2.1.2.1 Generally, revocable inter vivos trusts have simplified reporting and filing requirements. Regs. Sec. 301.6109-1(a)(2); 1.671-4(b)(2)(i)(A).
2.1.2.1.1 If the trust is taxable to a single individual (or spouse filing a joint return) under the grantor trust rules and certain alternative reporting requirements are followed, no taxpayer I.D. is required. The alternative reporting requirements require the trustee to give payors (brokers, etc.) the grantor’s social security number (or other taxpayer I.D.). If the grantor is a trustee or co-trustee, nothing else is required.
2.1.2.1.2 If the grantor is not a trustee or co-trustee and the procedure is followed permitting dispensing with an I.D. for the trust, then the trustee must also furnish the grantor with certain information to permit the inclusion of the income on his or her tax return.
2.1.2.1.3 An alternative method permits the trust to secure a taxpayer I.D. number and to issue 1099′s to the grantor/beneficiary.
2.1.2.2 For a detailed explanation of these reporting and filing requirements, see the discussion “Optional Filing Methods for Certain Grantor Type Trusts” contained in the Instructions for Form 1041.