A 1031 exchange

What it is and how you can benefit

What is it?

A 1031 exchange is a tax break recognized under Section 1031 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Real estate investors can use it to defer capital gains taxes and depreciation recapture otherwise incurred when selling one investment property and reinvesting the capital into another investment property.

To qualify for a 1031 exchange, you must sell your investment property and reinvest the proceeds in properties of like kind and of equal or greater value within certain time periods established by law.

Why do it?

Using a 1031 exchange can be an effective way to leverage an existing investment to upgrade to one with a better performance outlook—and, as a result, grow your portfolio. For example, you may be looking for:

 

  • A property with a better potential return or an opportunity to diversify your assets
  • A managed property that allows you to offload the responsibilities of self-managing
  • A consolidation strategy or a way to divide a single property into separate assets
  • A way to reset the depreciation timetable for tax purposes

How does it work?

Here’s an example that shows at a high level how a 1031 exchange can help investors access more capital to grow their portfolios: 

 

 

Alex bought an investment property

with a $200K cost basis and sells it for $400K after 5 years, during which she claimed straight-line depreciation of $7,273 per year (or $36,365 total depreciation). Her income is between $41,675 and $459,750, placing her in the capital gains bracket of 15% in 2022.

Scenario 1
Without a 1031 tax-deferred exchange
Net cash received $400,000
Capital gains on profit $30,000
($200,000 x 15%)
Depreciation recapture $9,091
($36,365 x 25%)
2022 tax liability -$39,091
Available to reinvest $360,908
 
Scenario 2
With a 1031 tax-deferred exchange
Net cash received $400,000
2022 tax liability -$0
Available to reinvest $400,000

What’s the catch?

As with all things tax related, a 1031 exchange has strict rules and timelines. For instance, you only have 45 days to identify a replacement property and 180 days to close escrow on it after selling the original property. However, the benefits could be worth the effort.

How we can help

Finding a replacement property (or portfolio of properties) within the strict time limits is one of the biggest challenges of a 1031 exchange. And it’s one of the biggest advantages of working with Roofstock.

We’re experienced in sourcing single-family rentals (SFRs) with investors in mind.

We also provide the financial data that helps investors make more informed decisions based on the numbers, not emotion.

Let’s connect to discuss how we can help you quickly find options to facilitate your 1031 exchange, including recommendations for financing.

What's next?

Connect with a Roofstock
Relationship Manager

Schedule a call

View our Portfolio
Marketplace

Browse portfolios

Check out helpful resources
from the IRS

Review resources

1031 exchange recap

Potential benefits

  • Leverage equity to grow your portfolio
  • Defer taxes
  • Build more wealth over time
 

Potential challenges

  • Find the right property
  • Adhere to strict time limits
  • Must hire a qualified intermediary to hold the funds during the process

Important disclaimer

The qualification of a transaction under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code requires meeting numerous statutory, regulatory, and other conditions and involves factual issues and situations that are not and cannot be known to Roofstock. Any investor seeking to acquire replacement property in connection with a transaction intended to qualify under Section 1031 must consult his or her own tax advisor regarding an acquisition of a replacement property and the qualification of the transaction under Section 1031.  

No party seeking to acquire replacement property in connection with a transaction intended to qualify under Section 1031 may rely on Roofstock, its affiliates, its employees, or its agents for any tax advice regarding the treatment of a transaction under Section 1031. No representation or warranty of any kind is being made by Roofstock with respect to the ability of any party to meet the qualification of a proposed “like-kind” exchange under Section 1031.