What Is a 1031 Exchange and How Does It Work for Atlanta Investors in 2026?

A 1031 exchange lets Atlanta investors sell an investment property and roll the proceeds into another investment property without paying capital gains tax at the time of sale. Georgia conforms to federal IRC Section 1031, deferring both federal capital gains and the state's 5.39 percent income tax on the gain. Nearly 10 years of helping Atlanta investors means I know what makes an exchange work and what kills it in the 45-day window. This is the 2026 guide to 1031 exchanges for Atlanta investors. Here's what you need to know.