No. The trust is a tax entity. It (# 123...) pays income
to mother (# 456...) now and eventually to you (#r 789....)
and anyone else named. Getting a trust ID# is a nuisance,
but much better than the total confusion without one.

Nan, EA in LA

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"Ronald" <esther8850[at]hotmail.com> wrote:

- quote -

No. If this is a typical revocable living trust it is
transparent and doesn't really need an ID number. Instead,
the assets get retitiled - a very important item that is
often overlooked when these trusts are set up -and for
reporting it uses your mom's SSN. Essentially, for tax
purposes nothing has changed. Income and expenses still get
reported on mom's return.

That does not mean that you CAN'T file a separate trust
return, just that it is not usually required and is usually
more work and substantially more cost than taking the easy
way out. If the trust elects to file its own return it
would use the ID number assigned by the IRS.

I can think of NO REASON whatsoever to use the trustee's ID
number for tax purposes.

Gene E. Utterback, EA

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esther8850[at]hotmail.com (Ronald) wrote:

- quote -

When your mother dies you'll have your tax ID # already.
Until then ignore the trust aspect. All the 1099s you get
still have mother's SS # on them and you file her 1040, NOT
a 1041. See 1041 instructions regarding a revocable grantor
trust.

ed

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sther8850[at]hotmail.com (Ronald) wrote:

- quote -

Generally the SSN of the grantor or trustor of the trust
should be used when obtaining the EIN.

If you wish to correct this, write a letter to the IRS with
a copy of the notice assigning you the EIN (CP 575)
explaining that there was a mistake in the initial
application and the grantor of the trust is your mother
(include her SSN), not yourself. Both of you should sign it
and everything should be taken care of.

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Ronald wrote:

- quote -

I'm a confused. If the trust is a grantor trust, it should
either use the grantor's SSN for all purposes, or use an
EIN. If you request an EIN, they ask for the trustee's
identity.

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My mother created a revocable trust and I am the trustee. The lawyer
obtained a tax ID # for the trust using my social security number.
The income of the trust goes to my mother. Should my SS be the number
used for the tax ID.

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