IRS New Rule: OK to hide SSN/TIN Numbers on W2s
The IRS has approved a rule that allows Social Security [SSN] and Taxpayer Identification [TIN] numbers to be “masked” or truncated on W2s issued after December 31, 2020. The SSNs and TINs can now be printed on W2s with the first five numbers represented as “X” or “*” to conceal the actual numbers.
Example might read: XXX-XX-0000 or ***-**- 0000.
What this means for employees: better security.
Our W2 vendor, SOLV has quickly added this feature to keep W2 information secure while employees’ W2 envelopes are in transit, adding an extra layer of protection against identity theft.