How to prepare W-2s and the SSA EFW2 file in AcboBooks

In this lesson you will

Check each employee's W-2 boxes
Print W-2 worksheets for employees
Export the EFW2 file for SSA BSO

Before you start

Prepare Form 941 and Form 940
Each employee's SSN and address on the Employees screen

W-2 worksheet in AcboBooks with two employees and the Export SSA EFW2 file button

Check and print the W-2s

Step 1: Open the W-2 worksheet

In Payroll → Payroll Tax Forms click W-2 and check the year. Each row is one employee's W-2: box 1 wages, federal withholding, Social Security and Medicare tax, state withholding, and the new 2026 box 12 codes TP (tips) and TT (qualified overtime).

Box 1 Wages: wages after 401(k) and Section 125 deductions.
Print W-2 saves one employee's W-2 as a PDF; Print all W-2s does every employee.
BSO User ID: your 8-character SSA Business Services Online user ID, written into the file.
Export SSA EFW2 file (electronic W-2) saves the file to upload to SSA.

W-2 table with box 1 wages, tax columns, box 12 TP and TT, the BSO User ID field and EFW2 export button

US edition: AcboBooks counts every overtime hour on a paycheck as FLSA overtime for box 12 code TT. Take out state daily or contract overtime before you file.

File electronically

Step 2: Export and check the EFW2 file

Type your BSO User ID and click Export SSA EFW2 file (electronic W-2). If an SSN, address or company detail is missing, AcboBooks lists it under Fix before filing. Check the saved file with SSA AccuWage Online, then upload it in Business Services Online.

Tip: AcboBooks has no separate W-3 printout. When you file electronically, the totals record in the EFW2 file carries the W-3 totals.

Recap

You can check each employee's W-2 figures.
You can print W-2 copies for employees.
You can export and validate the EFW2 file.

Saved in this browser only. No account needed.

Questions

What if a W-2 figure is wrong?

Fix the paycheck it comes from (Run Payroll → Edit), then reopen the W-2 tab. The worksheet is always rebuilt from the paychecks.

When are W-2s due?

Employee copies and the SSA filing are due by January 31. Check the current deadline on the tax calendar.

Screenshots from AcboBooks 0.2.2 with the built-in sample company. Updated October 25, 2026. Your screens may differ slightly with another version or window size.

W-2s and the EFW2 file