Applying for EIN for Irrevocable Trust using Form SS-4 - Trustee Questions

When filling out Form SS-4 for an irrevocable trust, you'll need to provide information for both the trust itself and you as the trustee. Make sure you: 1. Check "Trust" as the type of entity on Line 9a 2. Specify it's an irrevocable trust when prompted 3. Provide your name and SSN as the "responsible party" since you're the trustee 4. Include the trust's name on Line 1 (exactly as it appears in the trust document) 5. For the trust's mailing address, you can use your address as trustee 6. You'll need the date the trust was created The most common confusion is about the "responsible party" section - that's you as the trustee, not the grantors. The IRS wants to know who has control over the trust assets, which is the trustee.

After struggling with trust paperwork for months, I finally found taxr.ai and it was seriously a game-changer for my situation. I was also a trustee for my parents' irrevocable trust and got stuck on the SS-4 form requirements. The site https://taxr.ai analyzed my trust documents and highlighted exactly what information I needed to include on each line of the form. They explained that for irrevocable trusts, the application process has specific requirements about how to list the responsible party vs beneficiaries, which was where I was getting confused.

Just wanted to follow up - I decided to try taxr.ai after all and I'm really glad I did! The document analysis pointed out that our trust had some unusual language about successor trustees that would have affected how I needed to complete the SS-4. They provided clear instructions for each line of the form with references to the specific portions of our trust document that were relevant. The analysis also explained the difference between the EIN application for our irrevocable trust versus revocable trusts, which helped me understand why some of the online advice I was finding seemed contradictory. Definitely worth it for the peace of mind knowing I submitted the application correctly!

If you're having trouble getting through to the IRS to ask questions about your SS-4 application for the trust EIN, I'd recommend using Claimyr. I spent DAYS trying to get through to an IRS agent who could answer my questions about trust EIN applications. After using https://claimyr.com, I got a callback from the IRS in about 20 minutes. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. Basically they navigate the IRS phone tree for you and hold your place in line, then call you when an agent is actually available. Saved me hours of frustration and hold music.

I need to apologize for my skepticism earlier. After waiting on hold with the IRS for 3+ hours yesterday and getting disconnected, I decided to try Claimyr today out of desperation. The process was exactly as described - I entered my number, they called me back about 90 minutes later with an IRS agent already on the line. The agent walked me through several questions I had about the SS-4 for our family's irrevocable trust. It turns out I had been filling out Line 9a incorrectly, and they also explained the important distinction between the "date trust created" field and when funding actually occurred. Would have completely messed up my application if I hadn't gotten those clarifications. Definitely worth not having to waste another day on hold!

I need to apologize for my skepticism earlier. After waiting on hold with the I

Has anyone done this process online instead of mailing in the paper form? I'm trying to do the EIN application through the IRS website but it keeps asking for "LLC information" which obviously doesn't apply to a trust. Is there a different online path for trust EIN applications?

Do I need to file Form 56 (Notice Concerning Fiduciary Relationship) along with getting the EIN? I'm getting conflicting advice about this for irrevocable trusts.

@Aria Washington - I went through this exact process last year when my grandmother made me trustee of her irrevocable trust. The key thing that helped me was understanding that you wear two "hats" when filling out the SS-4: 1. You represent the TRUST ENTITY (Lines 1-6: trust name, address, etc.) 2. You represent yourself as the RESPONSIBLE PARTY (Line 7b: your name and SSN) The part that confused me most was Line 10 - "Reason for applying." For an irrevocable trust, you'll typically check "Started new business" since the trust is considered a separate tax entity from the day it becomes irrevocable. Also, make sure you have the exact legal name of the trust from the trust document - don't abbreviate or paraphrase it. The IRS will use exactly what you put on Line 1 for all future correspondence. One more tip: keep a copy of the completed SS-4 with your trust records. You'll likely need to reference it when setting up bank accounts or filing the trust's first tax return.

As someone who recently went through this exact process, I can add a few practical tips that might help: 1. **Double-check the trust creation date** - This is different from when the trust was funded. The IRS wants the date the trust document was signed and became legally effective, not when assets were transferred into it. 2. **Be prepared for follow-up questions** - Even with a correctly filled SS-4, the IRS sometimes sends additional requests for documentation. Keep copies of the trust document handy. 3. **Consider timing** - If you're planning to open bank accounts or make investments for the trust, apply for the EIN well in advance. Some financial institutions have their own verification processes that can add delays. 4. **Save everything** - Keep the EIN confirmation letter/page in multiple places. You'll need it constantly for banking, tax prep, and other trust administration tasks. The online application really is much faster than mailing if you can navigate it correctly. Just remember that as trustee, you're essentially starting a new "business entity" from the IRS perspective, which is why they need your personal information as the responsible party. Good luck with your trust administration - it's a big responsibility but you'll get the hang of it!

