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1031 Exchange Terms you Need-to-Know

1031 Exchange (Like-Kind Exchange)

A tax-deferral strategy that allows real estate investors to sell one property and reinvest the proceeds in another like-kind property, thus deferring capital gains taxes.

1031 Exchange Timing

The strict timeframes that must be adhered to in a 1031 Exchange, including the identification period and exchange period.

Acquisition Debt

Debt used to acquire, construct, or substantially improve a property, which can affect the amount of tax-deferred gains in an exchange.

Amendment Agreement

A legal document used to modify the terms of a 1031 Exchange, often used to make changes during the exchange process.

Appraisal

An evaluation of a property's value, often performed to determine the fair market value for tax purposes in a 1031 Exchange.

Basis

The original cost of an asset, used to calculate capital gains tax. In a 1031 Exchange, the basis of the relinquished property is carried over to the replacement property.

Basis Allocation

The process of allocating the tax basis of the relinquished property to the replacement property in a 1031 Exchange, which can affect future depreciation and tax liability.

Boot

Any non-like-kind property or cash received by the investor during the exchange. Boot is subject to capital gains tax.

Boot Deferral

A strategy to defer the tax on boot received in a 1031 Exchange by investing it in like-kind property, potentially reducing immediate tax liabilities.

Boot Value

The amount of cash or non-like-kind property received by the exchanger in an exchange, which is subject to capital gains tax.

Capital Gain

The profit realized from the sale of an investment property, subject to capital gains tax if not deferred through a 1031 Exchange.

Capital Gain Tax Rate

The rate at which capital gains are taxed, which can vary depending on factors such as the taxpayer's income and the duration of property ownership.

Capital Gains Rate

The tax rate applied to capital gains, which varies depending on the taxpayer's income and the holding period of the property.

Capital Gains Tax

The tax applied to the profit (capital gain) realized from the sale of an investment property. 1031 Exchanges provide a method to defer capital gains tax.

Capital Improvement Exchange

A specialized exchange strategy where the exchanger makes capital improvements to the replacement property to achieve like-kind status.

Commercial Property

Real estate used for business or investment purposes, such as office buildings, retail centers, or industrial properties.

Concurrent Transfer

The simultaneous transfer of both the relinquished property and the replacement property in a 1031 Exchange.

Constructive Receipt

The act of taking possession or control of exchange funds before the exchange is completed, which can disqualify a 1031 Exchange.

Contingency

A condition that must be met for the 1031 Exchange to proceed, often included in the exchange agreement.

Deed of Trust

A legal document that secures a loan by using the property as collateral. It is typically recorded in public records.

Delayed Exchange

A type of 1031 Exchange in which the replacement property is acquired after the sale of the relinquished property.

Delayed Settlement

A situation in which the sale of the relinquished property occurs before the actual closing date, with the buyer taking possession and ownership at a later date.

Depreciation Recapture

The recapture of previously claimed depreciation deductions when selling a property, potentially increasing the taxable gain.

Disqualified Person

Individuals or entities that are prohibited from acting as intermediaries or having certain relationships with the exchanger to maintain the integrity of the 1031 Exchange.

Down-Reversion Exchange

A 1031 Exchange strategy where the exchanger sells a larger property and acquires a smaller one, possibly generating tax-deferred cash.

Drop and Swap

A strategy used in partnership scenarios, where partnership interests are dropped into the ownership of the partners, followed by a swap of those interests to complete a 1031 Exchange.

Due Diligence

The process of researching and assessing the potential risks and benefits of a real estate investment, including evaluating replacement properties in a 1031 Exchange.

Exchange Agreement

The legal contract that formalizes the 1031 Exchange and designates the qualified intermediary's role.

Exchange Costs

Expenses related to the 1031 Exchange, including intermediary fees, legal fees, and other transaction costs.

Exchange Period

A 180-day period during which the exchanger must complete the acquisition of the replacement property, starting from the sale of the relinquished property.

Exchange Tax Compliance

The necessity of complying with IRS regulations, including reporting the 1031 Exchange on tax returns, to maintain tax-deferred status.

Facilitator

A term sometimes used interchangeably with "Qualified Intermediary" to describe the entity that assists in the 1031 Exchange.

Facilitator's Fee

The fee charged by the qualified intermediary for their services in facilitating the 1031 Exchange.

Financial Advisor

A professional who provides advice on investment and financial planning, often involved in discussions about 1031 Exchanges.

Fixed or Relocatable Structures

Real property improvements that may or may not qualify as like-kind property, depending on their attachment to the land.

Fractional Ownership

Ownership of a property shared with other investors, typically organized through fractional ownership structures.

Full Trade

A situation where the value of the replacement property equals or exceeds the net sale price of the relinquished property, allowing for a fully tax-deferred exchange.

Good Faith Deposit

A deposit made by the exchanger during the identification period to secure the purchase of a replacement property.

Grantee

The party receiving property through a deed, often relevant when conveying replacement property in a 1031 Exchange.

Holding Period

The duration a property is held before being sold, which impacts eligibility for a 1031 Exchange.

Identification Period

A 45-day period during which the exchanger must identify potential replacement properties in writing to the qualified intermediary which begins upon the closing of their relinquished property.

