How do I check social security Numbers to make sure they are legal?

Question

I am starting a new landscape business this spring. I know I will have mostly mexicano's applying for the labor jobs. Can I call the S.S. administration and check the s.s. cards that are presented to me? And if they don't match the applicant can I turn him in, if yes who do I call? I want my business to be a good dream come true, not a night mare. Help me!

Answer 1

good luck!
run a landscape business with legal workers only will be a major challenge but if you can perform miracles maybe you can even market that...
"LEGALAWN" we sweat american pride!

regarding your question, check the bcis web site. i remember there is a form you can make them fill out and sign (I think it's the I-9) so that you try to protect yourself since they all produce fake id's and "quasi-official" SSN's)

Answer 2

You can check the Social Security numbers with SSA on-line at:

http://www.ssa.gov/employer/ssnv.htm

Also, please check what SSA has to say about failed numbers below, especially noting that "Any employer that uses the failure of the information to match SSA records to take inappropriate adverse action against a worker may violate State or Federal law," and "The information you receive from Social Security Number Verification Service does not make any statement regarding a worker's immigration status."

Good luck with your business!

Follow these steps for each Social Security number that failed verification:

1. Compare the failed Social Security number to your employment records to see if you made a typographical error. Resend only the correct data (not the entire submission).

2. If your employment records match what you submitted, ask your employee to check his/her Social Security card and inform you of any name or Social Security number difference between your records and his/her card. If your employment records are incorrect, correct your records and resubmit the corrected data.

If your employment records and the name and Social Security number shown on the Social Security card match, ask the employee to check with any local Social Security Office to determine and resolve the issue. Tell the employee that once he/she has visited the Social Security Office, he/she should inform you of any changes. You should correct your records accordingly.

3. If the employee is unable to provide a valid Social Security number, document your efforts to obtain the corrected information. (Retain your documentation for a period of three years.)

4. If the employee no longer works for you, try to get the correct information from the employee and correct your records. If you have already sent a Form W-2 with an incorrect name/SSN then submit a Form W-2c (Corrected Wage and Tax Statement) to correct the mismatch. You can submit Forms W-2C to Social Security online without using special software or paper forms. Since you already have your PIN, you do not need to re-register. Simply request "Report Wages to Social Security" from the Request Access to BSO Services link. You do not need an activation code to send W-2s or W-2Cs to Social Security electronically.

5. If you are unable to contact the employee, document your efforts.

Remember

- A mismatch is not a basis, in and of itself, for you to take any adverse action against an employee, such as laying off, suspending, firing, or discriminating.
- Company policy should be applied consistently to all workers.
- Any employer that uses the failure of the information to match SSA records to take inappropriate adverse action against a worker may violate State or Federal law.
- The information you receive from Social Security Number Verification Service does not make any statement regarding a worker's immigration status.

Answer 3

Yes, you can call the SS office to find out if those are registered with their office. When you do your hiring, be certain to let your people know that their new employment is conditional until their SS number can be verified. If they're lying to you, they won't be back. Is that cruel?? No, but it is honest of you...and they should respect that.

Answer 4

Call your local sherriff's office, they should put you in touch with immigration officals. If the number is good notify your local SS ofice and tell them the card is being used by unauthorized person. The penalty for this beats deporation. hope this helps

Answer 5

Go here - http://www.ssa.gov/employer/ssnv.htm