Proposed cap for like-kind exchanges is shortsighted and counterproductive

An essential tool in the rebuilding of our American economy is at serious risk as part of the $1.8 trillion American Families Plan being considered in Washington - and the damage will be felt in every state, city and town still reeling from the ravages of COVID-19. For the last 100 years, like-kind exchanges, which allow investors to defer taxes on the sale of a property if the proceeds are reinvested in a new property have been a cornerstone of the U.S. commercial real estate market, generating economic benefits on every level that far exceed the amount of taxes deferred. The $1.8 trillion plan presented last month by President Joe Biden proposes to cap the amount of gains that can be deferred at $500,000. This shortsighted and counterproductive cap is a recipe for economic stagnation, not recovery. Every community in the nation has witnessed the closing of countless shopping malls, strip centers, and restaurants due to the pandemic. The fallout continues in hotels and office buildings. Virtual meetings will permanently replace significant business travel, and many people will work from home exclusively. A substantial reinvestment to repurpose these properties and redevelop commercial spaces will be required for the economy to regain its strength. The Federation of Exchange Accommodators, the national organization of 1031 Exchange companies, analyzed the data from seven companies in New Jersey between 2015 and 2019 and found: - There were 3,362 properties involved in exchanges; - Those properties represent a total value of $8.9 billion; - Those transactions generated $167 million in state and county transfer taxes and recording fees in New Jersey. These numbers represent just a portion of the market as there are more companies that facilitate exchanges. In fact, it is estimated that 15% to 20% of all commercial transactions involve a 1031 exchange, which provides fundamental liquidity to real estate. It is clear that Section 1031 is important to the real estate economy and that it generates significant tax revenue for state and local governments. Section 1031 brings important capital to revitalize communities. It has been used to provide affordable multifamily housing in working class communities and to bring a neighborhood food store into a "food desert." In the suburbs, Section 1031 was recently used to revitalize a strip shopping center that was 70% vacant after losing its anchor store. Proponents of the cap may argue that the provision is a "loophole" used to avoid payment of taxes on gains. In reality, a 1031 exchange is a deferral, not an elimination of tax, and according to a study done by University of Florida Professor David C. Ling and Syracuse University Professor Milena Petrova, 80% of taxpayers do only one 1031 exchange and then dispose of the property in a taxable sale. Taxes are paid over a 15-year window. A restrictive cap - whether $500,000 or any other amount - on the ability to reinvest into commercial real estate and the redevelopment of properties at this critical juncture in our nation's recovery would send an already struggling commercial real estate market into a tailspin. Additionally, a macroeconomic study initiated by Ernst & Young in 2017, and recently updated, concluded that if Section 1031 were limited or repealed, it would shrink GDP. It further examined the potential benefits from the use of 1031 exchanges for 2021 and concluded that transactions from Section 1031 exchanges will support 568,000 jobs (260,000 in businesses using 1031, and another 308,000 from suppliers to those businesses), generating $27.5 billion in labor income which in turn will generate $55 billion value added to the GDP. Additionally, it will generate $5 billion in federal taxes from the jobs plus $6 billion per year of additional federal income taxes due to foregone depreciation (reduced deductions) on the replacement property and $2.8 billion state and local taxes. Just the $5 billion generated from the jobs in one year far exceeds the estimate in the 2021 Biden budget that says capping 1031 at $500,000 raises on average of $1.95 billion per year over 10 years. Why would anyone change Section 1031? It doesn't raise any money. Like-kind exchanges play a critical role in many facets of the nation's economy, including: - Fueling the redevelopment of distressed commercial properties; - Financing the construction or renovation of multi-family and affordable housing; - Allowing business to move to bigger facilities while keeping their capital in the business; - Allowing the middle class to build a real estate portfolio which will one day fund retirement; - Supporting farmers, ranchers, and forest owners; - Promoting land conservation and environmental protection. The resurgence of our economy will need to be generated from many sources, and the private sector must again play a significant role in the recovery. The best way to encourage improvements and strengthen this infrastructure stock is to keep section 1031 unchanged to encourage investment and most importantly, reinvestment in the real estate economy. ----- Mathew Schiller leads the Leasing, Opportunity Zone and Distressed Real Estate practice groups of Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP, of Newark. Daniel Wagner is senior vice president of government relations for The Inland Real Estate Group of Cos. He is past president of the Chicago Association of Realtors. Published: Fri, Aug 13, 2021