What form is used by an employer to verify an employee's identity in the U.S.?

The form used by an employer to verify an employee's identity in the U.S. is the I-9 form. This form is specifically designed to document that an employee is legally allowed to work in the United States and requires an employer to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment.

When completing the I-9, employees must provide certain documents that demonstrate their identity and eligibility to work—this might include a driver's license, passport, or other legal identification. This process helps ensure compliance with federal immigration laws.

The other forms mentioned—W-2, 1099, and W-4—serve different purposes in the realm of employment and taxation. The W-2 form reports an employee's annual wages and the taxes withheld from their paycheck. The 1099 form is typically used for reporting income from independent contractors or freelancers, not traditional employment. The W-4 form is used by employees to indicate their tax situation to their employer, which ultimately affects the amount of federal income tax withheld from their paychecks.