Why Do I Have to Complete the Form I-9?
The Form I-9, officially known as the Employment Eligibility Verification form, is a critical legal requirement for employers and newly hired employees in the United States. Mandated by federal law, this form ensures compliance with U.S. labor regulations and safeguards businesses from penalties related to unauthorized employment.
What is the Purpose of Form I-9?
The Form I-9 serves two primary purposes:
1. Identity Verification
Confirms that the individual is who they claim to be.
Ensures the accuracy of personal information provided by the employee.
2. Legal Work Authorization
Verifies that the employee is legally permitted to work in the U.S.
Applies to both U.S. citizens and noncitizens.
Why is Completing Form I-9 Required?
For Employees:
Completing the Form I-9 accurately demonstrates that you are authorized to work in the U.S., ensuring compliance with immigration and labor laws.
For Employers:
Federal law requires employers to retain a completed Form I-9 for each employee hired after November 6, 1986. Accurate completion of the form:
Helps avoid penalties from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) audits.
Ensures your hiring practices align with federal regulations.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to complete Form I-9 properly can lead to significant consequences, including:
Fines and Penalties: Employers may face civil or criminal penalties for noncompliance.
Employment Termination: Employees without proper work authorization cannot continue their employment.
Reputational Damage: Noncompliance may harm your company’s reputation and ability to attract future talent.
For more details on compliance guidelines, visit the USCIS I-9 Instructions.
How to Ensure Accurate Form I-9 Completion
For Employees:
Provide accurate personal information as it appears on your identification documents.
Present valid, unexpired documents from the Lists of Acceptable Documents.
For Employers:
Review all documents presented by the employee to ensure they meet requirements.
Retain completed forms for the legally mandated time frame:
Three years after the date of hire or one year after termination, whichever is later.
Use tools like ZipID to streamline the I-9 process and reduce errors.
FAQs About Form I-9
Who Needs to Complete Form I-9?
Every employee working in the U.S., regardless of citizenship status, must complete the form.
When Should the Form Be Completed?
Section 1 (Employee): Must be completed on or before the first day of work.
Section 2 (Employer): Must be completed within three business days of the employee’s start date.
What If I Make a Mistake on the Form?
Employers and employees can make corrections by striking through the error, entering the correct information, and initialing and dating the change.
Streamline Your I-9 Process with ZipID
ZipID simplifies the Form I-9 process for both employers and employees by:
Guiding Employees: Clear, step-by-step instructions ensure accuracy in Section 1.
Reducing Errors: Automated prompts help employers complete Section 2 correctly.
Staying Compliant: Digital storage and reminders keep I-9 forms organized and up-to-date.
Learn more about how ZipID can streamline your compliance workflow on our Solutions Page or Contact Us: info@zipidapp.com for a demo today!