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DaveInTexas
Level 1

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

I got an email from BSO (SSA) saying in order to file our next W2s (in Jan 2024), we will have to enroll in additional security measures.  It's not a scam email.

 

I am concerned that if my QB file does not know about me enrolling in these additional security measures, I will be delayed in getting my W2&3s to them next year.
Anyone know how to tell the program about your new credentials so it can file successfully without any delay or fussing about?

Text in next email; this forum will remove links.

 

 

 

 

"As of March 25, 2023, we updated how Business Services Online (BSO) users must sign up for and access a BSO account. BSO users must have additional levels of security added to their account to submit W2’s and for the following employer services:

Wage file upload
W-2/W-C online
AccuWage online
Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS)
View wage report name/SSN errors
You will not be able to use the above services without adding the additional levels of security to your account.


What does this mean for you?
If you have a separate Social Security online account that was created before September 18, 2021, or an existing Login.gov or ID.me credential, please visit our sign in using your existing Social Security username or your Login.gov or ID.me sign in and add the additional levels of security.

Once the credentialing and authentication process has been completed, current BSO User ID(s) will be associated with your credential.


Frequently asked questions

Can I sign in with my personal my Social Security account username and password?
If you have created a my Social Security account prior to September 18, 2021, you can use the username and password to sign in once redirected from the employer webpage. The username and password will be associated with your BSO User ID.

Are there any actions I can take now?
Don’t wait! These additional levels of security are required to submit W2’s and for the employer services listed above. Visit our page to get started."

 

23 Comments 23
ZackE
Moderator

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

Thanks for reaching out to the Community, DaveInTexas. I appreciate you sharing the text from your email.

 

Since these additional levels of security are being set up with a different portal and organization, they shouldn't have any effect on your filings that go through Intuit.

 

On the QuickBooks side of things, I'd recommend continuing to make sure you're up-to-date with your products latest release and payroll tax tables.

 

Here's how to update QuickBooks to its latest release:
 

  1. QuickBooks will automatically download updates when they're available. Once an update is downloaded, you'll see an Update available option on the status bar in your top-right corner.
  2. Click Update available.
  3. Hit Install now.
  4. Wait for it to finish installing.
  5. Open QuickBooks once it's finished.

 

Here's how to get the latest tax table updates:
 

  1. In your top menu bar, go to Employees, then Get Payroll Updates.
  2. Click Download Entire Update.
  3. Select Update.

 

I've also included a detailed resource about working with tax forms which may come in handy moving forward: File your W-2 forms

 

Please don't hesitate to send a reply if there's any additional questions. Have a lovely Monday!

KTZM
Level 1

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

If I choose to file through BSO, and not through Quickbooks, is the file Quickbooks saves the same one

that I would upload on BSO?

Maybelle_S
QuickBooks Team

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

Let me share details about filing a W-2, KTZM.

 

QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) W-2 information follows Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines, but BSO has its format guidelines for W-2 filing. With that, we can't guarantee the accuracy of the W-2 uploaded in BSO is the same as with QuickBooks.

 

Furthermore, SSA won't accept files that don't match its format, which is EFW2. Each year, the SSA updates the W-2 electronic filing instructions in the Specifications for Filing Forms W-2 Electronically or EFW2.

 

Additionally, I've added these articles about filing and printing W-2 in QuickBooks:

 

 

Please know that we're here if you need help with anything else. Don't hesitate to reach out. Keep safe always.

LadyKBell
Level 2

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

With Quickbooks online and Quickbooks Payroll Core, do I need to set up a BSO account for SSA.GOV?

MadelynC
Moderator

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

I appreciate your time in reaching out and joining this thread for assistance, @kimcal1.


If you need to submit a W-2 form to the Social Security Administration (SSA.GOV), then yes, you’ll want to set up a Business Services Online (BSO) account.


The BSO account enables you to report employees' wages and verify their Social Security Numbers (SSNs). It's a crucial step in ensuring accurate payroll reporting and compliance.


You may want to consult the official documentation provided by the SSA or reach out to their support for guidance if you require help with the process. Moreover, you can visit the IRS website to obtain their contact information and then navigate to the SSA section.


Here are some resources you can read to learn more about filing and printing W-2 and W-3 forms in the QuickBooks:

 


Drop me a reply if you have any other questions about managing your payroll transactions and account. The Community team is always here to assist you, @kimcal1.

