July 31, 2023
1031 Rules
A 1031 exchange is a tax-deferred transaction that allows real estate investors to sell one property and
reinvest the proceeds into another property, thereby deferring capital gains taxes. However, the Biden
administration has proposed significant changes to the 1031 exchange rules that aim to limit eligibility,
increase tax rates and cap deferral amounts. Here’s how these changes could affect investors and the
economy:
Limiting eligibility for 1031 exchanges:
The Biden administration’s plan aims to limit the eligibility for
1031 exchanges by focusing on high-income individuals and corporations. This change could restrict the
use of 1031 exchanges for certain investors.
Capital gains tax increase:
Through the proposed plan, the capital gains tax rate would increase to
39.6% for the highest-earning individuals. Consequently, this could reduce the attractiveness of 1031
exchanges as a tax mitigation strategy.
Capping deferral amount:
The Biden administration proposes capping the deferral amounts for 1031
exchanges at $500,000 for individuals and $1 million for married individuals. This means that any gain
beyond $500,000 would be subject to immediate taxation, potentially affecting investors’ abilities to
reinvest the full proceeds of a sale.
Increased reporting and compliance requirements:
The proposed plan includes stricter reporting and
compliance requirements for 1031 exchanges. As such, investors would likely face additional
administrative burden and scrutiny when conducting these transactions.
Implications for small businesses:
Many small businesses rely on and utilize 1031 exchanges for
expansion or restructuring, and these businesses may now face challenges due to the proposed changes.
Specifically, limited eligibility and increased tax burdens could hinder the ability of small businesses to
leverage tax-deferred exchanges for growth.
Economic influence and congressional approval: The proposed changes could have severe effects on the
economy. Namely, critics state that restricting 1031 exchanges may severely reduce investment activity
in properties and could dampen economic growth. Additionally, it’s important to note that all of the
proposed changes are subject to congressional approval, so the final outcome may be very different
based on future legislative negotiations.
While the ultimate effect of these changes is somewhat uncertain, it’s important for investors to stay
informed and up to date with the latest information by consulting with legal and tax professionals to
navigate any potential implications of their investment strategies.