Trust Registration Service (TRS) June 2026: new registration rules and exemptions

Trust Registration Service (TRS) changes from 30 June 2026: key updates and trustee implications

The Trust Registration Service (TRS) rules have been updated by the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/621). These Regulations were made on 9 June 2026 and, for TRS purposes, come into force on 30 June 2026.

The changes focus on bringing certain additional trusts within scope, particularly non‑UK trusts holding UK property, while reducing compliance obligations for low‑risk trusts through new exclusions.

What is the Trust Registration Service (TRS)? HMRC rules explained

The TRS is an online service managed by HMRC through which the vast majority of UK trusts and many UK-connected overseas trusts must provide information about the trust’s settlor, trustees, beneficiaries, and potentially assets, to meet anti-money laundering obligations. It’s also the only way to register a trust with HMRC and obtain a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).

For a full overview of who must register, the annual compliance obligations and the penalties for non-compliance see our Trust Registration Service guide.

TRS expansion: non-UK trusts holding UK property now required to register

One of the most significant changes is the extension of TRS registration requirements to certain non‑UK trusts holding UK land.

From 30 June 2026, a non‑UK trust is required to register if it acquired an interest in UK land or property before 6 October 2020 and continues to hold that interest on or after 30 June 2026.

Before 30 June 2026, non-UK express trusts with no UK trustees that hold UK land and property acquired before 6 October 2020 were not required to register with the TRS unless they become taxable in the UK.

For non‑UK trusts brought within scope, a transitional deadline applies. These trusts must register on the TRS by 1 September 2027, rather than within the usual 90‑day period.

TRS data sharing rules: what non‑UK property trusts need to know

The extension of scope also interacts with the TRS data‑sharing regime.

Once trusts are registered, HMRC may share information held on the TRS about such trusts with some third parties. Information will only be shared if the person can show they have a legitimate interest, for example in connection with the investigation of money laundering or terrorist financing.

New TRS exemption for low-value trusts

A new category of excluded trust is introduced from 30 June 2026 to reduce the compliance burden for small, low risk trusts. To qualify, a trust must:

• Not be liable for relevant UK taxes,
• Not hold any interest in UK land or property,
• Not have accumulated assets worth more than £10,000 since the date it was created,
• Not have annual income of more than £5,000, and
• Not have ‘appreciable’ non-financial assets (eg art, jewellery or antiques) of more than £2,000.

If any of these thresholds are exceeded, the trust becomes registrable at that point.

Existing trusts which meet the conditions for exemption as low-value trusts can be removed from the register.

Scottish survivorship destination trusts: new TRS exemption explained

Scottish survivorship destination trusts are also exempt from the requirement to register from 30 June 2026. These trusts are created to revoke a survivorship clause in property owned jointly, redirecting the interest to a different beneficiary.

TRS for trusts arising from death: new two-year registration exemption

As is already the case for will trusts created on death, from 30 June 2026 the following trusts are exempt from TRS registration for two years following the death of the settlor:

• Co-ownership property trusts,
• Trusts created under s34 Trustee Act 1925 (which provides that land held by more than four people is to be held in trust) that have become registerable because of the death of a trustee, and
• Trusts created by deed of variation during the administration of a deceased person’s estate.

TRS simplification: removal of SDRT as a registration trigger

A further simplification is that, from 30 June 2026, a trust is no longer required to register solely because it has a liability to stamp duty reserve tax (SDRT).

This ensures that TRS registration is more clearly linked to substantive UK tax exposure or transparency considerations.

TRS changes: what trustees should do now

Trustees should review their arrangements to identify whether any action is required.

In particular, they should consider whether, from 30 June 2026:

• A non‑UK trust holding UK land or property falls within scope of TRS
• An existing trust qualifies for one of the expanded exclusions

How we can help with TRS registration and compliance

We can assist trustees in understanding the impact of the June 2026 TRS changes, including assessing whether a trust is within scope, confirming whether an exclusion applies, and supporting registration or updates on the TRS.

For advice or assistance, please get in touch with your usual Saffery contact or get in touch using the form below.