You can perform a 1031 exchange with foreign properties, so long as your relinquished and replacement properties are both located outside the United States.
The good news is that there is no limit to the number of times you can complete a 1031 Exchange for real estate. You can do it over and over again, as long as you follow the rules.
TIMELINE REQUIREMENTS Measured from when the relinquished property closes, the Exchangor has 45 days to nominate (identify) potential replacement properties and 180 days to acquire the replacement property. The exchange is completed in 180 days, not 45 days plus 180 days.
How to Do a 1031 Exchange Choose a qualified intermediary to coordinate the exchange. Sell your current real estate property. You have 45 days to identify potential replacement properties. You have 180 days to close on a replacement property. File IRS Form 8824.
While the IRS doesn't set a strict holding period for a 1031 exchange, many tax experts or legal advisors recommend holding the property for at least one year, with two years being the solid, safer length of time. This timeframe aligns with the tax treatment of capital gains and helps establish a clearer intent.
A frequently asked question connected to the 1031 exchange is, “Can you execute a 1031 exchange between states?” At the federal level, the answer is a definitive “yes.” Internal Revenue Code 26 U.S. Code § 1031 – “Exchange of Real Property Held for Productive Use or Investment” – falls under federal tax legislation.
DSTs can also be one of the easiest 1031 replacement property options to access because the real estate already has been acquired by the DST sponsor company and in turn may typically be closed on by the investor within three to five business days.
A 1031 exchange allows for both consolidation and diversification within an investment portfolio, allowing real estate investors to tailor their portfolios to meet evolving investment goals. This may mean focusing on fewer, higher-value properties or spreading risk across multiple investments.
States like Florida, Texas, and Nevada are great options for 1031 exchanges due to their lack of state income tax and strong real estate markets. On the other hand, states like California, New York, and Oregon can be less attractive due to their high state income tax rates and strict real estate laws.