Direct steps to secure an EIN
To obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT), complete IRS Form SS-4 online, by phone, fax, or mail, providing the trust's legal name, trustee details, and purpose as a "trust" that holds life insurance.
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The IRS issues the EIN immediately for online submissions, while phone requests receive it within minutes during business hours.
Key information the IRS requires
Gather the trust's official name, the trustee's name and Social Security Number, the trust's address, and the date it was funded. Specify the trust's primary activity—holding life‑insurance policies—and indicate that it is an irrevocable entity.
Because an ILIT is a separate legal entity, the EIN distinguishes its tax filings from the grantor's personal returns.
Filing methods and practical tips
Online: Visit the IRS EIN Assistant, which is mobile‑optimized for quick completion on smartphones. The interface auto‑saves progress, reducing errors on small screens.
Phone: Call the Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800‑829‑4933 (U.S. only) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time. Have the trust information ready; the representative will read the EIN to you.
Fax or Mail: Complete Form SS-4 and send it to 855‑641‑6935 (fax) or IRS Ogden, UT 84201 (mail). This method is slower and less suited to mobile‑first workflows.
After receiving the EIN
Record the EIN on the trust's official documents, insurance applications, and any state filing requirements. Use the same EIN for all future tax‑related filings, including Form 1041 for the trust's income.
Maintain a digital copy of the EIN confirmation; mobile devices can store it securely for easy reference when managing the trust's assets on the go.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Submitting the trust's name without the "Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust" qualifier, which can cause processing delays.
- Using the grantor's SSN instead of a distinct EIN, leading to tax‑reporting complications.
- Neglecting to update the EIN if the trustee changes; the IRS requires a new filing in that case.