HMRC are sending one-to-many letters to estate agents, informing them of the requirement to register for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervision if they are engaged in activities defined by the Estate Agency Act 1979. 

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Any business that engages in Estate agency work, as defined by the Estate Agents Act 1979, must comply with the UK's Money Laundering Regulations (MLRs), which includes Registering with a supervisory authority

  • HMRC are usually the supervisory body for estate agency and letting agency businesses under these regulations. 
  • A business must not carry on estate agency or letting agency activities until they have applied to register with HMRC for AML supervision. 
  • The One-to-many letter guides how to register and outlines the potential consequences of failing to do so. 
  • HMRC has the authority to suspend, fine and publicly name businesses in breach of the AML regulations. 

Useful guides on this topic

Adviser's Guide: Property Business, profits and losses
What is property income? How is it taxed? How are profits calculated? How are losses relieved? Is National Insurance paid on property income? Is property income classed as a business activity?

Anti-Money Laundering: do you need to register?
Which businesses are required to register with a supervisor for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) purposes? Who is your supervisor for (AML) purposes?

HMRC one-to-many letters on Agents' responsibilities
What do you do if you receive one of HMRC's 'One to Many' letters to agents? The letters should not be ignored. We have put together a step-by-step guide to handling HMRC's one-to-many agent letters and understanding your responsibilities as an agent.

AML: Anti-Money Laundering glossary
Do you know your ASP from your EAB? Do you have a PBS or are you a BOOM? Anti-Money Laundering (AML) guidance loves an abbreviation. Here is a useful list.

AML Zone: Anti-Money Laundering tools for you
AML Zone contains checklists and practical guidance on the Anti-Money Laundering requirements that businesses need to follow.

Property Profits & Losses: Toolkit (2024-25)
Our Property Profits & Losses toolkit takes HMRC's version as its starting point and adds a great deal more information about what you can claim as an individual landlord.

Land & Property: an Adviser's Tax Update 2024-25
Land and Property taxes: a comprehensive review of the sector offering a topical CPD update. Hot topics for Advisers include issues related to Incorporation relief, one-to-many letters, Incorporation using hybrid models, and changes to the Furnished Holiday Letting (FHL) regime.

External links

HMRC Guidance Money laundering supervision for estate agency businesses

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