After completing a 1031 exchange, you must report the transaction to the IRS using Form 8824 to maintain the transaction's tax-deferred status.
Lack of Liquidity- Exchanging properties continually can tie up funds in real estate, making it hard for an investor to access liquid capital if required. While real estate can be a profitable investment, it's not as liquid as some other assets.
Under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, it's entirely possible to exchange raw land for another 'like-kind' property, which could even be a rental property. It's crucial to remember, though, that properties for personal use, including your main home or vacation homes, don't qualify for a 1031 exchange.
How to Do a 1031 Exchange Choose a qualified intermediary to coordinate the exchange. Sell your current real estate property. You have 45 days to identify potential replacement properties. You have 180 days to close on a replacement property. File IRS Form 8824.