Skip to main content
← Insights
Interactive Tool

DST 1031 Exchange Calculator: Compare Selling

Compare selling investment property with a potential DST 1031 exchange using your property, basis, depreciation, and tax assumptions. This calculator provides a simplified illustration; eligibility and tax results are not guaranteed.

Your Property

$
$
$

Enter estimated depreciation allowed or allowable. For this simplified estimate, adjusted basis starts with basis before depreciation minus this amount; other tax-basis adjustments may apply.

$
%

Tax Rates & DST Assumptions

%
%
%

DST Assumptions

%

Use a projected rate from a specific offering, if available. Distributions are not guaranteed.

years

Scenario A: Sell & Realize Gain

Sale Price $2,000,000
Less: Selling Costs ($120,000)
Net Sale Proceeds $1,880,000
Less: Mortgage Payoff ($400,000)
Equity Before Tax $1,480,000

Tax Breakdown

Capital Gain (excl. depreciation) $850,000
Federal CG Tax (20%) ($170,000)
NIIT (3.8%) ($32,300)
State Tax (3.07%) ($26,095)
Depreciation Recapture (25%) ($87,500)
Total Tax Bill ($315,895)
Net After-Tax Equity $1,164,105
Effective Tax Rate on Gain 26.3%

Scenario B: Potential 1031 Exchange into DST

Sale Price $2,000,000
Less: Selling Costs ($120,000)
Net Sale Proceeds $1,880,000
Less: Mortgage Payoff ($400,000)
Equity into DST $1,480,000

Potential Tax Deferral Estimate

Estimated tax potentially deferred if exchange qualifies $315,895

Projected Income Comparison (10 Years)

Annual DST Distribution (5.5%) $81,400
Cumulative Income (DST) 10 Yr Period $814,000
Illustrative distribution yield to match modeled totals 5.7%
Modeled distribution difference (10 years) $173,741

The Bottom Line

Illustrative comparison over 10 years, based on the assumptions entered.

The model estimates a $173,741 difference in cumulative distributions and $315,895 in potential tax deferral if the exchange qualifies. The illustrative distribution yield to match the modeled totals is 8.4%. These are simplified estimates, not guaranteed savings, returns, or an after-tax forecast.

Let's run your numbers together

What is a DST?

A Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) may hold investment real estate for multiple beneficial owners. Under IRS Revenue Ruling 2004-86, an interest in certain DSTs may qualify as replacement real property in a Section 1031 exchange if applicable requirements are met. Eligibility is not automatic. A qualifying exchange generally defers recognition of gain rather than eliminating tax; DST interests are typically illiquid and offer limited investor control.

Key Considerations

1031 Exchange Deadlines

Replacement property generally must be identified within 45 days after transfer. The exchange generally must be completed by the earlier of 180 days after transfer or the tax-return due date, including extensions. Strict procedures apply; confirm your deadline with qualified tax professionals.

DST Liquidity

DST interests are illiquid — there is no public market for them. Hold periods typically range from 5–10 years. You cannot easily sell your interest before the trust disposes of the underlying property.

Mortgage Boot

Value, equity, debt, cash received, and other transaction details can affect whether gain is recognized. Differences in replacement debt may have tax consequences; consult a qualified tax professional.

Estate and Basis Treatment

The tax and basis treatment of inherited property depends on applicable law and individual facts. Do not assume deferred gain will be eliminated; consult estate and tax professionals.

Calculator Questions

What is a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST)?

A Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) is a legal entity that may hold investment real estate for multiple beneficial owners. Under IRS Revenue Ruling 2004-86, an interest in certain DSTs may qualify as replacement real property in a Section 1031 exchange if the trust and transaction meet applicable requirements. Eligibility is not automatic. DST interests are generally illiquid and offer limited investor control.

What are the 45-day and 180-day 1031 exchange deadlines?

Replacement property generally must be identified in writing within 45 days after transfer of the relinquished property. An exchange generally must be completed by the earlier of 180 days after transfer or the due date of the taxpayer's return, including extensions. A qualified intermediary and strict procedures are generally required; confirm the rules for your transaction with a qualified tax professional.

How should I interpret this calculator's tax estimate?

The tool applies the tax rates and property assumptions you enter to produce a rough illustration. Actual tax depends on transaction details, tax basis, depreciation, federal and state rules, and individual circumstances. A qualifying Section 1031 exchange generally defers recognition of gain rather than eliminating tax; a DST or exchange does not guarantee a particular tax outcome.

How do I enter adjusted basis in the DST 1031 calculator?

Enter tax basis before depreciation in the basis field and accumulated depreciation in its separate field. The calculator uses those entries for a simplified estimate; adjusted basis generally reflects basis reduced by depreciation allowed or allowable, and other tax-basis adjustments may apply. Use tax records and consult a qualified tax professional to determine actual adjusted basis and gain.

For general exchange rules, see the IRS guide to like-kind exchanges of real estate. This resource does not determine whether a specific property or transaction qualifies.

Important Disclosure: This calculator provides rough estimates for educational and illustrative purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, financial, or investment advice. Rubiq Financial Partners is not a tax advisor, CPA, or attorney, and does not provide tax preparation, legal, or accounting services. The output is not a tax calculation or forecast. It applies the rates and assumptions entered, assumes a qualifying exchange for the DST scenario, and estimates a potential current tax deferral; a Section 1031 exchange generally defers recognition of gain rather than eliminating tax. The income comparison applies the entered annual distribution rate for each year without compounding and does not model property appreciation, a future sale, taxes due at disposition, taxes on distributions, or all transaction and DST offering costs. Actual tax liability depends on property and transaction details, holding period, tax basis, depreciation, passive activity loss rules, state and local tax law, alternative minimum tax exposure, and individual circumstances. Tax rates, 1031 exchange rules, and DST eligibility requirements are subject to change. DST investments are securities and involve risks including illiquidity, loss of principal, limited control, and potential loss of tax-deferred treatment if exchange requirements are not met. Projected DST distributions are hypothetical, are not guaranteed, and may vary materially from actual results. Past performance does not guarantee future results. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will achieve its objectives. Diversification does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss. 1031 exchanges require strict adherence to IRS timelines and procedures; failure to comply may result in tax being due. Consult qualified tax, legal, and financial professionals before making investment or tax-planning decisions.

Considering a 1031 exchange?
Let's model your specific situation.

610-215-9499 [email protected]