We continue to answer questions that employers have about I-9s. It is always important that employers error on the side of caution with compliance matters—it is better to just follow the rules rather than risk punitive action.
This is why every employer should complete I-9s for their employees, to document their employment eligibility.
Below, we answer some of the questions employers have about completing I-9s.
What is an I-9 for Employment?
An I-9 refers to Form I-9, a required document that employers must complete for each and every employee. I-9s confirm employment eligibility, meaning that the employee is legally permitted to work in the United States.
The I-9 has been required since the 1980s. If companies are caught by the federal government with employees who have not completed an I09, they can be punished with fines and even criminal charges.
Employers should complete I-9s for their employees.
How Do Employers Fill Out I-9?
Honestly, we are a little biased when it comes to questions like this. There are, of course, innumerable guides that help walk employers through the finer points of completing I-9s accurately to ensure compliance with employment eligibility requirements.
That said, there is an easier way for employers to fill out I-9: Outsourcing it to TrendSource, the established experts in I-9 Verifications.
With TrendSource, all employers need do is provide contact information for their New Hire(s). TrendSource will reach out to them and directly connect them to a local Field Agent. That Field Agent will meet the New Hire at a location of their choosing and, together, they will complete the I-9 using TrendSource’s proprietary digital platform.
This unburdens HR teams, who can effortlessly onboard on-site and remote employees alike. Sure, you can do it yourself, but it pays to work with the experts.
TrendSource I-9 Verifications are the clear answer for employers who need to complete I-9s.
How Long Do Employers Have to Keep I-9s for Terminated Employees?
This is a question that employers often ask: How long are employers required to keep completed I-9s for terminated employees. After all, I-9s contain personal information and, unless required to maintain them by law, it is just good for everybody involved that they be destroyed.
But if the federal government audits an employer, they will be required to show a completed I-9 for any employee who was terminated within the last year. This means that employers must keep I-9s for terminated employees for one year.
As always, it is best to keep abreast of any changes to these standards before making any decision about compliance best practices.
TrendSource I-9 Verifications + E-Verify
TrendSource’s I-9 Verifications are an effective solution for employers with on-site, remote, and hybrid workers. They are convenient, they are easy to manage, and they are accurate and efficient.
Trust us, we are kind of obsessed with I-9s.
