Deferred Sales Trust (DST) vs 1031 Exchange: Real-World Comparison
Deferred Sales Trust (DST) vs 1031 Exchange: Real-World Comparison When it comes to deferring capital gains tax, savvy real estate investors and high-net-worth business sellers often face a tough decision: Deferred Sales Trust (DST) or the classic 1031 Exchange ? Both strategies are legally sound and IRS-recognized when structured correctly, but they operate on very different principles. I’ve helped clients navigate both — and let me tell you, the right choice really depends on your goals, not the marketing hype. In this post, I’ll walk you through the key features, compliance issues, and human realities of each tool — and I’ll even share real-life examples I’ve encountered in my consulting work. Table of Contents What Is a 1031 Exchange? What Is a Deferred Sales Trust? Flexibility & Use Cases Tax Implications & Legal Considerations Real-Life Scenarios Making the Right Choice FAQs from Actual Clients What Is a 1031 Exchange? A 103...