Alert
On March 25, 2023, we updated how you access a BSO account for the following services:
- Wage file upload
- W-2/W-2C online
- AccuWage online
- Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS)
- View wage report name/SSN errors
BSO users will need a Social Security online account. You can use your personal my Social Security account that was created before September 18, 2021, or an existing Login.gov or ID.me credential.
If you do not have a Social Security online account or a Login.gov or ID.me credential, you will need to create one from our Social Security Sign in page. This is a new requirement to access BSO employer services.
Once the credentialing and authentication process has been completed, current BSO User ID(s) will be associated with your new credential.
We appreciate your patience as we continue to enhance our system.
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.
Quick Reference Guides
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
- Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information
- 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
Alert
Please note that as of March 25, 2023, the registration and log in process has changed. Please be patient as we work to update our site with changes to our videos, tutorials and handbooks that reflect this change.
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:
- Helpful Tips
- Decoding the BSO Activation Codes
- Here's what BSO can do for you
- 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
- 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 2023 Substitute W-3/W-2 2-D Barcoding Standards
- Electronic Data Transfer Guide
- Apply for an Employer identification Number Online