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What is 1031...
What is 1031?   |   How a 1031 Exchange is Accomplished?   |   Quick 1031 Reference Guide   |   1031 Glossary of Terms


The following sequence represents the order of steps in a typical 1031 exchange:

Step 1 - Retain the services of tax counsel/CPA. Become advised by same.

Step 2 - Sell the property, including the Cooperation Clause in the sales agreement. "Buyer is aware that the seller's intention is to
complete a 1031 Exchange through this transaction and hereby agrees to cooperate with seller to accomplish same, at no additional
cost or liability to buyer." Make sure your escrow closing agent contacts the Qualified Intermediary to order the exchange documents.

Step 3 - Enter into a 1031 exchange agreement with your Qualified Intermediary, in which the Qualified Intermediary is named as
principal in the sale of your relinquished property and the subsequent purchase of your replacement property. The 1031 Exchange Agreement must meet with IRS Requirements, especially pertaining to the proceeds. Along with said agreement, an amendment to
escrow is signed which so names the Qualified Intermediary as seller. Normally the deed is still prepared for recording from the
taxpayer to the true buyer. This is called direct deeding. It is not necessary to have the replacement property identified at this time.

Step 4 - The relinquished escrow closes, and the closing statement reflects that the Qualified Intermediary was the seller, and the
proceeds go to your Qualified Intermediary. The funds should be placed in a separate, completely segregated money market accoun
to insure liquidity and safety. The closing date of the relinquished property escrow is Day 0 of the exchange, and that’s when the
exchange clock begins to tick. Written identification of the address of the replacement property must be sent within 45 days and the identified replacement property must be acquired by the taxpayer within 180 days.

Step 5 - The taxpayer sends written identification of the address or legal description of the replacement property to the QI, on or before
Day 45 of the exchange. It must be signed by everyone who signed the exchange agreement, and it may be faxed, hand delivered, or
mailed either to the Qualified Intermediary, the seller of the replacement property or his agent, or to a totally unrelated attorney. Send
it via certified mail, return receipt requested. You will then have proof of receipt from a government agency.

Step 6 - Taxpayer enters into an agreement to purchase replacement property, again including the Cooperation Clause. "Seller is
aware that the buyer's intention is to complete a 1031 Exchange through this transaction and hereby agrees to cooperate with buyer
to accomplish same, at no additional cost or liability to seller." An amendment is signed naming the Qualified Intermediary as buyer,
but again the deeding is from the true seller to the taxpayer.

Step 7 - When conditions are satisfied and escrow is prepared to close and certainly prior to the 180th day, per the 1031 Exchange Agreement, the Qualified Intermediary forwards the exchange funds and growth proceeds to escrow, and the closing statement reflects
the Qualified Intermediary as the buyer. A final accounting is sent by the Qualified Intermediary to the taxpayer, showing the funds
coming in from one escrow, and going out to the other, all without constructive receipt by the taxpayer.

Step 8 - Taxpayer files form 8824 with the IRS when taxes are filed, and whatever similar document your particular state requires.


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