“IT'S ESSENTIAL TO ADHERE TO THESE REQUIREMENTS”
IDENTIFICATION RULES
The identification period in a delayed exchange begins on the date
the Exchanger transfers the relinquished property and ends at midnight
on the 45th calendar day thereafter. To qualify for a §1031 tax deferred
exchange, the tax code requires identifying replacement property:
- In a written document signed by the Exchanger
- Hand delivered, mailed, telecopied, or otherwise sent
- Before the end of the identification period to
- Either the person obligated to transfer the replacement property
to the Exchanger [generally the "Qualified Intermediary"]
or any other person involved in the exchange other than the taxpayer
or a disqualified person.
The replacement property must be unambiguously described (i.e. legal
description, street address or distinguishable name). The type of
property should be described in a personal property exchange.
ADDITIONAL ISSUES
Exchangers acquiring a property which is being constructed must identify
this property and the improvements in as much detail as is practical
at the time the identification is made. Exchangers who intend to acquire
less than a 100% ownership interest in the replacement property should
specify the specific percentage interest. Exchangers should always
consult with their tax and/or legal advisors about the specific identification
rules and restrictions. Any properties acquired within the 45-day
identification period are considered properly identified. An investor
has the ability to substitute new replacement properties by revoking
a previous identification and correctly identifying new replacement
properties as long as this is done in writing within the 45-day identification
period. Although Exchangers can identify more than one replacement
property, the maximum number of properties that can be identified
is limited to:
- Three properties without regard to their fair market value ("3
Property Rule")
- Any number of properties so long as their aggregate fair market
value does not exceed 200% of the aggregate fair market value
of all relinquished properties ("200% Rule")
- Any number of properties without regard to the combined fair
market value, as long the properties acquired amount to at least
ninety five percent (95%) of the fair market value of all identified
properties ("95% Exception")
Newsletter compliments of Asset
Preservation, Inc.