A little preparation now can help you avoid some hassle that’s common with the use of the Social Security Number Verification Service.
Users of Business Services Online (BSO) must first register, then wait for an activation code in the mail. This means employers that want to use the popular SSN Verification Service or either of two higher levels of wage reporting error notifications can’t just jump online and get started.
Here’s the problem: After registering, it takes up to two weeks to receive the activation code – and even longer between January and March. By starting the process now, your code will be ready when you need it.
Avoid this common error
You’ll be in for even a longer wait if you get impatient and register for a second code before the first one arrives. This second request automatically cancels the first, and the time clock starts all over.
If you’re not sure whether you’ve received the first or second code, SSA suggests trying the code online no more than twice. If it fails both times, don’t try a third time – the failure means you have the first activation code, which is no longer valid. A third failed attempt will cancel your second activation code … and, you guessed it, you’ll have to apply a third time. Wait until you receive the second code and use that.
Get more info on BSO here.
