What is the time frame for completing a 1031 exchange?

As of 2015, property sellers using the Like-Kind Section 1031 Exchange must identify potential replacement properties within 45 calendar days of closing on the relinquished property, according to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. They must complete closing on replacement properties within 180 calendar days of the relinquished property sale.

The 180-day period is shorter if the due date for the seller's income tax return for the year in which he relinquished the property, including any extensions, occurs earlier than 180 days, according to the IRS. In that case, the replacement property closing must occur by the due date of the current year's tax return.