What is ESI Returns ?

Employees' State Insurance (ESI), an independent organisation managed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, is a self-financing social security and health insurance programme for Indian workers. Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and its rules and regulations are in charge of managing this ESI Fund. All entities with ESI registrations are required to submit ESI returns, which are due every six months.

Benefits of Employees' State Insurance

Medical Benefits

Taking this registration form has as one of its key goals providing medical benefits to workers and employees. Employees who are afflicted by a sickness or other contingency can immediately take use of the benefits.

Social Security

The government created the ESI registration programme as a form of social security. Social security benefits including maternity benefits, disability payments, and other associated benefits are offered through this programme.

Easy Processing

The system's benefits are simply accessible at any hospital or healthcare facility. All payments made via this system may be reimbursed.

Maternity Benefits

Every company that participates in this programme must offer maternity benefits, such as pregnancy leave.

Disability Benefits

This programme includes coverage for disability benefits as well. This can be claimed by the employee's dependents in the case of an unforeseeable permanent incapacity or death.

Benefits related to Sickness

Each employee would be eligible for a separate type of illness benefit through ESIC registration. These benefits are provided at a rate equal to 70% of the employer's compensation.

The following documents are required to file ESI return

  • The Shops and Establishments Act's registration certificate or the appropriate licence.
  • The certificate of incorporation must be submitted if this is a company that has been registered under the terms of the 2013 Companies Act.
  • Together with the other documents, the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association are also required.
  • If the organisation is a partnership corporation, a copy of the relevant trust deed needs to be submitted.
  • The certificate certifying the beginning of work in the factory must be presented if the entity is a factory.
  • Details on the staff of the business or factory.
  • Details about the employees' monthly contributions to the factory or other entity.
  • A complete list of the company's directors, shareholders, and partners.

Important Points of ESI Returns

How can I file ESI return?

  • ESI Within 42 days of the contribution period's end, return contributions must be filed. By 21 days of the final day of a calendar month, contributions must be paid. These reports must be submitted biannually.

Is ESI half yearly return mandatory?

  • Employers are required to submit half-yearly Returns of Contributions (RC) by May 11 and November 11 of each year, with all columns correctly filled out. Within 15 days of the ESI Act becoming relevant to a factory or business, an employer must submit a Form-01 application for coverage under the Act.

Can we withdraw ESI amount?

  • No, one cannot withdraw ESI funds, although one may use ESI benefits. With an ESIC card, medical services are accessible. In India, there is no option for ESI contributions to be withdrawn.