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Taxes on capital loss/gain may be unwarranted, if, for instance, one is
qualified for the Delayed Exchange. Accordingly, there are several basic
guidelines that place a transaction within §1031:
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The properties must be analogous - of "like-kind."Although this may seem like a
predicament, the IRS is broadminded when evaluating "real property"
transactions. Thus, as long as commercial property is exchanged, it will
generally be deemed adequate to satisfy the "like-kind" clause. Moreover,
office facilities and equipment must be exchanged for their equivalent.
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There must be a genuine replacement. A mere sale is unacceptable; it will take
the entire transaction outside the boundaries of §1031.
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The property exchanged must be employed for commercial purposes: business and
investment. The replacement property must be one that caters to the taxpayer's
trade. Residential property does not apply to the Delayed Exchange (1031).
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Although 1031's main purpose is to benefit those involved in particular real
estate transactions, the gratuity is restricted. An exchanger must act promptly
because a lapse of time will invalidate the tax deferral. Pay close attention
to the specified deadlines. The timing requirements are discussed within the
three steps necessary to execute a Delayed Exchange.
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