Articles

Due to economic factors or life changes, investors who have held vacation rental property for many years can face significant tax liabilities when they sell it. Federal long term capital gain tax rates can be anywhere from 15 to 20%. The unearned income tax rate is 3.8%, and a depreciation recapture at 25% could be incurred. Additionally, state tax rates will also apply. Adding it all up, a potential tax liability upwards of around 39% can come as a rude surprise for most investors. 

So what other options do investors have to limit or defer their tax liability? One option is to convert the use of the property into your primary residence. Another is to do a 1031 Exchange.

One of the critical requirements for a 1031 exchange is the same taxpayer must hold title to both the Old and New Properties in the exchange. While the exact amount of time these properties must be held is not defined by the IRS, it is clear that it has to be the same taxpayer, and both properties must be held for investment.

If Fred and Sue, for example, own an apartment building they are selling as joint tenants, and buy a replacement property for their exchange as joint tenants, then clearly the exchange involved the same taxpayers since Fred and Sue were on title for both the Old and New Properties. But what if Fred and Sue wish to protect themselves by putting the New Property into an LLC as soon as they acquire it? Most attorneys would say that was a smart business decision and quickly set up the LLC for them.

...if you have control over a transaction . . . the IRS could view your transaction as a violation...

The “Contract Question” provides more questions than answers...

In certain areas of the country, real estate prices have been skyrocketing. It is not uncommon to see properties double in price over the course of a year -- even before the builder has completed construction! This phenomena has created a situation we are seeing more and more in the 1031 exchange business. Many investors are getting property under contract (pre-construction) and selling that contract prior to closing on the purchase at a substantial profit. In this situation, can they perform 1031 exchange?

As an example, Ivan Investor sees a new condominium development planned for completion in about a year and a half. Ivan plans to buy a unit and rent it out once it is completed. So, Ivan gets a unit under contract for a purchase price of $300,00

The sheer number of investment vehicles available to you these days is absolutely staggering. Stocks, bonds, precious metals, commodities, options, derivatives, real estate, etc., etc., etc. - it can make your head spin! Now, all things being equal, none of these investments are better than any other. If you know what you're doing, you can make money in any of them.