BSO Registrants without an SSN

SSA will now accept the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a passport as an alternative to an SSN for an ID.me credential. You can register with ID.me to use BSO regardless of your foreign or domestic address.

ID.me is a Single Sign-On provider that meets the U.S. government’s most rigorous requirements for online identity proofing and authentication. Access to the BSO application requires multifactor authentication.

Start at the BSO Welcome page. From the Employers box, select either 'Log in’ or ‘Create account’ to verify your identity with ID.me.

Tips to remember:

1. If you already have an ID.me account, DO NOT create a new one.
2. You can have multiple email addresses connected to your ID.me account.
3. Use your legal name as printed on your passport or ITIN.

Changes are coming to how you access BSO

Soon, you will no longer be able to sign in with your Social Security username.

• Applies to accounts created more than 3 years ago.
• Access requires an ID.me or Login.gov credential.
• No action needed if you already have an ID.me or Login.gov credential.

Taxpayer First Act – 10 or more returns: E-filing now required

• Starting tax year 2023, if you have 10 or more informational returns, you must file them electronically, unless the IRS grants a waiver or exemption.
• This new regulation reduces errors and helps to avoid delays in processing your reports.
• For more information on informational returns, please visit:
  A guide to information returns | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

The Business Services Online (BSO) access and registration

Allow at least 2 weeks to complete the registration process, well ahead of the January filing deadline.

SSA 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

Your BSO User ID and password is no longer used to access BSO wage reporting services.

BSO users can use their existing Social Security account, a 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign in with my personal my Social Security account username and password?
Yes. However, soon you will no longer be able to sign in with this option. If you have created a Social Security Online account (such as my Social security) you can use the username and password to sign in. Your username and password will be associated with your BSO User ID.

Why do I need to add extra security?
Social Security uses different levels of security depending on the sensitivity of the information being accessed. These additional levels of security are to ensure your information is protected.

Can I use SSA’s BSO to submit a 1099?
No. The Form 1099 is submitted to the IRS for processing. Please view FIRE (1099) Filing Information Returns Electronically for more information.

Can I register for BSO as an employer to view the report from my third-party submitter?
Yes, you can register for BSO as an employer even if you have a third-party submitter. You must register for a credential and request wage reporting services; this will allow you to view the report from any third-party submitter.

Registration and Access to Services Handbook

Do I need to register for a BSO credential if I have a 3^rd party submitting my W2’s?
No, you do not need to register for a BSO credential, although your third-party submitter will need to register for a credential to access BSO wage reporting services.

Registering Without an Employer Identification Number (EIN) means you are unable to file electronically.

• Apply with the IRS here for an EIN or see how to mail your paper forms W-2/W-3 and W2c/W-3c’s to Social Security's Wilkes-Barre Direct Operations Center. Paper Forms W-2 & Instructions.



• Currently, we are unable to mail an activation code to new users registering without an EIN. This includes Household and Self-employed registrants. Registration and Access to Services Handbook.

• Remember, starting tax year 2023, if you have 10 or more informational returns, you must file them electronically, unless the IRS grants a waiver or exemption.

• As a reminder, we can only process Forms W-2 that are Copy A (for SSA), red and white ink or black and white ink, and two to a page.

Electronic Filing Options (EFW2)

• Wage File Upload
• Process your file and provide results in real-time. Receive a receipt right away
• Track your submission to completion
• Know if you have errors immediately after submission
• Must be in the EFW2/EFW2c Format
• For more information on Wage File Upload there are a variety of options:
• Read the tutorial
• View the infographic
• View the video
• Our new application provides a receipt and an immediate notification whether your file passed our edits or if you must fix any errors. You will receive the results in less than 60 seconds.
• W-2 Online - Create, save, print, and submit up to 50 Forms W-2 for Tax Years 2021 - 2024.
• Electronic Wage Reporting Web Service (EWRWS) (ssa.gov) - Developers of payroll and tax reporting software, as well as payroll service providers, can use this to create a web service client to electronically file wage reports.
  • Note: SSA is currently not accepting new EWR Web Service users/consolidators. Wage File Upload and W2 Online remain available to use through Business Services Online.

• For more information about our services, see our training package   
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