Will 1031 Exchange Be Eliminated in 2022?

Author Alan Bianco

Posted Jan 29, 2023

Reads 30

Library with lights

As of the start of 2022, the 1031 exchange will remain a viable option for investors specializing in the real estate market. This powerful tax-deferred tool allows reinvestment proceeds to be shielded from taxes and continues to be an attractive choice for those looking to diversify their portfolios and delay crippling capital gains taxes.

Understandably, there is some speculation that 1031 exchanges may be eliminated under the Biden administration's plans for major tax reform. This has some investors concerned that any current or planned investment strategies utilizing this option could be in jeopardy.

Despite these fears, there is currently no indication that 1031 exchanges are set for repeal in 2022 or beyond. The Biden administration is focused on increasing access to capital in order to stimulate economic growth, and eliminating a resourceful tool like a 1031 exchange goes against this goal. In addition, reversing such long-standing practices would create further instability within the real estate market at a time when the economy is simply not ready to handle it.

The merits of 1031 exchanges—particularly those related to job creation and introducing funds back into circulation through reinvestment—are echoed at all levels of government. As such, it doesn't appear likely that this valuable investment vehicle will come under elimination anytime soon. While it's impossible to speculate on future decision-making processes, investors can have confidence that their financial plans built around 1031 exchanges should remain intact in 2022 and beyond.

Will 1031 Exchange rules be changed in 2022?

The 1031 exchange, or 'like-kind exchange', is a highly attractive tax incentive for property owners. Under current IRS rules, it allows owners to defer the payment of capital gains taxes when they exchange a profitable capital asset (i.e., real estate) for another similar asset. In other words, the sale proceeds from the first sale are used to acquire another property as a replacement, rather than paying taxes on the profits made from the sale.

Given its legal status as a tax incentive and the potential fiscal benefits that it provides to investors, many have been wondering if the rules surrounding 1031 Exchange will be changed in 2022. The truth is that it is hard to predict whether any significant changes will be made in 2022 - at least in so far as federal taxation policy is concerned. That being said, there have been rumors that changes could be made at state level.

For instance, in California there has been talk of adding restrictions on what properties can qualify for deferral and give people of lower income brackets an increased amount of capital gains exclusion – both of which could pose significant challenges to those engaging in 1031 exchanges. Other states may potentially impose new restrictions or eligibility requirements in 2022, so investors should ensure they keep abreast of any changes which may arise.

In conclusion, while there are still no concrete signs of major changes coming to 1031 Exchange rules at a federal level in 2022,,it’s worth keeping an eye on developments at state-level or through potential shifts in taxation policies across other areas of real estate business.

Will 1031 Exchange requirements be relaxed in 2022?

As the real estate market continues to evolve, 1031 Exchange has grown in popularity as a financial tool to defer capital gains taxes while making investments. In recent years, speculation has been rampant concerning whether the 1031 Exchange requirements would be relaxed in 2022.

The answer is cautiously optimistic, with some policy and tax experts believing that changes could be coming that would make it easier for investors to qualify for and benefit from a 1031 Exchange. However, exactly what those potential changes might be is still up for debate.

Some speculate that the IRS duties for a 1031 Exchange will become more rules-based. This may make calculations easier for investors and the IRS itself so that investors can more easily determine eligibility and proceed with an exchange if suited to them. Additionally, there is potential for expanded breadth of eligible properties and transactions. Currently, eligible properties must be owned by the same party, have equivalent exchange values and meet like-kind classifications –all of which could conceivably be revised or clarified in 2022.

At this time, no specific changes have been proposed that would update or relax 1031 Exchange requirements in 2022; however, this could always change as we move closer to that year. As such, investors should continue monitoring the situation while keeping their eye out for any emerging relief or updates on 1031 Exchange policies & guidelines in 2021 or 2022.

Are there any plans to replace 1031 Exchange in 2022?

The short answer to this question is “no,” at least, not at present. 1031 exchange, or like-kind exchange, is a real estate provision that allows the owner of a property to replace that property with another one but defer any capital gains on the exchange transaction. First established in 1921 under the Revenue Act of 1921 and formalized in 1954 with the addition of section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, 1031 exchange has stood as an essential tool for business entities and individual taxpayers to monetize and manage their real estate investments for decades.

In recent years, with historically low interest rates and a booming market driving consistent demand for real estate transactions, there has been some talk among lawmakers about repealing 1031 exchange tax deferment. Given that this repeal would almost certainly have a significant adverse effect on those who have benefited from the exchanges over the years, Congress has yet to push through any substantive legislation doing away with it. As a result, while nothing is certain in terms of taxes and finance in the United States, it looks like any repeal or replacement would take several years to see fruition and as such it is unlikely that any changes will occur in 2022.

