What Household Employers Should Know About E-Verify and Which States Require it for Domestic Workers

Hiring someone to work in your home—whether a nanny, senior caregiver, or housekeeper—comes with responsibilities. One of the most important is verifying that your employee is legally authorized to work in the U.S. That starts with completing Form I-9, but in some states, there's an extra step: using E-Verify.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Is E-Verify?

E-Verify is a free, web-based system run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). It helps employers—including families who employ household workers—confirm that new hires are legally authorized to work in the United States.

While Form I-9 is mandatory for all employers nationwide, E-Verify is generally optional unless you're in a state that requires it.

The process is simple:

1. You and your employee complete Form I-9 within 3 business days of your employee’s start date.
2. You enter their information into the E-Verify system.
3. E-Verify checks the info against government records and returns a result.

Why Would a Household Employer Use E-Verify?

• It’s required in some states.
• It adds a layer of verification beyond the I-9.
• It can demonstrate good faith compliance in the event of an audit.

But keep in mind: E-Verify cannot be used for re-verifying documents or screening candidates before a job offer is made.

States Where E-Verify Is Required for Household Employers

As of 2025, the following states require household employers to use E-Verify when hiring a new in-home employee:

• Alabama (AL)
• Arizona (AZ)
• Georgia (GA)
• Louisiana (LA)
• Mississippi (MS)
• North Carolina (NC)
• South Carolina (SC)
• Tennessee (TN)
• Utah (UT)

Each state has slightly different rules about when E-Verify is required. If you're unsure about your specific situation, it’s best to consult with a household payroll expert.

What Are the Risks of Noncompliance?

If you're in one of the states listed above and fail to use E-Verify when required, you could face:

• Fines or penalties
• Challenges in the event of a government audit

That said, these risks are completely avoidable with the right setup and guidance. HomeWork Solutions can handle E-Verify registration and processing for you, making it one less thing to worry about.

E-Verify Doesn’t Replace Payroll Compliance

Remember, E-Verify is just one piece of the household employment puzzle. You’ll still need to:

• Register as an employer with federal, state, (sometimes local) governments
• Complete new hire reporting
• Obtain any required insurances
• Comply with applicable wage and labor laws
• Withhold and remit employee taxes
• Pay employer taxes
• Issue your employee a W-2 at yearend
• File a Schedule H with your yearend tax return

We help families stay on track with all of it—from onboarding to tax season and beyond.

Need Help Navigating E-Verify?

HomeWork Solutions has helped household employers stay compliant since 1993. Whether you're hiring a caregiver in Georgia or a housekeeper in Utah, we’ll make sure your household employment is handled legally, respectfully, and stress-free.

Schedule a free consultation with a household payroll specialist. Let’s make it simple.