Which form proves you are legally eligible to work in the United States?

• A. W-4
• B. 1040
• C. W-2
• D. I-9

Answer: (D)

The main concept is confirming someone has legal permission to work in the United States. The form used for this is the I-9, which employers complete to verify a new employee’s identity and authorization to work. It requires presenting acceptable documents that prove both identity and work authorization (for example, a U.S. passport or a combination like a photo ID plus a work authorization document). This verification typically must be completed within a short window after hire. The other forms do different things: a W-4 determines federal tax withholding from pay, a 1040 is the annual tax return you file, and a W-2 reports wages and taxes withheld for the year. So the I-9 is the form that directly proves eligibility to work.