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Social Security
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Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS) Handbook

Employer Reporting Information

Visit the Employer W-2 Filing Instructions & Information web page for additional information. Select the Learn How to E-File Using Business Services Online link for an online tour of BSO. You will need Microsoft Word or Adobe Reader (version 5.0 or higher recommended) to view the BSO Tutorial. For a free copy of Adobe Reader, visit the Adobe Reader homepage.

SSNVS Handbook

Table of Contents

  • SSNVS Handbook Home
  • Contact Information
  • What is SSNVS and BSO?
  • System Requirements
  • Security
  • SSNVS/BSO Availability
  • Registration
  • Access to SSNVS
  • Logging into SSNVS
  • Using SSNVS
  • Submission File Format
  • Returned File Format
  • SSN Verification Results
  • Status and Retrieval Options
  • Status and Retrieval Results
  • What To Do If An SSN Fails To Verify
  • Logging Out
  • SSNVS News
  • Getting Help
  • Employer Reporting Information
  • Maintaining Your Registration Information
  • Glossary of Terms
  • Appendix A: Additional Verification Options
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SSA.gov
An official website of the Social Security Administration

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