What is other exchangeable property?

Personal property held for productive use in an investment can be exchanged.

Do I have choices?

Your particular situation will lead you to choose from different types of exchanges afforded to you under the code. Below are brief descriptions. I, and your tax advisors, will help you determine the best type of exchange to fit you.

The following gives you brief descriptions of the different exchanges available.

Types of exchanges

Delayed Exchange - The Delayed Exchange, also known as the Starker exchange, is the most common. The Delayed Exchange process begins upon the relinquished property's close-of-escrow. From that close, you have a maximum of 45 days to identify up to three potential properties that you wish to exchange. After this 45-day period, you have an additional 135 days to complete the purchase of one or all three of those properties identified. While it sounds complicated, it is actually pretty easy to satisfy the I.R.S. regulations.

Simultaneous Exchange - A Simultaneous Exchange can occur when you have already identified a property or properties you wish to exchange for prior to the relinquished property's closing of escrow. The two properties will be exchanged concurrently to complete the exchange. The risk of timing complications is real. So investors typically call on a qualified intermediary for assistance in doing this type of transaction.

Improvement Exchange/Build-To-Suit - Often, the investor wants to make improvements to the replacement property to have the cost of the improvements included in the exchange value of the replacement property. Remodeling an existing building or the construction of a new building on raw land are common improvements. An important timeline requirement is completion of all improvements and dispersing the exchange trust within 180 days. Therefore, you allow for certain uncalculated risks to arise, making advance planning critical in conducting an Improvement/Build-To-Suit Exchange.

Reverse Exchange - The special advantage of a reverse exchange is that it allows exchangors to find a replacement property before they sell the investment property they currently own. This legal procedure was formalized by IRS rulings as of October of 2000. An Exchangor can now purchase the desired property without the time restrictions found under other types of exchanges. The intermediary will help you acquire title to that new property, allowing enough time to close the old one. Another way to look at is that the Intermediary holds your up-leg property until you're ready to make the exchange. There are quite a few rules and higher costs. But this works well for the right transaction.