Understanding FinCEN’s RERRR: Land Trusts, Entities, and Reporting Triggers

About this episode

Joe Seagle discusses FinCEN's new reporting requirements for real estate transfers and clarifies misconceptions about land trusts.

Beginning March 1, 2026, new federal reporting requirements will reshape certain non-financed real estate transfers — and many investors misunderstand how broad the rule really is. In this episode, real estate and asset protection attorney Joe Seagle breaks down FinCEN’s Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule and addresses a common myth: that simply using a land trust avoids federal reporting. FinCEN is focused on substance over form, meaning the real question is whether beneficial ownership or control actually changes. Joe explains who may qualify as a “reporting party,” how responsibility is determined, and why layered structuring or trust assignments designed to mask a sale can create serious legal exposure. Attempting to outmaneuver the rule could invite federal scrutiny and significant penalties. For investors, attorneys, and title professionals, understanding the rule is no longer optional — it’s part of modern risk management. Listen to the full episode to learn what triggers reporting, how to evaluate your land trust transfers, and what steps to take before the March 2026 deadline. Have a question you want answered on our next Ask Joe episode? Reach out and let us know…

People in this episode

Host: Rick

Guest: Joe Seagle

Topics covered

• FinCEN
• Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule
• land trusts
• reporting requirements
• real estate investing
• legal exposure

Keywords

• FinCEN
• land trusts
• reporting triggers
• real estate
• legal exposure
• investors
• asset protection

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FinCEN, Trust This, Trust This Newsletter

Books & works: Land Trusts in Florida, 11th Edition

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