5500-SF Trust Name and EIN

[K2]

A couple of years ago I stopped applying for a Trust EIN on new plans. I did this for a couple of reasons. First, it wasn't reported anywhere ever since the schedule P went away. Second, it was upsetting to client's when they would get letters from the IRS saying their trust EIN was no longer valid. Finally, it was upsetting to clients to get letters from the IRS saying that they failed to file a 945.

So, now I see the IRS is look for a Trust EIN and name beginning with the 2012 filing.

Is there a way to look up my old EIN's and see if they're still valid?

Should I go back and get EIN's for the plans that don't have them?

Should I just leave this blank? (It's optional).

Thanks!

[Bird]

I assume you're using platforms that report taxes for you? We still get EINs for everyone; still have some accounts where they are needed and recordkeepers are asking for them now even though the number just sits on a piece of paper.

Anyway, I wouldn't bother getting them or checking on them unless they are needed for some reason, and I wouldn't consider optional reporting on a 5500 as "needed."

[K2]

Thanks, Bird. Yes, we use a payor account for all distributions, and everything is filed under the payor ID. So there was never any use for a Trust EIN.