1031 Like-Kind Exchanges for Foreign Investors in U.S. Real Estate

There are many reasons why foreign investors look at the United States (and especially large cities like New York) for real estate investment opportunities. A well-developed economy, with liquid and efficient markets, along with a relatively stable real estate market make the United States an excellent place to invest in real estate.

However, foreign investors should be aware of some unique tax requirements governing sale of US real property.

Can a Foreign Investor Participate in 1031 Like-Kind Exchange? If yes, what are the implications?

Like US residents, foreigners can participate in so-called Like-Kind Exchanges under IRC code Section 1031 (“1031-Exchange”) upon sale of US real property interest. However, the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 (“FIRPTA”) can significantly complicate a 1031-Exchange process for foreign investors.

It’s a common misconception among foreign real estate investors that they can bypass FIRPTA withholding by participating in a 1031-Exchange.

If the transaction is structured inefficiently, the foreign seller would have to part with a portion of realized sales proceeds to comply with FIRPTA withholding rules. This means that the full sale proceeds may not be available for the purchase of the exchange property.

How Does FIRPTA Work?

Under FIRPTA, the buyer of U.S. real estate from a foreign seller must withhold taxes equal to 15% of the amount realized from any sale over $1M.

For example, if a foreigner sells a property for $1M, the buyer would be obligated to withhold $150K and send it to the IRS (15% of the purchase price).

FIRPTA was instituted to capture capital gain taxes that were not paid by foreign entities. It is sometimes referred to as a 15% tax, which is a misconception because once a foreign entity files the correct tax forms, any amount in excess of the required capital gain tax is refunded.

How to Reduce FIRPTA Withholding in a 1031-Exchange Transaction?

The good news is that a foreign seller can apply for a FIRPTA withholding certificate with the IRS to reduce the required withholding amount at closing, thus, increasing the amount of cash to fund the purchase of the 1031-Exchange replacement property.

It can take the IRS up to 90 days to process the seller’s withholding certificate application, so it is important to plan ahead in a transaction involving the foreign-owned property.

Our team recently assisted several foreign real estate sellers in obtaining withholding certificates:

1. reducing the withholding amount from $462,000 to $183,000 on the sale of a $3.08M investment property in New York City;
2. reducing the withholding amount from $225,000 to $33,600 on the sale of a $1.5M condominium in Manhattan; and
3. completely eliminating the withholding of $315,000 on the sale of a $2.1M investment property in Manhattan.

There are many moving parts to a 1031 exchange transaction, especially when a foreign seller is making the exchange. We can help to ensure that a contemplated sale and 1031-Exchange transactions are executed efficiently and in compliance with applicable IRS regulations.

For any questions about structuring sale of property by a foreign investor and/or applying for a FIRPTA withholding certificate with the IRS, please feel free to chat with one of our legal representatives or contact our Manhattan office at 212.457.9797.