If you are an employer, keeping up with Social Security requirements can feel like a lot of paperwork. The good news is that the Social Security Administration (SSA) makes many of these services available online through its Business Services Online (BSO) platform. This means you can handle reporting, verification, and corrections from your computer without mailing forms or waiting on hold. Here is a breakdown of the key services available and how you can use them.
What is business services online
Business Services Online, or BSO, is a secure portal that lets you exchange information with Social Security. You will need to create an account with Login.gov or ID.me to access it, but once you are registered, you will have several tools at your fingertips.
With BSO you can:
- Report employee wages.
- Verify Social Security numbers.
- Check the status of reports you have submitted.
- Make corrections to wage reports.
It is designed to save you time while also making sure employee records are accurate.
How to verify social security numbers
One of the most common online services is the Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS). This allows you to check that your employees’ names and Social Security numbers match the records on file with the SSA. Doing this before you file W-2s helps prevent costly mistakes.
There are two ways you can verify numbers:
- SSNVS – Free service that allows you to verify employee names and numbers.
- Consent Based Social Security Number Verification (CBSV) – A paid service for companies that need to check numbers for purposes like banking, mortgage lending, or background checks. Employees must give written consent for this option.
How to file W-2s online
Filing W-2s is another major task that employers can handle online. The SSA provides several options through BSO depending on the size of your business.
- Upload a wage report – If you already have payroll software, you can upload files in the required electronic format. The SSA even offers a free tool called AccuWage to check for errors before submission.
- W-2 Online – If you have up to 50 employees, you can create and print W-2 forms directly in your browser without extra software.
- W-2c Online – If you need to correct past W-2s, you can file up to 25 corrections online and print copies for your employees.
How to correct wage reporting errors
Mistakes happen, but correcting them is simple online. Using W-2c Online, you can fix errors on previously filed forms. The SSA also provides a detailed guide called the Electronic W-2 Filing Handbook that explains step-by-step how to make corrections.
This tool makes it easy to avoid penalties and keep your employee records accurate.
What is consent-based SSN verification
The Consent Based SSN Verification Service (CBSV) is especially useful if your company is in financial services, licensing, or background checks. With this service, you can verify that a Social Security number belongs to a particular person, but only if they have signed a consent form.
This service is not free, but it gives businesses an official way to confirm identities for important transactions.
When can employers access online services
The online services are not available 24/7, but the hours are fairly broad:
- Monday to Friday: 4:15 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. ET
- Saturday: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET
- Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. ET
If you need help, customer support is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET at 1-800-772-6270 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).
