IEPF Claim Guide: Reclaim Dividends & Shares Using Form IEPF-5

IEPF Claim Guide: Reclaim Dividends & Shares Using Form IEPF-5. The Companies Act, 2013 places strong emphasis on investor protection and financial transparency. One of its key mechanisms for safeguarding shareholder interests is the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). As per the law, any dividend that remains unclaimed for seven consecutive years, along with the corresponding shares, must be transferred to the IEPF. While the IEPF ensures  investor money is not permanently lost, shareholders can avoid unnecessary transfer of their holdings by taking simple preventive steps primarily keeping their information updated and claiming their dividends regularly.
Why Are Dividends Transferred to the IEPF?
The transfer of unclaimed dividends and shares to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) is a statutory requirement designed to safeguard investor interests and prevent the accumulation of dormant or untraceable funds within companies.
Under Section 124 of the Companies Act, 2013, along with the IEPF Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016, every company listed or unlisted is required to monitor dividend payouts and identify amounts that remain unclaimed or unpaid. If a shareholder does not claim their dividend for a continuous period of seven years, the law presumes that the investor is either untraceable or inactive. To ensure that such money does not remain idle indefinitely, both the unclaimed dividend amount and the corresponding shares are transferred to the IEPF.
How Shareholders Can Avoid IEPF Transfer
Proactive management of investments can ensure uninterrupted access to dividends and prevent transfer of shares. Investors should:

Claim dividends regularly

Update bank account details and KYC information on time

Keep email ID, mobile number, and address updated with the company and depositories

Ensure Demat accounts remain active

Track dividend payouts and corporate announcements periodically

These basic steps help prevent lapses and safeguard ownership of shares. 
How Investors Can Check & Claim Unclaimed Amounts
To assist investors, companies and the IEPF Authority provide simple online search tools:

Through Company Website: Most companies host a section titled “Unclaimed/Unpaid Dividend” under their Investor Relations page.

Through IEPF Portal: Investors can check unclaimed dividends and transferred shares on the official IEPF website: http://www.iepf.gov.in/

Filing Claim Through Form IEPF-5:If a shareholder finds that their dividends or shares have been transferred to IEPF, they can reclaim them by filing Form IEPF-5 along with supporting documents.

Common Reasons Why Dividends Remain Unclaimed
Unclaimed dividends often arise from simple oversights or administrative gaps. Some common reasons include:

Change in residential address without notifying the company

Non-updated bank account details, leading to failed electronic transfers

Expiry of physical dividend warrants or cheques

Inactive, closed, or frozen Demat accounts

Mismatch in the shareholder’s name due to spelling errors or documentation differences

Pending legal issues such as inheritance, succession, or transmission

Failure to track old investments

Non-registration of email ID or mobile number, causing missed notifications

Death of the shareholder without proper transmission initiated by legal heirs

Tracking investments and keeping records updated significantly reduces the risk of losing dividends or shares. 
Documents Required for Filing an IEPF Claim
To recover dividends and shares from IEPF, shareholders must submit the following documents:

Form IEPF-5 (filled as per instructions)

Identity documents: Aadhar card, PAN card

Cancelled cheque with the claimant’s name

Client Master List (CML) from the Depository Participant

Entitlement documents: share certificates, dividend warrants, entitlement letter

Form ISR-2 for bank verification

Affidavit and Indemnity Bond as required

For deceased shareholders: death certificate, succession certificate, legal heir certificate, and NOC from other legal heirs (if applicable)

Providing accurate documents ensures smooth verification and timely refund. 
Process to File Form IEPF-5
Step 1: Check Your Unclaimed Dividend or Share Status
You can check the status through:
Option 1: Check the Investor Relations Page of the company : Under the “Unclaimekd Dividends” section.
Option 2: IEPF Website: Enter your Folio Number or DP ID / Client ID to view if any amount or shares have been transferred to the IEPF.
This is the first and most important step as it confirms the amount and the status of the shares.
Step 2: Contact RTA
Contact the Registrar & Share Transfer Agent (RTA) of the company for the confirmation of the shares.
You must request from the company

