen and more leverage to increase your clients’ wealth building portfolio.  This kind of added value service makes you more valuable to both current and new clients.  Also, ask about continuing education classes and seminars that may provide several hours of CE credit.

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9.  Imagine the Possibilities – Real life examples.

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10.  What are the requirements and process for a 1031 Exchange?

Step by Step 1031 Guide – This is a basic outline of the 1031 Exchange requirements and how they fit into the process of starting and completing an exchange.

Since Section 1031 does require a Qualified Intermediary and compliance with the law, that is where we come in.  Our only business is structuring, fully protecting and successfully completing Section 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchanges for our clients.  Our toll free number for free consultations is 1-877-644-7718.  There is no cost until you have signed an exchange agreement and close on the sale of your property.

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11.  Will you mail free information to me or someone I recommend?

Yes.  Simply call or email us and ask for our free brochures on 1031 Exchanges and Reverse Exchanges.  Contact US.

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12.  What is a Reverse Exchange?

Under Section 1031, you cannot exchange into property you already own.  But what if you want to buy or secure your new property before you are able to sell your old property?  A Reverse Exchange provides a way to hold or park the new property for you until you are able to close the sale on your old property or properties.  We do reverse exchanges all the time, but they do require more up front planning and effort, so call us if you think a reverse exchange or reverse construction exchange may fit into your investment planning.

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13.  What is a Construction Exchange?

If your objective is to buy raw land and build on it, then the QI must buy the land on your behalf and begin the construction.  Call for more information.

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14.  How much does an exchange cost?

$650 is the most common Exchange Fee that we quote, but fees can be higher or lower depending on the structure of each exchange.  Call toll free at 1-877-644-7718, to discuss your objectives and receive a quote over the phone.

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Revised: 04/28/04.