How Long Do You Have to Hold a 1031 Exchange Property Before Selling?

A 1031 exchange refers to Section 1031 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code allowing an owner of an investment property the ability to reinvest in a different property of “like-kind” without triggering capital gains until the final exchange of a piece of property is sold. This deferment can be used for multiple investment properties, one after the other, with capital gains owed when the final property is sold, typically at a long-term rate. 

The IRS is very clear about guidelines for 1031 exchange properties. One crucial requirement is that both the relinquished and the replacement properties be intended and used as investment properties for them to qualify for 1031 tax deferment. But what is not so clear is how long you must hold either property in order to meet qualification requirements. The only holding requirement is that both properties be held for a “sufficient period of time” which leaves it up to interpretation should there be a potential problem. 

Your Intention in a 1031 Exchange is What Matters to the IRS

Time is only one factor that the Treasury Department will consider when they are investigating a situation involving a 1031 exchange. While holding time may be considered a factor, they are primarily concerned with the use of both properties, not the length of time they have been held. 

The IRS has taken the position that if you purchased your relinquished property just before your 1031 exchange transaction, the intention of the purchase was not for investment but instead for sale. They have also taken a similar stance if the replacement property is not held long enough to be considered “sufficient” that it was not intended for investment.

Consequently, as an investor who is interested in a 1031 exchange, you will want to fully understand the implications of your purchases and the exchange. If questions arise, you will need to be able to prove that both properties were truly intended as investments. The longer a property is held with supporting evidence of income, the stronger your case will be if the IRS has questions about your intentions. 

If you hold 1031 properties and want to know more about how long you need to hold on to them before selling them, consulting an experienced 1031 lawyer may be helpful. A skilled 1031 attorney may be able to give you legal advice on what your next steps should be. 

A 1031 Exchange Holding Period is Case-By-Case Basis

The IRS investigates 1031 exchanges on a case-by-case basis. While there are no definitive rules on a holding period for a 1031 exchange property, it has made rulings indicating that a holding period of two years has been considered sufficient in order to meet the qualified use test. Other court decisions have even been more liberal. 

In addition, many tax advisors recommend that owners of 1031 exchange properties hold them for a minimum of one year and maintain other proof of rental income, depreciation, expenses, and other supporting evidence of its use as an investment property. If you plan to eventually use your replacement property as a second or primary home, it must also fit IRS’s safe harbor rule with its own requirements.

1031 Exchange Properties – Capital Gains Tax and Deadlines

Deadlines are important for 1031 exchanges. Investors must find replacement properties for their assets within 45 days and close on these properties within 180 days. Failure to meet these deadlines could lead to a disqualified exchange.

Investors who are unsure how long they will have to keep their replacement assets in order to sell them might be better off tweaking their exchange strategy. This isn’t time, but intention.

IRS Code Section1031 describes the various rules regarding 1031 exchanges. The code does not specify how long exchangers must keep their replacement assets. The code does say that an exchanged property held for sale is not a like-kind swap. This means that Investors cannot sell one investment property and complete a 1031 exchange to defer capital gains, then fix and flip the replacement asset.

You must acquire replacement assets with the intention of using them as investment properties. In a 2009 IRS ruling, the IRS stated that exchangers will not realize any gain or loss when exchanging one property for another that is similar in nature.

In the same ruling, the IRS also addresses the issue of “holding requirements”. There is no time limit, but language that addresses the exchange’s intent is used.

Getting Legal Advice For Your Properties from an Experienced Real Estate and 1031 Exchange Lawyer

While 1031 exchanges can offer an investor great benefits, they can also be complex transactions. If you are considering a 1031 exchange, you will want experienced guidance to ensure that you are not disqualified and face stiff capital gains or other penalties. 

At Sishodia PLLC, Natalia Sishodia and her team of highly experienced New York City real estate attorneys know 1031 exchange laws inside and out and will help you navigate the process while avoiding making critical mistakes. Contact them at (833) 616-4646 or through their online contact form to see how they can help. 

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