When somebody passes, their estate and assets are transferred to the heir or other beneficiaries, and if it is liable for estate tax, the executor and estate representatives are responsible for the tax return.
The first thing the estate representative needs to do is obtain the Estate Tax ID (EIN) number. Though Estate EIN has other purposes as well, it is an important tax ID, so if you have an estate to represent, find out how to apply for the Estate EIN here.
Apply for an Estate Tax ID (EIN) Number
The IRS identifies the Estate with its EIN (Employer Identification Number), although the term here says employer, don’t get confused, as you need to get it for the estate and its further operation.
The executor or the administrator appointed by the probate court applied for the EIN for a decedent’s estate through the IRS online tool EIN Assistant, or mail, or by fax. The fastest method to apply for an Estate EIN is EIN Assistant.
The fax and mail methods to obtain the EIN can take four business days or 4 weeks, respectively. However, if you wish to apply through these methods, you can download the EIN application form PDF and send it through.
- FAX at 855-641-6935
- Mail at EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999.
What documents will you require to complete the Estate EIN application?
If you wish to apply for the Estate EIN, you must prepare the following documents for the Estate EIN application:
- Decendent’s Legal Name
- Date of Death
- Estate legal name
- Estate details
- Social Security Number/ ITIN or EIN of the Decendent
- Form 8822 (if you want to modify the estate address)
Steps to complete the Estate Tax ID number application Online
You can use the EIN Assistance IRS online tool for the Estate Tax ID (EIN) application and obtain it immediately. However, keep in mind that this tool is only accessible during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 7 AM to 10 PM Eastern time, and it can only be used for one EIN application each day.
You can follow the step-by-step guide below for your Estate EIN application:
- Visit the IRS EIN online tool webpage and click the “Apply for an EIN.”
- You will land on the EIN Assistant page and read all the instructions.
- Now, click the Begin Application and choose Estate in the type of legal structure for which you are applying for EIN.
- After that, continue the application and enter the deceased person’s information.
- Now, provide your details as an executor/ Estate Administrator, and authenticate your details.
- Next, you should enter the mailing address of the estate and other details of the estate.
- Now, select how you would like to receive the EIN confirmation letter (mail or online) if the application is approved, and submit your online application.
What are the other purposes of an Estate EIN?
The Estate EIN is not only important for the Estate tax return filing, but it is also useful for the following purposes:
- Estate EIN will be useful to open a financial account for the estate to manage its funds after the owner’s death, like to manage estate bills and taxes.
- The Estate EIN is useful in paying debts and distributing assets if there are multiple beneficiaries of the estate.
- You would need the Estate EIN to manage the estate business to report payroll taxes, wages, and others.
What is the deadline for paying estate taxes?
You should pay the Estate tax within 9 months of the decedent’s death; hence, if you wish to meet all the obligations, obtain the EIN timely. The IRS Form 706 is used to submit the estate tax return by the executor.
Though if you have applied for the EIN and did not obtain it by the time of filing the return, you can mention “applied for EIN” in the form, or you can file for the six-month extension. The estate tax is based on the estate’s value at the time of the owner’s passing.
According to the federal government rules, for 2025, the maximum value of the estate exempted from the tax return is $13.99 million. If your estate value is beyond the exemption amount, however, the taxpayers may get some deductions to reduce their tax bills.
Remember, some US states have their state estate taxes that you have to comply with if the owner dies and the estate is being transferred after death.
The Estate EIN is an important document to obtain after the death of the owner for multiple purposes, so remember to file it on time.
