HMRC Trust Registration Service
HMRC Trust Registration Service (TRS)
If you are a trustee and need to register a trust with HMRC, the Trust Registration Service (TRS) process can be complicated and time-consuming. Clive Barwell provides practical support with HMRC Trust Registration Service requirements for trustees, individuals and families across Teesside and beyond.
Whether you are setting up a new trust, dealing with an existing trust or are unsure whether a trust needs to be registered, Clive can help you understand the requirements and provide assistance with the registration process.
What Is the HMRC Trust Registration Service?
The HMRC Trust Registration Service is an online system used to record information about certain trusts with HM Revenue & Customs.
Trust registration requirements can apply to both taxable and some non-taxable trusts, although specific exemptions exist.
The rules can be complicated, particularly where trustees are unsure whether their particular trust needs to be registered or what information needs to be provided.
Getting the registration right is important because trustees have ongoing responsibilities to keep relevant information up to date.
Get Help With Your Trust Registration
If you are unsure whether your trust needs to be registered, have recently become a trustee or simply want help completing the HMRC Trust Registration Service, get in touch with Clive.
You can discuss your requirements and receive a quote by completing the Trust questionnaire. Where detailed information is required, you can also provide copies of relevant documents, statements or valuations rather than manually entering every figure. Secure document sharing is available through Dropbox.
Your initial consultation is at Clive’s expense, at your convenience and without obligation. Consultations are generally conducted online via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Following a preliminary conversation, an at-home service is available for clients living in or near Teesside.
Contact Clive today to discuss your HMRC Trust Registration requirements and get professional help with your trust.
Download the TRS Guide
Are you a Trustee? Do you need to register a Trust under the HMRC TRS regime? If so, my guide provides practical instructions for Lead Trustees. It is designed for common trust types used in financial planning and highlights key compliance requirements following the 5th EU Anti-Money Laundering Directive.
Purpose and Scope
- All UK “Express Trusts” (written trusts) must register via TRS since 6 October 2020.
- Registration applies even if the trust is non-taxable, with limited exemptions (e.g., certain life policy trusts, pilot trusts under £100, co-ownership trusts, bereaved minors’ trusts and Personal Injury Trusts).
- Failure to register can result in penalties up to £5,000 per trustee.
Key Deadlines
- New trusts: Register within 90 days of creation.
- Existing trusts: Those created before 6 October 2020 should have registered by 1 September 2022.
Tax Considerations
- Trusts may be taxable depending on type and assets:
- Bare Trusts: Income/gains taxed on beneficiary.
- Interest in Possession Trusts: Taxable if income is accumulated.
- Discretionary Trusts: Taxable on trustees if settlor deceased.
- Relevant taxes include Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax, Stamp Duty Land Tax, and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax.
Information Required for TRS
- Trust details: Name, creation date, property details, Trust Deed.
- Individuals: Settlor(s), trustee()s, beneficiaries, protectors—full personal details including NI numbers for settlor(s) and lead trustee.
- Corporate entities: UTR, address, contact details.
Registration Process
- Create a Government Gateway account (separate for each trust).
- Complete TRS online form, including tax status and all required details.
- Obtain and maintain a Certificate of Registration, dated within 30 days for financial institutions.
Additional Considerations
- EU Registration Trusts with Irish-issued life assurance bonds must also register in Ireland.
- Automatic Exchange of Information (AEIO) Trust using a Discretionary Fund Manager are now (from 2025) required to additional register under this legislation.
- Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) required for trusts using discretionary fund managers with direct equities or ETFs.
Support Offered
I help with TRS registration, Irish trust registration, AEIO, and related trust planning services. If you prefer the DIY approach, this is the starting point for HMRC TRS.
Download the TRS Guide
Contact Me
Your initial consultation is at your convenience, at my expense, and without obligation. Consultations will generally be conducted online via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. After a preliminary conversation, if you live in or near Teesside, I can provide an at-home service if you prefer.