FinCEN Reporting for Residential Real Estate Starts March 1, 2026. (Effectively Paused as of March 19, 2026)
Update: In light of a court decision, the FinCEN requirements for Security Abstract of PA, Inc. (and all other settlement agents) to report information on certain transactions (as described in the resources below) are not currently enforceable, while the court order remains in place. There is an opportunity for the government to file an appeal on this decision. Therefore, FinCEN reporting requirements may resume in the future and may resume with little to no notice. Security Abstract of PA, Inc. continues to monitor this situation.
Security Abstract of PA has thoroughly researched and prepared for our role in the new FinCEN Residential Real Estate reporting requirements. We have ample documentation and procedures internally in place to make this as smooth of a process as possible for our clients. We have created this resource page in an effort to share some of our knowledge with our clients. This page is currently under construction and will be updated continuously. Please be sure to check back often for updates. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. (Page last revised April 7, 2026 at 12:00PM)
For Buyers
Exemption Checker
This online tool can assist you in determining if your purchase may be subject to these new FinCEN reporting requirements.
How the Reporting Process Works
Use this video guide to assist you in navigating the reporting process through the secure portal.
For Sellers
What Information You Need to Provide
If a FinCEN report is required, you will receive a notification from our office with a link to a secure portal in order to provide the required information. The required information includes ownership information of any entity selling the property and the TIN of any entity or individual selling the property.
How the Reporting Process Works
Use this video guide to assist you in navigating the reporting process through the secure portal.
For Real Estate Agents
Informational Flyer
This flyer can help you to gain some knowledge on the basics of FinCEN and how it may affect you and your clients.
Getting Into the Nitty-Gritty
FAQs Published by ALTA
This FAQ guide from the American Land Title Association is meant to help Title Companies (such as Security Abstract of PA) in meeting FinCEN reporting requirements, we provide it here in case our clients would like to have access to the same information as we do.
FAQs Published by FinCEN
This FAQ guide is from the United States Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. A link to the FAQs on their website and a copy of the FAQs in a PDF format are provided below.