IEPF 5 Filing – A Complete Step-by-Step Guide by Share Claimers
If you have unclaimed dividends, matured deposits, or shares transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), you can still recover them. The process to do this is called IEPF 5 filing. It is a legal procedure under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) in India, allowing rightful owners to claim their dues.
At Share Claimers, we make the IEPF claim process simple, transparent, and error-free. This detailed guide will explain everything you need to know about IEPF 5 filing, including eligibility, documents, and the filing steps.
What is IEPF 5 Filing?
The Investor Education and Protection Fund was established to protect the interests of investors. If dividends, deposits, or shares remain unclaimed for seven consecutive years, companies must transfer them to the IEPF.
However, the rightful owner or their legal heir can claim these investments back through the IEPF 5 form. This process is known as IEPF 5 filing and must follow the MCA’s guidelines strictly to avoid rejection.
When Do You Need to File IEPF 5?
You need to file IEPF 5 if you want to claim:
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Unclaimed Dividends – Amounts not claimed from the company for over seven years.
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Matured Deposits or Debentures – Investments transferred to IEPF after maturity without a claim.
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Shares Transferred to IEPF – Equity shares moved due to unclaimed dividends for seven years.
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Application Money Refunds – Amounts for which allotment was not made and remained unclaimed.
In all these cases, IEPF 5 filing is the only official way to recover your funds or shares.
Legal Provisions for IEPF 5 Filing
The process is regulated by the Companies Act, 2013 and the IEPF Authority Rules. Important legal points include:
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The claim must be made using the MCA’s official IEPF 5 form.
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The claimant must be the rightful shareholder, depositor, or their legal heir.
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Supporting documents must be provided for verification.
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The company and IEPF Authority must both approve the claim.
Step-by-Step Process for IEPF 5 Filing
1. Gather the Required Information
Before starting, keep ready:
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Your PAN and Aadhaar
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Details of the company from which shares/dividends are claimed
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Folio number or DP ID–Client ID for shares
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Details of the amount or shares transferred to IEPF
2. Download the IEPF 5 Form
Visit the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) website and download the IEPF 5 form.
3. Fill in the Details
Enter accurate details such as claimant’s name, company details, CIN, type of claim (shares, dividend, deposit), and year(s) of claim.
4. Attach Required Documents
Typical documents for IEPF 5 filing include:
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Self-attested ID and address proof
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Original share certificates (if physical shares)
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Proof of entitlement (dividend warrants, deposit receipts)
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Canceled cheque for bank details
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Death certificate and succession proof (if filing as legal heir)
5. Submit the Form Online
Once filled, upload the form on the MCA portal and note the SRN (Service Request Number) for tracking.
6. Send the Physical Copy to the Company
A signed copy of the filled IEPF 5 form, along with all original documents, must be sent to the company’s nodal officer.
7. Company Verification
The company verifies your claim and sends a verification report to the IEPF Authority.
8. IEPF Authority Approval
After review, the IEPF Authority processes the claim and transfers the approved shares or amount to your Demat account or bank account.
Documents Checklist for Quick Approval
To avoid rejection or delays, prepare these documents before filing:
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Printout of the IEPF 5 form with signature
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Original share certificates or proof of investment
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Self-attested PAN and Aadhaar copies
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Dividend warrants or payment proofs
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Succession certificate or legal heir certificate (if applicable)
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Cancelled cheque with claimant’s name printed
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Any additional documents requested by the company’s nodal officer
Timeline for IEPF 5 Filing Process
While the timeline depends on the company and IEPF Authority, the average process takes:
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Filing and document submission: 1–2 weeks
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Company verification: 30 days
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IEPF Authority approval: 60–90 days
Professional assistance from Share Claimers can help reduce delays by ensuring error-free filing and prompt follow-up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in IEPF 5 Filing
Many claims face rejection due to avoidable mistakes:
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Incorrect company details – CIN or folio mismatch leads to verification failure.
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Incomplete documents – Missing proofs cause delays.
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Improper legal heir documents – Claims on behalf of deceased shareholders often get delayed without proper succession proof.
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Late response to queries – Not replying promptly to the company or IEPF Authority’s queries slows the process.
Avoiding these mistakes is critical for a smooth IEPF 5 filing experience.
How Share Claimers Simplifies IEPF 5 Filing
Handling IEPF claims can be complex for individuals unfamiliar with legal procedures. At Share Claimers, we provide end-to-end assistance for IEPF 5 filing, including:
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Checking your eligibility for claim
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Preparing and verifying all documents
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Drafting legal heir affidavits and indemnity bonds
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Filing the form online and submitting documents to the company
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Coordinating with the company’s nodal officer and IEPF Authority until approval
Our expertise ensures your claim is accurate, complete, and processed faster.
Benefits of Timely IEPF 5 Filing
Filing your IEPF claim promptly helps you:
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Recover unclaimed investments without legal disputes
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Avoid additional verification complications
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Regain control over transferred shares
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Secure inherited investments for legal heirs
The sooner you start IEPF 5 filing, the sooner you regain your rightful assets.
Conclusion
IEPF 5 filing is the official way to recover unclaimed dividends, matured deposits, and shares transferred to the IEPF. While the process is detailed and document-heavy, following the correct steps ensures success.
At Share Claimers, we specialize in guiding investors through the complete IEPF claim process — from form filling to final approval. With the right support, you can avoid errors, meet deadlines, and recover your investments smoothly.