Changes to Indiana Work Permits

Do you have employees under the age of 18? If you do, then this information is for you.

Currently, Indiana businesses that employ minors (under the age of 18), must obtain a work permit which applies to all minors, including minors who are:

• Enrolled in a public school
• Enrolled in a private school
• Home-school students
• Out-of-state residents seeking employment in Indiana
• No longer enrolled in school
• Married

Work permits are not required to employ minors who have graduated from high school or a high school equivalency program.

Issuing officers at accredited schools are responsible for issuing work permits to minors attending the school, as well as denying or revoking work permits when appropriate.

Work Permit Regulations

On July 1, 2021 the schools will no longer issues work permits for minors.  Employers who employ five or more minor employees will now be responsible for tracking and reporting minor-employee information using the new YES (Youth Employment System) from the Indiana department of labor.  Minors must be reported 3 business days following hire date or the employer is subject to a $400 penalty per infraction.  All minors will be required to be registered on July 1st even it they were previously employed with a valid work permit.

The new registration requirement will impact all employees under the age of 18 even if they have graduated from high school or a high school equivalency program and were not required to have a work permit in the past.

The new registration requirement will not impact the state’s work-hour requirement for minors, and all employers must still comply with the Teens Work hour restrictions.

You can access the Youth Employment System at the Indiana Department of Labor here – DOL: Youth Employment Home (in.gov).

Conributed By: Kristie Small, CPA, MBA | Manager | DWD CPAs & Advisors