SSA Releases Guidance on Social Security Number Mismatches
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released new technical guidance on the return file format for online Social Security Number verifications, effective August 25, 2007.
In general, there are two Internet verification options employers may use to verify that employee names and Social Security numbers match the SSA’s records. An employer may verify up to 10 names and SSNs (per screen) online and receive immediate results, such as to verify new hires. An employer also may upload overnight files of up to 250,000 names and SSNs and usually receive results the next government business day, the SSA said. This option may be used to verify an entire payroll database or when hiring a large number of workers. Although the service is available to all employers and third-party submitters, it can only be used to verify current or former employees and only for wage reporting (Form W-2) purposes.
The SSA’s new guidance is available. Additional information and instructions on how to use the Social Security Number Verification Service are available.
