Inherited IRA and form 1041

[de1984ll]

Father passed away, and left the two children as named beneficiaries of both an IRA and a Roth. Investment firm requested that I obtain an EIN. When doing so, IRS requested I fill out 1041. Is this necessary for inherited IRAs, on a formality from obtaining the EIN? Does it make a difference with regard to how I take the distributions i.e. lump sum vs distributions over ten years? I'm confused as to if I need to file this 1041 at all....

[dmertz]

With beneficiaries designated on the IRAs, these IRAs have nothing to do with Form 1041 or any need to obtain an EIN.  Inherited IRAs would be established for the benefit of the children, not for the benefit of the estate.  If the investment firm representative said that an EIN is needed for anything to do with these IRAs, I would consider as suspect anything that that rep told you.

Distributions would be the children's distributions.  If the children are minors, they are Eligible Designated Beneficiaries and would be able to take RMDs based on life expectancy but would have to fully distribute the IRA by the end of the year they reach age 31.

[fanfare]

generally you will need an EIN and an estate bank account to close your parent's other accounts.

The IRS is probably saying you may need to file 1041, later. This is not always required.