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Conducting an internal I-9 audit is the best way to limit your company’s legal exposure and prepare for a possible formal review by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which can happen at any time.
All employers are required to verify employees’ authorization to work in this country, and improper documentation can lead to substantial legal and financial consequences.
Companies that partner with certified PEO Axcet HR Solutions can cross this critical task off their to-do lists and enjoy greater peace of mind. Axcet handles internal I-9 audits, related employee training and E-Verify management for its clients. Using industry best practices, Axcet helps businesses navigate these requirements with confidence.
Axcet ensures forms are filled out correctly and stored efficiently, so they’re readily available if ICE comes knocking and wants to do its own I-9 audit.
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During an ICE I-9 audit, government agents review a company’s Form I-9 records to confirm that employees are documented workers.
Employers must present completed I-9 forms for current and, in some cases, for former employees. Errors, incomplete forms and inconsistencies can all lead to fines or further investigation.
I-9 audits are triggered by various factors, including random selection, employee complaints, anonymous tips or discrepancies discovered through other government agencies.
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Noncompliance with I-9 requirements can result in serious consequences, including:
Internal audits allow employers to double-check that their I-9 records are complete and current. Taking that step to ensure accurate record-keeping and proper employee verification helps businesses reduce their risk of penalties while demonstrating a commitment to compliance.
Employers looking to simplify compliance and reduce ICE audit risks should consider participating in E-Verify, a web-based system that confirms employment eligibility by comparing information from employer I-9 Forms with records available to the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
While not mandatory for all businesses, E-Verify provides additional protection against hiring unauthorized workers and helps prevent costly mistakes.
Axcet manages E-Verify enrollment and administration, ensuring a smooth process for businesses that want an extra layer of security in their hiring and compliance practices.
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Axcet eliminates small and mid-sized business owners’ ongoing struggle to keep up with evolving compliance requirements. Clients can be confident they’re prepared if ICE demands an I-9 audit.
Axcet’s comprehensive I-9 management services include:
An I-9 audit can be stressful, but with proactive management and expert guidance, businesses can stay compliant and avoid penalties. For Axcet clients, the process is simple: We handle it for you, from internal I-9 audits to E-Verify administration.
Contact Axcet today to ensure your business is prepared to succeed under increasing scrutiny from ICE.
Written by
Jo McClure, CPP, is the Director of Payroll Administration at Axcet HR Solutions, where she has been a pivotal leader for over 20 years. With more than two decades of experience in payroll outsourcing and professional employer organizations (PEOs), Jo specializes in helping small to mid-sized businesses navigate payroll administration, employee benefits, and compliance.
Her strategic leadership at Axcet focuses on implementing best practices in payroll management, compliance auditing, and risk mitigation. Jo obtained her Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation in 2006 and has held numerous leadership roles in the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the American Payroll Association, including President, Vice President, and Chapter Coordinator. A frequent speaker at the Midwest Regional Payroll Conference, she has also contributed articles to publications such as Thinking Bigger Business and Kansas City Small Business Monthly.
Jo's specialties include payroll implementation, compliance auditing, and crafting best-practice payroll solutions that ensure businesses stay compliant while optimizing their processes.
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