What triggers a DOL investigation?

Asked by: Kathlyn Douglas DVM  |  Last update: October 8, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (71 votes)

One employee complaint. That's all it takes to trigger a Department of Labor (DOL) investigation. And in most cases, those investigations are due to questionable time and pay practices.

What would trigger a DOL audit?

DOL audits can be triggered by negligence or mistakes on your part, or because your plan falls within one of the areas in which the DOL is focusing its investigative efforts. projects, which focus investigative resources on certain issues.

What happens during a DOL investigation?

An investigation consists of the following steps: Examination of records to determine which laws or exemptions apply. These records include, for example, those showing the employer's annual dollar volume of business transactions, involvement in interstate commerce, and work on government contracts.

What triggers an internal investigation?

Generally, an investigation is triggered as soon as an employer learns about allegations of wrongdoing in the workplace. This could happen because of an employee's confidential complaint to HR, the results of an external audit, or a direct conflict or incident.

What prompts a DOL audit?

Employers should keep in mind that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) can audit employers at any time, although the most common reason for an audit is a complaint from an employee.

How serious is it if a company gets investigated by the department of labor DOL?

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What is most likely to trigger an audit?

Not reporting all of your income is an easy-to-avoid red flag that can lead to an audit. Taking excessive business tax deductions and mixing business and personal expenses can lead to an audit. The IRS mostly audits tax returns of those earning more than $200,000 and corporations with more than $10 million in assets.

Does DOL do random audits?

Targeted and Random Audits

The DOL routinely conducts targeted audits on industries where violations are common, such as construction, restaurant, health care, and agriculture. Additionally, a company can also be selected at random for a compliance review.

What not to say in an investigation?

I'm not sure, but…” Speculating or making assumptions can muddle the facts, leading to misunderstandings. Stick to what you know. “It's always been done this way”: This defense can imply resistance to change or justify inappropriate behavior based on tradition, which doesn't hold up under scrutiny.

What qualifies an investigation?

An investigation is a process of organised evidence collection, which seeks to be as close to the truth as possible. The past leaves behind residue: dust, footprints, documents, videos, audio recordings, witnesses, scents, paperwork, the presence or absence of something that was or wasn't there before.

Do people know when they are under investigation?

Individuals frequently only find out that they are under federal investigation when one of the following things occur: A federal prosecutor formally notifies you that you are the target of an investigation through a target letter. A federal law enforcement agent contacts you by phone and asks for a meeting.

How long does a DOL audit take?

On average, DOL is adjudicating PERMs in approximately 439 days – which is over 14 months! DOL states the agency is currently processing PERM application audits that were filed in December 2022. On average, the processing time for PERM applications in audit review is 496 days.

What are the three rules of investigation?

The Three Principles of Crime Scene Investigation
  • Principle 1: Locard's Exchange Principle (1928)
  • Principle 2: Sequential Examination.
  • Principle 3: Continuity and Disclosure Material.

How do you find out if there is an active investigation on you?

Here are a few primary indicators that may suggest you are being investigated: law enforcement contacts you more frequently, there is unusual surveillance around your home or workplace, or sudden, unexplained interactions with your acquaintances by the police.

How do you survive a DOL audit?

Top Ways to Survive a DOL Audit
  1. Consider a self-audit.
  2. Reviewing existing policies and records.
  3. Be courteous to the investigator.
  4. Request a pre-investigation meeting.
  5. Protect proprietary information.

How are audits triggered?

The IRS receives copies of your W-2s and 1099s, and their systems automatically compare this data to the amounts you report on your tax return. A discrepancy, such as a 1099 that isn't reported on your return, could trigger further review. So, if you receive a 1099 that isn't yours, or isn't correct, don't ignore it.

What happens if you fail a DOL audit?

If a willful violation is found, the Secretary of Labor may file suit for back wages and an equal amount as liquidated damages (double damages), as well as the application of civil penalties of up to $1,000 for willful and repeated violations.

What does an investigation usually start with?

The first step in a scientific investigation is to ask a question. Scientists look at data and report observations on a regular basis, and those observations can prompt them to ask why something is. Oftentimes, the question a scientist asks is rooted in a recent observation.

What is considered a reasonable investigation?

Reasonable Investigation means direct verbal or written inquiries of the management team or executive or other Person responsible for the oversight or management of the fact or matter in question.

How long can you be under investigation by the police?

If facing a misdemeanor or felony investigation, the length of time of the investigation can - technically speaking - be as long as the law permits that charge to be prosecuted; starting from the time the crime is committed (or discovered), until the last eligible day for arrest or filing of criminal charges.

How do most HR investigations end?

In most HR investigations, no serious disciplinary actions are called for in the end. It generally takes a lot of solid evidence to lead to something like an immediate termination or demotion, for example.

What matters should be kept in mind before investigation?

Keep in mind through the process that there should be no compromising in the moral and ethical principles of the organisations and role that the investigator has in this process. It is making sure the decision-making after the investigation is made by the appropriate authority that can make such a decision.

What are trigger words for HR?

Words like "harassment," "discrimination," and "lawsuit" are heavily loaded with legal implications, which can put HR on high alert. By using descriptive, neutral language, you can convey your concerns without triggering a defensive reaction.

What triggers a DOL audit?

While the reasons for a DOL audit may vary, common triggers include: Reported complaints or violations: Employee complaints of labor laws such as wage and hour violations, discrimination, or unsafe working conditions, could trigger an audit.

How are you notified if you are being audited?

Remember, you will be contacted initially by mail. The IRS will provide all contact information and instructions in the letter you receive. If we conduct your audit by mail, our letter will request additional information about certain items shown on the tax return such as income, expenses, and itemized deductions.

How far back do DOL audits go?

When conducting an audit, DOL wage and hour auditors normally inspect employer payroll records for the past two years reviewing both current and former employees.