Navigating PF Form 9 and ESI Returns: What Do You Really Need to Submit?

Queries Regarding PF and ESI

In PF - Is Form 9 compulsory to submit to the department since they are asking that unless the form is submitted, the digital signature cannot be uploaded, and also claims will not be settled?

In ESI - Is a half-yearly return still mandatory? Are there any annual information files required by the department? Is there any register to be maintained for ESI?

Please suggest.

Thanks,
Ankit

Digital Signature can be uploaded from the EPFO portal.

ESI Compliance Requirements

1. An annual return in Form 01-A must be submitted by 31st January of every year to the Regional Office, showing any changes during the preceding year.

2. Return of Contributions in quadruplicate for each contribution period should be submitted to the branch office, duly enclosing all the paid challans for the six months within 42 days of the expiry of each contribution period. This means by 11th November for the contribution period ending 30th September, and by 12th May for the contribution period ending 31st March.

3. Accident Reports
An accident report in Form 12 must be submitted to the branch office within 24 hours of the notice of an accident.

4. Declaration Forms
Declaration Forms in Form 1 must be submitted for all employees at the time of coverage of the unit, and thereafter as and when a new employee joins insurable employment, along with a return in Form 3 in duplicate within 10 days.

In addition to the Muster roll, wage record, and books of account maintained under other laws, the employer is required to maintain the following registers for ESI:

- Employees’ Register in new Form 6
- Accident Register in new Form 11
- An Inspection Book

The immediate employer is also required to maintain the Employee’s Register for the employees deployed to the principal employer.