FAQs on IEPF Claim Process

Q1. What is IEPF and what is the process to get back shares transferred to it?

A1. IEPF or Investor Education and Protection Fund is a body under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs that manages unclaimed dividends and shares transferred by companies.

The process to get back shares transferred to IEPF is:

1. Verify whether your shares are transferred to IEPF through the IEPF website or company announcements. Note down details like number of shares, amount, folio numbers etc.
2. Download the e-form IEPF-5 from the MCA website and fill it accurately providing your personal details, PAN, Aadhaar etc along with details of the company whose shares are to be claimed.
3. Prepare the necessary supporting documents like identity proof, address proof, share certificates, nomination details etc as applicable. Get them self-attested.
4. Attach the required annexures like bank details proof, indemnity bond duly signed and submit the complete form IEPF-5 to the Nodal Officer of the company.
5. The Nodal Officer verifies the claim and documents submitted. They may ask for additional documents if required.
6. After initial verification, the Nodal Officer uploads the claim to the MCA portal for IEPF authority approval.
7. Once approved, shares get credited to claimant’s demat account from IEPF within 30-60 days.
8. The status of the claim can be tracked online using the service request number.

So in summary, file e-form IEPF-5 accurately along with documents to the company’s Nodal Officer to get back your shares transferred to IEPF.

 

Q2. What is e-form IEPF-5 and how do I fill it?  

A2. e-Form IEPF-5 is the standard online application form prescribed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) for investors to file their refund claim for unclaimed dividends or shares transferred to the IEPF.

Here are some key points regarding filling of e-form IEPF-5:

• Download the latest IEPF-5 form from the MCA website and fill it digitally or in legible handwriting.
• Provide your basic personal details like name, address, PAN, Aadhaar number, email ID etc accurately based on identity proof documents.
• Fill the company details like name, address, Corporate Identity Number (CIN) etc. correctly against which you are making the refund claim. Refer to share certificates or company filings.
• Mention the details of amounts claimed like no. of securities, amount of unclaimed dividend etc. along with supporting proofs.
• Provide your bank details including bank name, account number and IFSC to facilitate transfer of any approved claims.
• Attach necessary supporting documents like identity and address proofs, share certificates etc as applicable.
• Digitally sign the form or sign physically and then scan and upload after filling all fields accurately.

 

Q3. What documents are required when submitting Form IEPF-5?

A3. The main documents required while submitting the e-form IEPF-5 to make a refund claim from the IEPF authority are:

1. Copy of PAN card (self-attested)
2. Self-attested address proof (Aadhaar/passport/voter ID/driver’s license)
3. Original share certificate(s) or statement of demat account
4. Copy of death certificate and succession documents (for legal heirs)
5. Indemnity bond signed by claimant on ₹600 stamp paper
6. Advance receipt signed by claimant with bank details
7. Copy of canceled cheque
8. Proof of entitlement (nomination/legal heirship certificate/Will probate/succession certificate)
9. Client Master list if demat account holder is different from original shareholder

Additionally, any other supporting documents sought by the concerned company’s Nodal Officer or the IEPF authority during the processing of the claim must be provided promptly by the applicant.

 

Q4. How much time does the IEPF claim and eform processing take?

A4. The overall processing time for an IEPF refund claim form beginning from submission of e-form IEPF-5 to the final credit of shares takes approximately 3-4 months.

Here is a breakdown of the indicative timelines involved:

• Initial claim verification by company’s Nodal Officer: 30-45 days
• Nodal Officer uploads claim to IEPF portal along with remarks
• Processing of claim by IEPF authority as per regulations: 1-2 months
• Seeking any additional documents or clarifications on claim: 15-30 days
• Final approval decision by IEPF: 1 month
• Credit of approved claim amount/shares by company: Within 60 days

 

Q5. Can I track the status of my IEPF refund claim? 