Entitlement Letter confirming:

Number of shares transferred to IEPF

Unclaimed dividend amount

Verification of your identity as the rightful shareholder

Confirmation on required supporting documents

Documents generally required at this stage:

PAN & Aadhaar

Share details (Folio / DP ID – Client ID)

Old dividend warrants (if available)

Proof of address

Contact details

Once the Registrar verifies the details, they issue the Entitlement Letter, which is mandatory for further filing.
Step 3: File IEPF Form-5 on MCA Website
Visit the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website → IEPF → Form IEPF-5.
Details to be filled in Form-5:

Full name, address, PAN, Aadhaar

Details of Company

Number of shares claimed

Year-wise dividend details

Bank account details

Demat Account details (DP ID & Client ID)

After online submission:

Download IEPF-5 Form

Download Acknowledgement with SRN number

Both must be printed, signed, and included in the final document set.
Step 4: Prepare the Document Set for Physical Submission
You must send the following documents by courier/speed post to the Nodal Officer:
Mandatory Documents:

Signed IEPF-5 form

IEPF SRN Acknowledgement

Indemnity Bond (on non-judicial stamp paper as per IEPF rules)

Advance Stamped Receipt (signed by applicant & witnesses)

Entitlement Letter from RTA

Self-attested PAN & Aadhaar copies

Cancelled cheque

Client Master List (CML) issued by your DP

Original share certificates (if shares were held in physical form)

If Applicant is a Legal Heir/Successor:

Death certificate of original shareholder

Legal heir certificate / succession certificate / probate / registered will

NOCs from all other legal heirs

ID/address proof of all heirs

Legal heir cases generally require more verification and may take extra processing time.
Step 5: Send Documents to Nodal Officer
Send by Speed Post or Courier to: for example,
Nodal Officer – IEPF
Nodal Officer: Appointed nodal officer.
Email ID: - Registered email id of the nodal officer
Address: Registered address of the company’s nodal officer 
Ensure that all documents are properly signed and arranged, as incomplete submissions may lead to delays.
Step 6: Verification by Company
After receiving your documents, the company:

Matches your details with historical records

Confirms authenticity of documents

Ensures all requirements of IEPF Authority are fulfilled

Once completed, company prepares the Verification Report and sends it to the IEPF Authority generally within 30 days. 
Step 7: IEPF Authority Approval
The IEPF Authority reviews the verification report and documents. If everything is correct:

Shares are credited directly to your Demat account

Unclaimed dividends are deposited into your bank account

The process may take several weeks or even a few months depending on the complexity of the claim, especially in legal heir cases.
How Compliance Calendar LLP Helps Investors
Reclaiming unclaimed dividends or shares from the IEPF involves multiple steps, documentation, and coordination with both the company and the IEPF Authority. Compliance Calendar LLP simplifies the entire process through:

Expert assistance in preparing and filing Form IEPF-5

Accurate documentation, affidavits, and indemnity bonds

Coordination with the company’s Nodal Officer

Tracking SRN and acknowledgement for timely processing

Support in transmission of shares and issuance of duplicate share certificates

Ensuring error-free filings and complete end-to-end compliance guidance

With our professional support, shareholders can confidently reclaim their rightful assets, avoid delays, and protect their financial interests. 
Summary
The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) is there to protect shareholders and make sure unclaimed dividends and shares are safely managed. While it keeps your money secure, the best way to avoid your dividends or shares being transferred is to claim them regularly, keep your contact and bank details updated, and monitor your investments.
If your dividends or shares have already been transferred to the IEPF, you can still get them back by filing Form IEPF-5 with the right documents. The process may take some time, but it ensures that you recover your money and shares safely.
Compliance Calendar LLP can help guide you through every step, from filling forms to sending documents and tracking your claim, making the whole process easier and faster.
In short, staying aware and taking timely action is the key to protecting your dividends and shares and keeping your investments secure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)?
Ans. The IEPF is a fund set up by the government to protect shareholders. It keeps unclaimed dividends and shares safe and ensures that investors can claim them later.
Q2. When are dividends transferred to the IEPF?
Ans. If a dividend remains unclaimed for seven consecutive years, the law requires that the dividend amount and the corresponding shares be transferred to the IEPF.
Q3. How can I avoid my dividends or shares being transferred to the IEPF?
Ans. You can prevent this by:

