Federal, state, and local laws restrict the types of information that can be obtained via background checks and how the data received should be used. 

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces federal laws pertaining to equal pay, discrimination, and civil rights. 

Most states have laws protecting employees against workplace discrimination, including on the basis of race, national origin, age, religion, and disability.  

Many states have established equal pay laws to address pay discrimination in the workplace. Certain employers may be exempt from these laws.

Per the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, employers must complete Form I-9 for each new hire to help verify the employee’s employment eligibility.

A number of states impose limits on workplace drug-testing, including random testing and how test results should be applied.

Employers are supposed to give new hires, and existing employees who want to update their federal income tax withholding, a W-4 form to fill out.

IRS Publication 15 contains employer federal employment tax obligations and the federal withholding rules applicable to employee wages.

Employers should have new hires and employees fill out a state or local tax withholding form, if the state or local government requires it. 

The U.S. Department of Labor oversees federal labor laws, including wages and hours, health and safety, employee benefits, wage garnishment, and posters.

Employers should check with the state department of labor for state statutes on minimum wage, overtime, rest breaks, child labor, workplace posters, and more. 

Employers must report new hires to the respective state agency shortly after hiring them. The reports are essential to child support collection.

The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has specific rules for reporting and disclosing health and welfare plans.

State taxation agencies administer state employment tax rules. They can also point employers in the right direction regarding applicable local taxes. 

Most employers must report and pay unemployment tax to the state workforce agency. A few states also require unemployment tax withholding.

Employers must adhere to applicable health and safety standards, such as providing a safe workplace and performing injury/illness reporting. 

Most employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance. State requirements vary, such as by employer industry and size. 

Some states have their own leave laws, such as paid sick leave, paid family leave, military leave, jury duty leave, domestic violence leave, and voting leave.   

Most states have regulations dictating minimum payday frequency. Employees cannot be paid less regularly than the state-mandated timeframe. 

Some states have laws that address cannabis use (such as for medical or recreational purposes) from an employment perspective. 

OSHA’s On-Site Consultation program delivers free, confidential health and safety training services to small and midsize businesses in all 50 states. 

A free poster with helplines for employees needing financial assistance. Distribute the poster to your employees digitally or pin it to your breakroom wall.  

This DOL website helps employers better understand their employment responsibilities and includes resources specifically for small businesses.  

The DOL offers an array of online advisors to help employers and employees comprehend their employment rights and obligations under federal law.