In order to qualify certain rules must be followed. Broadly these rules are as follows :
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Both the relinquished property and the replacement property must be held either for investment or for productive use in a trade or business. A personal residence cannot be exchanged.
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The asset must be of like kind. Real property must be exchanged for real property. Personal property must be exchanged for personal property.
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The proceeds of the sale must be invested in a like kind asset within 180 (property must be identified within 45 days) days of the sale