[WSBAPT] Estate banking for non-citizen, non-resident administrator (King County probate)

Mon Sep 21 17:27:37 PDT 2026

Hi Heather,

To get the EIN, we submitted the father’s Form SS-4 application by facsimile to the IRS. We received the EIN after about 4-5 days.

We first tried to use the IRS’s online tool, but, as you note, we didn't get very far because that tool requires an SSN or ITIN.

I later learned that if you apply by fax or by mail, you don’t necessarily need an SSN or ITIN. Instead, we indicated “foreign N/A” for the id. number.

The IRS instructions for the SS-4 provide helpful guidance for applying by fax (on page 2) and identifying the “responsible party.” (on page 3)

I’m now trying either (a) to find a bank with branches in Canada and Washington (or another state possibly) or (b) a U.S. bank that will allow my client to open an estate account with his particular non-citizen, non-resident circumstances.

Thanks,

Geoff

Law Office of Geoffrey D. Patterson, PLLC
PO Box 16243｜Seattle, Washington｜98116-0243
206.200.8459｜gdp at gdpattersonlaw.com<mailto:gdp at gdpattersonlaw.com>

Notice: The contents of this message and any attachments may be protected by the attorney-client privilege, work product doctrine, or other applicable protections. If you are not the intended recipient or have received this message in error, please promptly delete the message and notify the sender at gdp at gdpattersonlaw.com or (206) 200-8459. Thank you for your assistance.

On Sep 21, 2026, at 12:40, Heather de Vrieze <heatherd at westseattlelaw.com> wrote:

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How did father get the EIN for the estate without a personal ITIN?

I have always cautioned that having a Non US Person as Personal Representative was if not impossible, likely more complicated than finding an alternative Personal Representative.

I often find it difficult for PRs outside of Washington to open estate bank accounts in another state. I’ve never seen this work in another country.

Sorry I don’t have solutions, only confirmations of the problems.

Happy Monday!

Heather

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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com>> On Behalf Of Geoffrey Patterson
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2026 10:25 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>>
Subject: [WSBAPT] Estate banking for non-citizen, non-resident administrator (King County probate)

Colleagues,

Client and I are having trouble finding a Washington State bank that will allow him to open an estate bank account.

- deceased son, Canadian citizen, lived and worked for years in Seattle, had a "DHS work authorization" SSN, and has banking and retirement accounts at institutions in Washington, other states, and Canada;

- father, Canadian citizen, does not have an SSN or ITIN; does not have a physical Washington "footprint." Most Washington banks appear to require one of these "tethers" to open an account here;

- we have an EIN for the estate. Later, we expect to prepare and file personal and estate income tax returns;

- estate creditor's claims are few and for modest amounts;

- heirs live in Canada.

Anyone know of legal or practical considerations for / against opening a Canadian estate bank account and then using online banking from Québec where father lives?

Thank you for any input.

Geoff Patterson

Law Office of Geoffrey D. Patterson, PLLC
PO Box 16243｜Seattle, Washington｜98116-0243
206.200.8459｜gdp at gdpattersonlaw.com<mailto:gdp at gdpattersonlaw.com>

Notice: The contents of this message and any attachments may be protected by the attorney-client privilege, work product doctrine, or other applicable protections. If you are not the intended recipient or have received this message in error, please promptly delete the message and notify the sender at gdp at gdpattersonlaw.com<mailto:gdp at gdpattersonlaw.com> or (206) 200-8459. Thank you for your assistance.

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