California 1031 Exchange

Why California Investors Have the Most to Lose Without a 1031

California has the steepest state tax on real estate gains in the country. The state treats capital gains as ordinary income, so a profitable sale can be taxed as high as 13.3% at the state level. That sits on top of the federal bill: capital gains of up to 20%, the 3.8% net investment income tax, and up to 25% on depreciation recapture (the tax owed on deductions you already took). On a $500,000 gain, the federal tax alone can pass $124,000 before California adds its share. A properly structured 1031 exchange, which lets you sell one investment property and reinvest in another while deferring the tax, can defer all of it.

California also adds two steps that surprise many sellers. The Franchise Tax Board requires withholding at closing (Form 593), usually 3⅓% of the sale price, unless an exemption applies. And when you exchange a California property for one in another state, the state's claw-back rule (Form 3840) asks you to file a short report every year so it can tax the deferred California gain if you later sell without reinvesting. As your qualified intermediary, we coordinate both with your closing agent and CPA so the paperwork is right the first time. For the full breakdown, see our California 1031 exchange rules guide.

What a California 1031 Exchange Costs

Our fee is a flat $1,000 for a standard delayed exchange. You pay $750 at your sale closing and $250 at your purchase closing. There are no upfront fees and no percentage of your proceeds. Reverse and improvement exchanges take more work, so we quote those separately. Because we are attorney-owned, the fee covers your exchange documents and coordination with your title company, lender, and tax advisor.

Commercial and Investment Property We Exchange in California

We act as qualified intermediary across California investment real estate: apartments and multifamily, retail and shopping centers, office and medical office, industrial and warehouse, self-storage, single-tenant net-lease (NNN), mixed-use, raw land held for investment, and one-to-four-unit rentals. If you hold the property for investment or business use, it generally qualifies. Primary homes and properties you bought to flip generally do not.

How to Start Your California 1031 Exchange

Call us at (888) 508-1901 before your sale closes. Timing is the one thing we cannot fix after the fact, so the exchange has to be set up first. We prepare your exchange agreement and work with your closing team so the proceeds come straight to your segregated, FDIC-insured exchange account. From your sale closing, you have 45 days to identify replacement property and 180 days to close on it. We track both dates with you, release funds only for qualified replacement property, and handle the California reporting.

Why Investors Choose WealthBuilder 1031

WealthBuilder 1031 is an attorney-owned qualified intermediary serving investors across California and nationwide. We hold your funds in segregated, FDIC-insured accounts, use dual authorization and strong security on every transaction, and charge one flat fee with no surprises. You work with a team that handles deferred, reverse, improvement, and simultaneous exchanges, and that coordinates directly with your title company, CPA, and attorney.

A Note on Risk

A 1031 exchange defers tax. It does not erase it, and the rules are strict. The 45-day and 180-day deadlines cannot be extended, and a missed deadline usually makes the sale fully taxable. To defer the entire gain, you need to reinvest all of your net proceeds and replace any debt that was paid off, either with new financing or with cash you add. Any shortfall, called boot, is taxable. California's withholding and annual reporting add filing steps even when the exchange itself works. WealthBuilder 1031 serves only as your qualified intermediary. We do not give tax, legal, or investment advice, and we do not sell investments or securities. Please confirm your situation with your attorney and tax advisor.

1031 Exchange Activity Across California

Investors run exchanges across California, from Los Angeles and San Diego to San Francisco, San Jose, and Sacramento. Replacement property commonly includes multifamily, retail, industrial, and net-lease assets, along with Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) interests for investors who want a hands-off option.

Many California owners reinvest out of state, and the key point is California's claw-back: once you exchange into out-of-state property, Form FTB 3840 must be filed every year until you sell, or the state can tax the deferred gain. California also withholds at closing (Form 593), which a valid exchange generally exempts. We coordinate both with your CPA.

Frequently Asked Questions About 1031 Exchanges in California

How much does a 1031 exchange cost in California?

A flat $1,000 for a standard delayed exchange, split $750 at your sale closing and $250 at your purchase closing. No upfront fees and no percentage of your proceeds. Reverse and improvement exchanges are quoted separately.

Does California tax a 1031 exchange?

California defers the gain in a properly structured exchange, the same way the IRS does. It taxes capital gains as ordinary income (up to 13.3%), withholds at the sale (Form 593), and asks for an annual Form 3840 once you exchange into out-of-state property. We help coordinate these steps with your CPA.

Can I exchange a California property for one in another state?

Yes. You can reinvest anywhere in the United States. California's claw-back rule simply asks for an annual Form 3840 so the state can tax the deferred California portion of the gain if you later sell without reinvesting.

Do I need a qualified intermediary for a 1031 exchange in California?

Yes. The IRS does not allow you or your agent to take possession of the sale proceeds. A qualified intermediary like WealthBuilder 1031 receives the funds, holds them in a segregated account, and releases them only to buy your replacement property.

How long do I have to complete a 1031 exchange in California?

You have 45 days from your sale closing to identify replacement property, and 180 days to close on it. These federal deadlines do not extend, so we track both with you from day one.

What property qualifies for a 1031 exchange in California?

Most real estate held for investment or business use qualifies, including rentals, multifamily, commercial buildings, and land. Primary residences and property held mainly to flip generally do not.

1031 Exchange Services Across California

WealthBuilder 1031 serves real estate investors in communities throughout California. Find your city below.

Do not see your city? We serve investors statewide. Call (888) 508-1901 to start your California 1031 exchange, or learn the details in our California 1031 exchange rules guide.

More 1031 Exchange Resources

Get Started Today

It is easy to get started on your exchange. You can either call our office directly at 888-508-1901, or you can fill out our Start Your Exchange form.

Start Your Exchange

Our Summer Webinar Series Tuesdays and 1031s is here! Attend one of our upcoming webinars!