What is IEPF?
The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) is an authority under the Government of India dedicated to promoting investor awareness and safeguarding their interests. Established under the Companies Act, 2013 by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the IEPF ensures the protection of investors by facilitating refunds of shares, unclaimed dividends, deposits, and other amounts that have been transferred to the fund
When do the shares & dividends get transferred to IEPF?
If a company declares dividends that remain unclaimed for seven consecutive years or more, both the unclaimed dividends and the associated shares are transferred to the IEPF. In cases where the shares are held in Demat form, dividends often go unclaimed due to the linked bank accounts being inactive or dormant.
What is the process to claim shares from IEPF?
To reclaim shares from the IEPF, the claimant must complete Form IEPF-5 online at www.iepf.gov.in. A printed copy of the form, along with supporting documents, must be submitted to the company's Nodal Officer at its registered office for verification. The Nodal Officer reviews the documents, validates the claim online, and forwards it to the IEPF Authority (IEPFA). Once the verification process is complete, the IEPFA approves the claim, and the shares are transferred to the claimant’s Demat account.
What documents are required to be submitted with Form IEPF-5?
1: A copy of the acknowledgment receipt generated after the online submission of e-Form IEPF-5, containing a unique Serial Number (SRN).
2: Original Indemnity Bond duly signed by the claimant.
3: Original advance stamped receipt affixed with a revenue stamp and signed by both the claimant and witnesses.
4: Original matured deposit, debenture, or share certificate (for physical securities) or a copy of the transaction statement (for Demat securities).
5: Self-attested copy of the Aadhaar Card.
6: Proof of entitlement, such as a share certificate, interest warrant, or application number.
7: A canceled cheque leaf.
In the case of foreigners and NRIs, a copy of their passport, OCI, and PIO card is required.