Episode Details
Back to EpisodesThe 1031 Exchange: How to Swap Real Estate and Defer Your Taxes
Description
Looking to sell an investment property without triggering a massive tax bill? In this episode of pplpod, we break down Internal Revenue Code Section 1031, a powerful tool that allows investors to defer capital gains taxes by exchanging one property for another of "like-kind". We explore how this strategy creates a continuity of investment, potentially allowing property owners to defer taxes indefinitely—or even eliminate them through estate planning.
Tune in as we explain the critical rules and strict timelines that define a successful exchange, including:
• The "Like-Kind" Rule: Why this benefit applies exclusively to real property following the 2017 tax law changes, and what actually qualifies as real estate.
• The "Starker" Timelines: The non-negotiable deadlines where investors have 45 days to identify a replacement property and 180 days to close the deal.
• The "Boot": How receiving cash or debt relief during the swap can accidentally trigger taxable income.
• The Qualified Intermediary: Why you can't touch the cash during the sale and the mandatory role of a third party in holding your funds.
Whether you are interested in a standard swap, a "reverse 1031," or converting a rental into a personal residence, this episode covers the essential mechanics of keeping your capital working for you.