New FinCEN Real Estate Rules in 2026: What Jackson Hole Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

New FinCEN Rules Are Coming to Real Estate — Here’s What That Means for You

If you’re buying or selling property through an LLC, trust, or other legal entity, especially with cash or non-traditional financing, new federal rules will soon affect your transaction.

Beginning March 1, 2026, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Treasury, is expanding real estate reporting requirements nationwide. These rules are designed to prevent money laundering — not to limit legitimate real estate ownership — but they will introduce new documentation requirements at closing. Here’s what to expect.

What Is FinCEN?

FinCEN is the federal agency responsible for tracking and preventing financial crimes. Since 2016, it has required limited reporting on certain high-value cash real estate purchases in select markets. That program is now expanding nationwide.

What Changes on March 1, 2026?

Under the new rule, all U.S. markets are covered, there is no minimum purchase price, and trusts are now included.

A transaction must be reported if it involves:

• Residential real estate (including single-family homes, condos, mixed-use properties with residential units, or residential development land)

• A buyer that is an entity or trust

• Cash, seller financing, or private/hard-money loans

• Any location in the United States

Who Reports the Transaction?

The title company, not the buyer or seller, files the report with FinCEN. However, both parties must provide certain information so the title company can comply with federal law.

What Information Is Required?

Buyers and sellers may be asked for identifying details such as:

• Legal names and addresses

• Dates of birth

• Taxpayer identification numbers

• Entity or trust ownership and control information

• Source of purchase funds

This information is collected securely and is not made public.

Are There Exemptions?

Yes. Common exemptions include estate transfers, divorce-related transfers, court-ordered transactions, certain estate-planning transfers, and some 1031 exchange structures.

What This Means for Jackson Hole Buyers & Sellers

Entity and trust ownership is common in Jackson Hole. These rules don’t prohibit those structures — they simply require earlier planning and clearer documentation. Transactions that are flagged early tend to close smoothly.

Bottom Line

FinCEN’s expanded rules add paperwork, not prohibition. With early coordination and experienced professionals, most transactions will see minimal impact.

If you’re considering buying or selling through an LLC or trust, it’s worth discussing this early so there are no surprises at closing.