Changes made to the 2009 W-2s mean year-end might not be as smooth as expected.
IRS and SSA have changed the format of Form W-2 to help protect workers’ privacy. To keep employees’ Social Security Numbers from showing through a window envelope, the agencies have moved:
– the “Employee’s Social Security number” (SSN) box from Box d to Box a
– “Control number” box from Box a to Box d (this is optionally used by some employers to identify individual W-2s)
– The form ID Number “22222” AND “Void” boxes to the top left corner of the form.
SSA says it’s received many paper W-2s where the SSN and/or name aren’t in the proper position – which delays processing. Before submitting paper W-2s to SSA, be sure someone reviews them, especially Copy A, to ensure printer accuracy.
Get the 2009 filing instructions here.
