The maximum penalty will increase to $2,156, up from $1,100.

In addition to increasing fines for paperwork violations, the rule will also increase the minimum penalty for the unlawful employment of immigrants from $375 to $539, while the maximum penalty will increase from $3,200 to 4,313. Employers who have multiple violations will be subject to an increased maximum penalty of $21,563.

These increases will apply to any violations that took place after Nov. 2, 2015.

Swelling fine totals, coupled with increased occurrences of I-9 audits, provide the opportunity for companies to potentially expose themselves to hundreds, thousands or potentially millions of dollars worth of fines for instances of I-9 noncompliance. Now more than ever, it is important that employers ensure that Form I-9’s are being completed accurately and on time for each new employee.

The full text of the DOJ’s new rule can be found here.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice, 6/30/2016