My bank is custodian for an IRA. The customer is having securities trades directed by his broker (with a major brokerage house). The broker claims he needs the bank's own TIN for tax reporting purposes. I thought that the customer's SSN was normally used. Am I missing something?

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Since the IRA holder does not really own the actual assets that are being traded (they must be owned by the IRA Custodian or Trustee), it is normal to hold the investment account in the Custodian's or Trustee's EIN. The Custodian or Trustee should then do any tax reporting (54493, 1099-R, etc...) to the individual using the individual's SSN. So, I agree that the broker who is directing the trades should use the Bank's EIN but you should also make sure that you are atleast aware of the trades (as you should be the one actually initiating them based on his recommendation.) You have a fiduciary obligation to ensure there are no PTs or other problems with the investments.