O.K. entrepreneurs, time to brush up on a little paper work.
I-9 forms are required for all employees. This is a Federal document which shows that you have checked your employees documentation, and that by your reckoning, they can work in the U.S.
Here’s a tip: Keep all your completed I-9 forms in separate files, one for current employees, and one for former employees. There are several benefits to this method in comparison to keeping this document in your employee files. First, it’s MUCH easier for someone to do a periodic review and make sure that all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed. Second, if you do happen to get an ICE (U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement) audit, the auditors do not have to go digging through all your employee files looking for the I-9 form, and whatever else they might find. You know how auditors are, they love finding violations of other laws when they are on premises, which only increases your risk for fines or worse.
FYI - Here’s a link to the Federal instructions for the I-9 form, M-274.
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. U.S. laws are subject to change. States may or may not have laws on the books that counter or add to our National laws. This is written as-is. If you have questions, go see your lawyer!
