Handling mismatches of worker’s Social Security numbers
Whenever the Social Security Administration (SSA) discovers that there is a name mismatch for a particular Social Security number, they issue a “mismatch notice” to the employer. Essentially, the “mismatch” is a case of payroll taxes (thus Social Security contributions) being withheld from the earnings of an employee whose name is different from the name on file with the SSA for that Social Security Number. When this happens, the SSA notifies the employer who is legally obligated to take corrective action. While many in the media view this as an immigration issue (with some calling it a rights intrusion), a name-mismatch could actually occur for any number of reasons other than an illegal worker fraudulently using another’s Social Security number. As revealed in this article by Anthony P. Raimondo appearing in California Ag Today, employers need to take corrective action when they receive a mismatch notice, and they must understand their corresponding legal obligations regarding these notices. Click here to read more.