Taxpayers often ask whether they can exchange out of more than one relinquished property for a single replacement property, and whether they can exchange into more than one replacement property for a single relinquished property. The short answer is yes–a single exchange can involve multiple relinquished and replacement properties. However, the time periods begin on the date of transfer for the first relinquished property. The limits on the number of replacement properties that can be identified in a single exchange do not increase simply because the exchange has multiple relinquished properties. In addition, it may be challenging to use one exchange for multiple relinquished properties closing on different dates.

Depending on your circumstances, creating more than one exchange may be to your advantage. You may  have more flexible time periods and greater potential to identify additional replacement properties. Be aware that the IRS may try to recharacterize your separate transactions as a single exchange. For example, if all the properties are transferred to a single buyer under one contract using the same escrow closing, the IRS could argue that the transaction is one exchange. Another relevant factor is whether the relinquished properties are contiguous and/or operated as a single property.

If separate exchanges are used, it is important to retain competent tax advice and make each relinquished property closing separate and distinct from the other closings.

Bill Lopriore is the northeast regional manager and counsel for First American Exchange Company, LLC.

Nothing contained in this article is to be considered as the rendering of legal and/or tax advice for specific cases, and readers are responsible for obtaining such advice from their own legal and tax counsel. This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of this author, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of this author’s employer, First American Exchange Company, LLC.