A5. Yes, investors have the facility to track the status of their IEPF refund claim online as follows:

• Upon submitting the duly filled IEPF-5 claim form to the Nodal Officer, investors will receive an acknowledgement with a unique Service Request Number (SRN).
• The SRN acts as your reference number to track the status of your IEPF claim through the portal of Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• You need to visit the MCA website and click on the “Track Application Status” link.
• Enter details like the SRN, company name, email ID, PAN etc. correctly to see latest status of your claim.
• It displays the current stage your refund claim is at – whether under initial scrutiny, forwarded to IEPF authority, additional documents sought, etc.
• Helps investors know exact status instead of waiting for updates from the company or IEPF directly.

Regular online tracking using the SRN also enables investors to respond in a timely manner to any queries raised and thus hastens the approval procedures through responsiveness.

 

Q6. My IEPF claim has been rejected. What to do now?  

A6. If your IEPF refund claim gets rejected, don’t lose hope. Here is what you need to do:

1. Firstly, check the exact reason your claim got rejected – whether any documents were inaccurate or inadequate, gaps in form filling, etc.
2. Study the rejection remarks carefully from the Nodal Officer or on the claim status tracker. 
3. Accordingly, identify the shortcomings and prepare accurate supporting documents that fulfil the requirements.
4. Consult an expert agency if needed to ensure your resubmitted claim has all paperwork and formats thoroughly in compliance. 
5. Draft an application letter for re-submission signed by claimant to the Nodal Officer along with revised documents. 
6. Submit the comprehensive claim documents pack again for re-initiation of the verification process.
7. Respond promptly if any further clarifications are sought on your claim by the verifying authority. 
8. Follow up regularly on status of re-submitted claim and highlight pendency if any.

With attentive gap fixing, diligent paperwork and responsiveness, investors can get their initially rejected IEPF claims approved upon re-submission in most cases.

 

Q7. What is the time limit to claim my shares / dividends transferred to IEPF?

A7. As per Indian government rules, there is no time limit to claim shares or dividends that have been transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). An investor can claim their shares and dividends from the IEPF at any point of time after they have been transferred. 

The process to claim shares and dividends from the IEPF involves submitting an online application along with necessary documents as proof of ownership. Once the claim is verified, the shares and dividends due to the investor will be credited back to them. 

So in summary, there is no deadline or time limit set by regulations to reclaim your investments transferred to the IEPF. You can submit a claim at your convenience. The important thing is to keep your ownership documents safe to substantiate your claim when required.

 

Q8. I have physical share certificates – can I still claim from IEPF?

A8.Yes, even if you have physical share certificates, you can still claim your shares from the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). Here is the process to follow:

1. Convert the physical certificates into demat form: Approach your depository participant (NSDL/CDSL) and submit a dematerialization request to convert the physical certificates into demat shares.
2. Fill out the IEPF-5 form: This is the standard form to apply for a refund from IEPF. You can fill and submit it online on the MCA portal.
3. Attach necessary documents: Along with the duly filled IEPF-5 form, you need to provide a copy of PAN card, demat account statement showing the shares, share certificates (original or duplicate) and other proofs establishing your ownership.
4. Submit the form online and send documents.

Once your claim is verified, the shares will be credited back into your demat account from the IEPF. The dividends will be paid directly to your bank account. So you just need to go through this standard process to get back your shares, even if you have the physical certificates. Maintain the necessary supporting documents properly for a smooth claim.

 

Q9. How do companies communicate to investors that shares/dividends are transferred to IEPF?

A9. According to IEPF rules, companies are required to inform investors before transferring their shares or dividends to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF):

1. Newspaper Advertisement: Companies must publish a notice in leading English and regional language newspapers at least 3 months before the due date for transfer of shares to IEPF. This acts an advance intimation to investors.
2. Individual Notice: In addition to newspaper ads, companies also need to individually inform investors whose shares/dividends are liable to be transferred, through registered post. This notice must be sent at least 6 months prior to the actual transfer date.
3. Website: Details of unclaimed shares/dividends and their tentative transfer dates must be uploaded on the company’s website under a separate IEPF section. The list must also include names and addresses of concerned investors.
4. Stock Exchange Intimation: As per listing regulations, information about impending transfers to IEPF needs to be intimated to stock exchanges at least 2 months in advance.

