Fill In The Blanks Planning to hire a new employee? Better sharpen your pencil.

Q: I have decided to hire an employee to help me in mygrowing business. What kind of forms do I need to fill out for hisor her taxes and to register him or her as an employee?

James Edwards
Via e-mail

A: The IRS says businesses that hire employees must haveeach employee complete two important forms: Form I-9 and Form W-4.Form I-9 provides the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)with verification that each new employee is legally eligible towork in the United States. Both you and your employee must completethe I-9, available by calling the INS at (800) 755-0777. The W-4form, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate, providesthe IRS with the filing status and withholding allowances for eachemployee. Have your employees fill out and sign a W-4 form on theirfirst day of work.