Question

My mother passed away 2/2017 and I will need to file her 2016 personal income taxes. Do I need an EIN in order to do this?

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
June 3, 2019
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D

Dudley-Do-RightAuthor

I'm confused about IRS pub 559 page 2 "duties" apply for an EIN for estate. Can you explain this? Thanks

F

Fern

Employee

No, you can file a 2016 tax return for your mother using her social security number.

F

Fern

Employee

For 2016 you need to file an individual tax return for your mother. In 2017, you will file a final return for her. To file these two tax returns, you do not need an EIN. If her estate is not liquidated by 2018, the estate will need to file a tax return for 2018. You will need an EIN to file that return.

It is not a bad idea to apply for an EIN for the estate, but you don't need it to file the tax returns for 2016 and 2017. There is a link on page 3 of Pub 559 that you can use to apply for an EIN on line.