---
title: An Historical Look at the 1031 Exchange
description: "As we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday, it is an ideal time to look back on the history of the 1031 Exchange. Originating back to 1921, the 1031 exchange allows investors to defer capital gains taxes on the exchange of \"like-kind\" properties held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment. Let’s review the historical developments and changes that shaped our modern day 1031 framework."
---

[Industry Insights :: Corporate Settlement Solutions](https://blog.visitcss.com/insights)

# [An Historical Look at the 1031 Exchange](https://blog.visitcss.com/insights/an-historical-look-at-the-1031-exchange)

 Written by [Maura Snabes | SVP, Corporate Counsel](https://blog.visitcss.com/insights/author/maura-snabes) | Feb 16, 2026 5:16:07 PM

**An Historical Look at the 1031 Exchange**

by Maura Snabes, Esq., CES, NTP

Feb. 2026

 

As we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday, it is an ideal time to look back on the history of the 1031 Exchange. Originating back to 1921, the 1031 exchange allows investors to defer capital gains taxes on the exchange of "like-kind" properties held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment. Let’s review the historical developments and changes that shaped our modern day 1031 framework.

Since the creation of like-kind exchanges in 1921, property owners have relied on this tax-deferral tool to reinvest capital back into the U.S. economy. Key developments—such as establishing the Qualified Intermediary role and restricting exchanges to real property—have significantly shaped the modern framework of Section 1031. And since 1995, Corporate Exchange Services has been providing taxpayers with Qualified Intermediary services for forward, reverse and build-to-suit exchanges under that framework as it has continued to change. 

 

 

 

 

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Maura is a licensed attorney and a Certified Exchange Specialist. She is a founder of Corporate Exchange Services (CXS), established in 1995. 

CXS is a member of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA), the industry's leading professional trade organization. 

[More by this author »](https://blog.visitcss.com/insights/author/maura-snabes)

 

Corporate Exchange Services handles forward, reverse, and improvement exchanges throughout the U.S.

Regardless of the transaction complexity, CXS has the expertise and personal approach needed to successfully complete even the most complex 1031 exchange.

Contact [msnabes@corp1031.com](mailto:msnabes@corp103.com) to get started

[View full post](https://blog.visitcss.com/insights/an-historical-look-at-the-1031-exchange)

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