EINs and 1099s

[KJohnson]

I know this has been discussed before, but are people using employer or trust EINs on Form 1099R. Has anyone ever had the IRS specifically tell them which number to use.

[Dawn Hafner]

The 1099-R reports distributions from the trust, so the trust ID# should be used.

[Brenda Wren]

I agree. Trust # should be used. The important thing is that the 1099-R's and the 945 and the number used to deposit the taxes are all the same and will tie together when reconciled by IRS.

[Earl]

and of course the deposit method is tied to the number used, not the payor

[KJohnson]

The following is from Q&As to the IRS at the 1999 ASPA conference. Apparently they take the position that you can issue 1099s under the plan sponsor's EIN as long as the assets are held in the Trust's EIN.

73. Would you confirm that retirement plan trusts should/must obtain and use a separate EIN (or Trust Tax Number) for reporting distributions, rather than using the employer's EIN?

A. Retirement trusts are required to have their own separate EIN, especially for purposes of holding assets. Distributions can be reported under the EIN of the plan sponsor in accordance with published rulings, but that does not eliminate the need of the trust to have its own EIN.