We’ll guide you through the Trust Registration Service in plain English. Our aim is clear. We help trustees and families, especially homeowners, make sensible choices for children, grandchildren or a surviving partner.
Most trusts must join the online register to meet anti‑money laundering rules. Even non‑taxable arrangements can need a record. You will learn what details are needed, the reference you receive and what happens after submission.
We explain common twists that cause delays: multiple trustees, many beneficiaries, non‑UK elements or wills. HMRC does not charge for the service, though advisers may fee for handling the process.
Key Takeaways
- Most trusts must use the Trust Registration Service to comply with rules.
- Registration involves supplying basic details and getting an official reference.
- There is no fee from HMRC, but advisers may charge for help.
- Watch for complex situations that can slow the process.
- Keeping details updated is as important as initial registration.
What it means to register a trust on the Trust Registration Service
Putting a trust on the official register creates a clear record of who controls the assets and who may benefit.
What the Trust Registration Service is used for
The trust registration service is HMRC’s online system for recording trust details and certain beneficial owner information. It helps meet anti‑money laundering rules and, where relevant, provides a Unique Taxpayer Reference.
Key roles explained
We describe roles in plain terms:
- Settlor — puts assets into the arrangement.
- Trustees — manage and legally hold the assets.
- Lead trustee — main contact for HMRC and handles filings.
- Beneficiaries — those who may gain from the estate or fund.
What appears on the register
Non‑taxable entries get a unique reference. Taxable entries include a UTR and fuller asset and tax data. The register then serves as proof for banks, platforms and other relevant persons.
| Type | What is recorded | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Non‑taxable | Basic details, reference number | Compliance checks by banks |
| Taxable | UTR, asset and tax information | Filing tax returns and trustee accounts |
| Estate/will trusts | Dates, executor details, closure status | May be excluded if closed quickly after death |
Trustees remain jointly responsible, even when a lead trustee handles correspondence. For practical guidance and agent options see our register trust guidance.
Who must register a trust with HMRC
Deciding whether you must place a trust on the official register often comes down to four simple tests.
Who normally has the legal duty
Typically the trustees must use the online registration service and supply the required details. They may ask an agent for help, but responsibility stays with the trustees.
UK express arrangements that usually must join
Most UK express trusts fall within the rule unless they meet an exclusion set out in Schedule 3A. If the arrangement holds money or property for beneficiaries, it will commonly need an entry.
Non-UK triggers many people miss
Two common triggers are easy to overlook:
- A non-UK arrangement that buys UK land or property will need an entry.
- A non-UK arrangement that has a UK-resident trustee and starts a UK business relationship (banks, platforms, advisers) also meets the test.
Tax triggers that force registration
Any arrangement that becomes liable for UK tax must be recorded. That includes Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax, Stamp Duty Land Tax, Stamp Duty Reserve Tax and the devolved land taxes (LBTT and LTT).
Even when a relief applies, registration can still be needed — for example when a relief is claimed through Self Assessment. When details change — such as an investment property being bought or a trustee becoming UK resident — the answer can change.
Keep it simple: check trust type, where it is based, what it owns and any UK tax exposure. If you need specialist help, see our practical guide for trustees at register a trust as a trustee.
Trusts that do not need registering
There are clear categories of excluded arrangements that most families will recognise. In plain terms, Schedule 3A lists those “excluded express trusts” that usually do not need an entry on the trust register unless UK tax liability arises.
Typical exclusions homeowners see
Pension scheme trusts set up under registered UK pension rules are normally excluded.
Life insurance trusts that only pay out on death, illness or disability usually stay outside the register.
Charitable trusts registered in the UK are also commonly excluded from the register.
Wills, estates and co‑ownership
A trust created on death and closed within two years after that death is typically excluded, unless tax makes registration necessary.
Co‑ownership trusts used when people hold property as tenants in common are often excluded. This is helpful for families sorting an inherited property.
Practical checks
Excluded does not always mean never register. Check the trust deed, list the assets and confirm any taxable income or gains.
Keep brief written notes of your reasoning and key details. That makes it easier to explain why an entry was not made if a bank or adviser asks.
