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§1031 “LIKE-KIND” PROPERTY
“WHERE DOES PROPERTY HAVE TO BE LOCATED
TO QUALIFY FOR DEFERRAL?”
The term “like-kind” property isn’t specifically defined in the tax code. Any real property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment can be considered “like-kind” property. Properties are of “like-kind” if they are of the same nature or character, even if they differ in grade or quality. Real property is generally considered to be of “like-kind” regardless of whether the properties are improved or unimproved.
U.S. PROPERTY equal U.S. PROPERTY
U.S. PROPERTY not equal FOREIGN PROPERTY
Real property held for investment in the United States must be exchanged for other real property held for investment in the United States. Exchangers cannot exchange United States property for foreign property or visa versa. However, in one Private Letter Ruling (PLR 9038030), an investor was allowed to exchange into the U.S. Virgin Islands as part of a qualifying §1031 exchange. However, as with any PLR, it is very important to analyze the unique facts and circumstances of the taxpayer’s situation. PLR 9038030 allowed an exchange into the U.S. Virgin Islands because it cited Section 932 of the Code, specifically that the taxpayer intended to have income derived from sources within the Virgin Islands and, based upon this Code Section, the term “United States” was enlarged to include the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AN EXAMPLE
An investor can exchange out of a 100 acre parcel of unimproved land in California worth $1.2M and acquire the following properties that will be held for investment:
1) 40 acres of unimproved land in Kansas for $300,000;
2) A rental home near the Florida coast for $350,000;
3) A rental ski condo in Colorado for $550,000.
BACKGROUND ON FOREIGN PROPERTY
Prior to 1989, Exchangers could exchange U.S. property for property outside of the U.S. However, for all exchanges occurring after July 10, 1989, only U.S. property can considered “like-kind” for purposes of IRC Section 1031.
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
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