I-9 Audits and Here (or Coming)

Many businesses believe that they will never have an audit of their I-9 files.  That may have been true in the past, but if recent trends are indicators for future expectations, many more businesses will receive the infamous 72 hours inspection notice from Department of Homeland Security.  Keep in mind that I-9s are required of every employer and need to be properly completed within three (3) days of a new employee's start day.  Also, I-9s need to be retained for as long as the individual is employed by your company and then for up to three (3) more years, depending on ho long the employee worked for you at the time they either quit or are fired.  To be clear, I-9s are not optional.  I-9s are not simply for big businesses or certain industries.  Every business owner should understand these rules or make sure the person handling HR is aware of them.  To answer a common question, "No, I-9s are not the same thing as E-Verify."  While E-Verify is optional in many states, I-9 compliance is mandatory everywhere in the USA.  Not following these rules can result in liabilities that could quickly enter the realm of tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.  While we can help negotiate and fight on your behalf to correct these issues, it's better to do some internal audits in advance and make sure that your house is in order before the government comes for an inspection.  Call us with questions or if you open your mail to see an inspection letter from DHS.