Before proceeding, please review the  legal disclaimer.

EIN for Estate in Texas: What It Is and Why You Need One

If you’re serving as the executor or administrator of a loved one’s estate, one of your first responsibilities may be to apply for an EIN for the estate. But what exactly is an EIN, why does an estate need one, and how do you get it?

At The Lange Firm, we guide Texas families through every step of the probate process—including applying for estate EINs (Employer Identification Numbers) and setting up proper tax accounts. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is an EIN for an Estate?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a unique, 9-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a business or legal entity for tax purposes.

For estates, the EIN is sometimes called:

• Estate EIN
  
  
• Estate Tax ID number
  
  
• Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN)
  
  

Even though it’s often associated with businesses, an estate is a separate legal entity for tax purposes once a person dies—and it needs its own EIN to:

• Open estate bank accounts
  
  
• Report income earned by the estate
  
  
• File federal tax returns (Form 1041)
  
  
• Comply with IRS and financial institution requirements
  
  

When Do You Need an EIN for an Estate?

You’ll need an EIN for the estate if:

• You’re the executor, administrator, or personal representative of the estate
  
  
• The estate will earn any income after the date of death (e.g., interest, dividends, rent)
  
  
• You need to open an estate bank account to manage funds, pay bills, or distribute assets
  
  
• You’re filing IRS Form 1041, the estate’s income tax return
  
  

📌 You do NOT use the deceased person’s Social Security Number for the estate. A new EIN is required.

How to Get an EIN for an Estate

There are several ways to apply for an EIN, but the fastest and easiest is online through the IRS:

✅ Step 1: Gather Required Information

You’ll need:

• Name and Social Security Number of the deceased
  
  
• Date of death
  
  
• Executor or administrator’s name, address, and SSN
  
  
• Type of entity: “Estate”
  
  
• County and state where probate is filed
  
  

✅ Step 2: Apply Through the IRS

You can apply:

• Online at irs.gov (recommended—instant EIN)
  
  
• By fax (Form SS-4)
  
  
• By mail (slowest option)
  
  
• By phone (for international applicants only)
  
  

✅ Step 3: Receive and Save the EIN Letter

Once issued, you’ll receive an IRS confirmation letter (CP 575). Keep multiple copies for:

• Banks and investment firms
  
  
• Real estate transactions
  
  
• Tax filings
  
  

The Lange Firm can apply for the EIN on your behalf as part of our probate and estate administration services.

Why Estates Need an EIN

After someone dies, their estate becomes a separate legal entity. This matters because:

• Any income earned by estate assets after death must be reported under the estate’s EIN
  
  
• Banks and financial institutions will not open an estate account without an EIN
  
  
• An EIN helps separate the estate’s finances from the executor’s personal finances
  
  

What If There’s a Trust Involved?

If the deceased person had a revocable living trust, it may need its own EIN upon their death—especially if the trust becomes irrevocable and begins earning income.

In some cases, both an estate EIN and a trust EIN may be needed.

The Lange Firm helps coordinate trust and estate planning to ensure everything is correctly reported and filed.

Common Mistakes When Applying for an Estate EIN

• Using the deceased’s SSN instead of applying for a new EIN
  
  
• Naming the wrong entity type on Form SS-4
  
  
• Applying before you’re officially appointed as executor or administrator
  
  
• Failing to provide the EIN to banks and tax professionals
  
  

These mistakes can delay the probate process or trigger IRS penalties. Let an attorney handle it—or review your form before you submit.

Does Every Estate Need an EIN?

No. You may not need an EIN if:

• The estate doesn’t have its own bank account
  
  
• There’s no income after the date of death
  
  
• All assets transfer immediately to beneficiaries (via joint ownership, POD, or TOD accounts)
  
  

However, most estates that go through formal probate in Texas will require an EIN.

How The Lange Firm Helps With Estate EINs

We help executors, administrators, and families across Texas:

• Determine whether an EIN is needed
  
  
• Apply for an EIN quickly and accurately
  
  
• Open estate bank accounts
  
  
• File IRS Form 1041 (estate income tax return)
  
  
• Ensure full probate compliance and avoid delays
  
  

📞 Contact The Lange Firm today to schedule a consultation and get help managing your loved one’s estate the right way.

Final Thoughts

So, what is an EIN for an estate? It’s a crucial tax ID number that allows you to administer the estate, manage finances, and comply with IRS requirements.

✅ If you’ve been named as executor or administrator, don’t wait. Let The Lange Firm help you apply for your EIN and handle the legal steps with confidence.