PF & ESIC Return filing
Provident Fund was established to encourage employees to save and to benefit them during retirement. Both the company and the employee make contributions to the PF on a monthly basis. ESIC is a social institution in India that provides socioeconomic security to workers & their dependents.
Overview of PF & ESIC Returns filing in India
PF (Provident Fund) and ESIC (Employee State Insurance Corporation) are social security schemes in India that provide benefits to employees. Employers are required to file PF and ESIC returns to comply with the respective regulations. Here is an overview of PF and ESIC returns filing in India:
PF Returns Filing:
- PF Contributions: Employers are required to deduct a specific percentage from employees’ salaries as PF contributions. The employer also contributes an equal amount.
- Monthly PF Returns: Employers need to file monthly PF returns in Form 12A/3A/6A with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). These returns provide details of PF contributions, wages, and other relevant information for each employee.
- ECR (Electronic Challan cum Return): Employers are required to submit the monthly PF contributions electronically through the ECR portal of the EPFO.
- Due Dates: PF returns should be filed and PF contributions should be deposited by the 15th of the following month.
ESIC Returns Filing:
- ESIC Contributions: Employers and employees contribute a certain percentage of wages towards the ESIC scheme, which provides medical benefits and insurance coverage to employees.
- Monthly ESIC Returns: Employers need to file monthly ESIC returns in Form 6 with the ESIC. These returns provide details of ESIC contributions, wages, and other relevant information for each employee.
- Online Filing: ESIC returns can be filed online through the ESIC portal.
- Due Dates: ESIC returns should be filed and ESIC contributions should be deposited by the 15th of the following month.
Compliance and Penalties:
- Employers need to ensure timely and accurate filing of PF and ESIC returns to comply with the regulations.
- Non-compliance or late filing may attract penalties, interest, and legal consequences.
- It is important to deposit the PF and ESIC contributions within the specified timelines to avoid penalties and ensure employee welfare.
Maintenance of Records:
Employers are required to maintain proper records related to PF and ESIC contributions, wages, attendance, and other relevant details of employees.
These records should be readily available for inspection by the authorities.
Benefits to Employees:
PF contributions help employees build a retirement corpus, which they can withdraw at retirement or during certain specified circumstances.
- ESIC contributions provide employees with medical benefits and insurance coverage for themselves and their dependents.
It is important to note that this overview provides a general understanding of PF and ESIC returns filing in India. The specific requirements, due dates, and procedures may vary based on the nature of the establishment, number of employees, and changes in PF and ESIC regulations.
EPF Due Dates
Payment due date
Provident Fund (PF) payments are due on the 15th of every month following the month in which deductions are made.
Return filing due date
Provident Fund (PF) returns are due on 25th of every month following the month in which deductions are made.
Annual Return due date
A final PF Annual return is due on April 25th for the financial year ending on 31st March.
EPF Due Dates
Payment due date
ESI Contribution amount needs to be deposited before 15th of the month following the month in which deductions are made.
Return filing due date
Due date for ESI return filing is 15th of the month following the month in which deductions are made.
Half Yearly return dates
The half-yearly return of ESIC for the period April to September is due by 12 November, and October to March is due by 12 May.
Documents Required
Pan, Aadhar & Address Proof
Copies of PAN Card, Aadhar card & Address proof of employee and employer
Cancelled cheque
Cancelled cheque of establishment is required.
Registration copy
PF registration scanned copy is required
ID & Password
Login credentials of EPFO and ESIC is required.