AccuWage Online: Free SSA Tool for Checking W-2/EFW2 Files (2025)
AccuWage Online is a free internet application offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables employers and authorized agents to test wage report files before submitting them electronically to the SSA. The tool helps ensure that annual W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) and W-2C (Corrected Wage and Tax Statement) data files meet the required Electronic Filing formats (EFW2 and EFW2C) used for federal wage reporting.
AccuWage Online is provided as part of SSA’s Business Services Online (BSO) system. It does not create or modify wage files. Instead, it validates whether submitted files conform to SSA’s technical specifications before official submission.
What AccuWage Online Does
AccuWage Online checks the structure and formatting of wage report files prepared for electronic submission. When a file is uploaded, the system reviews record sequences, field lengths, and required data elements to confirm compliance with SSA’s EFW2 or EFW2C specifications.
After testing, AccuWage Online generates a detailed results report identifying any formatting errors. Employers and payroll professionals can correct the issues in their original wage files and retest as many times as needed before submitting the final report to the SSA.
Why Employers Use AccuWage Online
The SSA recommends testing wage files with AccuWage Online before official submission. Files that do not meet formatting requirements may be rejected or delayed, which can result in processing delays and additional administrative work.
AccuWage Online is particularly useful for payroll providers and employers submitting large volumes of W-2 or W-2C records, but it is also beneficial for smaller employers who want to confirm file accuracy before filing.
Payroll professionals who prepare electronic wage files often use payroll software to generate W-2 data, which can then be validated using AccuWage Online.
For more information, see our overview of payroll software used by U.S. employers.
Where to Find AccuWage Online
AccuWage Online is accessed through the Business Services Online (BSO) portal operated by the Social Security Administration.
After signing in to a BSO account, users navigate to the Electronic Wage Reporting section, where AccuWage Online is available as a testing tool for EFW2 and EFW2C wage files. The application can be launched directly from the BSO dashboard once the appropriate employer services access is enabled.
How to Access and Use AccuWage Online
To use AccuWage Online, users must have an active Business Services Online account with employer services permissions. After logging in, users upload their EFW2 or EFW2C wage file and run a test within the AccuWage Online interface.
The system returns a validation report indicating whether the file meets SSA formatting requirements or identifying specific errors that must be corrected before submission.
Important Limitations
AccuWage Online verifies file format and structure only. It does not verify employee names or Social Security Numbers. Employers who need to confirm name and SSN accuracy should use the Social Security Number Verification Service (SSNVS).
The tool does not edit or correct wage files. All corrections must be made in the payroll or wage reporting software that generated the original file before retesting.
File Size and Technical Considerations
According to SSA guidance, AccuWage Online supports testing EFW2 and EFW2C files up to 350 MB in uncompressed size. For improved upload performance, SSA recommends compressing large files before submission.
Employers should also ensure they are using the correct tax year specifications when preparing wage files, as SSA periodically updates EFW2 and EFW2C formats.
Benefits for Payroll and Tax Professionals
For payroll administrators, accountants, and tax professionals, AccuWage Online provides a reliable way to identify formatting issues before official wage submission. This helps reduce rejected filings, minimize delays, and support compliance with federal wage reporting requirements.
Because AccuWage Online is offered directly by the SSA at no cost, it remains a valuable resource for organizations responsible for electronic W-2 and W-2C reporting.
Conclusion
AccuWage Online continues to be an essential SSA tool in 2025 for employers and payroll professionals who submit W-2 and W-2C files electronically. By validating file structure and formatting before submission, the tool helps ensure accurate, timely, and compliant wage reporting to the Social Security Administration.
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