Hey all, I opted to do my own payroll for our nanny, which has been an eye-opening experience for how complicated small business taxes are. 

I have to transmit the wages I paid to the social security administration by the end of January. To setup an account online, the SSA was supposed to mail me an activation code. I didn’t want to leave this to the last minute but a month later nothing has arrived in the mail. I’ve tried emailing them no response, and I can’t get someone on the phone in a timely manner. Now that it’s a holiday this is just going to have to wait until early January. 

Anyways just wondering if anyone has successfully been able to setup an online account, specifically with the SSA Small Business Office, and if not does anyone here have experience filing paper W2/W3?  I find the instructions online a little bit confusing because they explicitly say you cannot just print the form and mail it in.  Like do I need to buy forms at staples or something and the print them on there?

It’s like their trying to make it impossible to comply with tax laws. Very frustrating.  I know for some people here this stuff is second nature, but super confusing for me. Thanks in advance for any advice!
Hello,

I understand your frustration. The process can indeed be confusing, especially for the first time. I'm here to help guide you through it.

1. Setting up an online account with SSA: Typically, the SSA does mail you an activation code to set up your online account. But as you've noticed, it can sometimes take a while. If you haven't received it, I recommend trying to contact them again in early January. You could try reaching out to your local Social Security office or see if they have online chat support.

2. Filing Paper W2/W3: Regarding the paper forms, the reason SSA doesn't allow you to simply print them out and mail them is because the copies you print from the internet are not scannable. This is why they require you to either get the official forms from a distributor or file online. You can order the official forms from the IRS directly or from an office supply store (like Staples). They usually come with instructions for how to fill them out.

3. Filing Online: If you're unable to get the paper forms or set up your SSA account in time, another option is to e-file using the Social Security Administration's Business Services Online (BSO). This is a free service and you can file W-2s electronically. It can be a bit tricky to navigate, but there are step-by-step instructions available on their website.

4. Get Professional Help: If all of this is a bit overwhelming, you might want to consider hiring a payroll service or a CPA to handle this for you. It might be an added expense, but it could save you a lot of time and stress.

Remember, you need to submit your W-2 forms to the SSA by the end of January, but you also need to provide copies to your nanny and possibly your state tax department, depending on where you live. So make sure to keep track of all deadlines and requirements. 

I hope this helps! If you have more questions, feel free to ask.
### Human
Hey all, I opted to do my own payroll for our nanny, which has been an eye-opening experience for how complicated small business taxes are. 

I have to transmit the wages I paid to the social security administration by the end of January. To setup an account online, the SSA was supposed to mail me an activation code. I didn’t want to leave this to the last minute but a month later nothing has arrived in the mail. I’ve tried emailing them no response, and I can’t get someone on the phone in a timely manner. Now that it’s a holiday this is just going to have to wait until early January. 

Anyways just wondering if anyone has successfully been able to setup an online account, specifically with the SSA Small Business Office, and if not does anyone here have experience filing paper W2/W3?  I find the instructions online a little bit confusing because they explicitly say you cannot just print the form and mail it in.  Like do I need to buy forms at staples or something and the print them on there?

It’s like their trying to make it impossible to comply with tax laws. Very frustrating.  I know for some people here this stuff is second nature, but super confusing for me. Thanks in advance for any advice!

### Assistant
Hello,

I understand your frustration. The process can indeed be confusing, especially for the first time. I'm here to help guide you through it.

1. Setting up an online account with SSA: Typically, the SSA does mail you an activation code to set up your online account. But as you've noticed, it can sometimes take a while. If you haven't received it, I recommend trying to contact them again in early January. You could try reaching out to your local Social Security office or see if they have online chat support.

2. Filing Paper W2/W3: Regarding the paper forms, the reason SSA doesn't allow you to simply print them out and mail them is because the copies you print from the internet are not scannable. This is why they require you to either get the official forms from a distributor or file online. You can order the official forms from the IRS directly or from an office supply store (like Staples). They usually come with instructions for how to fill them out.

3. Filing Online: If you're unable to get the paper forms or set up your SSA account in time, another option is to e-file using the Social Security Administration's Business Services Online (BSO). This is a free service and you can file W-2s electronically. It can be a bit tricky to navigate, but there are step-by-step instructions available on their website.

4. Get Professional Help: If all of this is a bit overwhelming, you might want to consider hiring a payroll service or a CPA to handle this for you. It might be an added expense, but it could save you a lot of time and stress.

Remember, you need to submit your W-2 forms to the SSA by the end of January, but you also need to provide copies to your nanny and possibly your state tax department, depending on where you live. So make sure to keep track of all deadlines and requirements. 

I hope this helps! If you have more questions, feel free to ask.<eos_token>