Social Security:
Establishes a number of social programs which have the basic objectives of providing for the material needs of individuals and families
Programs include: retirement insurance; survivor's insurance; disability insurance; hospital and medical insurance for the aged, disabled; and supplemental security income, among others
Reports of earnings must be filed annually by every employer who is required to withhold income tax from wages and/or who is liable for FICA taxes, also called Social Security and Medicare taxes
Each employer must:
Keep a record of the name and Social Security number of each employee as it is shown on the employee's Social Security card (this information will be needed for the earnings report); and
Get an employer identification number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by filing an application (Form SS-4) which may be obtained from any IRS or Social Security office (this number must be shown on the employer's tax returns and earnings reports).
The Social Security Handbook is available online.
More information about Social Security.
