Which form is utilized to verify an employee’s legal status?

The correct choice for verifying an employee's legal status is Form I-9. This form is specifically designed for employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. When an employer hires a new employee, they must complete Form I-9 within three days of the employee's start date, requiring the employee to provide documentation that establishes both identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.

Form W-4, on the other hand, is used by employees to indicate their tax situation to their employer, which helps in calculating the correct amount of income tax to withhold from their paychecks. Form W-5 is largely outdated and was previously used for a different purpose related to advance payments of the Earned Income Tax Credit. State tax forms vary by state and pertain to state income tax withholding but do not serve as a verification of legal work status.