New employer background check
Can a new employer ask for tax returns and W2 as part of background check? My previous employers have never asked me for that information.
Never asked me. The only time I had to provide that was because during the employment verification process, the company I worked with had closed and providing the w2 was the only way to prove that I worked there.
I provided them with Employment Verification letter from my current company. If they don't like it they can take a hike.
I just did this with a 3rd party week. They couldn't verify so they asked for a W-2 proving I worked there. I blacked out any PII. What's the problem with this ask? Would you rather lose the offer if your background check fails?
W2 has other sensitive information other than my company name. Would it suffice to send them only portion of the W2 with everything else blanked out? I don't think so. Every employer has a way to provide employment verification. Why can't the third party use that or ask me who to contact to verify my current employment?
For me, the 3rd party explicitly asked that I blank PII areas out like SSN, address etc
Common ask for sales folks to assure they aren't exaggerating their earnings.
You guys put up with too much bullshit to get a job. Just my opinion.
I was asked for the W2 of last year. I believe they wanted to confirm my employment at my last company. I can't see why you shouldn't disclose it, unless you have something to hide...
Everyone has their opinions on sharing information. I would not share my compensation information with anyone except when I am applying for loans. A potential employer has no reason to know your current compensation and deductions (which they will know from W2) unless you have agreed to in the offer letter that you will share that information with them. Employers decision on compensation should be based on what they think I bring to the table and the market rate. Nothing else should influence that and if an employer needs that info to set my compensation then I am okay with not working for that employer.
I don't get why y'all are all so indignant about this. This is after a signed offer, where they use a 3rd party to do a background check. This isn't during negotiations - they just want to make sure you're not a criminal or a liar. What's the big deal
Companies can always retract offers if they see that they ended up paying way above someone's previous comp level (this has actually happened to a friend of mine). That's the reason it's a big deal. Also, in a couple years there are bills in many states to make it illegal to ask for such documents that reveal your comp.
There are 3rd party companies that do that for employers. You are entitled for a free copy / year as well. It has every single pay stub issued to your SSN in a long spreadsheet of sort. Is your employer trying to avoid the hassle of using that provider by directly asking you?
That request was from the 3rd party itself.
Then their system must have some problem/they need to cross verify your records ( or they just want it on file ) ask them why. Is there some concern about ID theft?