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How to Claim Your Unclaimed Dividends & Dos and Don’ts for Claiming

12, Jan 2024
How to Claim Your Unclaimed Dividends & Dos and Don’ts for Claiming

Unclaimed dividends are like a hidden treasure, waiting to be discovered in the financial shadows. These dividends are widespread, with over Rs.4,000 crores resting in listed Indian companies and an additional Rs.10,000+ crores in the IEPF! So, why does it happen? Well, the primary reason behind this is Poor investor awareness and lax contact detail updates contribute to this financial abyss. But it’s not needed to get worried about this money when you can search unclaimed dividends and claim them properly! Presenting the ways to find such dividends here!

The Simple Steps to Reclaim Unclaimed Dividends

Recovering unclaimed dividends need not be a labyrinthine journey. The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) Authority has streamlined the rules and processes for original shareholders to reclaim unclaimed dividends or shares lying dormant with companies for seven years. This uncomplicated Category C procedure empowers individual owners to file, track, and receive payouts seamlessly. Here's your roadmap to retrieve those unpaid amounts:

Step 1: Preparing the Ground with Claim Form IEPF-5 & Essential Documentation

E-form IEPF – 5 on the MCA Portal: Kickstart your formal claim by filling and submitting this form on the MCA portal.

PAN Card Copy - A Compulsory Identity Proof: When claiming your unclaimed dividends, be sure to include a copy of your PAN card, ensuring a robust photo identity proof accompanies your claim.

Statement of Active Demat Account Details: Provide a comprehensive statement revealing your active Demat account details with any stockbroker or depository participant registered with NSDL/CDSL.

Cancelled Personal Cheque Leaf: Seal the authenticity of your claim with a cancelled personal cheque leaf, showcasing your printed name and bank account number.

Additional Supporting Documents: Fortify your entitlement by furnishing any other relevant documents, such as earlier dividend payment proofs.

Step 2: Empowering a Nodal Officer for IEPF Refunds

Authorize a specific Nodal Officer from NSDL or CDSL depositories to champion your claim with the IEPF authority. Ensure the completed IEPF-5 form reaches the chosen Nodal Officer, clearly designating them under the ECS category for the credit of claimed dividends or shares.

Step 3: Navigating the Claim Tracking and Communication Waters

Embark on a vigilant journey to check your unclaimed dividends as you track the processing stages of your IEPF claim. Leverage the Claim Status updates visible on the portal using SRN (Service Request Number). Respond proactively to queries via email or post, promptly providing any additional documents demanded by the IEPF authority for verification or necessary corrections.

Step 4: Basking in the Glow of Claim Disbursal or Closure Communications

Celebrate the culmination of your efforts as the IEPF authority verifies and approves your claim, aligning with records that affirm your entitlement. Await the eagerly anticipated closure intimation, which will detail the sanctioned unclaimed amount and the release of shares in your favor.

Dos and Don'ts for Claiming Unclaimed Dividends

Dos:

Regularly Check Company Records: When searching for unclaimed dividends, stay proactive by routinely checking company records for unclaimed dividends. Utilize the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) website's 'Track Your Dividends' section to verify cumulative unclaimed amounts against your associated financial identifiers.

Verify Your Details in the IEPF Database: Don't stop at company records; directly search your name in the centralized IEPF database. Enter your details in the MCA website's IEPF-related services section to identify any funds or shares already transferred against matching credentials.

Stay Informed About the Process: Familiarize yourself with the procedures for claiming unclaimed dividends from the IEPF. Understand the documentation requirements and keep track of your claim's status through the portal using the Service Request Number (SRN).

Respond Promptly to Communication: Stay responsive to emails, posts, or notifications from the IEPF authority. Respond promptly to queries and provide any additional documents requested for verification or corrections to avoid delays or rejections.

Don'ts:

Delaying on Claim Filing: Time is of the essence when it comes to claiming unclaimed dividends. Don't procrastinate on filing your claim; initiate the process as soon as you discover unclaimed amounts to prevent further complications. Be sure to keep it in mind before you find the ways of how to claim unclaimed dividends.

Overlook Documentation: Submit all required documents accurately. Don't overlook any mandatory paperwork, including the PAN card copy, statement of active Demat account details, cancelled cheque leaf, and supporting documents reinforcing your entitlement.

Disregard Claim Status Updates: Ignoring claim status updates on the portal can lead to misunderstandings or missed opportunities. Don't disregard these updates; stay informed about the progress of your claim through regular checks.

Final Words

To claim unclaimed dividends, shares, or proceeds from companies or the IEPF, follow these steps and to make the processes easier, get in touch with the reputed financial consultants. With this knowledge, you, the smart investor, have the power to track down and quickly get back any forgotten money connected to you. Bring those funds back into your bank account like a pro!

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