W-2 AccuWage Testing

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a free software call AccuWage that you can use to test the employee W-2 information for errors that may cause the W-2 Electronic file to be returned unprocessed.  You can download the software and then run the program.  It will read the W-2 Magnetic file and list any errors that it detects.

 

Important:  

  • If the AccuWage program finds errors with your W-2 information you can make the necessary corrections using the Edit Forms. Then, you can re-run the Magnetic Filing routine to recreate the Magnetic File and then retest the file using AccuWage.

  • Check with the Social Security Administration each year to see if you need to download the latest version of the software.

  • Generally, this is the sixth step in the W-2 Forms process.  For more information, see the W-2 Forms Process.

 

Directions:

To test your W-2 Magnetic file, do:

1.  Go to https://www.ssa.gov/employer/.

2.  Click Business Services Online.

3.  Login with your user name and password.

4.  Then, follow the AccuWage directions found at this address:
https://www.ssa.gov/employer/accuwage/helpGuideAccuWageOnline.pdf

5.  AccuWage checks the W-2 Magnetic file and lists any errors it detects.

6.  If AccuWage lists errors, make the necessary corrections using Edit Forms.  Then, re-run the Magnetic filing routine and retest the file using AccuWage.

7.  Repeat the step above until the AccuWage test runs without finding errors with the W-2 information.  Then, the W-2 file is ready to be submitted electronically to the Social Security Administration!