Trust ID numbers purged by IRS due to inactivity

[maverick]

Last week I posted a question re: how to verify a TIN. I was referred to freerisa.com, where I registered and was able to use their EIN finder. So far I'm 3 for 3; each number I entered came up zilch. Researching some old threads on TIN's I discovered that the IRS purges trust ID numbers after several years of inactivity. Is there a way to reactivate a TIN? If not, I can just see it now -- I file a SS-4 to get a new TIN and the IRS comes back and says one was already issued. But if you use it on 1099-R and 945 forms they reject the filings. Thanks all. Maverick

[Guest b2kates]

I was able to have an EIN that was purged restored. It was difficult, resolved by Philadelphia area IRS and the number had only just be purged.

I think you concern regarding issuing a new number is a touch "paranoid". In my role at the bank, we often reapplied for EINs. never a filing problem.

one question, why was the number not used so that it was purged. Did the plan not file Schedule P. This is where the number is used annually.

Brett

[bzorc]

You can use the Trust EIN on Schedule P's for years and the IRS will still purge the number due to inactivity. I am dealing with this situation right now, responding to IRS inquires regarding the filing of 1099-R withholding under an EIN that had not been used for a number of years. The IRS has taken the withholding filed under the "inactive" EIN and transferred it to a brand new EIN that the client and I have never heard of. It is a mess!