With more and more talk at the federal level about immigration reform, most employers are focused on federal compliance when hiring. Specifically the I-9 form created in the 1980s to stem the tide of illegal immigration. Don’t forget to use the new I-9 form which became effective March 8, 2013!
In addition to the federal I-9 form, in 2006, Colorado passed its own employment verification law. If you have employees you should remember that Colorado requires:
- Affirmation of Legal Work Status Form to be filed within 20 days of hiring a new employee;
- Copies of verification documents to be kept by the employer.
Audits are done randomly by the State (approximately 30-40 a week) and violators can be fined up to $5,000 for the first offense and $25,000 for subsequent offenses.
If you haven’t completed the requisite form, the Deputy Director of the Division of Labor does not recommend that you go back to existing employees; but rather you begin compliance with any new hires. For any questions related to employment compliance please contact Robbie Ruhaak at 303.991.2092.