Taxpayer First Act

Why You Need to File Your W-2s Electronically

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued final regulations that reduce the electronic filing threshold from 250 W-2s to 10 informational returns, beginning January 2024.

What this means for you: If you file 10 or more informational returns (such as Forms W-2 or 1099), you must file electronically unless the IRS grants a waiver or exemption. This new process makes filing quicker, easier, and reduces errors, that helps to avoid delays in processing your reports.

Note: Filing electronically completes your wage reporting obligation and there is no need to send paper documents.

Steps to file

To submit electronic reports for forms W-2 or W-2c, you will need to register for a Business Services Online (BSO) account. Visit www.ssa.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm.

You will need an account with one of our two credential service providers (CSPs), Login.gov or ID.me. If you do not have an account select the “Create an Account” link and follow the instructions. You will be redirected back to our website to complete the registration process.

Important information needed

You will need to provide information about you and the business(es) you will submit wages for.

Services offered

After successfully registering for BSO, you will need to Request Access to BSO Services. Your employer will receive an activation code in the mail. Once you activate your account, the following services will be available immediately:

W-2/W-2c Online
Wage File Upload
AccuWage Online
View Name and SSN Errors
Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS)

Choices of how to file electronically

There are three ways to file W-2s online:

Upload a Wage Report ‒ Upload your files using your own software if it meets the specifications for electronically filing Forms W-2. You also can use our AccuWage test tool to check the accuracy of your wage reports before submitting them.
W-2 Online ‒ Complete and print up to 50 Forms W-2 suitable for distribution to your employees. No software is required. W-2c Online ‒ Complete and print up to 25 Forms W-2c’s suitable for distribution to your employees. No software is required.

W-2c Online ‒ Complete and print up to 25 Forms W-2c’s suitable for distribution to your employees. No software is required.

You also have the option to hire a 3rd party to submit W-2s electronically on your behalf.

For more information, please visit:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-and-treasury-issue-final-regulations-on-e-file-for-businesses

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FAQs

Need more? Check our frequently asked question for more information.