This is a familiar question a client or potential client will ask us.  Some of the more common situations in need of a tax identification number are:

• Starting a business that will have employees
• Having a corporation
• Having a qualified retirement plan with $100,000 or more of plan assets
• Opening an estate
• Having a trust that is required to file a tax return more…

Employers that maintain a qualified retirement plan must file IRS Form 5500–Annual Return/ Report of Employee Benefit Plan.  Qualified retirement plans include defined benefit, profit-sharing, money purchase, and 401(k) plans.  SIMPLE and SEP plans do not have to file this form.  Form 5500 is due on the last day of the seventh month following the end of the year.  For example, a December year-end would be due on July 31.

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The RMD is back and is required for 2010 and all future years.  Taxpayers over age 70½ must take a required minimum distribution from their IRA's and other qualified retirement plans. For 2009, the government removed the requirement for one year.  more…