What Real Estate Agents Need to Know About FinCEN Changes Coming March 1, 2026
The real estate industry is on the verge of one of the most significant compliance shifts in recent years. Starting March 1, 2026, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) will begin enforcing new reporting requirements for certain residential real estate transactions aimed at increasing transparency and combating money laundering in the U.S. property market. After a postponement to give the industry more time to prepare, the rule is now set firm for March 1, 2026, and will apply nationwide.
What’s Changing?
Under the new Residential Real Estate Rule, certain residential transfers of property being purchased in cash must now be reported to FinCEN when the buyer is a legal entity or trust, such as an LLC, corporation, partnership, or trust. This expands federal oversight of high-risk purchases that have historically been more difficult for law enforcement to trace.
What Information Will Be Required?
When filing a Real Estate Report, the reporting person will need to collect detailed information about the transaction and the parties involved, including:
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The beneficial owners of the purchasing entity or trust (with identifying info like names, addresses, dates of birth, and government ID numbers).
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Details about the property being transferred.
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The transferor and transferee identities and roles.
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Transaction value and payment information.
Why This Matters for You
This change represents a major compliance obligation for anyone regularly purchasing real estate; particularly all-cash or entity purchasers. Missing deadlines or failing to collect required information can lead to penalties and compliance issues down the road, so early planning is crucial.
Bottom Line
The March 1, 2026, FinCEN rule marks a meaningful shift in transparency for U.S. residential real estate transactions involving entities and trusts. By preparing now, agents, purchasers, and settlement professionals can help ensure smooth closings, avoid penalties, and continue to serve their clients with confidence in an evolving regulatory environment.