Tick what your Qualified Intermediary told you. See a safety score, red flags, and who is not allowed to be your QI.
QI safety score
0/100
Typical QI fee estimate, varies by company
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Fees are rough estimates. Ask a CPA and an attorney before you sign an exchange agreement.
Who can't be your QI
You, or anyone holding money for youIf you or your agent get the money, even for a day, the gain can become taxable (constructive receipt).
Your agent, broker, CPA, attorney, employee in the last 2 yearsAnyone who acted as your agent within 2 years before the sale is a "disqualified person". Exception: work only on 1031 exchanges, or routine title, escrow, bank or trust services.
Relatives and your own companiesRelated persons are out, using a 10% ownership test (not 50%).
15 questions to ask a QI
Common mistake: "The QI is just paperwork, any cheap one is fine." Your whole sale price sits with them for up to 180 days. QIs are not banks, and when one fails the money can be gone. California makes them carry a $1M bond or deposit, or keep funds in an account that needs your signature too. Ask which one.