What document is used by the SSA to update an employee's retirement earnings account?

The W-2, Copy A is the correct document used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to update an employee's retirement earnings account. This specific copy is submitted by employers to the SSA and provides detailed information about the wages paid to an employee within a year, as well as the taxes withheld. This information is essential for the SSA to accurately calculate an employee's future Social Security benefits based on their earnings history.

Copy A must be filed with the SSA by the required deadlines, and it is the official record that contributes to the employee's account, impacting their eligibility and calculation of retirement benefits. The accuracy of this form is crucial, as discrepancies can lead to issues with an employee's retirement account and benefits.

The other options refer to documents that, while related to payroll and tax reporting, do not serve the purpose of updating an employee's retirement earnings account at the SSA in the same direct manner. For instance, the W-3 is a summary form that reports the total earnings and withholding for all employees but does not provide individual updates per employee account. Copy B of the W-2 is intended for the employee’s records, while Form 941 is a quarterly payroll tax return used for reporting income taxes, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax