If your shares or dividends have been transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), you may still be able to claim them. IEPFA administers the refund of eligible unclaimed dividends, shares, matured deposits, debentures and other amounts transferred to the Fund.

Why Are Investments Transferred to IEPF?

• A common reason is prolonged non-payment or non-claim of dividends.
• When an investor does not receive or claim dividends for the prescribed period, associated securities and/or amounts may become subject to transfer under the Companies Act and applicable rules.

What Is the IEPF Claim Process?

• Identify the investment: company name, folio number, share details, PAN and available records.
• Check IEPF status.
• Prepare identity, address, PAN, demat, shareholding, bank and other supporting documents as applicable.
• Submit the prescribed claim.
• The concerned company/Nodal Officer may verify entitlement and documents.
• IEPFA processes the claim according to applicable rules.

2026 Update: Proposed Changes

• In January 2026, IEPFA invited public comments on proposed amendments intended to simplify the refund process.
• The proposal contemplated a streamlined mechanism for certain low-value claims and a 30-day disposal timeline based on company verification.
• These were proposed amendments, not a universal new 30-day refund rule.

How Topline Solutions Can Help

Topline Solutions can assist with preliminary identification of unclaimed investments, documentation checklists, IEPF-related claim documentation, company-verification requirements, legal-heir/share transmission documentation, eligible physical-share dematerialisation and procedural follow-up. Final approval and release remain subject to the relevant authority, company and applicable regulations.