Federal officials promised to crack down on employers that botch I-9 paperwork that’s supposed to verify employees’ eligibility to work in the U.S. Proof that the feds mean business: 180 companies recently received notices of inspection.

The notices kick off the first round of inspections for 2010, after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers conducted 1,652 inspections in the last six months of 2009. The most recent notices went to employers in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Employers who receive a notices have three days to get their I-9 documentation in order for federal inspectors.

The fines for faulty documentation run from $100 to $1,100 per violation.

Note to HR and Payroll directors: Inspectors will be looking at paperwork for “recently separated” workers, as well as current employees. So make sure you have appropriate documents for employees who’ve left in the last few months.