Utah General Contractors - Business and Law Practice Exam

For how long must employers retain completed Forms I-9 after the date of hire?

1. 1 year

2. 2 years

3. 3 years

4. 5 years

The correct answer is: 3 years

Employers are required to retain completed Forms I-9 for a specific period to comply with U.S. immigration laws. The correct duration for keeping these forms is three years after the date of hire or for one year after the employee's termination, whichever period is longer. This means that if an employee is, for example, retained for two years, the employer must still keep the I-9 form for an additional year after the employee leaves, totaling three years. Thus, the correct answer reflects this requirement for maintaining records and ensures compliance with the laws regulating employee verification. This retention period is important for employers to substantiate their adherence to employment eligibility verification requirements and to demonstrate that they have taken the necessary steps to ensure that all employees are legally authorized to work in the United States. Familiarity with these compliance requirements helps avoid potential penalties associated with improper or incomplete documentation during audits.