ESI Return Filing in India: Make Compliance Easy

For companies having employees with monthly salaries less than ₹21,000, ESI compliance is mandatory—not optional. Filing ESI returns helps employers report employee contributions under the ESI scheme at regular intervals so that they can avail healthcare and insurance benefits for their workers.

Periodic and accurate ESI return submission reflects an organisation's social responsibility and compliancy towards maintaining its statutory obligations.

What is ESI Return Filing

ESI return filing consists of filing contribution information online with the ESIC for all those eligible employees. The employer deposits 4.75% of the gross pay, with the employee depositing 0.75%. The contributions along with the details have to be filed six-monthly.

ESI Return Filing Online – The Intelligent Way to Remain Compliant

In today's digital economy, online return filing of ESI is no longer a convenience—it's the way forward. The ESIC portal provides employers with the facility to file returns, pay contributions, and view previous filings from one single window.

To go digital is to have fewer errors, quicker processing, and total transparency.

ESI Return Filing Process: Step-by-Step Guide

This is how the ESI return filing process generally goes for FY 2025–26:

• Collect Salary and Attendance Data for the contribution period

• Compute ESI Contributions (Employer and Employee share)

• Create ESI Challan through the ESIC portal

• Execute Online Payment within due date

• File Half-Yearly ESI Returns through Form 5

• Download Acknowledgment for evidence of submission

ESI Return Filing Due Date

For the year 2025–26, the due dates for filing ESI return are:

• 1st Return: For April to September – Due on 11th November

• 2nd Return: For October to March – Due on 11th May

Default in filing is likely to invite charges and interest under the ESI Act.

ESI Return Filing Form and Documents

The most important ESI return filing form is Form 5, filed semiannually. Documents that support ESI return filing are:

• Employee Register

• Attendance Sheets

• Salary Slips

• Receipts of Challan Payments

• ESIC Registration Certificate

• ESIC Number List (Peon, Worker, etc.)

ESI Return Filing Eligibility

Every employer having 10 or more workers receiving gross salaries of less than ₹21,000/month (₹25,000 for individuals with disabilities) is required to register under ESI and submit returns.

ESI Return Filing Requirements

• Valid ESIC Registration

• Recent employee UAN and salary information

• Correct contribution information

• Internet banking arrangement for payment

• Access to the ESIC online portal

ESI Return Filing Benefits

• Legal protection against penalties and notices

• Employee access to cashless medical benefits and treatment

• Improved labor law compliance

• Evidence of statutory contribution for audits or inspections

• Establishes trust and morale within your staff

ESI Return Filing Cost

The ESI return filing cost is determined by:

• Number of employees

• Volume of monthly payroll

• Frequency of service (monthly, bi-annually, annually)

Average costs between ₹799 and ₹3,999 depending on the consultant and level of complexity.

ESI Return Filing Services in India

Outsourcing your ESI return to professionals translates into fewer errors and more comfort. Professional ESI return filing services provide:

• Prompt filing of returns

• Computerized calculations

• Real-time reminders for filing

• Expert legal assistance in case of ESIC raids

ESI Return Filing Near Me? We're Already There.

Thanks to online platforms such as AuditFiling, you don't have to look for ESI consultants near you. From Delhi to Mumbai, Hyderabad, or any remote town, you can access expert help, 100% online.

How AuditFiling Assists with ESI Return Filing

This is how AuditFiling keeps you from ever missing a return deadline:

• Personalized Onboarding – We get to know your payroll and compliance requirements

• Automated Reminders – Never miss the deadline again

• Error-Free Data Uploads – Employee information validated prior to submission

• Seamless ESIC Portal Filing – No guesswork, all compliance

• Compliance Manager Dedicated to You - One person, all-round assistance

• Affordable Pricing – Begin filing at just ₹799 only

AuditFiling brings technology and legal precision together to provide ESI return filing that's stress-free, quick, and seamless.