Section 1031 and Proximate and Midstream Business Transactions

Brad Borden, Washburn Law School

Abstract

Section 1031 exchanges frequently occur in proximity to business transactions (i.e., entity formations, mergers, divisions, and dissolutions). Although section 1031 exchanges and many business transactions can be tax free, the proximity of such transactions often presents challenging legal and theoretical questions. In fact, depending on the order of the transactions, taxpayers may lose the tax-free treatment of the exchange or of the proximate business transaction. This Article examines the tax consequences and theoretical aspects of section 1031 exchanges and proximate business transactions.