Claiming your dividends regularly

Keeping your bank account and KYC details updated

Ensuring your contact information (email, phone, address) is current

Monitoring your investments and Demat account

Q4. How do I check if my dividends or shares have been transferred to the IEPF?
Ans. You can check using:

The company’s website under “Unclaimed/Unpaid Dividends”

The official IEPF portal: http://www.iepf.gov.in/IEPFA/refund.html

Q5. What should I do if my dividends or shares have already been transferred to the IEPF?
Ans. You can reclaim them by filing Form IEPF-5 with all the required documents. After verification, your dividends will be credited to your bank account, and shares will be transferred to your Demat account.
Q6. What documents are required to file Form IEPF-5?
Ans. Common documents include:

Form IEPF-5 (filled correctly)

PAN card and Aadhaar card

Cancelled cheque

Share certificates or entitlement letter

Client Master List (CML)

Legal documents for deceased shareholders (death certificate, succession certificate, etc.)

Q7. How long does it take to get dividends or shares back from the IEPF?
Ans. The process may take several weeks or a few months, depending on the complexity of the claim, especially in legal heir cases.
Q8. Who can help me with filing IEPF claims?
Ans. Professional firms like Compliance Calendar LLP can guide you through the entire process, including form filling, documentation, submission, and tracking your claim.
Q9. Can legal heirs claim dividends of a deceased shareholder?
Ans. Yes. Legal heirs can file Form IEPF-5 along with the death certificate, succession certificate, and other necessary legal documents to claim dividends and shares.
Q10. Is it possible to avoid the IEPF process entirely?
Ans. Yes. By staying proactive claiming dividends regularly, updating your bank and contact details, and monitoring your shares you can avoid transfers to the IEPF altogether.

The Companies Act, 2013 places strong emphasis on investor protection and financial transparency. One of its key mechanisms for safeguarding shareholder interests is the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). As per the law, any dividend that remains unclaimed for seven consecutive years, along with the corresponding shares, must be transferred to the IEPF. While the IEPF ensures investor money is not permanently lost, shareholders can avoid unnecessary transfer of their holdings by taking simple preventive steps primarily keeping their information updated and claiming their dividends regularly.

Why Are Dividends Transferred to the IEPF?

The transfer of unclaimed dividends and shares to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) is a statutory requirement designed to safeguard investor interests and prevent the accumulation of dormant or untraceable funds within companies.

Under Section 124 of the Companies Act, 2013, along with the IEPF Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016, every company listed or unlisted is required to monitor dividend payouts and identify amounts that remain unclaimed or unpaid. If a shareholder does not claim their dividend for a continuous period of seven years, the law presumes that the investor is either untraceable or inactive. To ensure that such money does not remain idle indefinitely, both the unclaimed dividend amount and the corresponding shares are transferred to the IEPF.

How Shareholders Can Avoid IEPF Transfer

Proactive management of investments can ensure uninterrupted access to dividends and prevent transfer of shares. Investors should:

Claim dividends regularly
Update bank account details and KYC information on time
Keep email ID, mobile number, and address updated with the company and depositories
Ensure Demat accounts remain active
Track dividend payouts and corporate announcements periodically

These basic steps help prevent lapses and safeguard ownership of shares.

How Investors Can Check & Claim Unclaimed Amounts

To assist investors, companies and the IEPF Authority provide simple online search tools:

Through Company Website: Most companies host a section titled “Unclaimed/Unpaid Dividend” under their Investor Relations page.
Through IEPF Portal: Investors can check unclaimed dividends and transferred shares on the official IEPF website: http://www.iepf.gov.in/
Filing Claim Through Form IEPF-5:If a shareholder finds that their dividends or shares have been transferred to IEPF, they can reclaim them by filing Form IEPF-5 along with supporting documents.

