A deferral in a 1031 exchange refers to the ability to postpone or delay paying capital gains taxes on the sale of a property by investing the proceeds from the sale into the like-kind property.
- It is a tax-saving strategy for real estate investors
- It allows investors to postpone or delay paying capital gains taxes on the sale of a property by replacing it with a like-kind property of equal or greater value
- The properties must be identified within 45 days of the sale of the original property, and the replacement property must be closed within 180 days.
Let’s say you own a property that you’ve been renting out for several years and has appreciated in value. You decide to sell it for $500,000 and use the proceeds to purchase a new rental property for $800,000. By conducting a 1031 exchange, you can defer paying capital gains taxes on the $300,000 of appreciation on the original property until you decide to sell the new property.
- Consult with a qualified intermediary and an attorney experienced in 1031 exchanges to ensure the process is done correctly.
- Make sure the properties are of “like-kind,” meaning they should be similar in nature or character, such as investment or business property.
- Be aware of the deadlines, and make sure you follow the rules of the 1031 exchange so that you don’t accidentally disqualify yourself.
- Ensure the new property is of equal or greater value than the original property. Otherwise, you will have to pay taxes on the difference.
- Remember that you are postponing the taxes, not avoiding them, and you will have to pay them eventually when you sell the new property.
A 1031 exchange is an effective way for real estate investors to defer paying capital gains taxes on the sale of a property, by replacing it with a like-kind property of equal or greater value. This powerful tax-saving strategy allows investors to put off paying taxes until they sell the new property in the future. However, it’s important to remember that you are postponing the taxes and not avoiding them and that you will have to pay them eventually. Additionally, it’s important to follow the rules and deadlines set by the IRS and consult with professionals experienced in 1031 exchanges to ensure the process is done correctly