EIN for Estate
Required for estate administration. Prepare your estate's Federal Tax ID application to support bank accounts, tax filing, and asset distribution.
You Cannot Use the Deceased's SSN
The deceased person's Social Security Number cannot be used for estate business. The estate is a separate legal entity that requires its own EIN.
Banks, financial institutions, and the IRS all require an estate EIN to process transactions and file tax returns.
When Does an Estate Need an EIN?
EIN Required
- ✓Estate generates more than $600 in gross income
- ✓Opening estate bank accounts
- ✓Filing Form 1041 (estate income tax return)
- ✓Selling real estate owned by deceased
- ✓Collecting income owed to the deceased
- ✓Paying estate debts and expenses
Get EIN Early
Plan your estate EIN before key filing deadlines to:
- →Open estate accounts immediately
- →Deposit checks made out to the deceased
- →Start estate administration smoothly
- →Avoid delays in probate process
Why Estates Need an EIN
Open Estate Bank Accounts
Banks require an EIN to open an account in the estate's name. Essential for depositing and managing estate funds.
File Form 1041
Estates with gross income over $600 must file Form 1041 (US Income Tax Return for Estates). An EIN is required to file.
Sell Real Estate
Title companies and buyers require the estate's EIN when selling property owned by the deceased.
Issue K-1s to Beneficiaries
Estates distributing income to beneficiaries must issue Schedule K-1 forms showing each beneficiary's share of estate income.
Estate EIN vs Trust EIN
| Estate | Trust | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Handle deceased's affairs, pay debts, distribute assets | Ongoing management of assets for beneficiaries |
| Duration | Temporary (until estate is settled) | Can last for years or generations |
| Tax Return | Form 1041 (Estate) | Form 1041 (Trust) |
| Who Manages | Executor or Administrator | Trustee |
| Created By | Death (automatic) | Trust document (intentional) |
Note: If the deceased had a trust, the trust may need a separate EIN when it becomes irrevocable. The estate and trust are separate entities. Learn about trust EINs →
How to Get Your Estate EIN
Gather Required Information
You'll need the deceased's information (name, SSN, date of death) and executor/administrator details.
Complete Our Simple Application
Answer straightforward questions about the estate. Takes about 10 minutes. We handle the IRS Form SS-4.
Expert Review & IRS Submission
Our estate specialists review your application for consistency before submission to help reduce avoidable IRS follow-up.
Receive Your Estate EIN
Get your official EIN via email. You can immediately open estate bank accounts and begin administration.
What You Need to Apply
Decedent Information:
- Full legal name of deceased
- Social Security Number of deceased
- Date of death
- State of legal residence at death
Executor/Administrator Information:
- Your full legal name
- Your Social Security Number
- Your title (Executor, Administrator, Personal Representative)
- Contact phone and address
Note: You don't need court appointment papers (Letters Testamentary) to apply for an estate EIN. You can apply as soon as you know you'll be handling the estate.
Estate EIN Pricing
Standard
$197
24-48 Hours
- Complete IRS filing
- Priority estate review
- Fast 24-48hr processing
- Priority support
Express
$327
Same Day
- Complete IRS filing
- Immediate review
- Same-day review target
- Dedicated specialist
Estate EIN FAQ
Can I use the deceased's Social Security Number for the estate?
No. The estate is a separate legal entity and must have its own EIN. Banks, the IRS, and other institutions will not accept the deceased's SSN for estate transactions.
Do I need to be the official executor to get an estate EIN?
You don't need court-issued Letters Testamentary to apply for the EIN. You can apply as the expected executor/administrator. However, you'll need official appointment to use the EIN for estate business.
What if the estate has no income?
Even if the estate has minimal income, you may still need an EIN to open a bank account for distributing assets. It's best to get the EIN early to avoid delays.
How fast can I get an estate EIN?
With our service: Basic (3-5 business days), Standard (24-48 hour estimate), Express (same-day review target). This is especially helpful when you need to open estate accounts quickly.
International Executors
Are you handling a US estate from outside the country? Non-US residents can serve as executors and get an estate EIN. We handle IRS phone applications for international executors who don't have an SSN.
Start Your Estate EIN Application
Don't let the EIN delay your estate administration
Start Estate EIN Application - $97✓ Express review available | ✓ Refund policy available | ✓ Estate specialists