Constructive Receipt is a concept within the 1031 exchange industry, which refers to the point at which a taxpayer is considered to have gained control or access to the proceeds from the sale of a relinquished property, even if they have not physically received the funds. This is a crucial consideration in the context of a 1031 exchange, as the primary goal of such an exchange is to defer capital gains tax liability through the reinvestment of proceeds from the sale of a property into a like-kind property.

In order to successfully complete a 1031 exchange and avoid constructive receipt, the taxpayer must follow specific guidelines and procedures, including the use of a qualified intermediary (QI) to hold and manage the funds from the sale of the relinquished property. The QI then transfers the funds directly to the seller of the replacement property at the time of closing, ensuring that the taxpayer does not have direct access or control over the funds during the exchange process. By avoiding constructive receipt, the taxpayer can defer capital gains taxes on the transaction and potentially achieve other financial and investment benefits.