Explore all the details you need about Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), tailored for your needs.
The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) was established under Section 125 of the Companies Act, 2013, as a crucial mechanism to safeguard investors’ unclaimed financial assets and promote investor awareness. The fund serves a dual purpose: managing unclaimed dividends and other financial entitlements while empowering investors with financial literacy.
Dividends not claimed by shareholders for seven consecutive years are transferred to IEPF.
Deposits with companies that remain unclaimed post-maturity.
Unclaimed debenture proceeds, including interest.
Application money from share allotments that remain unpaid or unclaimed.
Amounts derived from fractional shares during corporate actions such as mergers or stock splits.
Unclaimed amounts from the redemption of preference shares or debentures.
Unclaimed interest amounts accrued on bonds, deposits, or other financial instruments.
To ensure unclaimed funds reach their rightful owners, the IEPF Authority has established a systematic refund claim process.
Visit the IEPF Official Website and use the search feature to identify unclaimed dividends or other assets associated with your name or Demat account.
Access Form IEPF-5 on the IEPF website and fill it with details like your name, company name, Folio/DP ID, and claim amount. Download the acknowledgment after submission.
Print the IEPF-5 form acknowledgment and gather required documents such as share certificates or Demat account statement, PAN card, Aadhaar for identity proof, death certificate (if applicable), succession or legal heir certificate, and a cancelled cheque for bank account details.
Send the physical copy of the IEPF-5 form along with all required documents to the company’s registered office. The company verifies the claim and forwards it to the IEPF Authority.
The IEPF Authority reviews the claim. Upon approval, the funds are refunded directly to the claimant’s bank account.
To ensure your claim is processed smoothly, the following documents are commonly required:
The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) serves multiple purposes, ensuring the proper use of funds for the benefit of investors and their protection. Here are the primary uses of the IEPF:
IEPF is used to refund unclaimed dividends, matured deposits, matured debentures, application money due for refund, and interest thereon.
It funds the promotion of investor education, awareness, and protection, ensuring investors are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities.
IEPF is used for distributing disgorged amounts among eligible applicants for shares or debentures, shareholders, debenture-holders, or depositors who have suffered losses due to wrongful actions by any person, as per court orders.
It also covers the reimbursement of legal expenses incurred in pursuing class action suits under sections 37 and 245, sanctioned by the Tribunal.
IEPF may be utilized for any other purpose incidental thereto, in accordance with the prescribed rules. Individuals whose amounts were transferred to IEPF after the expiration of seven years under the Companies Act, 1956, can claim refunds from the Fund.
We understand that the IEPF claim process can be complex and time-consuming. Our expert team is here to simplify it, ensuring that your unclaimed assets are returned to you smoothly and efficiently.
Whether you are navigating through claim filing, handling documentation, or following up with the IEPF Authority, we are committed to providing comprehensive support every step of the way.
We help you locate unclaimed assets and provide step-by-step guidance on completing the IEPF refund claim process.
Our team ensures that all necessary documents are properly completed and meet the IEPF Authority’s requirements, minimizing any chances of errors or delays.
From filing the IEPF claim to following up with the company and IEPF Authority, we provide complete assistance throughout the entire process.