Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

Once he died, the trust needs its own new tax ID number. You may want to consult with an estates and trusts lawyer in your area for advice on how to administer the trust and keep trust records, and whether the trust should just be disbursed and terminated or maintained.

THIS RESPONSE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, SINCE I DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND I DO NOT HAVE A REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT WITH YOU.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

I agree with Attorney Jacobson. Assuming your grandfather had a revocable living trust, he probably was the initial trustee and would have used his own Social Security number for tax purposes. Once he died, his Social Security number would not be used. The trust would need its own EIN number that you apply for from the IRS (form SS-4) - you can get it at www.irs.gov.

I agree with Attorney Jacobson. You would benefit from a consult with a probate/estates/trusts lawyer. The tax rate for trusts can be more onerous so you will want to get the trust wrapped up as soon as possible and you will want to distribute net assets.