Texas is popular for not
imposing any state income tax and many real estate investors are attracted for
the same reason. Even though there is no state tax imposition on the income
arising from the sale of the property, landowners have to pay for the Federal taxes
on the gains under specific situations. Selling a ranch Texas comes under the same provision. Most sellers are
interested to know the prevailing tax implications and the possible ways to
avoid such tax burden.
Section 1031 of the
Internal Revenue Code is a boon to prospective investors who are planning to
sell their farm or ranch in Texas. This innovative concept of tax deferment
operates on the principle of profit rolling from the old to new. However, there
is widespread ignorance about the modalities of this exchange for which almost
40% of the farm or ranch owners end up paying tax on their sale. 1031
Exchange Rule not only helps in effective tax savings but also makes it
possible to swap property in a fair manner at a location preferred by the user.
So, how can you benefit from a 1031 Exchange?
In simple terms, 1031 The exchange allows a prospective investor to swap one investment or business asset
for another and deferring the tax liability arising out of a sale. The sale of
these assets would have otherwise incurred a tax liability under normal circumstances.
However, it should be made clear that the 1031 Exchange is not for tax
avoidance and only allows the investor to defer tax liability to a later date. The new income-generating property provides the investor with a double benefit, one
from an added income from the farm or ranch and the other from tax deferment
that would otherwise have gone to the Federal coffers.
Since the exchange is
time-bound it requires the intervention of a Qualified Intermediary (QI) in
connecting the buyer and the seller and to take all necessary steps to
successfully carry the requirements of the 1031 Exchange Rule. The QI is
responsible for structuring and guiding the Exchange, meeting all parameters
and satisfying the goals of the client. The QI is in charge of preparing all
documents, serving copies of the agreement to both the parties, providing
novation agreement and escrow instructions.
Checklist for optimum use of the 1031 Exchange Rule
A brief checklist of the steps
involved in a 1031 Exchange can help potential investors in gaining from the
sale of an investment property. This checklist does not address all the issues
relating to a Tax-Deferred Exchange but can be referred to as a brief overview
of the concept.
i)
Review of the entire transaction with taxation
or legal expert.
ii) Contacting
the Qualified Intermediary for initiating the Exchange transaction.
iii) Entering
into an assignable contract for selling the relinquished property.
iv) Preparing
the Exchange documents by the QI for the relinquished property sale.
v) QI
is assigned as a seller into the transaction to close the sale.
vi) Initiation
of the 45-days identification period and exchange period.
vii) Identification
of the replacement property by the midnight of the 45th day.
viii) Entering
into an assignable contract for purchasing the replacement property.
ix) Preparing
the necessary paperwork by the QI for the purchase.
x) QI
assigned into the transaction for closing the purchase.
xi) Completion
of the 1031 Exchange.
The concept of 1031 Exchange
has revised and evolved over the years to safeguard the interest of both the
investor and the Federal in the best possible manner. Therefore, is you are selling
a ranch in Texas make sure to explore the beneficial options that you
have at your disposal.
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