{"id":7686,"date":"2025-02-13T22:21:53","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T22:21:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/?post_type=resources&p=7686"},"modified":"2026-09-29T05:25:50","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T10:25:50","slug":"new-hire-paperwork-checklist","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/talent-management\/talent-acquisition\/onboarding\/new-hire-paperwork-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"New hire paperwork checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

by Brightmine<\/strong>
Reviewed by Emily Scace<\/strong>, JD<\/strong>, Senior Legal Editor at Brightmine<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a lot involved when bringing new employees on board. The process requires a combination of administrative and high-touch activities to ensure that the new employee is engaged, feels welcomed, and is prepared to hit the ground running to become a top contributor quickly. Once a job offer has been made and an offer letter has been issued, it\u2019s time to start paving the way to get employees onboarded effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to company paperwork, various employment laws require employers to collect certain information from, or provide information to, their new hires. This checklist provides an overview of the essential new hire paperwork every employee needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do HR managers need to do when they hire a new employee?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When a new employee is hired, HR managers need to comply with both internal and external requirements for getting the employee on board and ensuring that all documents and paperwork required have been completed and submitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, HR managers are responsible for acclimating new employees to the workplace, their jobs, and their new colleagues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a flurry of activity that is very important from both a compliance and an employee engagement standpoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The importance of managing employee documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Managing employee documents is essential to comply with federal, state, and local laws and to ensure that the company has all of the information about the employee that will be required to document the employee\u2019s identity, process payroll, and manage benefits administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What paperwork is needed for a new hire?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A lot of paperwork is required for a new hire\u2014some to satisfy legal requirements and others to follow internal policies and processes. Having a new hire paperwork checklist can help make what can be a very labor-intensive process less onerous and much more efficient. Keeping the checklist updated as legal requirements and internal policies change can ensure that all employees are onboarded effectively and that all legal and regulatory requirements are met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your new hire paperwork checklist should include base documents like policies and personal information, federal forms, financial documents, benefit forms, agreements, and state and local forms required depending on where the company operates and where the employee is located.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

New hire paperwork checklist<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n

Basic documents<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Background check forms<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

When background checks are conducted on employees\u2014either before or after hire\u2014a written consent form must be attained from employees indicating they understand the process and how it could impact their employment. A disclosure and authorization form is required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Employee handbook acknowledgment form<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

As the title suggests, this form confirms that the new employee has received, read, and understands the company\u2019s policies and procedures. The employee handbook is an important document that outlines the rules, rights, and responsibilities an employee has when working for your company. It also serves to protect the company legally.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Company policies and procedures acknowledgment<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Policies and procedures help employees understand what is required of them as they perform their duties and interact with others\u2014both other employees, and customers. Examples include a code of conduct, anti-harassment policy , and workplace safety guidelines. Some written policies are also required under state or local law. Asking employees to formally acknowledge that they have received and understand the policies and procedures that apply to them helps to protect the company\u2019s interests.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Personal information form (including emergency contact details)<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Maintaining accurate and up-to-date information on employees is important for both legal documentation and to ensure that employees can be contacted if necessary. Companies also need to have contact information for appropriate individuals that can be notified in the event of an accident or emergency. An employee data sheet can be a good way to collect and document this information for internal records.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Federal forms<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Form I-9, employment eligibility verification<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Employers are required to verify an employee\u2019s identity and their legal eligibility to work in the United States. To ensure employment authorization, employees must complete Section 1 of the form by their first day on the job; employers must complete Section 2 within three business days of the employee\u2019s start date.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Form W-4, employee’s withholding certificate<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Employers are required to withhold federal income tax from individuals who are classified as employees (versus contractors). The IRS requires this form to ensure that the proper amount of tax is withheld from an employee\u2019s pay based on the employee\u2019s selected filing status.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Financial documents<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Direct deposit<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Rather than issue physical checks, most employers offer the option for employees to have their pay submitted directly into their bank accounts. The direct deposit form collects employee bank account information to ensure these funds are deposited correctly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Payroll deduction authorization form<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Employees should be required to fill out payroll deduction authorization forms for any deductions they elect to have withdrawn from their paychecks\u2014health insurance deductions, contributions to a retirement plan, etc. Often these authorizations will be included in the enrollment process for these benefits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Employee benefits<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Health insurance enrollment form<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Most companies offer health insurance to employees. The health insurance enrollment form is used to allow employees to select and enroll in the company \u2019s plan, indicating the type of coverage they are requesting (e.g., individual or family), the particular plan they are electing (if the organization offers more than one option) and the cost of the coverage which will be withheld from their pay.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Retirement contribution forms<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

