The I-9 Form IRS, also known as the Employment Eligibility Verification Form, is a mandatory document required by the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of their employees. It is a critical component of hiring and maintaining a legal workforce in the United States. The purpose of the I-9 Form IRS is to ensure that individuals being hired are authorized to work in the country and to prevent the employment of unauthorized individuals.
The I-9 Form IRS was introduced by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a component of the Department of Homeland Security, to comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). This law prohibits employers from knowingly hiring or continuing to employ individuals who are not authorized to work in the United States. By completing the I-9 Form IRS, employers are able to establish a record of their compliance with the law.
The I-9 Form IRS consists of three sections: Section 1, Section 2, and Section 3. In Section 1, the employee is required to provide personal information such as their full name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. They are also required to attest to their employment eligibility status, providing information on their citizenship or immigration status, as well as their immigration document number if applicable.
Section 2 of the I-9 Form IRS is completed by the employer or their authorized representative. In this section, the employer must examine and verify the employee’s identity and employment authorization documents. Acceptable documents include passports, driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, and certain types of work authorization cards. The employer must record the document title, issuing authority, document number, and expiration date, if applicable.
Section 3 of the I-9 Form IRS is used for re-verification and rehires. It is completed when the employee’s employment authorization documents expire or when they are rehired within three years after the original completion date of the form, whichever occurs first. In this section, the employer must update any necessary information and indicate the date of rehire or re-verification.
It is important for employers to accurately complete and retain the I-9 Form IRS for each employee. Failure to comply with the I-9 requirements can result in severe penalties, including fines and even criminal charges. The USCIS and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency conduct regular audits and investigations to ensure that employers are adhering to the I-9 Form IRS guidelines.
While the I-9 Form IRS serves as a vital tool in preventing the employment of unauthorized individuals, it is crucial for employers to exercise caution and avoid discrimination. The form should only be used to verify the identity and eligibility of all employees, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status. Employers must treat all employees equally and avoid making assumptions or judgments based on their appearance or national origin.
In conclusion, the I-9 Form IRS is an essential document that every employer in the United States must complete for all their employees. It serves to verify their identity and employment eligibility, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. By carefully following the guidelines outlined in the I-9 Form IRS, employers can maintain a legal and authorized workforce while avoiding potential penalties and legal consequences.
