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Conducting an internal I-9 audit can help your company identify documentation problems, reduce legal exposure and prepare for a possible inspection by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
All employers are required to verify employees’ authorization to work in the United States, and incomplete or improperly completed forms can lead to significant legal and financial consequences.
Companies that partner with certified PEO Axcet HR Solutions receive expert guidance and training to help them manage these responsibilities with confidence. Axcet trains clients and their hiring managers to properly complete Form I-9, conduct internal audits and respond appropriately when errors or other compliance issues are discovered. Axcet also provides E-Verify management for its clients.
With the right training, procedures and support, businesses can maintain organized, accurate records and be better prepared if ICE requests their I-9 documentation.
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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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Keeping up with changing employment eligibility requirements can be challenging for small and mid-sized businesses. Axcet helps clients build the knowledge and processes they need to manage I-9 compliance and prepare for potential scrutiny from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Axcet’s comprehensive I-9 support includes:
An I-9 audit can be stressful, but proactive training, consistent procedures and expert guidance can help businesses reduce errors and respond appropriately. Axcet gives clients the tools and support they need to manage their I-9 responsibilities with greater confidence.
Contact Axcet today to learn how our comprehensive PEO services can help your business strengthen its I-9 compliance practices.
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 expertise has been recognized through industry publications. She co-authored the article “High-Touch in the Age of High-Tech: How PEOs Can Embrace AI Without Losing Their Humanity” https://peoinsider.org/articles/high-touch-in-the-age-of-high-tech-how-peos-can-embrace-ai-without-losing-their-humanity/ for PEO Insider (March 2026), alongside Jeanette Coleman, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, and authored “PEOs in the Community: Axcet Making Philanthropy Part of the Company’s Culture” https://peoinsider.org/articles/peos-in-the-community-axcet-making-philanthropy-part-of-the-companys-culture/ (November 2025). These contributions reflect her perspective on balancing technology-driven payroll and HR processes with the human experience, as well as the role of community engagement in building strong organizational cultures.
Jo's specialties include payroll implementation, compliance auditing, and crafting best-practice payroll solutions that ensure businesses stay compliant while optimizing their processes.
Published in: PEO Insider
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