This includes requesting W-2s or other state or federal tax documents in an effort to verify an applicant or employee’s previous employment since these checks are typically conducted as part of a conditional offer of employment.
Specifically, RI Gen L § 28-6.9-1 states:
Requests for tax returns prohibited. – No employer or agent of any employer shall request or require any applicant for employment to provide copies of his or her federal or state income tax return, W-2 statement or related tax documents as a condition of consideration for employment.
Employers operating in Rhode Island should review their practices to ensure compliance with the above restriction.
Posted: June 1, 2017