After you’ve set up your trust, you might need a Trust EIN (Employer Identification Number) and a Trust bank account to properly manage trust assets.
Here’s a simple guide to walk you through the process.

Step 1: Determine If You Need a Trust EIN

• Revocable Living Trusts (while you are alive) usually use your Social Security Number — no separate EIN is needed yet.
• Irrevocable Trusts or Trusts after the Grantor’s death typically require a new EIN from the IRS.

✅ Tip: If the trust becomes its own taxpayer (meaning it files its own tax returns), you need a Trust EIN.

Step 2: Apply for a Trust EIN

You can apply for a Trust EIN in a few ways:

• Online: Visit the IRS EIN Assistant for fast processing (recommended).
• By Fax or Mail: Submit Form SS-4 to the IRS.
• By Phone: For international applicants only.

Information You’ll Need:

✅ Name of the trust
✅ Date the trust was funded or created
✅ Trustee’s information (name, SSN/ITIN)
✅ Type of trust (Revocable or Irrevocable)
✅ Whether the trust is a grantor trust

✅ Tip: Online applications usually issue the EIN immediately.

Step 3: Open a Trust Bank Account

Once you have the Trust EIN, you can open a bank account in the trust’s name.

What You’ll Need:

• Certified copy of the Trust Agreement (or a Certificate of Trust)
• Your Trust EIN
• Valid ID for the trustee(s)

Steps:

1. Choose a bank that offers trust account services.
2. Provide all required documents.
3. Set up the account under the trust’s name, not the trustee’s personal name.

✅ Tip: Keep trust assets separate from personal assets to maintain proper legal protections.

Key Takeaways

✅ Revocable trusts usually don’t need an EIN while the grantor is alive.
✅ Irrevocable trusts and trusts after death usually must get a new EIN.
✅ Opening a separate trust bank account protects trust assets and simplifies estate management.

Need help setting up your Trust EIN or opening a Trust bank account?
👉 [Contact Our Team for Step-by-Step Assistance]

EZ Living Trust is a division of Strategic Choices Financial, Inc. Neither is a law firm and cannot provide legal or tax advice. The information on this site is for informational and educational purposes only.

Strategic Choices Financial, Inc, dba EZ Living Trust is registered as a Legal Document Assistant in Los Angeles County, CA #987456, and is licensed and bonded.