We explain this topic in plain English for British families. Most UK trusts must appear on the Trust Registration Service unless a clear exemption applies. Trustees carry legal responsibility for keeping details current and accurate.
Think of registration as simple trustee admin. It records who runs the arrangement and what assets are involved. Failing to file or update can lead to penalties, sometimes up to £5,000 for deliberate failures.
We set out two main routes that decide scope: trusts with a UK tax position and non‑taxable express trusts covered by anti‑money laundering rules. We will also note common life events that prompt questions, such as setting up a family arrangement, inheriting under a will, or transferring property.
By the end you will know whether you must register, the timing rules, the key information trustees need, and what happens after submission. For official guidance, see the government guidance on registering and our practical guide for UK families at trust registration for families.
Key Takeaways
- Most UK trusts need TRS entry unless specifically excluded.
- Trustees, not agents, hold legal duty for filings and updates.
- Two main tests drive scope: tax liability and AML rules.
- Missing deadlines can lead to fixed penalties in serious cases.
- Gather lead trustee and beneficiary details before starting.
- Exemptions exist but must be checked carefully to avoid stress.
Understanding trust registration and the HMRC Trust Registration Service
Since 2017 the Trust Register has been the main route for notifying tax and ownership details to the government. We explain what this online service does and why it matters for families and estates.
What the Trust Registration Service is and why it exists
The registration service creates a held record of who runs an arrangement and who benefits. It supports anti‑money‑laundering checks and self‑assessment reporting.
- Transparency: shows beneficial owners and trustees to relevant agencies.
- Not public: the trust register is not open to general public view.
- Practical step: registering simply creates official information for the government.
“The TRS is about clarity and protection, not prying into private family matters.”
How the rules changed from June 2017 to October 2020 and beyond
The register began in June 2017 for taxable arrangements and then widened in October 2020 to include many non‑taxable express arrangements. Access is limited to authorised bodies and to those with a legitimate interest. Trustees must follow current guidance if details change.
when should a trust be registered with hmrc
Registration follows simple rules: if UK tax applies, or there are UK links, trustees usually must act. We set out the practical tests so families can decide quickly.
Trusts with a UK tax liability that must register
If an arrangement has any UK tax charge — income, capital gains, IHT or stamp taxes — registration is normally required. That rule is the clearest yes/no test for most trustees.
Non-taxable express trusts that still need registration
Non-taxable means no current UK tax liability. Yet many express trusts still fall inside the rules unless an exclusion under Schedule 3A applies.
An express trust is usually set up by a settlor in a deed or will and often holds property or investments for family. October 2020 widened scope and brought many simple family plans into view.
Non-UK trusts with UK connections that trigger registration
Offshore arrangements can be caught if they have UK tax to answer, include UK land, or at least one trustee is UK-resident and engages UK advisers or service providers.
- Example: a buy-to-let held in trust for children — registration likely.
- Example: offshore fund managers appointing UK-based advisers — registration may arise.
Will trusts and timing around death
Will-based trusts can move into scope on administration. Trustees need to check the rules early and note legacy deadlines, including the september 2022 cut-off for older non-taxable arrangements.
“If there’s any UK tax or property link, register and get clarity.”
For practical agent help, see our guide on registering as an agent.
Trusts that are exempt from registration
Certain express arrangements escape the TRS rules under Schedule 3A, but the line can be thin.
Schedule 3A lists excluded express trusts. It reads like a short rulebook. If an arrangement matches one of the categories, full registration may not be required.
In practice, “excluded” means trustees often do not need to enter details on the public-facing service. Trustees must still keep clear internal records. That helps if facts later change or if a bank asks for proof.
Trusts imposed by court or created by law
Some arrangements arise because a court order or statute creates them. These are usually treated differently in guidance. They commonly fall outside the registration route.
- Narrow exemptions: categories are limited and specific.
- Watch for changes: facts can move an arrangement into scope.
- Keep notes: record the legal basis for any exclusion.
| Type | Typical effect | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| Excluded express trusts (Schedule 3A) | No TRS entry in many cases | Retain documents showing which exclusion applies |
| Court‑imposed or statutory arrangements | Treated as exempt in practice | Keep court order or legislative reference on file |
| Arrangements that later change | May fall into TRS scope | Review and register if conditions alter |
“Exemptions exist, but they are narrowly defined — so check carefully before deciding not to register.”
We recommend reviewing guidance after any asset or trustee change. Small shifts in facts often prompt review. Good records protect family plans and provide clear evidence if questioned.
Key deadlines and dates trustees need to diarise
We turn the rules into a practical timeline so trustees can act with confidence.
Older non-taxable arrangements: if created on or before 6 October 2020 the relevant cut-off was 1 September 2022. Trustees who missed september 2022 must note this date and keep clear records of why registration was not completed, and seek professional help if banks or providers ask for evidence.
Newer non-taxable and taxable cases
For non-taxable arrangements started after october 2020 the clock runs for 90 days from creation or from the moment the arrangement stops being excluded. That same 90-day window applies where any UK tax arises. Put the date of creation in your diary and mark the 90-day deadline clearly.