Installment Method

A tax method used to recognize capital gains over time when property is sold with payments received in installments.

Installment Sale

A method of selling property where the seller receives payment over a period of time rather than in a lump sum, potentially used in combination with 1031 Exchanges.

Investment Intent

The intention to hold property for the purpose of generating rental income or for the potential for appreciation, satisfying the qualified use requirement.

Like-Kind Exchange Agreement

A formal written agreement between the exchanger and the qualified intermediary outlining the terms and responsibilities of the exchange.

Like-Kind Property

Real property that is similar in nature or character, regardless of differences in grade, quality, or location. This is a key requirement for properties involved in a 1031 Exchange.

Mixed-Use Property

A property that serves both residential and commercial purposes, which can be eligible for a 1031 Exchange if certain criteria are met.

Mortgage Boot

A form of taxable boot that arises when a mortgage on the relinquished property is paid off in part or in full.

Non-Recourse Debt

A type of debt in which the lender's only recourse in case of default is to seize the collateral property. It is often used in 1031 Exchanges to avoid triggering taxable boot.

Nonrecognition of Gain

The tax treatment of capital gains in a 1031 Exchange, where the gain is not recognized or realized until a future taxable event occurs.

Notary Public

A public official authorized to authenticate and certify documents, often required in the exchange process.

Partial Exchange

A 1031 Exchange where the value of the replacement property is less than the net sale price of the relinquished property, resulting in potential partial taxation.

Partnership Interest Exchange

A specialized 1031 Exchange involving the exchange of a partnership interest rather than direct real estate.

Personal Property

Tangible assets such as equipment, furnishings, and fixtures, which are generally not considered like-kind property for a 1031 Exchange.

Portfolio Diversification

A strategy that involves exchanging multiple smaller properties for a single larger property to achieve better portfolio diversification.

Portfolio Property

A collection of investment properties held by an investor that can be sold in whole or in part through a 1031 Exchange.

Qualified Indicia of Ownership

Proof of ownership of the replacement property during the exchange period, which may be required by the IRS. Please feel free to incorporate these terms into your glossary to provide a comprehensive resource for your website visitors.

Qualified Intermediary (QI)

An independent third party responsible for facilitating the 1031 Exchange and holding the proceeds from the sale of the relinquished property until the replacement property is acquired.

Qualified Intermediary Agreement

A legal contract between the exchanger and the qualified intermediary that outlines the roles and responsibilities of each party in the exchange.

Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF)

An investment vehicle used in conjunction with 1031 Exchanges to invest in qualified opportunity zones, offering tax benefits.

Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ)

A designated area that may offer tax benefits for investing capital gains in economically distressed communities. It can be combined with 1031 Exchanges in some cases.

Qualified Use

The IRS requirement that both the relinquished and replacement properties must be held for qualified use in business or investment purposes to qualify for a 1031 Exchange.

Qualified Use Period

The minimum required period that a property must be held for business or investment use to qualify for a 1031 Exchange, typically 24 months.

Real Estate Agent

A licensed professional who assists individuals in buying and selling real estate properties, including investment properties involved in 1031 Exchanges.

Real Property

Tangible, fixed assets, including land and structures, which qualify for 1031 Exchanges.

Related Parties

Individuals or entities with a close relationship to the exchanger, such as family members, business partners, or controlled entities. Special rules apply to exchanges involving related parties.

Relinquished Property

The property an investor intends to sell as part of the 1031 Exchange.

Replacement Property

The property an investor intends to acquire in a 1031 Exchange to replace the relinquished property.

Replacement Property Rules

IRS regulations that dictate the requirements for replacement properties in a 1031 Exchange, including like-kind and value requirements.

Residential Property

Real estate used for dwelling purposes, such as single-family homes, condos, or apartment buildings.

Reverse Exchange

A 1031 Exchange in which the replacement property is acquired before the relinquished property is sold. It involves specific procedures and compliance with IRS regulations.

Safe Harbor

A provision in the tax code that provides guidelines and protection for taxpayers to ensure compliance with IRS regulations regarding 1031 Exchanges.

Simultaneous Exchange

A 1031 Exchange in which the relinquished property and the replacement property are exchanged on the same day.

State Income Tax

Income tax imposed by individual states, which may affect the overall tax implications of a 1031 Exchange.

Step-Up in Basis

When property is inherited, the recipient's tax basis in the property is adjusted to the property's fair market value at the time of inheritance, potentially reducing or eliminating capital gains tax.�

Substantial Improvement

A requirement in opportunity zone investments, where the investor must make substantial improvements to the property to qualify for tax benefits.

Tax-Deferred Exchange

Another term for a 1031 Exchange, where capital gains tax on the sale of a property is deferred to a future date.

Third-Party Administrator (TPA)

A professional or entity that administers and oversees investment assets, often involved in the compliance of 1031 Exchanges.

Title Company

A company that provides title insurance and conducts real estate closings, playing a role in ensuring the legality of property transfers in a 1031 Exchange.

Triple Net Lease (NNN)

A lease agreement in which the tenant is responsible for property expenses, including property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, providing stable rental income.

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