The IRS I-9 Form, also known as the Employment Eligibility Verification Form, is a document used by employers in the United States to verify the identity and employment eligibility of their employees. The form is required by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of their efforts to ensure a legal workforce. By completing the IRS I-9 Form, employers affirm that their employees are authorized to work in the country.
The IRS I-9 Form consists of three sections and must be completed by both the employer and the employee. In Section 1, the employee is required to provide their personal information, including their full name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number. They must also indicate their immigration status, if applicable, by providing the required documentation, such as an Alien Registration Number or an Employment Authorization Document.
Section 2 of the IRS I-9 Form is completed by the employer. In this section, the employer must examine the original documents presented by the employee to establish their identity and work authorization. The employer is responsible for ensuring that the documents provided appear genuine and relate to the individual presenting them. Acceptable documents for verification include a U.S. passport, a Permanent Resident Card, a driver’s license, and a Social Security card, among others.
To validate the authenticity of the provided documents, the employer must carefully inspect them for any signs of tampering, such as alterations or inconsistencies. The employer is also required to record the document title, the issuing authority, the document number, and the expiration date, where applicable.
Section 3 of the IRS I-9 Form is used for reverification and updates. If an employee’s work authorization expires, the employer must reverify their employment eligibility by completing this section. Additionally, if any changes occur that affect the employee’s eligibility, such as a name change, the employer must update the form accordingly.
Employers are obligated to retain the completed IRS I-9 Form for each employee throughout their employment tenure and for a specific period after their employment ends. The form serves as evidence that the employer has complied with the employment eligibility verification obligations set forth by federal law. Failure to properly complete and retain the form can result in penalties and fines imposed by the ICE.
The IRS I-9 Form plays a crucial role in ensuring that employers hire only individuals who are authorized to work in the United States. It helps maintain the integrity of the workforce, prevents unauthorized employment, and safeguards employment opportunities for U.S. citizens and other authorized workers. By establishing a consistent and standardized process, the IRS I-9 Form assists employers in fulfilling their legal responsibilities while promoting a fair and law-abiding business environment.
In summary, the IRS I-9 Form is an essential part of the hiring process in the United States. By completing this form, employers comply with federal regulations regarding employment eligibility verification. The form serves as a record of an employee’s identity and work authorization, ensuring that the workforce remains lawful and protected.