I just went through this same process a few months ago when I became trustee for my father's irrevocable trust, and I totally understand the confusion! The SS-4 form can be tricky because you have to think about it from two perspectives simultaneously. Here's what really helped me get it right: **For the trust information section:** Use the exact legal name from your trust document - don't shorten it or use nicknames. The address can be your address as trustee (that's totally normal). **For the responsible party section:** This is YOU as the trustee. Your name, your SSN. The IRS needs to know who's in control of the trust for tax purposes. **Important timing note:** Make sure you're applying for the EIN only AFTER the trust has become irrevocable. If your aunt and uncle can still modify or revoke it, you might not need a separate EIN yet. One thing that caught me off guard was that banks often want additional documentation beyond just the EIN - like a "Certificate of Trust" or excerpts from the trust document. I'd recommend asking your bank what they'll need before you start the account opening process. The IRS website has a pretty good interview tool that walks you through the application step by step if you get stuck on the paper form. Just make sure you select "Trust" at the very beginning, not "Other" or "Business." You've got this! The first time is always the most confusing, but once you understand the dual role you're playing (representing both the trust and yourself), it makes much more sense.

I was in a very similar situation last year when I became trustee for my parents' irrevocable trust. The SS-4 form definitely seems more complicated than it needs to be at first glance! One thing that really helped me was understanding that the IRS treats irrevocable trusts as completely separate tax entities from the day they become irrevocable. So when you're filling out the form, you're essentially "starting a business" from their perspective - that's why Line 10 asks for the reason and "Started new business" is usually the right choice for irrevocable trusts. A few practical tips that saved me headaches: **Line 7b (Responsible Party):** This is definitely you as trustee, not the grantors. Include your full name and SSN. The IRS needs to know who has legal control over the trust assets. **Mailing address:** You can absolutely use your personal address as the trustee. Most trustees do this unless the trust specifically maintains a separate business address. **Trust creation date:** Use the date the trust document was executed and became legally binding, not when assets were first transferred into it. I'd also recommend calling your bank ahead of time to ask what documentation they'll need beyond the EIN. Most want to see portions of the trust document, your identification as trustee, and sometimes a "Certificate of Trust" summary. Getting that list upfront can save multiple trips. The online application through the IRS website is much faster if you can navigate it - just make sure to select "Trust" right at the beginning. You'll get the EIN immediately instead of waiting weeks for mail processing. You're doing great by being thorough about this. Trust administration has a learning curve, but once you get the EIN sorted, the rest of the banking and tax processes become much more straightforward!

I went through this exact same process about 6 months ago when my grandmother appointed me as trustee of her irrevocable trust, so I completely understand the confusion! The SS-4 form instructions aren't very clear about the trustee's role. Here are the key points that helped me get it right: **Your role as "Responsible Party":** On Line 7b, you'll enter YOUR name and SSN as the responsible party, not your aunt and uncle's information. The IRS needs to know who has legal control over the trust assets, which is you as the trustee. **Trust vs. Personal Information:** Lines 1-6 are about the trust itself (trust name, mailing address, etc.), while Line 7b is about you personally. You can use your home address as the trust's mailing address - that's completely normal for individual trustees. **Line 10 (Reason for applying):** Select "Started new business" since an irrevocable trust is treated as a separate tax entity from the day it becomes irrevocable. **Important timing note:** Make sure the trust is actually irrevocable before applying. Some trusts have waiting periods or other conditions that need to be met first. The online application at irs.gov is much faster than mailing the paper form - you get the EIN immediately. Just make sure to select "Trust" at the very beginning of the interview process. One heads up: start gathering documentation for bank account opening now. Most banks will want to see portions of the trust document, your ID, the EIN confirmation, and sometimes a "Certificate of Trust" summary. Calling ahead to ask for their specific requirements can save you multiple trips. You're being smart to get this right the first time. Trust administration has a learning curve, but the EIN is one of the foundational steps that makes everything else much easier!