All you need to know about Filing ESI Returns under ESIC

Introduction

Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) is administered by Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) which is a government organization. The program primarily offers financial and medical support to the workers and their families. This assistance is given to the employees when an employee is sick, injured while on duty, or pregnant and unable to complete his duties. We have discussed all ESI Returns, in this article.

What is an ESI Return?

Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) is an independent organization managed by the Ministry of Labor and Employment. It is a self-financing social security and health insurance program for Indian workers. Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and its rules and regulations are in charge of managing this ESI fund. ESI Returns are filed by employers every six months, and they contain information about the employees covered under the scheme, their salaries, and the contributions made by the employer and employee. These returns are used to ensure that the contributions made by employers and employees are accurate and the employees are receiving the benefits they are entitled to under the scheme. Filing ESI Returns is mandatory for all employers who have registered for the scheme, and failure to file them on time can result in penalties and legal consequences. ESI is a social security program provided by the Indian government according to the Employees’ State Insurance Act of 1948. This program is self-financing, with regular monthly contributions from both employees and employers equal to a certain percentage of their salaries.

Advantages of Filing Employee State Insurance Corporation Returns

Employees who have registered with Employee State Insurance Corporation are eligible to maternity leaves for women employees as well as medical care for themselves and their dependents. Below are the advantages of Filing Employee State Insurance Corporation Return

Medical Advantages : The provision of medical advantages to the employees is one of the key goals of submitting this form for registration. Workers who are afflicted by a disease or other situation can immediately take the benefit.

Social Security : The government has created the ESI registration program as a form of social security. Social security benefits, including maternity insurance, disability compensation, and other associated benefits are offered through this program.

Simple Processing : Benefits under this scheme are easily accessible at any hospital or health care facility. Any payments made via this scheme maybe compensated.

Advantages associated with sickness : Each employee would be eligible for a different type of sickness advantage through ESIC registration. These benefits are provided at a rate equal to 70% of the employer’s compensation. If the condition lasts longer than 90 days or three consecutive months, this amount will be taken into account and provided.

Advantages associated with Maternity : Every company that participates in this program must offer maternity benefits such as maternity leave to the expecting mothers.

Advantages associated with Disabilities : This program includes coverage for disability benefits as well. In the case of an unforeseeable permanent incapacity or death. The dependents of an employee may file a claim if an unexpected circumstance results in the death of an employee or permanent incapacity.

Mandatory documents that are Required to File ESI Returns

The following records need to be kept up-to-date in order to file ESI returns.

1. The attendance record
2. Form 6
3. Record of wages
4. A  list of any accidents that have occurred there.
5. Inspection book
6. ESI returns and monthly challans

Other Specific Documents Required to File ESI Returns

• A registration certificate or the appropriate license must be presented under the Shops and Establishments Act.
• The certificate of incorporation must be submitted if the company has been registered under the terms of the Companies Act, 2013.
• The Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association are required along with the other documents.
• A copy of the relevant trust deed needs to be submitted if the organization is a partnership corporation.
• The certificate certifying the beginning of work in the factory must be presented if the business is a factory.
• Details of the staff of the business or factory.
• Information about the monthly contributions of the employee to the factory or another entity.
• A complete list of the directors, shareholders, and partners of the company.
• Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the Organization.
• Respective Bank Statement of the Organization.
• Registration of Form 6.
• Wages Registry.
• Address of the property and additional details about the property.
• Certifications and an Inspection Book.
• Attendance records of the Organization.

How to File ESI Returns?

Step 1: User ID and Password  

Each employer would have been given a user ID, password, and a 17-digit code while registering for ESI.

Step 2: Log In to the Employee State Insurance Corporation

Go to the official website of ESIC. Enter your login information, and click “Login.”

Step 3: Filling the correct information

Make sure that the employee details are correct before clicking “File Monthly Returns” on the right-hand side. A list of options for editing employee details will be available on the portal. Correct the information if required.

Step 4: Bank Records

To submit the monthly ESI contribution, fill the bank information and click “Submit.”

Step 5: Generating Challan

After the donations have been paid, go to the “List of actions” page and press “Generate challan.” It is necessary to keep this challan for inspection.

Step 6: Chartered Accounts Certificate

Select the checkbox to accept the declaration and click on “Self-certification” under the Monthly Contribution section. The Chartered Accounts Certificate has to be uploaded if there are more than 40 employees.

Step 7: The Employer is done with the submission of the ESI Return

Click “Submit”

FAQs on Filing ESI Returns

How do I submit an ESI return?

ESI Return contributions must be filed within 42 days after the contribution period has ended. The payment must be paid within 21 days of the end of the calendar month. These reports must be submitted twice yearly.

How can I check the status of my ESIC?

Visit the Portal of ESIC website to check the status. It displays a window for the employee portal. The user must fill his ESIC insurance number to know the status of his ESIC.

Can I withdraw my ESI amount?

No, one cannot withdraw ESI amount, although one may get the advantages from ESI. The ESIC card enables access to medical facilities. There is no provision for the withdrawal ESI money in India.

Is ESI necessary for workers?

According to the Act, the ESI system is required for all industries and other businesses. The beneficiaries of this scheme are for those whose monthly salary do not exceed Rs 21,000 and there are at least 10 people working in that company.

Can I claim ESI benefits if I get private medical care?

ESI operates its own pharmacies and hospitals to help the insured employee. As a result, ESIC Policy discourages outside treatment and payment. They permit cashless treatment at outside private hospitals in specific number of situations and conditions that cannot be addressed under the ESIC Infrastructure.