Therefore, through a combination of public notices and individual communication, companies ensure investors are duly informed before their shares or dividends are transferred to IEPF after the mandatory 7 year period. Investors must stay updated regarding the same.

 

Q10. Can a stock broker file IEPF refund claims on behalf of clients?

A10. Yes, as per the rules a stock broker can file an IEPF refund claim on behalf of their clients.

The process for a stock broker to file a refund claim with the IEPF Authority on behalf of a client is as follows:

1. The client has to authorize the stock broker by submitting a Power of Attorney (POA). This authorizes the broker to make the refund claim on the client’s behalf.
2. The stock broker then prepares and submits the duly filled IEPF-5 form along with the POA and all supporting documents evidencing the client’s ownership of the shares/dividends.
3. The broker will use its own digital signature to submit the form online. Rules allow companies like brokers to sign the form digitally.
4. Once the IEPF Authority verifies and processes the claim, the shares/amount will be credited to the client’s demat account or bank account respectively, directly from the IEPF. 
5. The stock broker facilitates the entire process end-to-end on behalf of the client but the client has to provide necessary documentation and authorization.

So in short, a stock broker can file a refund application to IEPF on your behalf by following due process as per rules. You just need to authorize the broker for the same through POA.

 

Q11. What details of the company do I need to fill form IEPF-5 accurately?  

A11. To fill and submit form IEPF-5 accurately and successfully claim your shares or dividends from the IEPF, you must have the following details of the company:

1. Accurate and complete name of the company
2. CIN (Corporate Identity Number) of the company
3. Type of company (Public/Pvt/One Person Company)  
4. Date of last dividend paid or date of transfer of shares to IEPF
5. Number and face value of shares you held/are claiming
6. Amount of dividend you are eligible to claim
7. Complete registered office address of the company
8. Email ID of the company’s Nodal Officer registered under IEPF

Having these company details handy will help you properly fill the mandatory fields in IEPF-5 form without any errors. The IEPF website or company’s website or stock exchange disclosures can help you obtain these company details easily. Accurate information will facilitate speedy processing of your claim from IEPF.

So in a nutshell, keep company’s name, CIN, type, dividend/transfer dates, share details, address and Nodal Officer’s email when filling IEPF-5.

Q12. Can legal heirs file IEPF refund claims on behalf of deceased shareholders?

A12. Yes, the legal heir or successor of a deceased shareholder can definitely file a refund claim with the IEPF Authority to recover the shares or unclaimed dividends that were transferred in the name of the deceased.

The process to be followed by a legal heir is:

1. Submit Succession Certificate or Probate of Will to establish the legal heir relationship to the deceased shareholder.
2. Apply in Form IEPF-5 and select ‘legal heir’ under applicant category. Provide death certificate also.
3. Submit all other documents like PAN, KYC details, demat account statements showing transfer of securities from deceased’s account etc.
4. If shares are held in physical form, attach securities’ duplicate certificate as well. 
5. The refund, if approved, will be credited to the legal heir claimant’s account directly.

Therefore, the legal heir simply needs to provide valid documentation proving legal heir status and ownership of securities and can easily file an IEPF refund application on behalf of the deceased. It is a completely permissible process under IEPF rules.

 

Q13. Is there any fee to file the IEPF refund claim?

A13. No, there is no fee or charges applicable for filing a refund claim with the IEPF Authority to get back your unclaimed shares or dividends.

The form IEPF-5, which needs to be submitted along with necessary supporting documents in order to claim refund from IEPF, is available freely online. An investor can download the form, fill it and submit it without needing to make any payment.

