Magnifying glass in front of an open newspaper with paper houses. Concept of rent, search, purchase real estate.Even if you are not a tax professional, many people have heard of a 1031 exchange or like-kind exchange. This tax deferral provision has been a permanent part of the Internal Revenue Code for a long time. Usually, if a taxpayer swaps an asset for another asset it is usually a taxable sale.  However, if the exchange comes within Section 1031, then it can generate no tax or limited tax due.  Essentially, a taxpayer can change their investment without, according to the IRS, cashing out or recognizing capital gain.