What is the primary purpose of the federal Form I-9 that an employer completes for each new hire?
Explanation
Form I-9, required by the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act, verifies two things about every person hired to work in the United States: identity, and authorization to work. The employer completes it and KEEPS it — it is not filed with USCIS or any other agency, which is what the three-business-day answer gets wrong (three business days is the deadline to complete the form, not to send it anywhere). Income-tax withholding is the W-4's job, and reporting a new hire to the EDD is a separate state form with its own deadline.
Law Reference: Federal Form I-9; Immigration Reform and Control Act (8 U.S.C. §1324a)This topic, taught in full in the CSLB Law & Business guide. CSLB Law & Business — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
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