Additionally, the e-filing portal of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs where the filled IEPF-5 needs to be submitted is also totally free of cost. There is no fee for uploading forms, attachments and for submitting the claim on this portal.

Only, if you choose to take help of a professional like a company secretary or chartered accountant to file the claim on your behalf, you might need to pay their fees or charges. However, that is optional.

But in terms of any official or regulatory fee for claiming investments back from IEPF, there is no such fee or charges applicable. The claim process is completely free of cost.

So any investor can file for a refund from IEPF directly without needing to make any payments towards form submission, portal charges etc. It is a free process.

 

Q14. What proof establishes that I am the legal heir of the original shareholder? 

A14. The documents that establish you as a legal heir of an original shareholder, entitled to claim the shares/dividends from IEPF, are:

1. Succession Certificate: This is issued by a court to recognize someone as having the rights of a deceased person. This legally establishes you as next of kin and successor to make the IEPF claim.
2. Probate of Will: In case the original shareholder had left a Will, this document issued by court names you as the rightful heir based on the Will. This can be submitted.
3. Legal Heir Certificate: Issued by a competent revenue authority or court, containing names of all surviving legal heirs of the deceased account holder.
4. Death Certificate: Death certificate of the original shareholder whose shares/dividends need to be claimed from IEPF.  
5. Indemnity: Required to be submitted by all legal heirs before transmission of shares or payment of dividends.

So in summary, Succession Certificate, Probate of Will, Legal Heir Certificate along with Death Certificate and Indemnity Bond signed by all legal heirs establishes your eligibility to claim investments on behalf of the deceased as the legal heir.

 

Q15. How do I get assistance in documentation for filing complex legal heir claims with IEPF?

A15. Filing a legal heir claim with the IEPF can be complex as it requires submitting multiple documents that establish your legal relationship as well as succession rights to the original shareholder’s assets. Here are some options to get assistance with documentation for such claims:

1. Company Secretary: Hire a practicing company secretary who are experts in securities laws and IEPF rules. They can prepare the legal heirship documents as per specifications.
2. Chartered Accountant: Chartered accountants also have expertise in documenting legal heir claims. They can handle documentation and form filing process.
3. Legal Heir Claim Facilitators: Many investor associations have empaneled facilitators to help specifically with legal documentation for IEPF refund claims. You can approach them as well. 
4. Online Service Aggregators: Portals like LegalRaasta provide a host of services from consultation to preparing paperwork needed for establishing legal heirship for IEPF and transmission of securities. Very convenient option.
5. Lawyers: As a last resort, approaching a lawyer well-versed in securities and inheritance laws can provide consultation or legal assistance in documentation for complex cases. 

Using any of these assisted services for legal paperwork is advisable given the technicalities involved. A small fee charged by them is worth for a smooth claim approval.

 

Q16. What details do I have to provide in the advance receipt for dividend refund from IEPF?

A16. As per IEPF rules, while applying for a refund of unclaimed dividends from IEPF, the applicant needs to provide an Advance Receipt (AR) signed by the claimant, with the following key details:

1. Name of the Claimant: Full name should match PAN card and other KYC documents.
2. PAN Number: Enter the 10-digit Permanent Account Number of the claimant. This should be the same as all other proofs submitted.
3. Mobile Number: Provide the mobile number which will reflect on the NEFT payment confirmation.
4. Email address: Email ID where payment confirmation can be sent for claimant’s reference.
5. Bank details: 

– Name of the Bank

– Bank Branch Address & Phone Number  

– Bank Account Number

– Account Type (Savings/Current)  

– IFSC Code  

6. Amount of Dividend Claimed: Specify total dividend amount eligible to be refunded from IEPF.  
7. Signature of Claimant: AR must have claimant’s signature in original which will be used to verify online submitted documents.

