For how long should I-9 forms be retained?

I-9 forms, which are used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States, must be retained for a specific period of time according to federal regulations. The correct answer to the question regarding the retention period is three years from the date of hire or for one year after the employee’s employment is terminated, whichever is longer. This is why three years is the appropriate choice among the options provided.

The rationale for this policy is to ensure that employers maintain proper documentation that employees are legally able to work in the U.S. Retaining these forms allows for compliance with federal laws relating to employment verification and labor regulations. It's important for employers to be aware of and adhere to these retention requirements to avoid potential penalties or legal issues.

While two years might seem adequate at first glance, it does not cover the full scope of the required retention period, as it could lead to the early disposal of forms, which would be a violation of compliance regulations. Similarly, five years is too long and could lead to unnecessary storage of documents beyond what is mandated. Indefinite retention is not required; businesses are encouraged to dispose of these forms properly once they have met the legal retention timeline.