1031’s Blog

A Secret To 1031 Like Kind Exchanges

April 21, 2009 at 2:22 am | In 1031 exchange |
Tags: 1031 exchange, 1031 tax exchange

The 1031 Exchange process starts with your CPA or accountant. The discussion should include the amount of taxes owed if you sold the property outright. The adjusted basis would be determined, and based on this adjusted basis, you can determine what the “normal” capital gains tax liability would be. Also, you can determine the amount of taxes that would be due to depreciation recapture. This depreciation recapture is currently taxed at a maximum rate of 25%. The capital gains that are attributed to depreciation are taxed at a higher rate.

Likewise, your CPA or accountant will determine how much of the gain relates to normal appreciation from the natural increase in the value of the property. This appreciation is currently taxed at a maximum rate of only 15%. Your CPA will also determine if any state income tax or capital gains tax would be incurred. This would also include municipal tax liability.

Once all of the tax liabilities have been determined, an informed decision can be made as to whether to sell the property outright or to utilize the benefits of a 1031 Exchange. Typically, the cost of doing a 1031 Exchange is far less than the tax bill if you just sold the property outright.

The first step in taking advantage of a 1031 Exchange is to contact a Qualified Intermediary. The Qualified Intermediary will advise you of the need for a written purchase agreement signed by you as the seller and your purchaser. This agreement establishes your desire to sell your relinquished property as part of a 1031 Exchange.

In addition, it is a good idea to add a stipulation or clause in the purchase agreement stating that you want to complete a 1031 Exchange with regards to the property and that the purchaser agrees to cooperate with such. You have now laid the basic groundwork for the closing. For sample cooperation clause go to www.1031podcast.com.

At the closing, the sale will become complete. The deed crosses the desk to the purchaser, and the net sales proceeds are paid directly to the Qualified Intermediary. This starts the 1031 countdown. The day after the closing is considered “day one” in the forty-five day identification period. During the forty-five days, you must identify in writing the property that you want to purchase as your replacement property. This “day one” is also the start of the 180 day exchange period that you have to complete the 1031 exchange and acquire your replacement property.

In summary, the first step is to work with your CPA or accountant to determine what the capital gains tax will be (including depreciation recapture and state and local taxes.) At this point, you will decide if the 1031 Exchange will be of benefit to you. A Qualified Intermediary can help you and your CPA or accountant realize the full potential of the 1031 Exchange process. The next step is to document your intent to sell the property to your purchaser as well as your desire to complete a 1031 Exchange by inserting text in your purchase agreement.

If you have all of these things done, you can start the processes of deferring taxes and keeping your money working for you.

U.S. investors can save a lot of money by using a 1031 exchange to defer all of their capital gains tax on the sale of investment property. A 1031 tax exchange is similar to an interest free loan from Uncle Sam.