401(k) or other retirement plan enrollment forms indicating that employees have elected to participate, selecting a contribution amount to be withheld from their pay, and providing details about their participation and the company\u2019s legal responsibilities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Other benefit enrollment forms<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Other benefit enrollment forms might include disability insurance, a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), or disability insurance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Agreements<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Non-disclosure agreement (NDA)<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

An NDA is used by companies to protect their proprietary information, clearly indicating to employees what confidential information they may have access to and which they must safeguard.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Non-compete agreement, if applicable<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Some companies require certain employees to sign non-compete agreements, indicating that they will not work for specific companies (e.g., competitors) or types of companies within a specific geographic radius and for a specific period of time. Many states ban or heavily restrict noncompete agreements, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a rule banning noncompete agreements for most employees in 2024, although the rule is currently blocked while legal challenges are underway. Employers considering noncompete agreements should tread carefully and consult with legal counsel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

State and local forms and notices<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

State tax withholding form<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

This is a state version of the federal form and is required in states that require employers to withhold taxes from employees\u2019 pay based on how the employee chooses to file.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Required state and local notices<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Many states<\/a> and localities have laws that require employers to provide certain information to employees upon hire. These include leave laws, minimum wage laws, laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment, pregnancy accommodation laws and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to ensure that all required federal and state forms have been appropriately and correctly completed and filed to avoid fines and penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Need help with your new hire paperwork?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The wide range of required documents, ongoing changes to requirements, and the legal and compliance risks associated with not filing correctly, can create challenges for many organizations. If you need help with your new hire forms and paperwork, we can help ensure that you\u2019re aware of the requirements that impact you, and that you feel confident that forms are completed in accordance with applicable laws. Start your free trial today and explore the HR & Compliance Center<\/a> new hire resources.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n
\n

In this resource:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do HR managers need to do when they hire a new employee?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The importance of managing employee documents<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What paperwork is needed for a new hire?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

New hire paperwork checklist<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Navigate HR complexity with confidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With Brightmine, you can build powerful people strategies, implement best practices and set your organization up for a brighter future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn how our tools, resources and automation can empower you and your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Go back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

You may also be interested in…<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n\n\n
\n
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t
\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t
\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHR law guides<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

New hire paperwork: Virginia<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

This guide provides HR professionals with an overview of Virginia laws related to obtaining information from and providing …<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCharts<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Noncompete laws by state<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Review comprehensive noncompete regulations across all states to ensure your employment agreements meet current legal requirements.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCharts<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Child labor employment certificate requirements by state<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Quickly compare child labor employment certificate requirements by state, including age verification, recordkeeping and exemptions.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

Topics on this page<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n
Employment agreements<\/a>, <\/span>Onboarding<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

About the author<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Brightmine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With more than 10,000 customers, Brightmine is a leading global provider of people data, analytics and insight \u2013 empowering HR leaders to deliver brighter business outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more than two decades, Brightmine, formerly XpertHR, has continued to help HR leaders confidently navigate the evolving world of work through our unique combination of critical workforce data, AI-enabled technology, and trusted HR expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brightmine is a division of LexisNexis Data Services within RELX\u00ae, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools. RELX serves customers in 180+ countries with 35,000+ employees. Ticker: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow Brightmine on LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Sign up to receive expert HR insights from Brightmine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

<\/p>

    <\/ul><\/div>\n
    \n
    \n<\/fieldset>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    <\/span><\/div>\n
    <\/span><\/div>\n