Big shout out to Danielle at HR Allies for always keeping us informed on all things related to HR and Compliance! If you need any HR assistance, Danielle would love to talk to you! Reach out to her at Danielle@hrallies.com or (202) 734-7272.With immigration enforcement ramping up, Form I-9 compliance has become more critical than ever for businesses. Consider this: I-9 audits increased from 1,360 in 2017 to 6,450 in 2019 during the previous administration. As we move into 2025, this enforcement trend is likely to intensify.The Stakes Are High: Non-compliance can result in severe penalties:
- Up to $2,789 per form for errors
- Up to $27,000 for knowingly employing unauthorized workers
- Potential criminal penalties in extreme cases
5 Essential Steps for Compliance
1. Use the Current Form: Make sure you're using the August 1, 2023 edition (expires July 31, 2026, or May 31, 2027)
2. Meet Deadlines: Complete forms within three business days of hire - no exceptions
3. Check for Common Errors: Watch for missing information, late completion, and incorrect dates
4. Maintain Records Properly
- Keep I-9s separate from other personnel files
- Retain forms for required timeframes
- Store current employee forms separately from former employees
5. Stay Audit-Ready: You'll have just three business days to provide forms if audited
Found an error? You can fix it! Simply:
- Draw a line through incorrect information
- Write the correction above
- Initial and date the change
- Never use white-out or back-date
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