New Law Allows Electronic Signatures on Form I-9 Streamlining New Hire Processes for HR Departments
i9Check's I-9 form solution enables HR departments to utilize electronic signatures and storage with their new hire processes. The software helps companies effectively comply with I-9 employment eligibility regulations.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 15, 2004 -- On October 30, 2004, President
Bush signed H.R. 4306 into law allowing electronic signatures and storage for
I-9 forms. As a result, dramatic changes are underway which will significantly
streamline the I-9 form completion process for Human Resources departments
across the country. Now, companies can completely computerize their I-9 form
processes using i9Check I-9 software to ameliorate many of the problems
associated with manual completion of the I-9 form.
The 1986 Immigration
Reform and Control Act requires all U.S. employers to verify the employment
authorization of all employees hired after November 6, 1986. Employers must
maintain and update I-9 forms for each employee and be ready to present them
quickly to a Department of Homeland Security or Department of Labor agent in the
event of an audit. An employer who fails to have the I-9 form properly completed
risks being significantly fined for noncompliance. Fines for simple paperwork
violations range from $110.00 - $1,100.00 per form to $275.00 - $11,000.00 for
the employment of an unauthorized worker. Deficient I-9 form preparation could
potentially subject a company to tens of thousands of dollars in penalties.
i9Check software simplifies the process by guiding users to proper
completion of the I-9 form. Employers can avoid potential liability caused by
negligent, ignorant, or even discriminatory behavior. As a web-based product,
i9Check software is accessible anywhere—a huge benefit for companies allowing
uniform completion among numerous branch offices around the U.S.
Problems
associated with re-verifying workers on temporary work authorization will be
greatly minimized. By automating the I-9 process, HR departments can effectively
track work expiration dates and have reminders to submit proof of renewed
authorization regularly emailed to affected employees.
i9Check software
provides customized reports so HR managers can instantly obtain important
information about their workforce. Reports can provide information concerning
hiring rates at different worksites or clusters of worksites across the country.
They can also provide a glimpse into the number of ex-employees rehired.
The new law also permits the electronic storage of I-9 forms. I-9 forms
may be stored as PDF files, a universal format most computer users are familiar
with. The PDF format effectively maintains the integrity and appearance of
regular paper forms as well as allows for easy searching and retrieval of I-9
forms for specific individuals. It will also simplify the rehiring process--
companies who rehire seasonal workers can easily call up and utilize previously
completed I-9 forms.
The passage of H.R. 4306 offers exciting
opportunities for companies to get a grip on properly managing their I-9 forms.
Automating the process with i9Check software promotes uniform and accurate
completion of the I-9 form; it trains inexperienced HR staff, and can
significantly assist with complying with the I-9 regulations thereby decreasing
liability and minimizing discriminatory conduct. A once tedious but necessary
task can now be cost-effectively managed with i9Check.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/11/prweb177850.htm