When to register your trust and the UK deadlines to meet
A clear timetable makes it simple to know when an entry is needed after a trust is created. Deadlines depend on the date the arrangement was set up and when it first faces tax.
Key timings you must note
Non‑taxable trusts created after 6 October 2020 must be on the register within 90 days of the date trust created, or within 90 days of it later becoming liable for tax.
Taxable trusts created on or after 6 April 2021 must complete registration within 90 days of becoming liable for tax so a UTR is available for Self Assessment.
| Situation | Deadline | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Pre‑6 Apr 2021 trust first liable for Income/CGT | By 5 October in the following tax year | Use the tax year end date to work out the filing date |
| Trust already liable for Income/CGT before year | By 31 January in the next tax year | Matches Self Assessment timetables |
| Other taxes (IHT, SDLT, SDRT, devolved duties) | By 31 January in the next tax year | Relevant for property or inheritance events |
Missed dates and practical steps
If you fail register trust details on time, penalties of up to £5,000 can apply. Delays also block bank transfers and investment set‑ups.
Keep a dated compliance file noting the date trust created, trigger events and submission dates. That helps show you acted within days of each event and avoids later disputes.
How to register a trust with HMRC online
We walk you through the online journey so you can register trust details confidently. Follow each short step and keep your documents ready.
Create the correct Government Gateway account for an organisation
Use an Organisation Government Gateway user ID. HMRC will not accept a personal login for the registration service.
Why you need a separate Government Gateway user ID for each trust
Each trust needs its own Organisation gateway account even when the same trustees act for more than one arrangement. That rule avoids cross‑linking and keeps records clean.
Start the trust registration service application and enter core details
Enter the trust name, creation date and express status first. Then add the lead trustee and other trustees.
Add people and finalise submission
Record settlors, any protectors and the beneficiaries in the format the trust registration service expects. Watch for spelling and address mismatches — these cause delays.
| Step | What you enter | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Create account | Organisation Government Gateway user ID | Use a secure email and note the login |
| Core details | Name, date, express status | Copy from the deed to avoid typos |
| People | Lead trustee, trustees, beneficiaries | Include residency and NI/ID where asked |
| Submit | Final check and send | Download proof and note the reference |
After submission, the lead trustee receives either a UTR (taxable) or a unique reference. Save the PDF and screenshots. Keep the gateway account details secure and diary an annual review.
What you’ll need to register a trust successfully
Gathering the right paperwork before you start saves time and avoids common errors.
Core facts: have the trust name, the date trust created and whether it is express. Note the date trust was created exactly as on the deed. Keep copies of the deed, any letters from the tax office and bank or property paperwork.
Lead trustee information
Provide the lead trustee’s full name, contact details and country of residence. For UK citizens include the national insurance number; for non‑UK individuals use passport details and nationality.
Beneficiaries and record keeping
List named beneficiaries and any classes of beneficiaries (for example “future grandchildren”). If you have more than 25 in any one type, record the first 25 on the service and keep the extra names in your own files.
Non‑UK arrangements
If the arrangement has a UK business relationship or has bought UK land or property, include those details. These points often change whether an entry is needed and are common triggers for questions.
One folder works best: keep IDs, addresses, dates and beneficiary notes together. Missing or inconsistent details are the biggest cause of delays, so check names and numbers before you begin.
Extra information required for taxable trust registration
When a trust carries UK tax duties, HMRC expects more detailed information. This short section lists the extra facts trustees usually need ready.
Unique Taxpayer Reference and existing records
Unique taxpayer reference (UTR) is the number used for Self Assessment returns. You may already have a UTR if the arrangement has filed before. If unsure, check past correspondence before creating another record. Keeping the unique taxpayer reference correct avoids duplicate entries and delays.
Asset and settlor details
HMRC asks for straightforward asset categories and estimated values at the time of registration:
| Asset type | Typical details |
|---|---|
| Property | Address and estimated value |
| Money | Total held |
| Shares | Company, number, class and value |
| Business / other | Name, description, address and approximate value |
For a deceased settlor include name, date of death, and, where available, the national insurance number or passport and address for non‑UK settlers.
Schedule 3A status should be declared if the entry is solely to obtain a taxpayer reference. Honest, reasonable estimates are acceptable; formal valuations are not always needed.