Common Reasons Why Dividends Remain Unclaimed

Unclaimed dividends often arise from simple oversights or administrative gaps. Some common reasons include:

Change in residential address without notifying the company
Non-updated bank account details, leading to failed electronic transfers
Expiry of physical dividend warrants or cheques
Inactive, closed, or frozen Demat accounts
Mismatch in the shareholder’s name due to spelling errors or documentation differences
Pending legal issues such as inheritance, succession, or transmission
Failure to track old investments
Non-registration of email ID or mobile number, causing missed notifications
Death of the shareholder without proper transmission initiated by legal heirs

Tracking investments and keeping records updated significantly reduces the risk of losing dividends or shares.

Documents Required for Filing an IEPF Claim

To recover dividends and shares from IEPF, shareholders must submit the following documents:

Form IEPF-5 (filled as per instructions)
Identity documents: Aadhar card, PAN card
Cancelled cheque with the claimant’s name
Client Master List (CML) from the Depository Participant
Entitlement documents: share certificates, dividend warrants, entitlement letter
Form ISR-2 for bank verification
Affidavit and Indemnity Bond as required
For deceased shareholders: death certificate, succession certificate, legal heir certificate, and NOC from other legal heirs (if applicable)

Providing accurate documents ensures smooth verification and timely refund.

Process to File Form IEPF-5

Step 1: Check Your Unclaimed Dividend or Share Status

You can check the status through:

Option 1: Check the Investor Relations Page of the company : Under the “Unclaimekd Dividends” section.

Option 2: IEPF Website: Enter your Folio Number or DP ID / Client ID to view if any amount or shares have been transferred to the IEPF.

This is the first and most important step as it confirms the amount and the status of the shares.

Step 2: Contact RTA

Contact the Registrar & Share Transfer Agent (RTA) of the company for the confirmation of the shares.

You must request from the company

Entitlement Letter confirming:

Number of shares transferred to IEPF
Unclaimed dividend amount
Verification of your identity as the rightful shareholder

Confirmation on required supporting documents

Documents generally required at this stage:

PAN & Aadhaar
Share details (Folio / DP ID – Client ID)
Old dividend warrants (if available)
Proof of address
Contact details

Once the Registrar verifies the details, they issue the Entitlement Letter, which is mandatory for further filing.

Step 3: File IEPF Form-5 on MCA Website

Visit the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website → IEPF → Form IEPF-5.

Details to be filled in Form-5:

Full name, address, PAN, Aadhaar
Details of Company
Number of shares claimed
Year-wise dividend details
Bank account details
Demat Account details (DP ID & Client ID)

After online submission:

Download IEPF-5 Form
Download Acknowledgement with SRN number

Both must be printed, signed, and included in the final document set.

Step 4: Prepare the Document Set for Physical Submission

You must send the following documents by courier/speed post to the Nodal Officer:

Mandatory Documents:

Signed IEPF-5 form
IEPF SRN Acknowledgement
Indemnity Bond (on non-judicial stamp paper as per IEPF rules)
Advance Stamped Receipt (signed by applicant & witnesses)
Entitlement Letter from RTA
Self-attested PAN & Aadhaar copies
Cancelled cheque
Client Master List (CML) issued by your DP
Original share certificates (if shares were held in physical form)

If Applicant is a Legal Heir/Successor:

Death certificate of original shareholder
Legal heir certificate / succession certificate / probate / registered will
NOCs from all other legal heirs
ID/address proof of all heirs

Legal heir cases generally require more verification and may take extra processing time.

Step 5: Send Documents to Nodal Officer

Send by Speed Post or Courier to: for example,

Nodal Officer – IEPF

Nodal Officer: Appointed nodal officer.

Email ID: - Registered email id of the nodal officer

Address: Registered address of the company’s nodal officer

Ensure that all documents are properly signed and arranged, as incomplete submissions may lead to delays.