BBarnes-MMLS
Level 1

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

How can I save a file in QB Desktop that can be used to upload W2 information in Social Securities BSO Business Services Online?  I do not want Intuit to file it for me, I want to be able to upload the file myself.

kstod
Level 1

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

Follow up question. If I use my quickbooks to electronically file my W-2, I do not need to set up a separate BSO account. I only need to set up a BSO account if I want to file my W-2 without Quickbooks. Is that correct?

Ethel_A
QuickBooks Team

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

Welcome to the Community, @BBarnes-MMLS.

 

I'll help you print W2 or W3 forms in QuickBooks Desktop.

 

In QuickBooks Desktop, you can print a W2 form since there is no option to save a file or W2 form.

 

You can print your W-2s on or after January 1. 

 

Here's how:

 

  1. Update QuickBooks and the payroll tax table.
  2. From the Employees' menu dropdown, select Payroll Tax Forms & W-2s, then Process Payroll Forms.
  3. From the File Forms tab, select Annual Form W-2/W-3 - Wage and Tax Statement/ Transmittal.
  4. Choose Create Form.
  5. Select all or individual employees to file.
  6. Enter the year, then select OK.
  7. Choose all or individual employees to print.
  8. Click Review/Edit to review each W-2. Reviewed W-2s have a checkmark in the Reviewed column.
  9. Once done, select Submit Form and follow the steps to print and file the forms.

 

Here is an article for the detailed steps: Print your W-2 and W-3 forms.

 

I'm also adding this article to help you if you decide to file it with QuickBooks Desktop: File your W-2 and W-3 forms.

 

Let me know if you need additional assistance in printing payroll forms in QuickBooks Desktop. I'm always here to help. Have a great day.

RCarlson
Level 1

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

Hi, 

I do not think you are answering @BBarnes-MMLS. question. 

Is there one report in QB desktop that can be exported, that contains all the information needed to complete the SSA uploading file?

 

I also would like to export the employee info and paste it into a SSA template I have to upload to the BSO website. Right now, it looks like I have to pull multiple reports. This is extremely time consuming if you have many employees. 

IrizA
QuickBooks Team

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

Thank you for joining this thread, RCarlson

 

In QuickBooks Desktop, pulling up a specific report that contains the information you've needed to complete the SSA uploading file is unavailable. However, you can use the W-2 form to print in QuickBooks Desktop. 

 

You may refer to this material to learn more about printing your W-2 forms: Print your W-2 and W-3 forms.

 

Regarding the format to use for completing the SSA upload file, I recommend reaching out to the SSA support for more guidance.  

 

In addition, you can pull up a report named Employee Contact List and customize it based on the needed employee information in the SSA template. Right after, you can export it and then paste it into the SSA template. 

 

Here's how: 

 

Step 1: Run a report named Employee Contact List

 

  1. Go to the Reports menu. 
  2. Select the Employees & Payroll and choose Employee Contact List. 
  3. Click the Customize Report.
  4. Within the Display tab, click the Columns field and search for the information that needs to be included in your report. 
  5. Press OK once done. 

 

Step 2: Export your report

 

  1. Go to the Reports menu. 
  2. Select the Employees & Payroll and click Employee Contact List. 
  3. Press the Excel dropdown. You may choose whether to Create New Worksheet or Update Existing Worksheet. 

 

Furthermore, you may want to browse our articles that may help you with future transactions: Self-help articles. 

 

If you need further assistance, please hit the reply button and enter your concern. The community is here to help you. 

TahitiTango
Level 1

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

I'm so confused.  Do I have to go through all the trouble of getting the BSO and or TCC code if I am just filing through Quickbooks Desktop Enhanced Payroll system to E file W2 and 1099's?  

TahitiTango
Level 1

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

I'm so confused.  Do I have to apply for a BSO and/or a TCC code at all if I am just filing my W2, 1099 through Quickbooks Desktop Enhanced Payroll?  I have no idea how this works.  Please help.  thank you

Carneil_C
QuickBooks Team

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

Hello, @TahitiTango.

 

I'll ensure you can file your W2 payroll forms in QuickBooks Desktop Enhanced Payroll.

 

As provided by my peer, MadelynC, above, you'll need to apply for a (BSO) account if you need to submit a W-2 form to the (SSA.GOV) Social Security Administration. This enables you to verify the Social Security Numbers (SSNs) of the employees and submit their wages. It's a crucial step in ensuring accurate payroll reporting and compliance.

