SSA Requires All Employers to Re-Register to Report Wages

On November 7, the Social Security Administration (SSA) changed the authorization process for its Business Services Online (BSO) electronic wage reporting [SSA, New Authorization Process for Electronic Wage Reporting, 11-7-26]. All current employers that use BSO to electronically file their Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, will have to re-register. The only exceptions are employers that participated in the January 2026 limited release and already have an authorization code.

These BSO services are affected by the authorization process: W-2 and W-2c Online; Wage File Upload; Submission Status; Employer Report Status; and AccuWage Online. Access to the Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS) is not affected.

How to Re-Register

To access the new authorization process, a Responsible Entity Officer (REO) will be required to register the employer. An REO is an individual who is authorized to execute agreements on behalf of the entity that are legally binding and enforceable. REOs will have to attest that they have the authority to access and approve the sharing of confidential information for an employer identification number (EIN).

To re-register, navigate to the Employers section on the BSO website and select “Sign in or create account for Electronic Wage Reporting.” After completing the questions, SSA will send a registration code to employers through the mail. SSA encouraged employers to register “as soon as possible” to ensure they have access to report their Forms W-2 during the upcoming filing season.

SSA provided more information on the new process at its Fall Semi-Annual Meeting With the IRS and the Wage Reporting Community, which was held November 10.

To learn more about federal and state laws, regulations, and information to keep your company's payroll operations in compliance, check out Payroll Source Plus!

Jyme Mariani, Esq., is Director of Payroll Information Resources for PayrollOrg.