|
1031 TAX DEFERRED EXCHANGES
CAN AN EASEMENT BE EXCHANGED FOR REAL PROPERTY?
IRC Section 1031 does not limit “like-kind” property to certain types of real estate. The types of real estate which can be exchanged are extremely broad. The term refers to the nature or character of the property, rather can be exchanged for a fee interest.
QUALIFYING REAL PROPERTY
Real property must be exchanged for “like-kind” real property. Any real estate held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment - whether improved or unimproved – is considered ‘like-kind.” Like-kind examples:
Unimproved or improved property
Fee or leasehold with 30+ years to run
Vacant land or small retail center
Duplex or commercial property
Single family rental or an apartment
Industrial property or rental resort property
WHAT ABOUT EASEMENTS?
Although it is important to look to the treatment of easements under the applicable state laws, in many cases an easement is considered “like-kind” to any other “like –kind” real property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment.
QUALIFYING EXCHANGES OF EASEMENTS
An agricultural conservation easement in perpetuity in a farm found to be real property, for a fee simple interest in real property.
IRS Letter Ruling 9232030
An exchange of agricultural easements over two farms for fee-simple title in a different farm.
IRS Letter Ruling 9851039
A perpetual conservation easement encumbering real property for the fee simple interest in either farm land, ranch land, or commercial real property.
IRS Letter Ruling 9601046
A scenic conservation easement, found to be real property under state law, for a fee simple interest in timber, farm land, or ranch land.
IRS Letter Ruling 9621012
Call a Qualified Intermediary professional for more detailed information on “like-kind” issues.
TM 1031 Exchange and Asset Preservation, Inc. do not give tax or legal
advice. The information contained herein should not be relied upon as a
substitute for tax or legal advice obtained from a competent tax and/or
legal advisor.
(c) Copyright 2005 Stewart Title Guaranty Company
Top of Page
|
|
|
