Should an employer conduct an internal audit to ensure compliance with Form I-9? When should the internal audit take place?
Author: Melanie J. Perez-Vellios, VP Group LLC
At least annually, all employers should conduct regular internal audits to ensure compliance with employee verification and Form I-9 mandates. Employers should also track the expiration dates for employees with temporary work status and ensure timely reverification of expiring work authorization. Failure to engage in the federally mandated employee verification process and completion of Form I-9 can result in liability to the employer. Additionally, individual criminal liability can be imposed on executives and some management employees for certain Form I-9 and employee verification violations. Regularly scheduled internal audits are essential in insulating employers from potential liability.