To correct a Form W-2 with an incorrect SSN (and/or employee name), simply complete boxes d – i on Form W-2c. These boxes show what you previously reported for the employee’s name and SSN as well as the corrections. You do not need to touch the federal, state, or local wage and tax boxes.

Why is it important that your employer have your correct Social Security number?

Employers often ask to see an employee’s Social Security card. While not required, SSA provides a service for employers to verify a name and SSN for wage reporting purposes when you want additional assurance of an employee’s correct name and SSN.

Does it matter if my name is misspelled on w2?

The IRS uses SSNs and Payer EINs to manage and process supporting tax forms such as W-2s and 1099s. Spelling errors with your name would only create an issue when you e-file your return.

What happens if an employer makes an incorrect social security report?

CORRECTING REPORTING ERRORS SSA and IRS maintain employer records by EIN. Reports received with erroneous EINs may be credited to the wrong record. Either missing or incorrect EINs may result in IRS assessing penalties for failure to file correct reports.

What to do if an employee has the wrong SSN number?

The letter suggests that the employer check for simple errors in the W-2 and if there are none, to ask the employee to check his or her SSN and notify the employer of the correct number.

What happens if you don’t have the correct Social Security number?

The IRS may also levy a $50 fine on any employee who does not furnish a correct SSN to his or her employer.

When to contact Social Security about a mismatched employee?

If these steps do not resolve the issue, the letter instructs the employer to have the employee contact any Social Security office to resolve the issue and inform the employer of any corrections that need to be made. The employer is instructed to provide correct information to the SSA within 60 days.