

Our Qualified Intermediary Services
A Qualified Intermediary (QI) is an essential role in every 1031 exchange. In 1991, the Section 1031 Regulations were issued to require the use of an impartial third party to hold funds when conducting the sale and purchase of real estate through a 1031 exchange. Thus, the role of the QI was born.
The Role of the QI
Why Do You Need a QI?
A Qualified Intermediary (QI) plays a critical role in a 1031 exchange by ensuring the transaction complies with IRS requirements. The QI steps into the shoes of the Exchanger to facilitate both the sale of the relinquished property and the purchase of the replacement property. Without a QI, the transaction would be considered a standard real estate sale—not a like-kind exchange—making it ineligible for tax deferral under Section 1031.
Another key element of a successful exchange is that the exchanger is not, at any time, in receipt of any portion of the funds from the sale of the relinquished property, otherwise, the exchange fails. The role of the Qualified Intermediary is to ensure the 1031 Exchange stays within compliance.
In order to do so, the QI holds the funds from the sale of the relinquished property and then transfers the funds for the purchase of the replacement property. The Exchanges sell and buy through the QI, so the Exchangers are never in receipt of the funds.
What Does a QI Do?
Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 states that “no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if such property is exchanged solely for property of like kind which is to be held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment.” Through a signed Exchange Agreement, the QI conducts the following in relation to a Section 1031 Exchange:
- Acquires the relinquished property from the Exchanger and transfers the relinquished property to the buyer
- Acquires the replacement property from the seller and transfers the replacement property to the Exchanger
- Additional responsibilities of the QI include:
- Structures the exchange in accordance with the IRS regulations
- Prepares the related documentation
- Safeguards proceeds from the sale of the relinquished property(s)
- Continuously monitors and advises the taxpayer to ensure compliance with federal and state 1031 and QI requirements

What our customers think about us
Todd Merritt2025-05-20 Marita and Mary are true professionals—reliable, detail-oriented, and an absolute pleasure to work with. Their commitment to quality service and clear communication makes all the difference. There is just no one better in the 1031 Exchange industry than my Accruit family...No one...Thanks!farhan shams2025-05-15 Extremely helpfulshelly hartman2025-05-14 Working with Marita, our assigned success manager, is always such a pleasure! She is very prompt to answer and is always so helpful, always offers professional, concise answers to the clients questions. In fact, everyone on Accruit’s team has been stellar..Richard Berkshire2025-05-14 Very helpful and clearly presented. I appreciate David’s experience with rental and vacation properties which is my client base.Margaret Morgan2025-05-14 David’s presentation was great.Marcia Pluess2025-05-13 Nice presentation, Dylan seemed comfortable with the 1031 Exchange subject material, and I very much appreciated that he was able to answer questions at the time they were asked. Thank youMary pat Skocir2025-05-13 Lots of good information explained thoroughly by Dylan.Byron Miller2025-05-10 This review is everything. I had no idea what a 1031 was before I met this team. Alex Moore helped me navigate the space very well with his knowledge and experience. The real superstar is Ellie Trovato. She drove the process and got things done! Not only was she incredibly solid in her work and extremely diligent with her knowledge, she did not let a single mistake slide by her persistent vigilance. If that wasn't enough, she was cheerful and joyful to work with. Perfection is one thing. Cheerful perfection is almost impossible to find and she personifies that. I would hire her to do anything with these outstanding qualities.
We Handle All Types of 1031
Exchanges, From Simple to Complex
Accruit is a national leading 1031 Exchange Qualified Intermediary and Exchange Accommodation Titleholder boasting a highly credentialed team of experts with decades of experience facilitating all types of tax-deferred exchanges. Accruit is equipped to facilitate simple to the most complex transactions including:
- Forward Exchanges
- Reverse Exchanges
- Built-to-Suit and Improvement Exchanges
- Leasehold Improvement Exchanges
- Multiple Buyers and Sellers
- Seller Financed Transactions
- High-Volume Exchangers
- Multiple Relinquished and Replacement Properties
- Fractional Interests, Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) and Tenants in Common (TICs)
- Exchanges Involving Mixed-Use Properties
- Exchanges Involving Properties Owned Within Entities
Our team of experts is available to answer the questions you have regarding your exchange, at no cost to you! We want to help you set up your transaction in the best way possible to yield you the most benefit from your exchange.
The Accruit Difference
When choosing a Qualified Intermediary (QI) to handle your 1031 Exchange, it is essential to exercise due diligence to ensure the proper and successful completion of your exchange. While there are many Qualified Intermediaries out there, not all are created equal. Accruit is proud to offer boutique-style service across a large volume of exchanges, based on all of the factors that set up apart from other QIs.
Years of Experience
Accruit and its subsidiaries have been actively involved in real estate, trust administration and 1031 exchange transactions since 1978. Accruit’s executive team and experienced exchange operations team can cumulatively claim over two centuries in the 1031 exchange business.
Qualified Professionals, Attorneys, CPAs, and Certified Exchange Specialists® on Staff
Accruit has six staff attorneys, one Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and eight Certified Exchange Specialists (CES®) on staff. CES® is a designation developed by the Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA) and obtained only after years of experience, qualification and testing, on staff and more in training.
Safety and Security of Exchange Funds
Accruit works with depositary banks uniquely situated to provide for the safety and security of exchanger funds, all funds are held in segregated bank accounts. Accruit has the ability to provide dual signature accounts requiring exchanger approval before the movement of exchanger funds. It also has the ability to provide qualified trust and escrow accounts to further protect deposits.
Fidelity Bonding and E&O Insurance
Accruit holds the highest levels of safety and security of funds that exceeds best practices and state regulatory requirements. Accruit maintains coverages of $50 Million Fidelity Bond, $25 Million Errors & Omissions, and $20 Million Cyber Liability.
Patented 1031 Exchange Technology
Accruit developed and patented the only 1031 Exchange workflow technology Exchange Manager ProSM. Exchange Manager ProSM provides a standardized workflow with automated deadline reminders and document creation increasing efficiencies and reducing the potential for errors throughout the 1031 exchange process.
Dedication to the 1031 Exchange Industry
Accruit’s long-standing commitment to the Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA) includes three past presidents, five past and present FEA board members and multiple FEA committee members. Accruit has helped lead efforts in Washington, D.C. to preserve Section 1031 exchanges for exchangers.

Regulatory Measures
It’s important to note that there is currently no federal regulation of qualified intermediaries. However, with the help of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA), a number of states, have begun taking the lead in assuring higher professional standards for QIs. Some of the newly enacted requirements (which can vary from state to state) include:
- Qualified escrow and/or trust accounts for client funds
- Minimum bond and insurance requirements
- Fund withdrawal authorization requirements
- Registration and licensing requirements for QIs
- Investment limitations on exchange proceeds
These are just some of the new state level regulatory requirements for QIs, and Accruit has taken a leadership role in making sure that legislators are fully informed in order to properly protect exchangers.