Why Should You Consider a 1031 Exchange?

IRS §1031 is commonly referred to as the last available tax shelter for investment real estate. When a #1031 exchange is completed, the seller preserves all capital appreciation by avoiding the tax liability of both state and federal capital gains and recaptured depreciation. The full amount of the seller’s capital appreciation can then be applied toward the acquisition of a new investment or business property.

With a 1031 exchange, a seller is often able to afford a more valuable investment property than had the investor followed the traditional sale and purchase route that incurs harsh tax liabilities. A 1031 exchange also allows investors to replace an underperforming property with something that will generate better return on investment, all while deferring capital gains tax.

You can easily see the power of a 1031 exchange in the following example. Both taxpayers sell a piece of investment real estate for $200,000. Both also have an adjusted basis of $100,000 and they each plan to acquire new investment real estate valued at $200,000 or more. Taxpayer 1 doesn’t take advantage of a 1031 Exchange, but Taxpayer 2 does.

Who would you rather be?

  Taxpayer 1 (no exchange) Taxpayer 2 (with exchange) 

Sale Price $200,000 $200,000

Adjusted Basis $100,000 $100,000

Gain Realized $100,000 $100,000

New Property $200,000+ $200,000+

Gain Recognized $100,0000 $0

Federal/State Tax $20,0000 $0

To find out how we can help you find and close on your next 1031 exchange property or to learn more about the exchange process and our qualified intermediary services, please visit our website.