Why are the SSNs on Form W-2 masked in 123PayStubs?
1.3k views | Last modified 11/17/2020 12:22:03 AM EST | Added by 123PayStubs Team

The IRS/SSA recommends the masking of SSN only in the copies of Form W-2 sent to employees. This is to prevent information theft and fraud. However, copies of Form W-2 sent to federal and state agencies will not be masked. The agency will not accept the form if the SSN in the form is truncated or masked.
In 123PayStubs, when you choose to send the recipient copies by email, your employees will receive the return copies with the SSNs masked (for security purposes). 
In case you choose to download the copies, you’ll have an option to choose the SSNs to be masked or not.

Note: Employers must send Form W-2 copies to their employees on or before January 31st.