IEPF Claim Process Latest Rules & Amendments

 

IEPF Claim Process: Latest Rules & Amendments (2025 Update)


The Indian government's permanent dedication to investor protection, automation, and process efficiency is reflected in the most recent rules and changes to the IEPF claim process. In 2025, the investor protection fund Authority (IEPFA) passed a number of important reforms to speed up refunds, decrease fraud, and expedite claims.


1. Digital Portal Rollout & Low-Value Claim Simplification


IEPFA is launching an integrated digital portal that streamlines claim submissions and grievance redressal. In order to provide an effective experience, this portal links companies, banks, and PFMS. Low-value claims are being prioritized with simplified procedures, and a dedicated call center will support claimants throughout the process.


Press Information Bureau

TaxTMI


2. Excel format is needed for submission of the IEPF-1A form.


Business are required by Rule 5(4A) to file Form IEPF-1A using the given Excel template in order to guarantee uniform data submission. The final deadline to comply was August 30, 2025—non-compliance may result in penalties under the Companies Act and delayed payouts.


TaxTMI

IndiaLaw LLP


3. Expanded Definitions & Documentation for Heir Claims


Recent amendments now extend the term “shares” to “securities,” broadening the scope to include additional instruments. Legal heir claims have also been simplified: claims below ₹15 lakhs (demat mode) can be supported by legal heir certificates issued by Tahsildar-level authorities, along with indemnity bonds and NOCs from other heirs.


MUDS

Vinod Kothari Consultants


4. Standardised Valuation and Insurance Requirements


The amendments mandate that claimants provide valuations of securities—based on previous-day closing prices for listed instruments, or face/maturity value for unlisted ones. Companies are also now required to take out contingency insurance to mitigate risks associated with verification reports.


MUDS

Vinod Kothari Consultants


5. RIL’s Proactive Shareholder Notice


Reliance Industries recently issued a notice urging shareholders to claim unclaimed dividends from the past seven years. If not claimed within three months, these dividends—and the corresponding shares—will be transferred to IEPF.


The Economic Times


6. Streamlined Claim Submission Workflow


Investors must follow a multi-step process:


Obtain an entitlement letter from the company by submitting required documents to its nodal officer.


File Form IEPF-5 online with supporting documents, then print and sign the acknowledgment.


The company submits an e-Verification Report (EVR)—approval or discrepancy-based rejection.


The refunds are credited to the claimant's demat account if they are accepted, and dividends are credited to a bank account connected to Aadhaar.


TCS


7. Simpler Rules for Smaller Claims & Rapid Timeline


For claims up to ₹5 lakhs (physical) or ₹15 lakhs (demat), alternatives like affidavits and NOCs substitute lengthy succession documents. The overall refund timeline is targeted within 120 days, with automatic updates via SMS and email.


care4share


Conclusion


A specific push towards automation, transparency, and investor-centric reforms is shown by the most recent rules and changes to the IEPF claim process.  These reforms, which range from the introduction of unified digital portals and uniformity of form submissions to the decrease of legal heir claims and the taking effect of stricter paper work demands empower investors while protecting the system from deception.

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