If you’re not directly involved in the Human Resources department of your company, maybe you’ve never heard of the I-9 form. But Form I-9 is an absolutely vital part of on-boarding a new employee. This form is used to verify the identity and work eligibility of an employee, and as of January 21, 2017, it has been updated by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.
Easier Digital Copies
One big feature of the update is that the new form is easier than ever to fill out on a computer. How so? The new form:
- includes drop-down lists and calendars for easy completion
- on-screen instructions for each field
- an automatically generated QR code, when the form is printed
Review the New Forms
Every HR department should review the new forms, even if there are no current job openings in the company. You may also want to consider sitting in on one of the upcoming I-9 and E-Verify Webinars that the USCIS is holding. The I-9 form requires precision, and although it is not sent in to the IRS or Department of Labor, it must be kept on file for three years in case of audit. Non-compliance could result in hefty fines – over $2,000 per non-compliant form.
When hiring a new employee, make sure they are aware of all the necessary information that the form requires. Page three of the form lists all the acceptable documents that can be used for proof of identity and proof of employment authorization. An employee must provide these documents before they can be paid for work done at the company.
If you have any other questions about the new I-9 form, or any other employment requirements in Georgia, contact Staffing Resources. We have been named the best choice in staffing agencies in Gwinnett, and can help you with every step of the hiring process.