What Is IEPF?

    Have you or your family members forgotten about old shares or dividends that haven’t been claimed for years? If these remain unclaimed for too long, they get transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) . But what happens if you don’t claim them in time? Let’s understand the consequences of not claiming IEPF shares and how it may affect your rightful ownership. What is IEPF and Why Are Shares Transferred to It? The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) was created by the Government of India to protect investor interests. According to Section 124 of the Companies Act, 2013, if any dividend remains unclaimed for 7 consecutive years , the associated shares are transferred to the IEPF. This means both the unclaimed dividend and the shares are moved to the government’s fund — but they can still be reclaimed by the rightful owners or their legal heirs. Consequences of Not Claiming IEPF Shares in Time 1. Loss of Ownership Rights Temporar...

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 sha...