Alert
Effective September 19, 2022, the registration process for Business Services Online (BSO) will change. After you register to use BSO, or for any new BSO service, we will mail an activation code to complete the process. This includes those submitting W-2 and W-2C reports. This extra layer of security is to ensure your information is safe and secure.
The activation code is MAILED to the employer whose Employer Identification Number you are using, at the employer’s business address registered with the IRS. Your employer will usually receive it within two (2) weeks. You will not be able to report wages to us until you have entered the activation code to complete the registration process.
We recommend registering for BSO before W-2 reporting season in January. This will ensure you are in compliance before submitting W-2s.
We appreciate your patience.
Alert
W-2 Online and W-2c Online are now available. We appreciate your patience while they were down for a system enhancement.
Attention Tax Year 2022 Wage Filers:
Wage reports for Tax Year 2022 are now being accepted.
Reminder, Tax Year 2022 wage reports must be filed with the Social Security Administration by January 31, 2023.
Register to Use Business Services Online
You must register to use Business Services Online – Social Security’s suite of services that allows you to file W-2/W-2Cs online and verify your employees’ names and Social Security numbers against our records.
File W-2s/W-2Cs Online
This service offers fast, free, and secure online W-2 filing options to CPAs, accountants, enrolled agents, and individuals who process W-2s (the Wage and Tax Statement) and W-2Cs (Statement of Corrected Income and Tax Amounts).
Verify Employees’ Social Security Numbers
The Social Security Number Verification Service allows employers to verify the names and Social Security numbers of current and former employees for wage reporting purposes only.
Social Security also offers the Consent Based Social Security Number Verification Service.
Helpful Hints to Electronic Filing NEW
Online Services for Employers, CPAs, Accountants, Enrolled Agents and Individuals
- Social Security Program Rates & Limits (Tax Rates)
- AccuWage Software
- Information for Software Developers
- Recordkeeping – Using Publication 15
- Specifications for Filing Forms W-2 and W-2c Electronically (EFW2/EFW2C)
- Online Error Reference Material
- File-Edit Tips for W-2
- Online Security Policy
- The Privacy Act And The Freedom of Information Act
Videos
How to:
- Register for Business Services Online (BSO) (does not include information on activation codes)
- Input Activation Codes in BSO
- Retrieve Name and SSN Errors in BSO
- Fix Errors using W-2c in BSO
- Use the Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS)
- Use the Manual Data Entry Method in SSNVS
- Upload an Electronic File in SSNVS
- How to Use SSA's Free W-2 Online Website (does not include information on activation codes)
Tutorials
How to:
- How to Register and Get an Activation Code (New)
- Use BSO (Word and PDF Documents)
- Tax Year 2022 New Wage File Upload Tutorial
Handbooks
- Forms W-2/W-3 Instructions
- Form 941 - Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return Form
- The Social Security Number Verification Service
- Determining a Valid Social Security Number
- Publication 15, (Circular E), Employer's Tax Guide--Reporting Sick Pay
- Social Security Number Randomization Frequently Asked Questions
- Electronic Wage Reporting (Forms W-2)
- Specifications for Filing Forms W-2 and W-2c Electronically (EFW2/EFW2C)
- Tax Year 2022 Substitute W-3/W-2 2-D Barcoding Standards
- Electronic Data Transfer Guide
- Apply for an Employer identification Number Online