NYC I-9 Attorney
Ensuring compliance with federal employment verification requirements is critical for businesses operating in New York City. Our team at Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, LLP provides skilled guidance as your NYC I-9 lawyer, helping you navigate every stage of the process with precision. We work with employers to properly complete, review, and maintain Form I-9s, reducing the risk of costly fines or penalties during audits.
From onboarding new hires to addressing complex documentation issues, we help safeguard your business against compliance pitfalls. With extensive knowledge of federal and state regulations, we help ensure your workforce verification practices meet all legal standards while supporting your operational needs.
Hire an I-9 Lawyer
At Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, LLP, our attorneys bring decades of combined experience in employment compliance and immigration-related matters. Recognized as one of the top law firms in New York City by U.S. News and World Report, we handle I-9 compliance with accuracy and discretion.
Our deep understanding of federal verification requirements allows us to guide businesses of all sizes, helping them maintain lawful hiring practices while minimizing exposure to government penalties.
Understanding I-9 Compliance Requirements
Form I-9 is a federal document used to verify the identity and employment eligibility of people hired to work in the United States. I-9 employment eligibility verification is the responsibility of the employer and includes accurate completion of each new hire’s I-9 form, supporting documentation, and recordkeeping for the legally required time.
Errors can result in significant fines and legal challenges. Our PPID team leads employers through all phases of I-9 completion to help guarantee that each form satisfies federal standards. I-9 document compliance can be seamlessly integrated into your hiring process to protect your business from fines, costly errors, and future investigations.
Every employer in the United States must ensure that employees complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization. In New York alone, 2.2 million small businesses, 99.8% of all businesses in the state, employ 4.1 million people, or 47.1% of its workforce.
Preventing and Responding to I-9 Audits
The government does not usually provide advance notice of an I-9 audit. If problems are found with your I-9s, the government can impose heavy fines. The most common reasons for an I-9 audit include random government audits, employee complaints, or information found during another investigation.
We can help you:
- Perform your own internal audits
- Fix the mistakes before an agency audits you
- Represent you during an audit if the government chooses to audit your I-9s
- Communicate with government officials on your behalf.
We know what to look for and how to fix problems before they occur. By taking the right steps to maintain complete and up-to-date I-9 files, you can avoid unnecessary risk and show federal regulators that you are committed to hiring lawfully.
Handling Complex Employment Documentation Issues in NYC
Employers in New York City have a diverse workforce. They face unique I-9 verification issues, from language barriers to international credential evaluations. Employers may face mismatched Social Security records, expired work authorizations, or timely re-verification needs.
PPID helps employers to overcome these hurdles quickly and with as little disruption to their operations as possible, while still ensuring complete legal compliance. We understand the unique pressures that employers in the hospitality, construction, and professional services industries face all over the city. Our attorneys are happy to provide guidance for unusual or complex verification situations, helping you:
- Maintain compliance with federal requirements.
- Avoid costly mistakes and audit-related issues.
- Keep employment verification processes running smoothly in NYC’s dynamic business environment.
FAQs
Form I-9 is used to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every new hire in the United States. As an employer, you must review acceptable documents, complete the form correctly, and retain it for a legally specified period. Compliance not only meets your federal responsibilities but also helps protect your business from expensive fines and penalties.
Federal law mandates that a completed I-9 must be retained for 3 years after the employee’s hire date or 1 year after the date employment ends, whichever is later. This requirement applies to all employers, regardless of size or industry. Correctly retaining your records will help ensure you are ready if a government audit comes to your business. We assist employers with creating a reliable system for tracking retention dates and securely storing I-9 forms for future compliance.
Employers often receive sudden requests to produce I-9 documents through random checks or complaints from staff, as well as through evidence uncovered during separate investigations. Organizations face massive fines when their records are incorrect or incomplete.
Proactive measures in I-9 compliance assist businesses in reducing risk and sidestepping audit-related problems. We collaborate with employers to execute internal I-9 audits, which detect and amend mistakes prior to official inspections to prevent unnecessary interruptions and prove your commitment to legal hiring standards.
When there is an error on an I-9, we recommend that the employer correct the information as soon as possible. Cross out the incorrect information, enter the correct information, and then initial and date the correction. Employers should not use whiteout or make changes in a manner that would conceal the original information. Maintaining a clear record of any corrections indicates a good-faith effort to remain compliant.
Speak to Our NYC I-9 Lawyer Today
I-9 compliance is an essential part of lawful hiring practices for every employer in New York City. With the complexity of verification requirements and the potential consequences of mistakes, having the right guidance can make all the difference. At Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, LLP, we work closely with businesses to help ensure every Form I-9 is completed accurately, stored securely, and maintained in compliance with federal regulations.
Whether you need help with day-to-day verification, addressing complex documentation issues, or preparing for a potential government audit, our team brings the experience and attention to detail your business can rely on. We take a proactive approach so you can focus on running your operations with confidence, knowing your I-9 processes are fully compliant and ready for scrutiny. Contact our team today to book a consultation.