Great Lakes Wire

Audits of Form I-9 have been on the rise, and this trend is expected to continue under the new administration. According to recent information, more than 75% of paper forms contain at least one error or are incomplete. Errors in I-9 paperwork can lead to fines ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per form.

To prepare for potential audits, organizations should ensure they are using the most current Form I-9. Employers need to verify that all required information is complete and accurate for each employee. This includes Employee Information, Citizenship or Immigration Status, Employee’s Attestation, Identity and Employment Eligibility Provided Documents (List A), Identity (List B), Employment Authorization (List C), Employer’s Certification Information, and Reverification Requirements.

Maintaining organization by keeping all Forms I-9 together is crucial. Conducting internal audits can help identify past errors and determine when it is appropriate to discard old forms after their retention period has expired. Utilizing E-Verify may assist in confirming employment authorization and demonstrate compliance efforts.

Employers might also consider adopting an electronic system to minimize errors and streamline processes. Understanding employer rights is also important during this process.

Taking these proactive measures can help avoid costly fines and compliance issues in the future. For further questions or assistance, reaching out for professional guidance is recommended.

This article was provided by Ahola.