General question - is it possible to establish a new plan with a unique, 9-digit plan tax ID, separate from the company's EIN? In other words, not a 3-digit number attached to the company's EIN, but the plan's own unique 9-digit TIN?

Thanks to anyone who can help!

The trust associated with the plan may certainly have it's own identification number. In fact, most on these boards would probably recommend a separate tax identification number.

Apply online:

https://sa.www4.irs.gov/sa_vign/newFormSS4.do


Instructions, 7th line down talks about getting an ID for a plan

https://sa.www4.irs.gov/sa_vign/page?conten...menubarHelp.jsp

Thanks very much for your responses. One more question - what would be the difference between applying for that number on an SS-4, and using the form 5500 to assign a 3-digit number to the existing EIN? Is the SS-4 plan number primarily for plans set up as trusts?

Thanks again

The three-digit plan number is primarily used to distinguish between different plans adopted by the same employer. (This number is usually assinged in the plan document and only reported on Form 5500.)

The nine-digit trust identification number is primarily used for tax reporting purposes related to distributions and withholding.

When filling out the SS-4, it is the trust that we are obtaining a number for, not the plan, correct?

That's correct.

This is what will go on the Schedule P as the Trust ID#. Well, that is if the plan ever has to file a schedule P - this schedule will be going away.

It will also be used for distribution reporting - I think this number is used for remitting any taxes withheld from the distribution to the revenue agencies.