October 2, 2025
In This Issue:
- FinCEN Announces Postponement of Residential Real Estate Reporting Until March 1, 2026
- Fannie and Freddie Waive Some Loan Requirements Amid Shutdown
- Gov. Abbott Appoints Ramirez to Real Estate Research Advisory Committee
- ICYMI: New FIRPTA Payment Requirement On Hold for Now
FinCEN Announces Postponement of Residential Real Estate Reporting Until March 1, 2026
FinCEN | Sept. 30, 2025
"To reduce business burden and ensure effective regulation, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today announced that it will postpone reporting requirements of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Residential Real Estate Transfers Rule (RRE Rule) until March 1, 2026. FinCEN is taking this step to provide industry with more time to comply—consistent with the Administration’s agenda to reduce compliance burden—while still adequately protecting the U.S. financial system from money laundering, terrorist financing, and other serious illicit finance threats.
"To implement this extension, FinCEN issued a temporary order granting exemptive relief from the reporting requirements. In the interim, any Real Estate Geographic Targeting Orders will remain in effect."
Read the announcement »
Review exemptive relief order »
TLTA Editor's Note: Effectively communicating the impacts on title agents of this reporting requirement helped convince decision-makers to delay its implementation. Here are some of the ways our community shared that message:
TLTA comments to FinCEN »
ALTA comments to FinCEN »
Texas Congressman Roger Williams asks FinCEN Director about title agents »
Fannie and Freddie Waive Some Loan Requirements Amid Shutdown
HousingWire | Oct. 2, 2025
GSEs and other agencies issued guidance on Wednesday for mortgage lenders and servicers during the current government shutdown, which affects federal employees, services, contractors, vendors and other businesses.
Learn more »
Gov. Abbott Appoints Ramirez to Real Estate Research Advisory Committee
Governor's Press Office | Sept. 25, 2025
Gov. Abbott has appointed Jessie Ramirez to the Real Estate Research Advisory Committee for a term set to expire on January 31, 2029. The Committee reviews and approves proposals submitted to the board of directors of the Texas A&M University System relating to staffing and general policies of the Real Estate Center. The Committee decides the priority ranking of research studies the center conducts.
Jessie Ramirez of Bulverde is a Realtor at JB Goodwin REALTORS. She is the San Antonio chapter Chair of the Liberty Leadership Council and former Chair of the Kyle Library Board. Ramirez received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Tarleton State University.
ICYMI: New FIRPTA Payment Requirement On Hold for Now
TLTA | Sept. 25, 2025
Implementation of Presidential Executive Order 14247, requiring electronic payments for all federal disbursements and receipts, has been delayed. See new IRS guidance issued last week:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-phase-out-paper-tax-refund-checks-starting-with-individual-taxpayers
Earlier guidance that title agents submitting FIRPTA withholdings for buyers would have to do so via electronic payment only beginning on Sept. 30 is no longer applicable. Implementation of this electronic payment requirement is on hold for now, with the IRS offering the following look ahead:
"The IRS will provide detailed guidance for the 2025 tax returns before the 2026 filing season begins. Until further notice, taxpayers are to continue using the current forms and procedures, including those who are filing their 2024 returns on an extension due before December 31, 2025."
TLTA’s Editor’s Note: This information is being provided by TLTA for educational and reference purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or business advice from or on behalf of TLTA. You should consult your own legal counsel and subject-matter experts to ensure that any policies adopted or actions taken meet the requirements unique to your company.