When it comes to Section 1031 exchanges, the conversion of usage of the property refers to a situation where an investor changes the way they use a property. For example, if an investor purchases a property for use as a rental property, but later decides to use the property as their primary residence, that would be a conversion of usage.
Now, you might be wondering how this applies to Section 1031 exchanges. Well, under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, investors can defer paying capital gains taxes on the sale of investment property if they reinvest the proceeds in the like-kind replacement property. However, there are some restrictions on what types of property qualify for a 1031 exchange.
One of these restrictions is that the property being exchanged must be held for investment or business purposes. If an investor converts a property from an investment property to a personal residence, it no longer qualifies for a 1031 exchange. This is because personal residences are not considered to be held for investment or business purposes.
So, in short, the conversion of usage of a property can impact an investor’s ability to take advantage of a Section 1031 exchange. It’s important for investors to carefully consider the implications of any changes in how they use their investment properties, and to consult with a qualified tax professional before making any decisions.