A Qualified Intermediary (QI) is a required third-party facilitator in a 1031 exchange. They hold the proceeds from the sale of your relinquished property and help ensure the transaction follows all IRS guidelines for tax deferral. You can’t touch the money directly—otherwise you’ll trigger capital gains taxes. The QI prepares documentation, tracks timelines, and helps identify replacement properties. While Meridian isn’t a QI, we work closely with top-tier intermediaries and guide our investors through the full exchange process, making it as smooth and strategic as possible.