--- title: What Are Qualified Intermediary Regulations, Responsibilities, and Obligations description: A reputable, experienced qualified intermediary must follow certain regulations, responsibilities, and obligations. image: https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/intermediary.jpg --- [![Realized 1031 Exchange Marketplace](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Brand/Logo/Realized/Realized-Logo-Black.png?width=240&height=80&name=Realized-Logo-Black.png "Realized 1031 Logo") ](https://www.realized1031.com/) - [Wealth Management Gap](https://www.realized1031.com/the-wealth-management-gap) - [Our Process](https://www.realized1031.com/how-realized-works) - [Financial Advisors](https://www.realized1031.com/advisor) - [Resources](https://www.realized1031.com/resources) - [The Company](https://www.realized1031.com/about-us) - [Articles](https://www.realized1031.com/blog) [Register](https://www.realized1031.com/marketplace) [Log In](https://www.realized1031.com/login) - Better Business Bureau Rating: **A+** - [FINRA BrokerCheck](https://brokercheck.finra.org/firm/summary/22333) - [Call](tel:1-877-797-1031) **(877) 797-1031** # What Are Qualified Intermediary Regulations, Responsibilities, and Obligations? Posted Jun 30, 2021 ![intermediary](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/intermediary.jpg?width=751&name=intermediary.jpg) We discuss the topic of [qualified intermediaries](https://www.realized1031.com/glossary/qualified-intermediary) frequently at Realized Holdings, and for very good reason. The QI (also known as a facilitator or accommodator) can mean the difference between a successful [1031 exchange](https://www.realized1031.com/glossary/1031-exchange), and one that might fail and be challenged by the IRS. A reputable, experienced qualified intermediary must follow certain regulations, responsibilities, and obligations. To understand the activities of this entity requires an understanding of why it’s involved, in the first place. ### A Disinterested Third Party One purpose of a [like-kind exchange](https://www.realized1031.com/glossary/like-kind-exchange) is to defer taxes on capital gains from the sale of a real estate asset. But the IRS is adamant that, if the exchanger wants to defer those taxes, the proceeds from the sale of a relinquished property must be funneled directly to the replacement property. More often than not, there is a gap of time between the closing of the property being sold, and the asset being acquired. As such, proceeds need to be handled by a disqualified entity -- in other words, a person or company that doesn’t have any kind of relationship, whatsoever, with the exchanger. This entity, the QI, can’t be a family member, or related in any way to the exchanger. Nor can the QI be an employee or employer, or agent, of the exchanger. Nor can the exchanger take on the role of QI. That qualified intermediary is required, by law, to be a disinterested third party in the exchange.  When it comes to “regulations,” the QI doesn’t have to be in the chain of title. Nor does it require licensure. Per the IRS, the only qualifications to qualify as a qualified intermediary is that the entity not be disqualified, based on the above section. If the QI is in any kind of relationship with the exchanger, the IRS could treat the relinquished property sale as a taxable event.  ### The QI Activities With an understanding of what a qualified intermediary is, let’s now discuss what it does. Basic QI responsibilities are as follows: - Enters into a written agreement with the exchanger, to take on responsibility of the exchange process. - Sells the relinquished property on the exchanger’s behalf, and holds the process from that sale in a separate account - Acquires the replacement property, also on the exchanger’s behalf, then transfers the deed to that entity - Prepares the legal documents, in accordance with IRS rules and regulations, to ensure a seamless like-kind exchange - Helps alleviate potential risk, should an error occur during the exchange ### Finding the Right QI [Pinpointing an effective qualified intermediary](https://www.realized1031.com/blog/simple-guide-to-choosing-a-1031-qualified-intermediary) requires a great deal of due diligence. Experience counts for a great deal, as does information about how funds will be held, what insurance the entity carries, and internal controls. Even if the QI is recommended, doing research is a must. Failure to take the proper steps to ensure that the qualified intermediary understands its obligations and responsibilities could mean an unintended tax bill. This material is for general information and educational purposes only. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. It should also not be construed as advice, meeting the particular investment needs of any investor. All real estate investments have the potential to lose value during the life of the investment.  Realized does not provide tax or legal advice. This material is not a substitute for seeking the advice of a qualified professional for your individual situation. Costs associated with a 1031 transaction may impact investor returns, and may outweigh tax benefits. Learn How To Find A Qualifed Intermediary [![Download The Guidebook To QI's](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/graphics/composites/QI-eBook-250.png?width=250&height=250&name=QI-eBook-250.png "Learn How To Choose The Right ...") ](https://www.realized1031.com/blog/what-are-qualified-intermediary-regulations-responsibilities-and-obligations#blogform) Download eBook ---   --- ### Download The Guidebook To QI's ![Learn How To Find A Qualifed Intermediary](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/graphics/composites/QI-eBook-550.jpg?width=550&height=650&name=QI-eBook-550.jpg) Learn How To Choose The Right Qualified Intermediary. By providing your email and phone number, you are opting to receive communications from Realized. If you receive a text message and choose to stop receiving further messages, reply STOP to immediately unsubscribe. Msg & Data rates may apply. To manage receiving emails from Realized visit the Manage Preferences link in any email received. 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A reputable, experienced qualified intermediary must follow certain regulations, responsibilities, and obligations. To understand the activities of this entity requires an understanding of why it’s involved, in the first place. A Disinterested Third Party One purpose of a like-kind exchange is to defer taxes on capital gains from the sale of a real estate asset. But the IRS is adamant that, if the exchanger wants to defer those taxes, the proceeds from the sale of a relinquished property must be funneled directly to the replacement property. More often than not, there is a gap of time between the closing of the property being sold, and the asset being acquired. As such, proceeds need to be handled by a disqualified entity -- in other words, a person or company that doesn’t have any kind of relationship, whatsoever, with the exchanger. This entity, the QI, can’t be a family member, or related in any way to the exchanger. Nor can the QI be an employee or employer, or agent, of the exchanger. Nor can the exchanger take on the role of QI. That qualified intermediary is required, by law, to be a disinterested third party in the exchange. When it comes to “regulations,” the QI doesn’t have to be in the chain of title. Nor does it require licensure. Per the IRS, the only qualifications to qualify as a qualified intermediary is that the entity not be disqualified, based on the above section. If the QI is in any kind of relationship with the exchanger, the IRS could treat the relinquished property sale as a taxable event. The QI Activities With an understanding of what a qualified intermediary is, let’s now discuss what it does. Basic QI responsibilities are as follows: Enters into a written agreement with the exchanger, to take on responsibility of the exchange process. Sells the relinquished property on the exchanger’s behalf, and holds the process from that sale in a separate account Acquires the replacement property, also on the exchanger’s behalf, then transfers the deed to that entity Prepares the legal documents, in accordance with IRS rules and regulations, to ensure a seamless like-kind exchange Helps alleviate potential risk, should an error occur during the exchange Finding the Right QI Pinpointing an effective qualified intermediary requires a great deal of due diligence. Experience counts for a great deal, as does information about how funds will be held, what insurance the entity carries, and internal controls. Even if the QI is recommended, doing research is a must. Failure to take the proper steps to ensure that the qualified intermediary understands its obligations and responsibilities could mean an unintended tax bill. This material is for general information and educational purposes only. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. It should also not be construed as advice, meeting the particular investment needs of any investor. All real estate investments have the potential to lose value during the life of the investment. Realized does not provide tax or legal advice. This material is not a substitute for seeking the advice of a qualified professional for your individual situation. 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