Broker Check

1031 Exchanges

WHAT IS A 1031 EXCHANGE?

A 1031 Exchange is a transaction in which a taxpayer can sell one property and buy another without a tax consequence. This is generally done to avoid paying capital gains tax on the sale of appreciated property and/or property that has been substantially depreciated for tax purposes over a number of years, and therefore has a very low tax basis.

IRS Code Section 1031 allows a taxpayer to take up to 100% of the proceeds from the sale of property and purchase ownership in new property, while deferring the tax on the capital gain.

How the Exchange Works – The Basics

  1. Seller arranges for the sale of property and includes exchange language in the sale contract.
  2. At closing, sale proceeds are deposited with a Qualified Intermediary" (QI) or escrow agent.
  3. Seller identifies potential replacement property within 45 days.
  4. Seller completes purchase of replacement property within 180 days by directing QI to release funds for closing.

Other Key Requirements:

  • Must purchase replacement property of equal or greater value
  • Must have equal or greater debt on the replacement property
  • Must reinvest all proceeds to make the transaction completely tax deferred

Fractional Interest as Your Replacement

Section 1031 Exchanges have been part of the tax code since 1921. In 1995 the IRS began allowing for replacement properties to have multiple owners. This meant that a taxpayer no longer had to find and buy property on their own. The IRS rules provide that you can purchase/exchange into a partial interest of professionally managed real estate. Today that is usually accomplished through a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST).

What is a DST?

A Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) is a legal entity created under the laws of the State of Delaware. A DST is a trust that acquires real estate to be used as 1031 replacement property. Each taxpayer who exchanges into the DST becomes a "beneficial owner" of the Trust. Each owner's beneficial interest is based on the amount they exchange/contribute to the Trust. All income, expenses, appreciation, debt reduction, etc. is shared based on the owner's percent of interest in the Trust.

Potential Advantages of a 1031 Exchange via a DST


  • Designed to provide a potential steady monthly income stream.* This income can be counted on by surviving family members (Spouses and children) without the worry of property management
  • Defers current federal and state capital gains tax
  • Properties are usually newer and typically located in areas of growing demographics
  • Flexible investment amounts provide the ability to easily split the proceeds into multiple DSTs if desired, creating greater diversification. Diversification can be geographically, by asset class, anticipated holding periods, management firms, and more.
  • DST allows for the continued use of depreciation to tax shelter the income created. In addition, some DST properties are in states that have no state income taxes, like Florida or Texas, providing even more tax savings. This maintains, and in some cases, helps to improve, your tax sheltering ability.
  • Eliminates personal guarantees by utilizing nonrecourse loans
  • Allows for passing the appreciated asset to beneficiaries, using "stepped up basis", thus avoiding the payment of capital gains tax forever!

Who Creates the DST

Today there are several national managers (Sponsors) of property that create DST’s for use in a 1031 Exchange. These firms professionally manage billions of dollars of real estate. Investors in a DST are utilizing their expertise in management, tenant relationships, acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, financing, geographic knowledge, and industry research. Bravest Wealth Management works with you in selecting a suitable firm and property to use for your 1031 exchange.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to exchange 100% of my proceeds or can I keep some?
There is great flexibility here. You can exchange 100% into one property or DST, you can split it up over multiple DSTs, you can use the DST alongside purchasing a property on your own, and you can exchange only a portion of your proceeds while paying taxes on the amount you keep. We can assist in calculating the various options available.

How many replacement properties can I identify?
There are a variety of methods for identification. The most common are to either list 3 potential replacement properties or list 200% of your proceeds spread over multiple properties. We will work with you in determining the best method to use.

How long do I own the DST?
Most DST programs today have a maximum life of 10 years. Part of the professional management you are investing into includes the constant monitoring of the market and being mindful of the right time to sell. It is not unusual for a sponsor to initiate a sale anytime within that 10-year period. When that occurs, investors have plenty of notice. Investors then may have all the options they have today. They can complete another 1031 exchange, keep the proceeds and pay the tax, or execute a partial exchange.

Can I sell my interest?
Like any real estate this is not a liquid investment. It is meant to be long term similar to the property you are selling. That said, you do have the right to sell your DST beneficial interest before the property is sold by the Manager.

What can I expect from the Management Firms I invest with?
Investors can expect a monthly distribution based on their share of the income potential.* In addition, as professional managers, the sponsors will provide regular updates as to the status and operations of the property in the form of written reports and conference calls.

What are my out of pocket costs?
The cost of the DST organization is built into the program. There is no out of pocket fee to the investor. The only out of pocket cost incurred by the investor is the cost of the QI. Bravest Wealth Management is paid by the Sponsor and never charges the investor an additional fee.

How Do I find a "QI"?
We have long standing relationships with local and national QI firms. We can assist in referring you to the firm that may best fit your needs.

Does my Investment Representative stay involved?
We stay with you during the entire period of your ownership, assisting with and monitoring all our client’s activities and properties.

How do I report a DST on my tax return?
DST’s are passive real estate investments. They are reported in the same manner as any rental property would be reported for an individual or entity. You will be provided detailed information from the Sponsor to be used when completing your tax return. We can assist you or your CPA in the reporting process.

Providing Professionally Managed Replacement Properties for Purposes of Completing a 1031 Exchange

*Potential cash flow, returns and appreciation are not guaranteed and can be lower than expected. 

There are material risks associated with investing in DST properties and real estate securities including liquidity, tenant vacancies, general market conditions and competition, lack of operating history, interest rate risks, the risk of new supply coming to market and softening rental rates, general risks of owning/operating commercial and multifamily properties, short term leases associated with multi-family properties, financing risks, potential adverse tax consequences, general economic risks, development risks, long hold periods, and potential loss of the entire investment principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Potential cash flow, returns and appreciation are not guaranteed. IRC Section 1031 is a complex tax concept; consult your legal or tax professional regarding the specifics of your particular situation. This is not a solicitation or an offer to sell any securities. DST 1031 properties are only available to accredited investors (typically have a $1 million net worth excluding primary residence or $200,000 income individually/$300,000 jointly of the last three years) and accredited entities only. If you are unsure if you are an accredited investor and/or an accredited entity please verify with your CPA and Attorney.