How do you Apply for an Estate Tax ID?

Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

You can apply for an estate tax ID number online, via a fax or by mail. If you are a fan of the United States Postal Service, you may find it disappointing to learn that the IRS no longer grants tax identification numbers via snail mail. Prior to applying for an estate tax ID number, you need to know the name of the executor of the estate and the estate’s mailing address. If you are the executor, the IRS requires you to provide your SSN as well as the social security number belonging to the deceased person.