Simultaneous Exchange

Q: Is it possible to complete a simultaneous exchange without an intermediary or an exchange agreement?

A: While it may be possible it may not be wise. With the Safe Harbor addition of qualified intermediaries in the Treasury Regulations and the recent adoption of good funds laws in several states, it is very difficult to close a simultaneous exchange without the benefit of either an intermediary or exchange agreement. Since two closing entities cannot hold the same exchange funds on the same day, serious constructive receipt and other legal issues arise for the Exchangor attempting such a simultaneous transaction. The addition of the intermediary Safe Harbor was an effort to abate the practice of attempting these marginal transactions. It is the view of most tax professionals that an exchange completed without an intermediary or an exchange agreement will not qualify for deferred gain treatment. And if already completed, the transaction would not pass an IRS examination due to constructive receipt and structural exchange discrepancies. The investment in a qualified intermediary is insignificant in comparison to the tax risk associated with attempting an exchange, which could be easily disqualified.

Property Conversion

Q: How long must I wait before I can convert an investment property into my personal residence?

A: A few years ago the Internal Revenue Service proposed a one year holding period before investment property could be converted, sold or transferred. Congress never adopted this proposal so therefore no definitive holding period exists currently. However, this should not be interpreted as an unwritten approval to convert investment property at any time. Because the one year period clearly reflects the intent of the IRS, most tax practitioners advise their clients to hold property at least one year before converting it into a personal residence.

Remember, intent is very important. It should be your intention at the time of acquisition to hold the property for it's productive use in a trade or business or for it's investment potential.

Involuntary Conversion

Q: What if my property was involuntarily converted by a disaster or I was required to sell due to a governmental or Eminent Domain action?

A: Involuntary conversion is addressed within Section 1033 of the Internal Revenue Code. If your property is converted involuntarily, the time frame for reinvestment is extended to twenty-four months from the end of the tax year in which the property was converted. You may also apply for a twelve month reinvestment extension.

Facilitators and Intermediaries

Q: Is there a difference between facilitators?

A: Most definitely. As in any professional discipline, the capability of facilitators will vary based upon their exchange knowledge, experience and real estate and/or tax familiarity.

Facilitators and Fees

Q: Should fees be a factor in selecting a facilitator?

A: Yes, however they should be considered only after first determining each facilitator's ability to complete a qualifying transaction. This can be accomplished by researching their reputation, knowledge and level of experience.

Personal Residence Exchanges

Q: Do the exchange rules differ between investment properties and personal residences? If I sell my personal residence what is the time frame in which I must reinvest in another home and what must I spend on the new residence to defer gain taxes?

A: The rules for personal residence rollovers were formerly found in Section 1034 of the Internal Revenue Code. You may remember that those rules dictated that you had to reinvest the proceeds from the sale of your personal residence within twenty-four months before or after the sale, and you had to acquire a property which reflected a value equal to or greater than the value of the residence sold. These rules were discontinued with the passage of the 1997 Tax Reform Act. Currently, if a personal residence is sold, provided that residence was occupied by the taxpayer for at least two of the last five years, up to $250,000 (single) and $500,000 of capital gain is exempt from taxation.

Exchanging and Improvements

Q: May I exchange my equity in an investment property and use the proceeds to complete an improvement on a vacant lot I currently own?

A: Although the attempt to move equity from one investment property to another is a key element of tax deferred exchanging, you may not exchange into property you already own.

Related Parties

Q: May I exchange into a property, which is being sold by a relative?

A: Yes. However any exchange between related parties requires a two year holding period for both parties.

Partnership or Partial Interests

Q: If I am an owner of investment property in conjunction with others, may I exchange only my partial interest in the property?

A: Yes. Partial interests qualify for exchanging within the scope of Section 1031. However, if your interest is not in the property but actually an interest in the partnership which owns the property, your exchange would not qualify. This is because partnership interests are excepted from Section 1031. But don't be confused! If the entire partnership desired to stay together and exchange their property for a replacement, that would qualify.

Those individuals or groups owning partnership interests, who desire to complete an exchange, and have for tax purposes made an election under IRC Section 761 (a), can qualify for deferred gain treatment under section 1031. This can be a tricky issue! See elsewhere in this publication for more information. Then, only undertake this election with proper tax counsel and only with the election by all Partners!

Reverse Exchanges

Q: Are reverse exchanges considered legal?

A: Tax deferred exchanges, as defined in Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, establish the parameters for the sale and purchase of qualifying investment property for the purpose of deferring taxes on any capital gain. The idea behind the exchange is to simply transfer equity from one property to another and thereby avoid a taxable event, as would be found in a traditional sale and repurchase.

Although reverse exchanges were specifically excepted from the 1991 Treasury Regulations (remember those are the guidelines for all tax deferred exchanges), they have recently been approved, as of the date of distribution of a new Revenue Procedure issued September 15, 2000.

Due to the fact that reverse exchanges are more complicated than typical simultaneous or delayed transactions, they require extensive and comprehensive planning. This is necessary to properly structure the property transfers, balance the equities and streamline the entire transaction.

Identification

Q: Why are the identification rules so time restrictive? Is there any flexibility within them?

A: The current identification rules represent a compromise which was proposed by the IRS and adopted in 1984. Prior to that time there were no time related guidelines. The current forty-five day provision was created to eliminate questions about the time period for identification and there is absolutely no flexibility written into the rule and no extensions are available.

Q: In a delayed exchange, is there any limit to property value when identifying by using the two hundred percent rule?

A: Yes. Although you may identify any three properties of any value under the three property rule, when using the two hundred percent rule there is a restriction. It is when identifying four or more properties, the total aggregate value of the properties identified must not exceed more than two hundred percent of the value of the relinquished property.

An additional exception exists for those whose identification does not qualify under the three property or two hundred percent rules. The ninety-five percent exception allows the identification of any number of properties, provided the total aggregate value of the properties acquired total at least ninety-five percent of the properties identified.

Q: Should identifications be made to the intermediary or an attorney, escrow or title company?

A: Identifications may be made to any party listed above. However, many times the escrow holder is not equipped to receive your identification if they have not yet opened an escrow. Therefore it is easier and safer to identify through the intermediary provided the identification is postmarked or received within the forty-five day identification period.