The I-9 is one of the most commonly used tax forms, and you have likely filled one out if you worked as an employee. Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, is usually required for every newly employed worker, regardless of citizenship status. The form helps verify that all new hires are legally allowed to work in the United States.

Your employers can face financial penalties if they fail to confirm their workers’ identities and work authorization statuses. Similarly, the federal government could fine or imprison you if you falsify information on the I-9. You will need to provide additional documents that establish your identity and work authorization. If you are an immigrant, you may need to apply for permission to work and earn money in the United States.