Which form is used to verify a new employee's eligibility for employment?

The appropriate form used to verify a new employee's eligibility for employment is Form I-9. This form is mandated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is required for all employees hired in the United States. It serves to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals, ensuring that they are legally allowed to work in the country.

When an employee starts a new job, they must complete Form I-9, providing documentation that establishes both their identity and their right to work. This can include a U.S. passport, a driver's license, or a Social Security card, among other forms of identification. The employer must review these documents and retain the completed form on file, showing compliance with regulatory requirements.

The other forms listed serve different purposes: Form W-2 is used for reporting wage and tax information for employees at the end of the tax year, Form 1040 is an individual income tax return used to report personal income, and Form 1099 is utilized to report various income types received by non-employees, such as independent contractors. Therefore, only Form I-9 is specifically designed for verifying a new employee's eligibility for employment.