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E-File W2s

E-File W2s: Register with SSA and State of Idaho

Register with the SSA Business Services Online

Registering is a one-time process, meaning once it is done, you will not need to repeat the process in future years unless the person that does the filing changes.

Follow the steps below to register and create an account and to request access to the Business Services Online Suite. The SSA also provides a PDF with step-by-step instructions: https://www.ssa.gov/employer/documents/howtoregister.pdf they also provide a comprehensive Online Tutorial: https://www.ssa.gov/employer/bsotut.htm

Register and Create an SSA Account

  1. Go to https://www.ssa.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm 
  2. In the Employers box, select the Create Account link
  3. If you don't have a Login.gov or ID.me account, select the Create an account with Login.gov.
    NOTE: If you already have a Login.gov or ID.me account, sign in with one of those options.
  4. If creating an account, follow and complete the on-screen prompts.
    Note: Select the "No" radio button that you have not received an activation code yet.
  5. Select I agree to the Terms of Service
  6. Then select Next
  7. Verify Your Identity
    • Enter your personal information so the SSA can verify your identify. The information you provide when you register allows them to confirm your identity before issuing a User ID.
    • Your employer will NOT see your personal information OR have access to it.
    • Your personal Social Security account and BSO account will remain separate.
  8. Choose how you want to receive the activation by selecting the radio button of your choice
  9. Enter the activation code and select Submit Activation Code
  10. Choose How To Verify Your ID. You can choose:
    • To take photos of your ID with a smartphone. Take clear pictures of both the front and back of your state issued ID when prompted.
    • Input your ID and financial information. You use one of the following: Credit card, Social Security benefits amount, W-2s schedule SE
  11. After verifying your identify, Select Request a new User ID and select Next
  12. Enter your personal contact information
  13. Your new BSO User ID has been created! Print this page or save the generated username in a secure location.

Request Access to the SSA's Business Services Online (BSO) Suite

  1. Select the Request New Services link
  2. Check the checkbox SSA Services Suite for Employers: and select the Next button
  3. To enter the Employer information, select the Add Your Employer Information to continue
  4. On the next page, select the I Accept button on the Employer Information Attestation
  5. Add employer information. Select the radio button for the statement that applies to you; then enter the Employer Identification Number (EIN) and press the Look Up button.
  6. Select Submit Employer Information to continue
  7. Confirm the information is correct, then press Next to continue.
  8. Answer the questions: (Normally the answer is Yes)
    • Do you want to report wages to Social Security and/or test wage files using AccuWage?
    • In addition, do you want to view wage report name SSN errors?
  9. Select Next

     
  10. The next screen will ask if you want to request access to Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS). This is not necessary for submitting W2s.
  11. Review the summary of services selected and select Confirm to submit your access request.
  12. The confirmation page shows what services were selected. Please print this page for your records
  13. Activation codes will be mailed to the address they have on record for your employer

Activate Business Services Online (BSO) Suite

  1. Once you receive your mailed activation code, log back in
  2. Once you have navigated to the BSO main menu, select the Enter Activation Code(s) link
  3. Enter the activation code in the Enter Activation Code field and select the Activate Service(s) button
  4. You are now ready to Report Wages to Social Security

Register with the State of Idaho (TAP)

Most schools and business managers will already have an Idaho TAP account. If you don't, follow the instructions here:

  1. On the TAP home page, look below the Log In button. Click Sign up under New to e-Services?
  2. Select one of the following options:
    • Take a quiz for same-day access. (You must have your most recent tax return information readily available. Please take adjustments into account. Note: the required field will reject a $0 value amount.)
    • Receive a letter with your registration code. (Have your code delivered via mail and use the code to complete your registration.)
  3. Answer whether you’re a ”3rd Party Tax Preparer.” Select Yes or No. (Filing as a 3rd Party Tax Preparer means you provide tax services to another individual or business.)
  4. Enter your Social Security number (SSN), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). Complete the other required fields:
    • In the Name field, use the legal name associated with the SSN, ITIN, or FEIN you entered.
    • Enter your ZIP code. It must match what we have on file for your location ZIP code.

  1. Take the Registration Quiz.

    • For Business filers: Select the Account Type you’d like to validate. (Business Income Tax)

    After choosing the Account Type, select the type of form that you’ve filed and input the filing period.

    The Registration Quiz will ask you to reference a specific line on the selected document. Input the figure located on the referenced line.

  1. Create your TAP logon.
    • Enter your email address.
    • Create a username.
    • Create a password and confirm it.
    • Choose a recovery question and create an answer.
    • Enter your name.
    • Provide your phone number (and alternate phone number if necessary).
    • Click Next.
  1. Verify that the information on the registration summary is correct. Click Submit.
  2. You’ll see a confirmation screen. You should receive a confirmation email with your username.

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