Need help? For practical next steps see our unlock the benefits guide or the official registering guidance.
After you register: UTR timescales, updates and proof of registration
After submission, knowing what comes next brings real reassurance for trustees.
When you’ll receive the Unique Taxpayer Reference
If the arrangement is taxable, HMRC usually issues the UTR to the lead trustee within 15 working days. Plan for this time if you need the number for tax returns or to open accounts.
Viewing and updating trust registration details online
You can log back into the registration service to check the unique reference number for non‑taxable entries. For all entries, use the online service to view and edit details trust information.
Common updates include a change of lead trustee, new trustees, added beneficiaries or newly acquired assets. Make changes promptly and note the date you made them.
Authorising an agent
Trustees may authorise an agent, such as an accountant, to manage the service on their behalf. This speeds practical tasks while trustees retain legal responsibility.
Proof for new business relationships
Download the PDF titled “Get evidence of the trust’s registration” and store it with the trust paperwork. Banks, investment firms and other relevant persons often ask for this when you start a business relationship.
Simple routine: save the PDF, note the reference and diarise periodic checks so you can update within days of key changes.
| Action | Expected time | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Taxable entry — receive UTR | Usually 15 working days | Keep UTR ready for Self Assessment and filings |
| Non‑taxable entry — retrieve reference | Available immediately by logging in | Download the unique reference PDF for new business |
| Update details trust | Effective after online submission | Record the change date and keep supporting documents |
| Authorise agent | Instant via service settings | Trustees remain responsible; keep access records |
Why this matters: timely updates reduce delays when selling property, moving investments or dealing with estate matters. They also cut the risk of extra checks from anti‑money laundering procedures and give families peace of mind.
Protecting beneficiaries and avoiding penalties
Good record-keeping stops penalties and helps keep vulnerable people secure.
Failing to meet registration duties can lead to fines of up to £5,000. It also delays banking and investment steps. That cost and disruption are avoidable with routine updates.
Penalties and what “keeping information up to date” means
Keeping information current means telling the service about changes in trustees, the lead contact, beneficiaries becoming known, and any shift in the arrangement’s tax position.
Minor errors usually cause straightforward queries. Persistent or late updates risk the maximum penalty and extra checks by third parties.
Reporting beneficial owners at disproportionate risk of harm
If someone named on the register faces fraud, kidnapping, blackmail, extortion, harassment, violence or intimidation, trustees can ask for protection.
Email trs.riskofharm@hmrc.gov.uk with the subject line “Beneficial owners at risk of harm”. Include the trust UTR or reference, trust name, lead trustee name, the individuals at risk, the specific risk, and the expected duration.
What the trust register may share and when
HMRC may disclose limited information in defined situations. This includes a beneficial owner’s full name, month and year of birth, nationality, country of residence and their beneficial interest.
If HMRC accepts a risk claim they confirm in writing. That assurance lasts for 12 months. If risk continues, diarise a renewal between month 11 and 12 to avoid gaps.
| Issue | What you must do | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Penalty risk | Update details promptly | Late updates can trigger up to £5,000 fines |
| Beneficiary safety | Report disproportionate risk by email | Provide UTR/reference and lead trustee details |
| Data HMRC may share | Name, month/year of birth, nationality, country, interest | Shared only in specific, lawful circumstances |
| Assurance period | 12 months if approved | Renew between months 11 and 12 if risk continues |
Our aim is simple: protect beneficiaries while keeping the registration accurate. Small steps now save families time, stress and potential fines later.
Conclusion
A clear checklist turns an unfamiliar form into straightforward admin.
First, confirm whether you must register trust or that it is excluded. Note the creation date and any date the arrangement becomes liable for tax. These dates usually set the 90‑day deadline.
Use an Organisation government gateway account for each entry. Choose one lead trustee so HMRC messages arrive in one place and responsibility stays clear among trustees.
If the arrangement is taxable, expect a UTR within about 15 working days. After that, keep the trust registration details current and keep tidy records of changes.
Gather documents, agree roles, set aside time and seek specialist advice for property or overseas matters. Follow the checklist: right account, right people, right data, right deadline and regular updates.