Monthly contribution payment deadline

• The due date for depositing ESIC contributions is the 15th of the following month.
  
• Contributions must be paid for both employer and employee shares.
  
• Payments made after the deadline attract interest and penalties.
  
• Timely payment ensures uninterrupted employee benefits.
  
• Employers should plan processing and approval in advance to avoid delays.
  

Monthly return filing deadline

• Monthly contribution details must be submitted immediately after payment.
  
• The system requires uploading wage details for each insured person.
  
• There is no separate fixed deadline once payment is completed.
  
• Employers are encouraged to file the return on the same day of payment.
  
• Filing must match the month for which payment was made.
  

Bi-annual return submission deadline (if applicable)

• In some cases, the ESIC portal may require half-yearly returns.
  
• These are due for periods April to September and October to March.
  
• Filing deadlines for these are typically in May and November respectively.
  
• The schedule may vary depending on notifications and updates.
  
• Employers should check the portal regularly for announcements.
  

Record maintenance timelines

• All ESIC-related records must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years.
  
• This includes wage registers, attendance sheets, and payment proofs.
  
• Documents should be readily available for audits or inspections.
  
• Employers must ensure data is stored securely and systematically.
  
• Updates and changes should be reflected in real-time for accuracy.
  

Penalties for missed deadlines

• Delayed payments incur interest at 12% per annum.
  
• Damages may also be levied based on the period of default.
  
• Continuous non-compliance can result in legal action or prosecution.
  
• Benefit claims may be rejected if contributions are unpaid.
  
• Regular internal checks help in meeting all filing obligations timely.