Will-based arrangements
Will arrangements that need entry typically have up to two years from the date of death. Executors and trustees must note that date and plan the registration task into estate admin timelines.
| Situation | Deadline | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| Created on or before 6 October 2020 | 1 September 2022 | Record reasons and seek help if missed |
| Created after 6 October 2020 | Within 90 days | Diary the date and register within days |
| Will arrangements | Two years from death | Include in estate timetable |
“Good diary notes and dated records protect beneficiaries and smooth dealings with banks and advisers.”
How to register a trust using Government Gateway
Start by creating a Government Gateway account that connects to the Trust Registration Service. This is the secure online route for filing the registration form and receiving official reference details.
Creating the online account
Set up one Government Gateway account and choose the TRS service inside it. Use accurate names and dates to avoid later updates. Keep login details safe and share access only if necessary.
Appointing the lead and using an agent
Appoint a lead trustee as the single HMRC contact. One lead completes the entry and gets messages. Trustees may authorise an agent to act on their behalf. An agent can log in and submit the form for the group.
Completing and submitting the form
The TRS form flows in clear stages: enter trust details, add people connected, confirm asset information, then submit. Gather documents first, then work through the form calmly in one sitting.
What you receive after submission
Non-taxable arrangements get a Unique Reference Number (URN). Taxable cases receive relevant reference details. Keep these numbers safe for banks, solicitors and future updates.
| Step | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Set up Government Gateway | Create account linked to TRS | Secures access and allows form submission |
| Appoint lead | Name single lead trustee | Central contact for messages and references |
| Authorise agent (optional) | Grant online permission | Professional help can reduce errors |
| Submit form | Enter details, confirm, send | Generates URN or reference number |
“Gather information first, then complete the online form in one calm session.”
Information and details you will need before you register
Before you log in, gather core facts so the online form flows without gaps.
Trust core facts
Prepare the name, the date of creation, the tax residence and where the arrangement is administered.
Also note contact addresses for trustees and any professional advisers.
People the service expects
List every trustee, the settlor and named beneficiaries or the class of beneficiaries.
For each person, record full name, date of birth and role.
Identity requirements
Provide National Insurance number or UTR where available. If someone lacks these, give a current address.
For non‑UK residents include passport or national ID card details: number, issuing country and expiry.
Statement of accounts and assets
Trustees must supply a statement of accounts at the date of settlement. Use everyday categories: cash, shares, property and other assets, with estimated values.
- Gather documents first: deeds, bank statements, share certificates and valuation notes.
- Check identity numbers and passport copies in advance to avoid delays.
- Keep a short ledger showing assets at the settlement date.
| Item | What to record | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Name and date | Trust name; creation date | Identifies the arrangement for tax and services |
| People | Trustees, settlor, beneficiaries; DOB | Shows who controls and benefits |
| Identity | NI number or UTR; passport for non‑UK | Verifies identity and reduces errors |
| Assets | Statement of accounts at settlement | Provides starting values for future reporting |
“Good preparation makes the online process calm and quick.”
After the trust is registered: ongoing duties for trustees
Registration is only the start. Trustees must keep the trust register entry current as people or roles change. This protects beneficiaries and helps when banks or advisers ask for proof.
Keeping the trust register up to date when trustees, beneficiaries or other beneficial owners change
Life events trigger updates. Appointing or removing a trustee, a beneficiary becoming entitled, or adding a protector are common changes that require action.
In practice, the lead trustee logs in to the trust registration service, updates the details and saves the entry. If an agent acts on behalf of the group they can submit changes, but legal responsibility stays with all trustees.
Maintaining accurate written records of beneficial owners and potential beneficiaries
Trustees must keep clear written records of beneficial owners and potential beneficiaries even where no UK tax is due. Good notes reduce delays and disputes.
- Record names, dates of birth and roles.
- Keep contact details and identity references on file.
- Note the date each change took effect and who authorised it.
Extra declarations for older registrations and identifying excluded express trusts
If the register entry was made before 4 May 2021, trustees must declare whether the arrangement is an express trust and whether it has paid tax. Entries made before 17 October 2022 require confirmation about Schedule 3A exclusions.
“Keeping information current is often the most overlooked duty — regular checks pay off.”
Align updates with tax reporting: in years when tax returns are needed, ensure the trust register mirrors the tax return information. This keeps obligations clear and reduces queries from services and advisers.
Conclusion
Most trustees must act: check the facts, take a clear next step and keep records. This is a strong, clear next step that protects family plans and reduces delays with banks and solicitors.
Follow the simple route: taxable arrangements normally require you to register. Many non‑taxable express arrangements also fall inside the rules. Exemptions exist, but confirm them carefully.
Note key timings — for many cases the 90‑day window is the critical deadline. Update the entry if people, assets or property change.
If you are unsure, speak to a solicitor or tax adviser about offshore links, complex property or multi‑jurisdictional issues. Once an entry is correct and maintained, trust administration becomes routine and protective for beneficiaries.