Understanding a 1031 exchange transaction
Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code is arguably one of the most powerful provisions of the tax code for real estate investors the 1031 tax exchange. Many highly successful investors have used this tax code provision in combination with aggressive pyramiding and upgrading strategies to amass huge investment property portfolios. Selling an investment property and wanting to make a profit by reinvesting in a similar property elsewhere in the country is the concept, which works on the principle of rolling gains from the old to the new property. It allows you to exchange like-kind investment properties without triggering the payment of capital gains tax. As your property assets appreciate in value, you have the ability to upgrade into larger properties with greater cash flow quality.
A 1031 Exchange also gives you the flexibility to exchange your rental properties that have appreciated in value in hot markets, and re-invest into lesser-known areas that are expected to develop and become the next hot market in years to come. You can continuously defer these capital gains taxes as you continue to pyramid your property investment portfolio into larger and larger properties. Not only fructifies into essential tax savings, but also makes possible the swapping of property in the fairest manner at places of choice.
TAX DEFERRED INVESTING
The ability to re-invest your entire property equity without tax erosion can significantly enhance the amount of capital that stays invested and can make it easier to upgrade into higher value properties with greater cash flow.
INCREASE CASHFLOW
This decision to upgrade into higher quality properties with greater cash flow can occur faster now that taxes are a lower priority transaction decision. In some markets the real estate values can get ahead of the available cash flow available from the property. In these situations it may make sense to lock in your gain and look to re-invest in another property where you can achieve higher cash flow returns.
TIMING THE MARKET
The ability to speculate on the next hot market area or region is a much easier decision under a 1031 exchange. Why not lock in your profits on property that has already risen dramatically in value and re-invest it in the next hot market? As long as your capital gains are deferred making these transaction decisions is easier.
COMPOUND RETURNS
If you are stepping up your portfolio through a series of exchanges over time, your full capital gain can be re-invested without tax consequence, resulting in accelerated equity accumulation.
FLEXIBILITY
The ability to switch into like-kind properties as defined in the tax code gives you a range of investment options and flexibility. If you don’t want a lot of the headaches associated with managing property you can also consider Tenant in Common exchanges, which do qualify under Section 1031 of the tax code.
The easiest method to begin a 1031 Exchange transaction is to contact a good Exchange Company. The information concerning the exchanger, time and place of the closings, and a copy of the contract to sell the relinquished property are the preliminary papers to start the process. The company makes exchange documents and forwards them to the attorney or client. The lowest fee charged on a standard deferred exchange is $600. Good companies manage all aspects of the exchange. They provide service that is quick, easy to use and backed by experience. In good companies, experienced attorneys are the managers. The senior staff will be rich in experience with regard to investment property transactions. The specialized team of attorneys mainly deals with more complex reverse and build-to-suit exchanges.
1031 tax exchanges gives real estate investors a lot more options and flexibility to make better investment decisions on their real estate holdings without the issue of tax over-riding sound judgment. If you own a rental property or are considering it, you owe it to yourself to see if a 1031 exchange is right for your circumstances.
Understanding a 1031 exchange transaction was originally published on Millennial Housing & Lifestyle