Are You Missing Out on Unclaimed Dividends

1. Are You Missing Out on Unclaimed Dividends? How to Claim Your Money from IEPF If you are an investor in Indian companies, you might be unaware that you could be sitting on unclaimed dividends worth thousands of rupees. Every year, millions of rupees in dividends go unclaimed by shareholders, eventually getting transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). But don’t worry — you can reclaim these funds! In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about unclaimed dividends, the role of the IEPF, and how you can quickly claim your money. What Are Unclaimed Dividends? Dividends are portions of a company’s profits paid out to shareholders, usually quarterly or annually. However, sometimes these dividends remain unclaimed because: ● Shareholders have changed their address without updating company records. ● Dividend cheques or payments were misplaced or not received.

2. ● Shareholders forgot to claim or were unaware of the dividend. ● Bank account details were outdated or inactive. When dividends remain unclaimed for 7 consecutive years, the company is legally required to transfer these funds to the IEPF under Section 124 of the Companies Act, 2013. This means your dividend money is safe but needs to be claimed through a formal process. What Is the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)? The IEPF is a government-managed fund aimed at protecting investors’ rights and facilitating the recovery of unclaimed dividends and shares. It acts as a centralized repository where companies deposit unclaimed amounts after the 7-year period. The good news is that even if your dividends or shares have been transferred to the IEPF, you can still claim them anytime by following the prescribed process. The IEPF ensures your money is secure and can be returned to you upon verification. Why Should You Check for Unclaimed Dividends? ● Potential Financial Gain: Over ₹15,000 crores worth of dividends remain unclaimed in India. ● No Expiry on Claims: You can claim your dividends or shares from the IEPF at any time. ● Avoid Losing Money: Unclaimed dividends can accumulate over years, resulting in significant sums. ● Stay Updated: Regularly updating your KYC and contact details prevents future unclaimed dividends. How to Check If You Have Unclaimed Dividends 1. Check Your Demat Account: Log in to your stockbroker’s portal and review your transaction history for any dividend payments marked as “unclaimed” or “failed.” 2. Visit the IEPF Website: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) maintains a public database where you can search for unclaimed dividends or shares by entering your PAN or name. 3. Cross-Verify Bank Statements: Confirm if dividend payments were credited to your bank account. 4. Contact the Company or Registrar: If you held shares in physical form, check with the company’s registrar or investor relations department.

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Claim Your Unclaimed Dividends from IEPF Step 1: Identify Unclaimed Dividends ● Use the IEPF portal’s search tool to find unclaimed dividends linked to your PAN or name. Step 2: Download and Fill Claim Form (Form IEPF-5) ● The form is available on the IEPF official website. ● Fill in your details accurately and attach required documents. Step 3: Prepare Required Documents ● Proof of Identity (Aadhaar, PAN card, Passport) ● Proof of Ownership (Dividend warrants, share certificates) ● Cancelled cheque or bank statement for bank details ● Copy of the acknowledgment from the company (if applicable) Step 4: Submit Your Claim ● Submit the form and documents online via the IEPF portal or physically to the company’s IEPF nodal officer. Step 5: Track Your Claim ● Use the Service Request Number (SRN) provided to track the status of your claim online. Step 6: Receive Your Dividend ● Once verified, the IEPF authority transfers the dividend amount directly to your bank account. Tips to Avoid Unclaimed Dividends in the Future ● Keep Your KYC Updated: Ensure your PAN, address, and bank details are current with your broker and company. ● Monitor Dividend Announcements: Stay informed about dividend declarations for companies you invest in.

4. ● Maintain Contact with Registrars: For physical shares, keep your contact details updated with the company’s registrar. ● Use Online Portals: Leverage online platforms and apps to track corporate actions related to your investments. Common FAQs About Unclaimed Dividends and IEPF Q1: Can I claim dividends after they have been transferred to the IEPF? Yes, you can claim unclaimed dividends or shares from the IEPF at any time by submitting the required forms. Q2: Is there a time limit to claim unclaimed dividends? No, there is no time limit. However, dividends are transferred to the IEPF after 7 years of being unclaimed. Q3: What documents are required to claim unclaimed dividends? You need identity proof, proof of ownership, bank details, and the completed IEPF claim form. Q4: Is there any fee for claiming unclaimed dividends? No, claiming unclaimed dividends or shares from the IEPF is free of cost. Conclusion Unclaimed dividends represent real money that belongs to you. Thanks to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), you have a secure way to recover these funds even after years of inactivity. By regularly checking your investments, updating your details, and following the simple claim process, you can ensure you never miss out on your rightful earnings. Infiny Solutions, we believe in empowering our customers with knowledge that goes beyond just products. Stay informed, stay proactive, and let your investments work for you!