Despite its legacy as an effective tool for growing businesses and providing investors greater flexibility to pursue different opportunities within an ever-changing market for real estate (both commercial and residential), 1031 exchange remains a source of contention among lawmakers due to its perceived exclusivity favoring wealthier citizens– particularly owners of more valuable properties– who are able to more often use these exchanges than lower-income individuals or those hoping to purchase their first piece of property. While current plans do not call for a complete repeal or replacement by 2022, if attitudes continue moving toward a decrease in access, reform could eventually come whether we see it in 2022 or sometime later down the line.

Is 1031 Exchange going to be repealed in 2022?

We are entering into the tail end of 2020, and the question of whether or not 1031 Exchange is going to be repealed in 2022 has begun to circulate within the real estate industry. This tax deferment tactic was introduced by way of IR Tax Code in 1921 as a way to encourage investment growth and despite some ups and downs, it has been a staple of the industry since then.

In order to answer whether 1031 Exchange will be repealed in 2022, we must look first at the successes it has provided and appreciate how successful this tool has been—particularly for investors. Throughout its existence 1031 Exchange has allowed investors far more flexibility when moving from one real estate asset to another without accruing taxes on all gains enacted along the way. Without this instrument, there would be considerable tax burdens for any investor looking for quick financial maneuvres within the real estate market.

Therefore, determining if 1031 Exchange will be repealed in 2022 is difficult as it provides a great deal of economic utility from both domestic and foreign investors alike. The Trump Administration actually increased flexibility for qualified opportunity zones as part of its most recent tax code change which could potentially push investments into a new product or service that affects 1031 Exchange rule changes but so far these changes have not been formally announced yet.

That being said, chances are that repealing 1031 Exchange in 2022 is unlikely given its utility and current popularity within the market. As more information becomes available during 2021, perhaps more definitive information can be provided on its future prospects beyond 2022 but until then exchange will continue to operate as normal while serving as an important tool for investors everywhere.

What new legislation could affect 1031 Exchange in 2022?

The 1031 Exchange, otherwise known as the Starker Exchange, Tax Deferred Exchange or Like-Kind Exchange, is a powerful tool for real estate investors that enables them to defer capital gains taxes. There are many pieces of legislation currently being discussed at the federal level that could have a significant impact on 1031 exchanges in 2022.

One proposed piece of legislation is the Tax Fairness for Families & Small Businesses Act of 2021, which would permanently extend 1031 exchange and the ability for taxpayers to claim the Section 199A deduction. The proposed law also calls for limiting gifts and bequests under new estate and gifting tax limits that could affect 1031 exchanges accessiblity depending on individual circumstances.

Other proposed pieces of legal movements include HR 2297, which seeks to expand Qualified Opportunity Zones by providing an extended deferral period and additional benefits to investors in targeted areas. This law would offer key benefits to 1031 exchange transactions such as increased eligibility requirements and due date extensions when no property has been identified yet.

In addition, HR 3637 seeks to modify the 14-day safe harbor rule by providing additional relief from IRS enforcement if taxpayers who satisfy certain conditions do not receive timely exchanged properties. This proposal includes a 180-day safe harbor rule, which would give has some sweeping implications pertaining to 1031 exchanges.

Clearly, there is potential for some new legislation to affect 1031 Exchanges in 2022 as we continue to navigate through changing taxation policy pieces being considered by Congress. It's important for investors who utilize this tool regularly to stay informed about all possible implications so they can make the most informed decisions possible when it comes time to enact an exchange transaction and achieve their financial goals.

What changes will be made to 1031 Exchange in 2022?

As part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) set forth some new changes to 1031 exchanges for 2022. These new changes are intended to make the process easier for taxpayers seeking to defer their tax liabilities when exchanging certain types of property.

The most significant change under the TCJA is that 1031 exchanges can now be conducted between personal and investment properties. This is a major departure from prior law which only allowed exchanges to be conducted from one investment property to another investment property. This means that in 2022, taxpayers will have the option to exchange personal properties like their primary residence for an investment property without having to pay capital gains taxes on the transaction.

Another important change proposed for 2022 is that the deadline for completing a 1031 exchange has been delayed from 45 days to 180 days or more. This extended timeline gives taxpayers extra time to secure replacement properties, make necessary improvements, and adjust funds accordingly during their exchange.

Finally, it’s expected that in 2022 a rule called “qualified improvement property” or QIP will take effect allowing improvements on commercial buildings made after December 31, 2017 to be eligible under 1031 exchange treatment. This is critical because it means investors who have made investments into their commercial buildings after the TCJA was passed can now qualify them under long-term capital gains treatment if they go through with a 1031 exchange in 2022.

Overall, these changes should make 1031 exchanges more accessible and beneficial for taxpayers in 2022 as compared with prior years thanks ot increased flexibility and extended deadlines.

Alan Bianco

Alan Bianco

Writer at CGAA

View Alan's Profile

Alan Bianco is an accomplished article author and content creator with over 10 years of experience in the field. He has written extensively on a range of topics, from finance and business to technology and travel. After obtaining a degree in journalism, he pursued a career as a freelance writer, beginning his professional journey by contributing to various online magazines.

View Alan's Profile