How Do I Find the Tax ID Number for Estate of Deceased?
The IRS can provide a new employer identification number (EIN), or tax ID number, for the estate of a deceased individual. The executor or authorized estate representative can also request the IRS to search for an EIN in case the original document was lost during the distribution process.
In order to contact the IRS to receive this type of correspondence, you first need to demonstrate that you have the authority to do so. This means you must be either the named executor specified in a will or the estate administrator appointed by a probate court. The IRS needs to see a copy of the Letters Testamentary or the will to establish your authority.
The Decedent and the Estate Are Two Different Legal Entities
What IRS-EIN-Tax-ID number do you need to file taxes on behalf of the decedent and his or her estate? That depends on the type of taxes required.
- Personal income tax filings: If the deceased individual still owed personal income taxes, the executor can pay these using the decedent’s social security number, exactly as the forms—Form 1040 series—would be completed normally.
- Estate income tax returns: The Estate of Deceased is considered a separate entity by the IRS. As the authorized representative, you will need to request a new tax ID for estate by filling out an online EIN application or Form SS-4.
- Business income tax returns: If the deceased individual owned a business, you will need to request a new federal tax ID number for the business. This is different from the tax ID number used to administer the estate.
A Simplified Way To Apply for an Estate EIN
Balancing the various responsibilities of estate representative isn’t always easy. The experts at IRS EIN Tax ID Filing Service can make applying for a tax ID for trust or estate assets much simpler, both because of easy-to-understand forms and assistance 24/7 with any questions during the process. Contact trustworthy professionals immediately for help.