 

The first step to electronically file your W-2s is to set it up. Once you're ready, here's how: 

 

  1. Go to the Employees menu, then choose Payroll Center.
  2. Open the QuickBooks Desktop Payroll Setup.
  3. From the Payroll Center, select the File Forms tab.
  4. From the Other Activities list at the bottom, select Change Filing Method.
  5. Click Continue.
  6. Select Federal Form W-2/W-3 from the list of forms, then select Edit.
  7. Tick E-file, then Finish. This will open the enrollment instructions that you can read and print.
  8. Close the View Enrollments window and hit Finish Later.

 

From there, you can follow Steps 2-5 in this article to file your W-2s electronically with QBDT Payroll Enhanced: File your W-2 and W-3 forms.

 

On top of that, you can learn how to send your state W-2s to your state agency by checking out this article: File your state W-2s with Quickbooks Desktop Payroll Enhanced.

 

You can post anytime if you have questions about payroll forms in QBDT. Please know the Community has your back. Take care always.

RN97
Level 1

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

I have never filed W2s electronically because we are a small company and it was not required until this year.  I received the same notice from SSA in October telling me I would have to now file electronically.  I set up an account through SSA Business Services Online (BSO) and was trying to find the file from Quickbooks that I could upload through BSO Accuwage to test acceptance of the file.  I hit the efile button hoping to be directed to the file but instead it submitted my W2s to SSA without my BSO account info attached (it never asked if I already had an account), it appears that QB is not submitting a duplicate request for credentials for me.  Reading through the comments here it appears that QB does not have a file that can be used through BSO and the QB efile is my only choice.  That certainly was not clear anywhere on QB or SSA site.  What a mess!  The message I received back from QB says that SSA request can take as long as 6 weeks and I assume this potentially puts my submission as filed late.  I have no idea how to fix this.  Help.  What should I do here?

 

RCV
QuickBooks Team
QuickBooks Team

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

I'm here to make sure you never experience the same thing again when filing your W2 forms with your BSO account info attached, RN97.

 

We'll need to consult the official documentation provided by the SSA or reach out to their support for guidance to help you with the process. We can visit the IRS website to obtain their contact information and then navigate to the SSA section. From there, they can guide you on the format to use for completing the SSA upload file and help you send your W2s to SSA with your BSO account info attached.

 

If you need assistance with sending the W2 forms again in QuickBooks, please contact our Payroll Support Team. They'll pull up your account in a secure environment and help you with this one. Here's how:

 

  1. Go to Help, then select QuickBooks Desktop Help/Contact Us.
  2. Click Contact Us.
  3. Give a brief description of your issue, then select Continue.
  4. Sign in to your Intuit account select Continue and then Continue with my account. If you don't already have an account, make sure to Create a new account.
  5. We'll email you a single-use code. Enter your code and select Continue. If you have more than one account, select the account you want to use and then Continue.
  6. Choose to chat with us or Have us call you.

 

Here are some resources you can read to learn more about filing and printing W-2 and W-3 forms in the QuickBooks:

 

 

The Comments section below is the best place to ask questions or post any other concerns if you have any. Don't hesitate to give me a shout and I'll be with you right away.

HDI1
Level 1

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

I have already signed up with the BSO Business Service Online and have my account all set up to report W-2s and W-3s.  The question I have is can I report my W-2's and W-3 through QuickBooks using my Enhanced Payroll or do I have to report them through my BSO Business Service Online account?  

AileneA
QuickBooks Team

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

Hi, HDI1. I'll help you file your W-2 and W-3 in QuickBooks.

 

QuickBooks offers an electronic filing feature for W-2 and W-3 forms, saving time and effort. However, to file these forms in QuickBooks, you must set up your tax payroll first. This is an important step that ensures accurate and timely filing. 
 

You are on the right track, as you have already set up an account for W-2 and W-3 forms with BSO. To make the process smoother, I suggest contacting our payroll specialist to help send the forms to QuickBooks. They can guide you through the steps and ensure everything is done correctly. 
 

Our payroll specialist can also answer any questions about the electronic filing process. They are here to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. 

 

Here's how:

 

  1. Click the (?) Help icon and enter Talk to a human (then type it again when prompted).
  2. When asked by the bot, enter a keyword of your concern.
  3. Select I still need a human, then proceed with Contact us or Get help from a human.
  4. Choose a way to connect with them.

 

I suggest these articles to help you with W-2, E-pay, and E-file in QuickBooks Online:

 

 

In case you need to print out your W-2 and W=3 forms, you can check out this article: Print your W-2 and W-3 forms.

