New Hire Paperwork and Compliance for Arkansas

When it comes to hiring new team members, the paperwork involved can often feel like a maze. We know how confusing and overwhelming onboarding paperwork can be when hiring new employees.

For those looking to hire in the Bear State, this blog guides you through the necessary paperwork for a smooth onboarding process. Whether you're a seasoned employer or just starting to grow your business, understanding the nuances of new hire paperwork in Arkansas is crucial.

New Hire Requirements in Arkansas

In Arkansas (as in other states), there are specific employment laws and regulations. Onboarding paperwork ensures that regulations are followed, reducing legal risks associated with non-compliance.

Even though unemployment rates in Arkansas have recently declined, there are still very high quit rates. A well-structured hiring process ensures the right candidates are chosen for the job, leading to better retention rates over time.

A well-organized new hiring process creates a positive experience for new hires. Satisfied employees often become company ambassadors, positively impacting their company's brand and making it an attractive place to work.

New hire paperwork helps employees get up to speed with their roles, company policies, and procedures much faster. So whether you're starting a new business or expanding your team, following these regulations is essential to your operations.

Onboarding Paperwork Essentials

New hire paperwork in Arkansas includes several essential documents required by state and federal laws. Here are the key documents typically needed when onboarding a new employee:

Form W-4 (Employee's Withholding Certificate)

The primary purpose of Form W-4 is to gather information about your employee's tax situation. This includes marital status, number of dependents, and any additional income or deductions that could affect the amount of tax withheld.

Employees can update their W-4 at any point during their employment. This is especially important if their tax situation changes, like getting married, having a child, or experiencing significant shifts in income or deductions.

Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification)

This form is required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for all employees hired in the United States. The primary purpose of Form I-9 is to verify an employee's identity and eligibility to work legally in the United States. It helps you ensure your workforce is authorized to work in the country.

It's generally recommended to keep an employee's I-9 on file for three years after the hire date, or one year after their employment ends – whichever is later.

Failure to properly fill out, keep, or show Form I-9 during audits or inspections can result in significant fines and penalties.

Arkansas Withholding Tax Form

This form is often referred to as the Arkansas Employee's Withholding Exemption Certificate (Form AR4EC). Different from the W-4, this form helps determine the appropriate amount of state tax to withhold from an employee's paycheck.

It's important for employees to accurately complete this form so the correct amount of state income tax is withheld from their pay. This helps prevent underpayment or overpayment of taxes. Additionally, employees can update this form as needed if their personal or financial circumstances change.

New Hire Reporting Form

Employers are required to report all newly hired or rehired employees within 20 days of their start date to the Arkansas New Hire Reporting Center. This information is used to locate parents who owe child support. You can submit this information electronically or via mail.

Employee Handbook Acknowledgment Form

This form confirms that the employee has received and understood the company's policies and procedures outlined in the employee handbook. It ensures that the employee understands the rules, regulations, expectations, and benefits provided by the company.

Having a signed acknowledgment form can help protect you if an employee later claims they didn't know about specific policies in the handbook during disputes or disciplinary actions.

Make sure the handbook is easily accessible to employees at all times, either through digital means or a physical copy available in the workplace. The handbook should be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in company policies, procedures, or legal requirements.

Direct Deposit Authorization Form (Optional)

If your company offers direct deposit, employees may need to fill out this form to authorize the direct deposit of their paychecks into their bank accounts. It's important to handle banking information carefully to ensure security and accuracy in payroll transactions.

Employment Agreement or Contract (If Applicable)

Some companies may require specific agreements outlining terms of employment. This can include things like job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, confidentiality agreements, etc.

This form can also help protect the company's sensitive information. Use it to describe the employee's duty to keep company secrets, private client information, and any other confidential data from being shared, learned, or used outside of work.

It may also include non-compete or non-solicitation clauses that restrict an employee's ability to work for competitors or solicit clients after leaving the company.

Benefit Enrollment Forms

If your company offers benefits like health insurance or retirement plans, employees may need to fill out enrollment forms to participate.

Here are some common types of benefits and the associated enrollment forms:

• Health Insurance

• Retirement Plans

• Life Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• Dental and Vision Insurance

• Other Voluntary Benefits (e.g., supplemental insurance, legal assistance, pet insurance)

Compliance Checklist for Employers in Arkansas

Here's a simple checklist to ensure compliance before a new employee begins in Arkansas. Remember, specific requirements may vary based on the industry and nature of the job. Always consult legal counsel to ensure complete compliance.

Legal Paperwork

This includes all forms listed in the previous section. Legally, completion of these forms should not be skipped.

• Offer Letter or Employment Contract

• W-4 Form

• I-9 Form

• Arkansas State Tax Withholding Form

• Direct Deposit Authorization (optional)

Compliance Notices

Compliance notices are essential to inform employees about their rights, protections, and responsibilities within the workplace. Be sure to include:

• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Notices

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Company Documentation

These documents help create a good work environment by setting clear rules and following legal requirements. Depending on the needs of the company, this can include:

• Employee Handbook (provide a copy and ensure they acknowledge receiving it)

• Company Policies and Procedures (review critical policies such as code of conduct, confidentiality agreements, etc.)

• Emergency Contact Information

• At-Will Employment Clause (Arkansas is an at-will state)

• Arbitration Agreements

• Remote Work Guidelines

• Non-Disclosure Agreement

Workspace Setup

This ensures the workplace is prepared and welcoming for the new hire to comfortably and effectively start their role. Adjust these action items based on specific requirements and resources available within your organization.

• Assign and set up physical workspace

• Provide access keys and entry codes

• Add to company communication channels

• Ensure the availability of basic office supplies

• Address any specific accommodation requirements (if applicable)

Training and Orientation

Studies have shown that companies who invest in new-hire training benefit from higher profit margins. So while this isn't legally mandated for new hires in Arkansas, it does have a major impact on company success.

• General Orientation (tour, meet and greets, etc.)

• Safety Training (e.g. OSHA)

• Job-Specific Training

• Introduction to Company Resources

• Training Feedback Process

Team Introductions

Creating connections and cultivating a feeling of inclusion right from the start can greatly affect how a new employee feels and how much they get done at the company. Here are a few ways you can help new hires build rapport from day one.

• Arrange a meeting to introduce them to the team

• Encourage the new hire to send an introduction email to the team

• Icebreaker Activity

• Company Culture Overview

• Mentor or Buddy Assignment

Addressing Common New Hire Paperwork Challenges

To keep things simple and avoid overwhelming new hires, break down forms into digestible parts, provide clear instructions and organize paperwork logically, and establish a clear timeline for completion and communicate it early. If needed, offer assistance to ensure paperwork is submitted on time.

Also be sure to simplify language where possible and provide explanations or a glossary for technical terms to avoid misunderstandings.

Keep in mind that it's normal for people to have concerns when sharing sensitive information. To mitigate this, emphasize the confidentiality of personal data and implement secure data handling protocols.

Keep in mind that your onboarding process will evolve over time. To determine if yours is in need of an update, consider asking the following questions:

• Is the paperwork process streamlined and efficient?

• Are the forms easily accessible to new hires?

• Do new hires frequently ask questions or encounter confusion while filling out paperwork?

• Have there been any instances of errors or missing information on forms due to misunderstanding?

How GoCo Helps Employers Streamline Onboarding in Arkansas

Managing onboarding paperwork can be overwhelming, but using the right tools can make a world of difference. Tools like GoCo's all-in-one HR platform can streamline your company's onboarding process, making paperwork easy to manage and complete digitally.

Get started with a free tour to see how GoCo can elevate your HR experience.