Step 6: Verification by Company

After receiving your documents, the company:

Matches your details with historical records
Confirms authenticity of documents
Ensures all requirements of IEPF Authority are fulfilled

Once completed, company prepares the Verification Report and sends it to the IEPF Authority generally within 30 days.

Step 7: IEPF Authority Approval

The IEPF Authority reviews the verification report and documents. If everything is correct:

Shares are credited directly to your Demat account
Unclaimed dividends are deposited into your bank account

The process may take several weeks or even a few months depending on the complexity of the claim, especially in legal heir cases.

How Compliance Calendar LLP Helps Investors

Reclaiming unclaimed dividends or shares from the IEPF involves multiple steps, documentation, and coordination with both the company and the IEPF Authority. Compliance Calendar LLP simplifies the entire process through:

Expert assistance in preparing and filing Form IEPF-5
Accurate documentation, affidavits, and indemnity bonds
Coordination with the company’s Nodal Officer
Tracking SRN and acknowledgement for timely processing
Support in transmission of shares and issuance of duplicate share certificates
Ensuring error-free filings and complete end-to-end compliance guidance

With our professional support, shareholders can confidently reclaim their rightful assets, avoid delays, and protect their financial interests.

Summary

The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) is there to protect shareholders and make sure unclaimed dividends and shares are safely managed. While it keeps your money secure, the best way to avoid your dividends or shares being transferred is to claim them regularly, keep your contact and bank details updated, and monitor your investments.

If your dividends or shares have already been transferred to the IEPF, you can still get them back by filing Form IEPF-5 with the right documents. The process may take some time, but it ensures that you recover your money and shares safely.

Compliance Calendar LLP can help guide you through every step, from filling forms to sending documents and tracking your claim, making the whole process easier and faster.

In short, staying aware and taking timely action is the key to protecting your dividends and shares and keeping your investments secure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)?

Ans. The IEPF is a fund set up by the government to protect shareholders. It keeps unclaimed dividends and shares safe and ensures that investors can claim them later.

Q2. When are dividends transferred to the IEPF?

Ans. If a dividend remains unclaimed for seven consecutive years, the law requires that the dividend amount and the corresponding shares be transferred to the IEPF.

Q3. How can I avoid my dividends or shares being transferred to the IEPF?

Ans. You can prevent this by:

Claiming your dividends regularly
Keeping your bank account and KYC details updated
Ensuring your contact information (email, phone, address) is current
Monitoring your investments and Demat account

Q4. How do I check if my dividends or shares have been transferred to the IEPF?

Ans. You can check using:

The company’s website under “Unclaimed/Unpaid Dividends”
The official IEPF portal: http://www.iepf.gov.in/IEPFA/refund.html

Q5. What should I do if my dividends or shares have already been transferred to the IEPF?

Ans. You can reclaim them by filing Form IEPF-5 with all the required documents. After verification, your dividends will be credited to your bank account, and shares will be transferred to your Demat account.

Q6. What documents are required to file Form IEPF-5?

Ans. Common documents include:

Form IEPF-5 (filled correctly)
PAN card and Aadhaar card
Cancelled cheque
Share certificates or entitlement letter
Client Master List (CML)
Legal documents for deceased shareholders (death certificate, succession certificate, etc.)

Q7. How long does it take to get dividends or shares back from the IEPF?

Ans. The process may take several weeks or a few months, depending on the complexity of the claim, especially in legal heir cases.

Q8. Who can help me with filing IEPF claims?

Ans. Professional firms like Compliance Calendar LLP can guide you through the entire process, including form filling, documentation, submission, and tracking your claim.

Q9. Can legal heirs claim dividends of a deceased shareholder?

Ans. Yes. Legal heirs can file Form IEPF-5 along with the death certificate, succession certificate, and other necessary legal documents to claim dividends and shares.

Q10. Is it possible to avoid the IEPF process entirely?

Ans. Yes. By staying proactive claiming dividends regularly, updating your bank and contact details, and monitoring your shares you can avoid transfers to the IEPF altogether.