What is the 90% rule for 1031?

Asked by: Alanna Heathcote II  |  Last update: July 29, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (54 votes)

In a reverse 1031 exchange, an investor acquires a new property before selling the old one. The 90% rule stipulates that the total value of the replacement property must be equal to or greater than 90% of the relinquished property's sale price to defer capital gains taxes fully.

What disqualifies a property from being used in a 1031 exchange?

The property must be a business or investment property, which means that it can't be personal property. Your home won't qualify for a 1031 exchange. However, a single-family rental property that you own could be exchanged for commercial rental property.

What is the 2 year rule for 1031 exchange?

Section 1031(f) provides that if a Taxpayer exchanges with a related party then the party who acquired the property in the exchange must hold it for 2 years or the exchange will be disallowed.

What is the 95% rule in 1031 exchange?

The 95% rule says that a taxpayer can identify more than three properties with a total value that is more than 200% of the value of the relinquished property, but only if the taxpayer acquires at least 95% of the value of the properties that he identifies.

What is the 3 property rule for 1031 exchange?

The IRS 1031 exchange rules outline the guidelines for conducting like-kind exchanges. One of the most frequently utilized provisions is the three-property rule, which allows investors to identify up to three potential replacement properties of any value and acquire at least one.

Pay Capital Gains Tax or Buy Another Property?

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What is the downside of a 1031 exchange?

Lack of Liquidity- Exchanging properties continually can tie up funds in real estate, making it hard for an investor to access liquid capital if required. While real estate can be a profitable investment, it's not as liquid as some other assets.

How to not pay capital gains tax?

9 Ways to Avoid Capital Gains Taxes on Stocks
  1. Invest for the Long Term. ...
  2. Contribute to Your Retirement Accounts. ...
  3. Pick Your Cost Basis. ...
  4. Lower Your Tax Bracket. ...
  5. Harvest Losses to Offset Gains. ...
  6. Move to a Tax-Friendly State. ...
  7. Donate Stock to Charity. ...
  8. Invest in an Opportunity Zone.

What is not allowed in a 1031 exchange?

Here are examples of properties ineligible for a 1031 exchange: Primary residences: A 1031 exchange is specifically intended for investment or business properties. Personal properties are not eligible. Vacation homes: Vacation homes generally do not qualify if used for personal reasons.

What is the 100% rule for 1031 exchange?

A 1031 Exchange allows a taxpayer to defer 100% of their capital gain tax liability. To do this, the exchanger must buy new Replacement Property equal to or greater than in value to the property sold and reinvest all the proceeds from the sale of their old property.

How long do you have to identify a property for a 1031 exchange?

The 45-Day Rule requires that your replacement property be identified within 45 days of the close of your relinquished property (by calendar day 45, your qualified intermediary must be notified of the identified replacement property).

How soon after a 1031 exchange can you sell?

However, when the property in question was initially acquired through a 1031 Exchange, to benefit from the tax exclusion on the subsequent sale of the property as a personal residence, the owner must not sell the property within five years following the exchange.

Can you gift a 1031 exchange property to a family member?

Yes, it is possible to gift a 1031 exchange property to a family member. However, there are some requirements you should follow.

What voids a 1031 exchange?

Missing Deadlines

They have 180 days to acquire replacement properties, but that deadline also starts ticking away with the closing on relinquished properties. If an investor misses either deadline, it will invalidate the 1031 exchange.

What are loopholes for 1031 exchange?

The Alleged "Loophole"

They point to situations where investors continuously roll over their gains into new properties through a series of like-kind exchanges, essentially deferring taxes until they eventually sell a property outside of a 1031 exchange.

Can you live in a 1031 exchange property after 2 years?

Detailed record-keeping and allowing your replacement property to have its season as an investment asset is imperative. The exchange can be disallowed if the IRS suspects that you completed the 1031 exchange, intending to move in immediately. It's best to wait at least two years.

Which states do not recognize 1031 exchanges?

Pennsylvania Does Not Recognize 1031 Tax Deferrals

Yes, that's right – Pennsylvania has long been the sole hold-out among all our states to not recognize 1031 tax deferral benefits. When a business property is sold in Pennsylvania, a tax is generally owed.

What is the 75% rule for 1031 exchange?

The primary purpose of the 75% Rule is to ensure that the Replacement Property aligns closely with what was initially identified. This alignment is crucial for maintaining compliance with the IRS regulations and securing the tax-deferral benefits of a 1031 exchange.

What happens if I don t spend all the money from a 1031 exchange?

However, the amount of funds you have left over will be taxed. These leftover funds are referred to as “boot” in a 1031 exchange. Since your replacement property must be equal or greater in value than your replacement property, you may choose to invest in more than one property to avoid having cash left over.

What is the average 1031 fee?

Here's the general overview of what the 1031 exchange costs can be (on average): Total exchange fees: $600-$1,200. QI fees: $750-$1,250. QI fee per extra property in the exchange: $300-$400.

How risky is a 1031 exchange?

If a timeframe is missed for any reason, a 1031 investor can risk disqualifying their entire exchange and may run the risk of heavy tax consequences. It's important to talk with a professional before making decisions on whether or not your property qualifies as a 1031 Exchange.

What can I do instead of a 1031 exchange?

The Deferred Sales Trust is a 1031 exchange alternative that lets you sell your company, practice, or property and defer capital gains tax. The Deferred Sales Trust acts a third party in your transaction. You, as the seller, sell your asset to the trust. The trust then sells your asset to the buyer.

What are the new changes to 1031 exchange?

Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Section 1031 now applies only to exchanges of real property and not to exchanges of personal or intangible property. An exchange of real property held primarily for sale still does not qualify as a like-kind exchange.

Do you have to pay capital gains after age 70?

Current tax law does not allow you to take a capital gains tax break based on your age. In the past, the IRS granted people over the age of 55 a tax exemption for home sales, though this exclusion was eliminated in 1997 in favor of the expanded exemption for all homeowners.

What is a simple trick for avoiding capital gains tax on real estate investments?

A few options to legally avoid paying capital gains tax on investment property include buying your property with a retirement account, converting the property from an investment property to a primary residence, utilizing tax harvesting, and using Section 1031 of the IRS code for deferring taxes.

Can I sell my house and buy another without paying capital gains?

You can avoid capital gains tax when you sell your primary residence by buying another house and using the 121 home sale exclusion. In addition, the 1031 like-kind exchange allows investors to defer taxes when they reinvest the proceeds from the sale of an investment property into another investment property.