Providing correct information as per above details in the Advance Receipt is important for direct credit of refunded dividend amount. The IEPF authority will tally these inputs with other documents before processing the transfer to a given account.

 

Q17. Can an NRI file claim to recover unclaimed amounts from the IEPF Authority?  

A17. Yes, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can also file a claim with the IEPF Authority to recover unclaimed shares, dividends or other permitted amounts that were transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund.

The process to be followed by NRIs to file a refund claim is:

1. Open an NRO bank account or a demat account in India to receive the refund, if not already existing.
2. Fill form IEPF-5 online providing PAN and other KYC details as per Indian records.
3. Attach supporting documents as per standard list including bank statements, demat account statements, passport copy etc. Get required documents apostilled or attested as applicable.  
4. Digitally sign the form or send physical copy signed by hand to the IEPF portal for processing. 
5. Claims will be verified based on Indian identification documents and KYC submitted. 

So in brief, any NRI investor who has unclaimed amounts with any Indian company transferred to IEPF can file a refund request by providing Indian address proofs and identity documents. The process remains the same as resident Indians. Just an additional step is to have a valid Indian bank account and demat details.

 

Q18. Where do I contact for any queries while filing eform IEPF-5?

A18. Here are the contact details to get your queries resolved while filling the IEPF-5 form:

1. MCA IEPF Helpdesk:

You can contact the MCA helpdesk via the toll free number 1800 114 667 or email at [email protected]. The helpdesk can guide regarding portal access, form filling and document upload issues.

2. Company’s Nodal Officer: 

Every company designs an IEPF Nodal Officer to help investors. Their name and contact details are provided on the MCA website. You can contact them for company specific details needed for the form.

3. Chief Investor Relations Officer:

Listed companies have Registrars and Chief Investor Relations Officers to address investor queries. Contact them via email/phone for any data regarding corporate actions.

4. LegalRaasta & Quess Corp:

These entities run dedicated investor assistance centers on behalf of MCA to facilitate form filling. You can get in touch with them as well. 

In addition, you can also visit the Investor Assistance section on iepf.gov.in portal for any clarification, updates or guidance on the filing process.

So in summary, MCA helpdesk, company nodal officers, registrars or dedicated investor assistance centers can all be contacted for any issues while filing IEPF-5.

 

Q19. Do companies proactively inform shareholders before transferring unclaimed dividends / shares to IEPF after 7 years?  

A19. Yes, companies do proactively inform shareholders in the following ways before transferring unclaimed dividends or shares to IEPF after the mandatory 7 year period:

1. Newspaper Advertisements: Companies publish notices in leading English and regional language newspapers at least 3 months before the due date of transfer to IEPF.
2. Individual Notices: Shareholders whose unclaimed amounts are liable to be transferred get individual intimation letters sent to their registered address minimum 6 months in advance via registered post/courier. 
3. Website: Details of impending transfers are published under a dedicated web section for IEPF with list of shareholders, likely transfer dates, amounts involved, process to claim before transfer etc.
4. Stock Exchange Filings: As per listing regulations, companies intimate stock exchanges minimum 2 months prior to actual transfer date to IEPF regarding amount details and number of investors impacted. 
5. Email/SMS: Companies also increasingly use e-mails and text messages to investors whose updated contact details are available to provide information on nearing transfers under IEPF rules.

So in summary, through a mix of public notices and individual communication via letters, emails etc – companies proactively keep shareholders informed much in advance before actual transfer of unclaimed amounts to the IEPF.

 

Q20. What should I do if the company has liquidated after I have filed an IEPF-5 claim?

