Like-Kind Property refers to a tax provision that allows for the deferment of capital gains or other taxes that might be incurred from the sale of a business or investment property. Essentially, if you sell a property and reinvest the proceeds in another property of a similar type (i.e., “like-kind”), you may be able to postpone paying taxes on the gain.

The term “like-kind” does not mean the properties have to be exactly the same, but rather of the same nature or character. For example, you could exchange an apartment building for a commercial office building because they are both types of real estate investments. The specific rules around what constitutes like-kind property can be complex and are detailed in Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.

The 1031 exchange can be a valuable tool for real estate investors, allowing them to shift investments without incurring immediate tax liability. However, there are strict rules and timelines that must be followed, so it’s often advisable to work with a tax professional who is familiar with these types of transactions.