 

Feel free to comment below if you have any questions about the W-2 and W-3 forms. I'll be available to assist you. Have a great day!

Lori410
Level 1

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

Such a mess. I just found out that I need to enter all of my w2's manually because QB does not have an upload file that SSA will except. What is going on with QB? This is unacceptable! Quickbooks take some responsibility and help service your customers. Please help fix this problem!!

 

martiowens
Level 1

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

I need to file w2C due to incorrect SS# on orginal W2 E-filing done thru QB, I corrected SS# and need to efile???? Can I do thru QB

CamelleT
QuickBooks Team

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

Let me help you with your W2c filing, marti.

 

In QuickBooks, fixing an incorrect W-2 and W-3 depends on your payroll service. 

 

If you use QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) Payroll Assistedcontact us to request a correction. We'll fix it and file a W-2c form with the SSA. You’ll also receive a copy of the W-2c to provide to your employee, and an updated W-3 copy to print for your records. 

 

For QBDT Payroll Enhanced, if you or your employee finds the mistake after you file your W-2s:

 

You can create your W-2c and W-3c in QuickBooks and print them on perforated paper only (not pre-printed). File the W-2c and W-3c manually with the Social Security Administration.

 

  1. Open your QBDT account.
  2. Go to Employees and choose Employee Center.
  3. Click the File Forms tab and select the Annual Form W-2c/W-3c - corrected Wage and Tax Statement, then Create Form.
  4. Select the employee's last name and hit OK.
  5. Click the employee(s) who need a W-2c. Hit Review/Edit.
  6. Answer the question: Have you made the W-2 corrections in QuickBooks Desktop? If Yes - The current QuickBooks Desktop info shows in the Correct information column on the W-2c. Enter the Previously Reported amount for the items that should be corrected. If No - The current QuickBooks Desktop info shows in the Previously Reported column on the W-2c. Review each W-2c worksheet and enter the correct amounts in the Correct Information column.
  7. Review each page and click Next.
  8. Tick the box Check if this is a W-2c (corrected W-2).
  9. Fill in only the lines that need to be fixed in both the Previously Reported and Correct Information columns. Do this on Federal, State, and local info.
  10. Remove the amounts from the remaining lines. Right-click on the amounts and select Override, then delete the amounts. Do this on Federal, State, and local info as needed.

 

Lastly, for QBDT Payroll Basic and QBDT Payroll Standard

 

Create and file a W-2c form with the Social Security Administration manually. Refer to the General Instructions for Forms W-2c and W-3c section in General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3.

 

You can fix the issue in your product, then use any payroll reports you need to fill in the W-2c form.

 

Moreover, refer to this article for detailed steps in printing paper copies of your W-2: Print your W-2 and W-3 forms.

 

Comment below if you have further questions about managing your W-2 forms. I'll be here to assist. Take care!

martiowens
Level 1

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

New regulations say that if W2 was E-filed then W2c must be E-filed.  Since it is done through QB why do you not allow for E-file with QB? 

KimberlyS
QuickBooks Team

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

Hello there, @martiowens.

 

Let me add some information about fixing an incorrect W-2.

 

In QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) Payroll, please know that it's unavailable to electronically file W-2c and W-3c is unavailable. We'll need to manually print the forms on perforated paper (not pre-printed) and file them with the Social Security Administration (SSA) once corrected forms are created.

 

As my colleague mentioned, filing W-2c with QuickBooks will depend on your QBDT Payroll service.

 

We will fix and file the forms for you with the SSA if you are using QBDT Payroll Assisted. If you're using QBDT Payroll Enhanced, print and manually file the corrected form with the SSA. Lastly, you can refer to the General Instructions for Forms W-2c and W-3c in General Instructions for Forms W-2 and W-3 to manually create and file your form with SSA if you're using QBDT Payroll Basic and Standard.

 

For more information, you can review this article: Fix an incorrect W-2 and W-3.

 

On the other hand, you might want to generate and customize payroll and employee reports to gain valuable insight that could help you manage payroll and track employee expenses.

 

Keep us updated if you have additional questions about correcting W-2s or other related concerns in QuickBooks Desktop. We'll be around to lend a hand.

martiowens
Level 1

BSO Business Services Online and W2s

I have Premium Plus enhanced Payroll, do I have another option that would take care of E-File option for W2c?

The new regulations refile me to E-File W2's and per new requirement I have to E-File any corrections, I cannot send a paper correction.  Is my plan not assisted payroll? If not if I add it will you then E-File My one Correction of one SS# on one return? 

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