FinCEN

Beginning March 1, 2026, FinCEN (The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) will require detailed reporting on non‑financed residential purchases made through LLCs, trusts, or other entities

What is FinCEN?

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is a bureau of the U.S. Treasury that protects the financial system from criminal abuse, including money laundering and terrorist financing. Its core mission is to promote transparency and integrity across financial institutions.

FinCEN plays a vital role in shaping the regulatory landscape for banks, fintechs, and other financial service providers. By collecting and analyzing financial data, FinCEN helps design and enforce laws that businesses and consumers must follow to reduce the risk and impact of financial crime.

As the primary enforcer of the Bank Secrecy Act and related legislation, FinCEN ensures that institutions remain compliant and vigilant in detecting suspicious activity.

Important Update:
FinCEN Requirements NOW Effective March 1, 2026
As of March 1, 2026, title companies nationwide will be required to report residential real estate transaction details to FinCEN (when the buyer is a legal entity (corporation, LLC, or trust). This new federal rule aims to increase transparency and combat money laundering in the real estate sector by targeting high-risk, cash-based property transfers.

Want to dive deeper into FinCEN? Schedule a continued education class with us to stayed informed!

Download our FinCEN Flyer

What does this mean?

Beginning March 1, 2026, title companies—including Lighthouse Title and our affiliated companies—are required by federal law to collect specific information when the buyer is a legal entity (like a corporation, LLC, or trust). This isn’t about adding red tape—it’s about complying with national efforts to prevent financial crimes in all 50 States.

Residential real estate transactions are reportable when they meet the following criteria and must be reported regardless of purchase price or the value of the property (including gift transfers). Transfers made directly to an individual are not covered by this rule.

The property is residential real property

Buyer/transferee is a legal entity, LLC, corporation, partnership, trust, trustee or other non-natural person

The transfer is non-financed, all cash, or without institutional lender financing

It’s also important to understand how FinCEN defines residential property and non-financed transactions. The term residential property can include certain types of vacant land and commercial real estate, while non-financed covers more than just traditional cash deals. See our FAQ for more information or contact your title agent!

We strongly encourage real estate professionals to stay informed on these evolving requirements. To support you, Lighthouse Title offers training and classes that explore FinCEN regulations in depth—and may qualify for Elective Credits. Please contact your local office or our marketing department for additional information and scheduling.

FinCEN Website

Residential Real Estate Frequently Asked Questions

FINCEN.GOV FAQ

Stewart Title Website

Stewart Title offers videos explaining FinCEN

STEWART.COM

Continued Education

Schedule a FinCEN class with us
*may qualify for con-ed credits

Continued Education

Why is this new?

Criminal profits flowing into the U.S. financial system are massive and damaging. Drug trafficking alone brings in tens of billions annually, but money laundering goes far beyond that—covering trade fraud, tax evasion, organized crime, and financial scams, all contributing billions more. FinCEN will help to...

• To comply with the Bank Secrecy Act
• To help identify suspicious activity
• To ensure transparency in high-risk transactions

Who, When & How?

Primary responsibility lies with the settlement agent on a settlement statement. If not available, the responsibility falls to:

• Preparer of the settlement statement
• Person who records the deed
• Title insurance policy issuer
• Disburser of funds
• Title examiner
• Deed preparer

*Attorneys are treated the same as non-attorney agents.

Deadline: The later of either the last day of the month after the reportable transfer occurred OR 30 calendar days after closing
How: Electronically via the "Real Estate Report" form on FinCEN's website.

Keeping your transactions running smooth!

At Lighthouse Title and our subsidiary companies, we are committed to making your real estate transaction as smooth and stress-free as possible while fully complying with FinCEN Residential Real Estate Regulations. To ensure a secure process, we have partnered with FinCEN Reporting Services (FRS), providing safe and reliable assistance through the required reporting process. As part of these regulations, certain information must be collected prior to the closing date and reported withing 30 days after the closing date. By gathering this information in advance, you will help us complete the necessary steps efficiently and avoid delays in your transaction. Our experienced team, working with partners such as FRS, is here to guide you through each stage, giving you confidence and peace of mind from start to finish.

See below examples of information that will be required:

Property address & legal description

Seller information (Name, DOB, address, TIN)

Purchase price & closing date

If the Transferor is Trust, the trustee’s information

Buyer information (Name, DOB, address, TIN)

Payment Information (bank account details)

Person(s) associated with the Buyer (authorized signers and beneficial owners)

Detailed payment information for payments made on behalf of the Buyer

FinCEN

Beginning March 1, 2026, FinCEN (The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) will require detailed reporting on non‑financed residential purchases made through LLCs, trusts, or other entities

What is FinCEN?

What does this mean?

FinCEN Website

Stewart Title Website

Continued Education

Why is this new?

Who, When & How?

Keeping your transactions running smooth!

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