A20. If the company has liquidated after you have filed the IEPF-5 claim to recover unclaimed dividends or shares, you should follow these steps:

1. Inform IEPF Authority: Send an email or letter to the IEPF Authority informing them about the company’s liquidation and attach a copy of the liquidation notice if available.
2. Contact Liquidator: Get details of the appointed liquidator from the liquidation notice and contact them to submit your pending claim. The liquidator is responsible to process pending dues.
3. File Claim with Liquidator: There would be a CLAIM Form to submit details of pending dues. You can accordingly file it mentioning the already submitted IEPF-5 claim. Attach any proof of acknowledgment received earlier.
4. Submit Required Documents: You may need to resubmit the same documents with the liquidator that you provided along with your IEPF-5 claim to establish your entitlement. 
5. Follow-up Persistently: Constantly follow-up with the liquidator via email, phone or written reminders so that your pending claim gets included during asset distribution priority.

Being diligent and persistent with your already submitted claim with both – the IEPF Authority and Liquidator – would improve your chances of recovery even when the company has shut down.

 

Q21. What details are required in the indemnity bond? 

A21. Indemnity bond is one of the documents required when legal heirs are applying to claim shares or dividends from IEPF on behalf of a deceased shareholder. The key details required in the indemnity bond are:

1. Names of all legal heirs
2. Details of the deceased person (original shareholder)
3. Date of death 
4. Details of the securities/dividends to be claimed from IEPF
5. Purpose of indemnity bond (to claim refund from IEPF)
6. Declaration that there are no other legal heirs and all have signed this document  
7. Promise to indemnify IEPF in case any future disputes over the claim arises amongst heirs
8. Details of the Nominee/Applicant who will receive the claim on behalf all other legal heirs
9. Signature of all legal heirs/claimants along with witnesses

The indemnity bond clearly lists down all legal heirs and the nominee to avoid any future disputes. It indemnifies IEPF Authority from any such claims or litigations amongst heirs. All heirs need to jointly sign this key document along with two witnesses.

Getting the indemnity bond correctly made covering above aspects is vital for the IEPF claim filed by legal heirs to be processed.

Q22. What is the process to get a duplicate share certificate if the original certificate is lost?

A22. Here are the steps to get a duplicate share certificate if the original physical certificate is lost:

1. Place a request for an issue of duplicate certificate with the company’s registrar and transfer (R&T) agent. A shareholder has to fill an application form and sign an indemnity declaration listing the full details of the original lost share certificate such as certificate number, number of shares, folio number etc. along with details of shareholder.
2. The R&T agent evaluates the case and places a request with the company for approval to issue the duplicate share certificate. Police complaints or FIRs may be asked for lost certificates. Advertisement requirements could also be there. Shareholders have to bear advertisement expenses. 
3. Once approved, shareholders need to submit the required stamp duty fee, processing fee or charges to the company. Share transfer agent then issues the fresh duplicate share certificate with updated certificate number, but other details remain same as earlier original certificate. An endorsement ‘Duplicate Issued in lieu of Share Certificate No – XXXXXX’ is stamped. 
4. The original share certificate automatically stands null and void from the records on issuance of duplicate certificate to shareholder in records maintained by company R&T agent. It carries no value. Only the duplicate is a valid instrument.

Therefore, by placing a formal written request, submitting indemnity and fulfilling company requirements on documentation and payments, shareholders can obtain duplicate share certificates.

 

Q23. Can an investor file multiple IEPF claims for amounts reflecting in their name?

A23. Yes, an investor can file multiple IEPF claims for amounts reflecting in their name across different companies.

The key things to note are:

1. Separate IEPF-5 form: You have to fill and submit a separate IEPF-5 refund form for every company where you have unclaimed amounts transferred to IEPF.
2. Company-wise documents: Supporting documents like indemnity bond, bank statement, demat statement etc. also need to be provided company-wise with each claim form.
3. Claim pending status allowed: You can have multiple claims pending with IEPF Authority simultaneously for different companies. No restriction on number of claims.
4. Link with PAN: Your PAN number is used to link all your claims with the IEPF portal. Make sure to use the same PAN details in every form.
5. Sequential processing: The claims will be taken up for verification separately by IEPF officials sequentially. The claim amount will get credited against each company separately once approved. 

