When to Obtain an EIN for a Trust

Question:  I have just taken over my parent’s trust as the successor trustee.  Do I need to apply for an EIN for the trust?

Answer:  It depends on whether the trust has become irrevocable.  If you become successor trustee of a revocable trust prior to the death of the grantor, then you will not need to obtain an employer identification number (“EIN”).  The grantor will continue to report all of the income and expenses of the trust on his or her individual tax return using their own Social Security number.  However, you should know that once the grantor dies, the trust becomes irrevocable.  Once the trust becomes irrevocable, the trust becomes a separate tax-paying entity.  You will need to complete the application for an EIN as soon as possible so you can properly report all post-death transactions under the trust’s EIN.  If you are the trustee of a revocable or irrevocable trust, contact Bach & Jacobs, P.A at (941) 906-1231 for guidance on the proper administration of the trust.   Attorney Fred Jacobs is a Board Certified Tax Lawyer and can advise you on the legal requirements that trustees must comply with under the Florida Trust Code and the Internal Revenue Code.