How to Claim Shares from IEPF – Step-by-Step Guide
Have you or your family ever invested in shares or dividends that seem to have disappeared over time? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of investors in India lose track of their investments due to reasons like relocation, forgotten records, or untimely death of the original shareholder. The good news? You can still recover them through the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of claiming shares from the IEPF.
✅ What Is IEPF?
The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) was set up by the Government of India under Section 125 of the Companies Act, 2013. It is managed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and serves two main purposes:
To protect the interests of investors.
To ensure unclaimed dividends, matured deposits, shares, and other amounts are not left idle indefinitely.
When a shareholder doesn't claim their dividends for seven consecutive years, the company must transfer the corresponding shares to the IEPF. Fortunately, rightful owners or their legal heirs can reclaim these shares by following a structured process.
📌 Step-by-Step Guide to Claim Shares from IEPF
Step 1: Check if Your Shares Are with IEPF
Before initiating a claim, verify whether the shares have been transferred to the IEPF. You can do this by:
Visiting the IEPF website: https://www.iepf.gov.in
Clicking on “Search for unpaid and unclaimed amounts”
Entering the shareholder’s details such as:
Shareholder's name
Company name
Folio number or DP-ID/Client ID
If the records show your shares under IEPF, you are eligible to file a claim.
Or you can contact us at care4share to know more about your IEPF....
Step 2: Collect Required Documents
The claim process involves several documents to establish your ownership. Here's what you’ll typically need:
For Shareholders:
PAN Card and Aadhaar Card (self-attested)
Demat account proof (client master list)
Original share certificates (if physical shares)
Copy of IEPF acknowledgment
Cancelled cheque (for bank verification)
For Legal Heirs:
Death certificate of the shareholder
Succession certificate / Probate / Legal Heir Certificate
KYC documents of all claimants
Indemnity Bond and Advance Stamped Receipt (in the prescribed format)
Step 3: File Online IEPF-5 Form
Visit the IEPF Claim Portal and file Form IEPF-5 online.
Step 4: Submit the Physical Documents to the Company
After submitting Form IEPF-5 online, you must send the signed hard copy of the form and supporting documents to its registered office.
Step 5: Company Verifies and Submits to IEPF Authority
Upon receiving your documents, the company will verify the claim. If everything is in order, they will submit a verification report to the IEPF Authority within 30 days.
Step 6: IEPF Authority Processes the Claim
The IEPF Authority will review the documents and the company’s verification report. If approved:
Shares are credited back to your demat account.
Corresponding dividend amounts are transferred to your bank account.
📝 Important Points to Remember
Check All Companies Separately
Track Your Application.
Maintain Copies
Rectify Rejections
🔍 Need Help with IEPF Share Recovery?
While the process is straightforward, legal heirs or investors often struggle with documentation, succession issues, or procedural delays. Expert assistance can simplify the process.
At Care4Share, we specialize in IEPF claims, share recovery, and legal assistance for unclaimed investments. Whether it’s a missing share certificate or complicated legal heirship, our professionals ensure a smooth experience with maximum success rate.
👉 Book a Consultation with us today and reclaim what’s rightfully yours.
📞 Conclusion
The Investor Education and Protection Fund exists to safeguard investors' interests, not to take away your money. With the right knowledge and documentation, recovering shares from IEPF is not only possible but also increasingly streamlined.
So, don’t let your investments remain forgotten — take action today.