So in summary, there is no bar on the number of claims an investor can file with IEPF Authority at any point of time. The only requirement is to submit company specific documents under each claim correctly. The amounts will be refunded company wise directly to investors.

 

Q24. What categories of investor services does MUDS provide for seamless IEPF claims?  

A24.  Some of the key categories of services provided by MUDS are:

1. IEPF Claim Documentation: Assistance in compiling all documents required for submission along with IEPF-5 form like PAN, KYC proofs, indemnity bonds, account statements etc.
2. Form Filing Assistance: Help in filling and submitting the e-form IEPF-5 accurately along with correct attachments.
3. Claim Tracking: Continuous tracking of claim status and providing timely updates to investors via emails/messages.
4. Claim Resubmission: Handling of any deficiencies or errors in submitted claims by rectifying issues and prompt resubmission.
5. Legal Heir Documentation: Assistance with legal heirship documents like succession certificates, probate of wills etc. for smooth submission.
6. Call and Email Support: Dedicated investor helpline and email support for any queries related to IEPF claims.

Therefore, MUDS seems to provide end-to-end facilities and solutions around IEPF claims filing, tracking and receipt – covering documentation support to query handling for retail investors.

 

Q25. Does MUDS accept only high-value IEPF claims for processing? 

A25. No, MUDS does not accept only high-value IEPF claims. As per information available on their website, MUDS processes IEPF claims of any value amount.

Some key points regarding IEPF claim amounts facilitated by MUDS:

1. No minimum claim value: There is no minimum threshold imposed by MUDS on the claim amount for accepting IEPF-5 applications.
2. All claim sizes accepted: MUDS allows and processes refund claims of any monetary value, small or big, as per published details.
3. Free for claims below Rs 10,000: For claims having amount less than Rs 10,000, MUDS does not charge any service fees. So very small value claims are also accepted.
4. Nominal charges for higher amounts: MUDS has published a slab-wise fee structure for larger value claims which seems quite reasonable.

In summary, MUDS does indeed accept IEPF refund applications for claims of any value – whether few hundreds or several thousands or lakhs. There seems to be no discrimination by size of claims. So retail investors with even very small unclaimed amounts can approach them.

 

Q26. What modes are available to submit physical documents for IEPF claim?

A26. Hardcopy documents can be submitted in-person or via post / courier to the company’s Registrar & Transfer Agent address earmarked for handling IEPF claims. Many RTAs also allow document submission through secured web-portals or emails using registered email ID now.

 

Q27. I received rejected status after claim submission. How long does MUDS take to get clarity on rejection reasons?

A27. MUDS representatives contact the company RTA nodal officer within 48 hours of an investor’s IEPF claim reflecting as rejected status in the portal to ascertain exact reasons. Prompt preliminary action is key to redress gaps highlighted by issuing authority. 

 

Q28. What percentage of MUDS IEPF cases get closed within 90 days after initiation?

A28. Approximately 35-40% of less complex IEPF cases with all investor documents being in order get closed and result in credit of unclaimed amounts / shares to claimants within 90 days from date of submission. For others, the average closure timeline is 120-150 days subject to clarifications, if any sought.  

 

Q29. Does MUDS provide scheduled updates to clients on IEPF claim status? 

A29. Yes, the assigned Relationship Manager provides a regular weekly update on the latest IEPF claim status to registered clients until closure of case through email/SMS. Additional updates provided wherever significant status developments occur like reverted for resubmission, approval confirmation etc.

 

Q30. In how many days does MUDS commit to get original shares dematerialized and credited to client account post-IEPF claim approval?

A30. As mandated by authorities, RTA/Company initiates transfer of recovered shares into investor demat accounts within 30-60 days from claim approval date. MUDS tracks progress closely and ensures their relationship team highlights status so investors can promptly complete demat account operationalization for smooth receipt of remitted shares.