Under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, real property owners holding business-use or investment assets are allowed to exchange into replacement like-kind, business-use or investment assets without recognizing taxable gain on the sale of the old assets. Taxes, which would otherwise have been due from the sale, are deferred. Real property assets are considered like-kind to other real property assets.
QUALIFYING PROPERTY
Generally speaking, nearly all types of real estate are classified as like-kind to each other. So long as a piece of real property is used for investment or for use in a business, it will qualify for Section 1031 treatment. Examples of real properties that can be exchanged for one another include the following: rental properties, farms and ranches, office buildings, motels and hotels, golf courses, raw land, industrial properties, retail properties, storage units, vacation homes with certain limitations, leasehold interests of 30 years or longer in length, and certain other partial interests in real property.
Since January 1, 2018, personal property is no longer exchangeable.
REASONS TO USE SECTION 1031
The principal advantage of a Section 1031 tax-deferred exchange is the ability to use the entire equity of a property owned by a taxpayer to acquire replacement property. Taxpayers who have held onto properties for years because of the tax consequences of selling have the freedom to move their equity into more lucrative or appropriate properties. If a taxpayer intends to continue investing in like-kind property, an exchange is usually the preferable alternative to a sale and a purchase. Reasons for a taxpayer to participate in a Section 1031 exchange are as follows:
- Consolidation of Investments: A taxpayer who has acquired a number of properties over the years may desire to reduce the number of his or her holdings by replacing separate properties with a single property or a reduced number of properties, all having equal or greater value than the original holdings. This method of exchanging often has the effect of reducing managerial burdens associated with day-to-day emergencies, collection of rents, and maintenance of the properties.
- Diversification of Investments: On the other hand, a taxpayer may desire to diversify one high value investment property into two or more different properties. In this scenario, taxpayers can reallocate investments into newer properties and/or different neighborhoods. The effect of such an exchange can include lower maintenance expenses, lower vacancy rates, and/or greater opportunity for appreciation.
- Greater Cash Flow: Many taxpayers own raw land. Raw land may be a cash drain because of tax obligations and may not generate adequate cash payments. If the taxpayer wishes to convert such property into a cash flow asset, Section 1031 can be used to avoid the tax on the gain created by a desire to put such property to a new use.
- Relocation of Investment: Taxpayers often relocate to different parts of the United States. Relocations may be the result of a new career or business opportunity, the need for larger operations facilities, the desire to take advantage of a different state’s non-taxing of income, or a retirement move. In these circumstances, investors may not want to be absentee landlords. An investment in income-producing property managed by a taxpayer can be relocated. To avoid taxes on gain from the sale of the original relinquished property, a taxpayer can take advantage of Section 1031.
- “Stepped-up Basis” for Heirs: Should a taxpayer hold investment property until death, and taxable gain has been deferred through the life of an investment(s) by utilizing Section 1031, the recognition of gain is eliminated from an income tax standpoint due to heirs receiving the property at a “stepped-up basis.” In effect, heirs inherit the property with a basis equivalent to the fair market value of the property at the taxpayer’s death. In this situation, heirs would not pay tax on the sale of an inherited property to the extent the sale price does not exceed the current fair market value.
- Appreciation – Leverage: Taxpayers generally invest in real estate in part because of the opportunity to leverage their investment and obtain appreciation on someone else’s funds, such as an institutional lender. Taxpayers who utilize Section 1031 can obtain greater financing on higher value properties. This is due to Section 1031 allowing ordinarily charged capital gains tax amounts to be applied to the purchase price of the replacement property(ies).