While using the 1031 tax deferred exchange is considered a good deal for investors, there are transaction fees and costs involved. The fee structure of a 1031 property exchange is normally dependent upon certain factors, such as the risk that is taken on by the Qualified Intermediary for fair compensation, which is apart from the work that they perform.

When you are considering which Qualified Intermediary to use, also known as an Accommodator, be sure to compare the various charges. These normally include administrative fees that cover the 1031 charges, income from any interest that is paid by the Intermediary, income from interest not shared by them and various other transaction and service commissions. The administrative and property fees on a tax deferred 1031 exchange for institutional QI (meaning those associated with a particular company) are usually 30 to 40% higher than those of a non-institutional QI. The former usually charges between $700 and $800, compared to the latter's fee of $400 to $600 for a standard real estate 1031 exchange.

About two thirds of the QI's 1031 tax deferred exchange revenue comes from income that is generated from the interest. Interest income is what is gained from the interest of the deposits with the Qualified Intermediaries; they can hold the interest gained on your deferred 1031 exchange funds while the funds are deposited with them. They may choose to share some or a full portion of the income generated from the interest as well.

Some Qualified Intermediaries will include other charges for complicated, transactional structures, such as allowing the seller to go for carry-back financing, which means they want the QI to carry back a promissory or installment note. There are some other transaction fees that may go along with a IRS 1031 exchange, such as a wire transfer commission or mail and courier delivery charges, which some of the smaller QI's will include in their fee structure. Knowing the details of these fees is always advisable when making your final choice of a Qualified Intermediary.

Using a fee structure is a clear and fair way to pay for the services rendered by your Qualified Intermediary. This structure should be evaluated, negotiated and understood clearly by everyone involved in the 1031 tax deferred exchange. The size of the exchange transaction does have a direct affect on the amount of risk involved, as the QI is exposed equally to the gains in interest income that is held by them. Some Qualified Intermediaries can market their fee structure for a 1031 exchange to appear less expensive that others, however once you consider all of the facts, especially the interest income retained by them, you should be able to make an informed choice.