What is the purpose of the I-9 Form?

The purpose of the I-9 Form is specifically to verify employment eligibility for individuals seeking work in the United States. This form is mandated by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and is primarily utilized by employers to confirm that their employees are legally allowed to work in the country. Upon hiring a new employee, the employer must ensure that the individual completes the I-9 Form, which requests personal information and documentation proving work eligibility, such as a passport or a combination of a driver's license and Social Security card.

This verification process helps to prevent unauthorized employment and supports the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. By ensuring that an employer obtains and retains a properly completed I-9 Form for each employee, the regulation helps maintain legal hiring practices and contributes to the overall integrity of the labor market.

Other options do not relate to the intended purpose of the I-9 Form. Reporting company income and expenses, filing health insurance claims, and registering for federal taxes involve separate regulatory processes and forms, such as the W-2 for income reporting or the 1040 for individual federal tax returns. Each of these has distinct purposes separate from employment eligibility verification addressed by the I-9 Form.