📌 What is Boot in a 1031 Exchange?
• Cash Boot: Any cash or non-like-kind property you receive from the exchange is taxable.
• Debt Relief Boot: If mortgage on sold property > mortgage on new property, the difference is taxable.
• Taxable Boot = Cash Received + Debt Relief
• Recognized Gain = Lesser of (Realized Gain, Total Boot)
• To defer ALL tax: New property must be equal or greater value, and ALL equity must be reinvested.
• 💡 Tip: Any boot received is taxed at capital gains rates (up to 23.8% including NIIT).