It looks like the attorney is right:
All EIN applications (mail, fax, phone, electronic) must disclose the name and Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN, ITIN, or EIN) of the true principal officer, general partner, grantor, owner or trustor.
This from:
http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Responsible-Parties-and-Nominees
- gjcoram
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However, I would call the IRS directly. You can apply for an EIN over the phone, and certainly the IRS would be able to tell you whether there are special rules for non-profits. The IRS agents at the non-profits division have been very helpful in my experience. (However, someone else had done the SS-4 for my organization, so I don't have direct experience with that.)
- gjcoram
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