CASWELL BELL & HILLISON LLP
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER VERIFICATION FOR EMPLOYERS

The Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS), set up by the Social Security Administration (SSA), allows employers to use the Internet to match their records of employee names and Social Security numbers with those of the Government’s before preparing and submitting W-2 forms.  Click here to access the SSNVS.  This is a faster and easier method to use than submitting requests to the SSA by other means, including the telephone verification option.

Federal and state tax authorities require employers to maintain records of social security numbers; and immigration laws may require keeping this information as a form of proof of right to work in the United States.  For example, household employers in California must file Quarterly Wage Reports (DE 6) setting forth their employees' social security numbers with the Employment Development Department for payroll tax purposes.

[Under California law, only the last four digits of the social security number (or an employee identification number other than a social security number) may be shown on the check.] 

Verification of data is important for both the employer and its employees.  Correct names and numbers are critical to successful processing of wage reports, and unmatched records can cause additional processing costs for the employer.  From the employees’ standpoint, verified names and numbers allow the Government to properly credit employees’ earnings records.  Any uncredited earnings can adversely affect future eligibility for Social Security’s retirement, disability, and survivors programs.

© Caswell Bell & Hillison LLP          Attorneys and Lawyers, Fresno, California