Apply for an ein number for an estate

If you are the executor or personal representative of an estate, you are responsible for overseeing the property and money of the deceased person’s estate. You’ll need to collect assets, pay creditors, distribute assets to beneficiaries, and handle taxes. In order to fulfill your financial and legal duties, you’ll need to apply for deceased estate tax file number online. Here is a guide for getting a tax ID for the estate of deceased individual.

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Apply for an Estate Tax ID Now

Verify the Fact You Are the Executor

In order to get an EIN number for estate of deceased, you’ll need to prove you are the responsible party. The probate court or will of the deceased will designate the representative. Prepare information to prove you have the authority to manage the estate, including:

Your Social Security Number
The Social Security Number of the deceased individual
Your address

Once you gather these details, you are ready to apply for an estate tax ID number.

Apply for Estate Tax ID Online

The most convenient method for obtaining a federal tax ID number for an estate is via the internet. Here at GovDocFiling, we provide an easy application process 24/7 year-round. Once you submit your estate tax ID application, we process it and deliver your tax ID quickly–usually within hours*. Our tax ID application form is simple so you can easily understand it and fill out the details with accuracy.

*Most EINs are processed same or next business day, unless bundled with state formations, processing times will vary.

Receive the Tax ID Securely

Once you complete the application, you will get a secure email with all your tax ID information. Once you have your tax ID, you can open a bank account for the estate and start fulfilling your obligations as the personal representative.

Getting a tax ID for the estate of a deceased individual is a straightforward process when you apply via GovDocFiling. Start the application process now and receive your estate tax ID quickly and securely.

If you need to get a tax ID number for an estate, first complete IRS Form SS-4. You can get a printable version of this form from the IRS’ website and then fill out all the required lines. When you're completing the form, be sure to check the box for “Estate” in Line 9a. Once that’s done, apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) using the information from your completed IRS Form SS-4. You can apply for the EIN online, by phone, by fax, or by mail. For more information from our co-author, including how to complete lines 1 through 18 on your IRS form, scroll down!

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An EIN—also known as an employer identification number—is often used to identify an estate when there is an active probate. The EIN is provided by the IRS and should be obtained by the personal representative or executor once the letters testamentary or letters of administration have been issued. The EIN is necessary for the personal representative to open up an estate bank account at a local or national bank.

The estate bank account is used to hold funds from the decedent’s estate until the probate is wrapped up and the funds from the estate bank account are distributed to the decedent’s beneficiaries. The EIN is also used if there are investments or other assets of the estate that are generating income so that the financial institutions can issue a Form 1099 to the estate.

To obtain an EIN for the estate, the personal representative or executor can apply online (link: https://sa.www4.irs.gov/modiein/individual/index.jsp), by mail, or by filing a paper application for the EIN (SS-4).

We recommend that you apply for the EIN online as it is the easiest way to do so. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to apply for an estate EIN using the IRS’ website:

Step 1

Navigate to the IRS’ online application portal, read through the instructions, and click “Begin Application.”

Step 2

Choose the Estate option if there is an open probate. If the decedent also had a Trust, then you should consult with an attorney as to whether or not you will also need an EIN for the Trust.

Step 3

Read the following prompt, make sure that you need an estate EIN, and then hit continue.

Step 4

You will type in the decedent’s name and social security number. Make sure the information you have matches IRS’ records otherwise you will be prevented from moving forward.

Step 5

If you are the personal representative, executor, or administrator applying for the EIN, then you will type in your identifying information. Again, your information must match IRS records or you will not be able to proceed. Make sure to choose the correct fiduciary title based on your state—either personal representative, executor, or administrator. Here in Florida we use the term personal representative.

Step 6

You will type in the mailing address for the estate.

Step 7

You will type in the County and State where the estate is being probated. And you will type in the decedent’s date of death and the closing month of the accounting year. Most closing months for the accounting year will be in December.

Step 8

You will choose either yes or no depending on whether the estate will hire any employees. Most estates will not have any employees. If you’re unsure, please consult with your attorney.

Step 9

Congratulations! You’ve successfully applied for the estate EIN. You can choose to have the EIN number given to you online in the form of a PDF document, or you can choose to have the EIN mailed to you. We always recommend choosing the PDF document option. Make sure to save the EIN PDF on your computer and to send a copy to your attorney.