If you own shares in Tata Steel Ltd., ensure you have claimed and received your dividends. If dividends on TATASTEEL shares remain unclaimed for seven consecutive years or more, your shares will be transferred to a government fund.

1. Unclaimed Shares Transferred to IEPF/IEPFA?

It is estimated that a significant number of shares across various companies lie unclaimed and have been transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) or Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA). These unclaimed shares often accumulate due to shareholders not claiming their dividends for prolonged periods.

2. Understanding the Transfer Process to IEPF

Shares of a company are transferred to the IEPF when dividends remain unclaimed or unpaid for more than seven years. The company is required to transfer these shares, along with any accrued interest, to the IEPF and submit detailed information to the IEPF Authority. Shareholders can reclaim their unclaimed shares by applying to the IEPF Authority, which maintains records of all such accounts.

3. Who Can Apply to IEPF Authority for Recovery of Shares?

Any shareholder whose unclaimed shares have been transferred to the IEPF can apply for a refund. However, only one consolidated claim per company can be made in a financial year, encompassing data from various Folios of the same company. If the claimant is a legal heir, nominee, or successor, they must ensure the company completes the share transmission procedure and issues an entitlement letter before filing the IEPFA claim.

4. How to Claim Lost Money: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before the digital age, tracking misplaced investments was challenging. However, with platforms like the IEPF and UDGAM, reclaiming lost investments has become more manageable.

Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)

IEPF aims to promote investor education and protect investor interests. It also handles unclaimed stock market investments, including shares of public companies, unclaimed dividends, matured debentures, application money due for refunds, and matured company deposits (excluding banks). Funds unclaimed for seven years are transferred to IEPF to provide owners a chance to recover them.

Steps to Claim Company Stocks through IEPF

1. Check for Unclaimed Shares: Visit the IEPF website to search for any unclaimed shares or dividends belonging to a family member by inputting their name in the search field. Providing Folio and DP account numbers can refine the search.

2. Review Search Results: If a name appears, click for more details, such as the number of shares and total amount due.

3. Additional Steps for Deceased Relatives: If reclaiming assets for a deceased relative and the investment value exceeds Rs 5 lakh, secure a court order or succession certificate. Notify the respective company or their Registrar and Transfer Agent (RTA) about the transmission process. Upon verification, the company will issue an entitlement letter.

4. Create an Account: Log in to the IEPF website and create an account.

5. Fill Out IEPF-5 Form: Complete the IEPF-5 application form under MCA Services and print the acknowledgement.

6. Submit Documents: Send the following documents to the companys nodal officer:

   • IEPF-5 form and acknowledgement with SRN
   • Original indemnity bond and advance receipt
   • Original share certificate or transaction statement for demat securities
   • Self-attested copy of Aadhaar
   • Proof of entitlement (entitlement letter)

MyClaim India

Claiming shares from IEPF involves a regulated process with extensive documentation. Start by verifying eligibility and filling out Form IEPF-5 on the IEPF website. Submit the form and required documents to the companys nodal officer for verification. The company must then send a verification report to the IEPF Authority within 15 days.

At MyClaim India, we understand the complexities of this process and are here to assist you every step of the way. Our eight-step claim process—Contact, Collect, Check for Free, Confirm, Certify, Contract, Claim, and Capitalize—ensures a seamless experience. Our mission is to help investors reclaim their rightful shares, as our tagline proudly states: "My Wealth, My Claim."

For more detailed guidance and support, reach out to www.myclaimindia.com. Your unclaimed investments are just a few steps away from being recovered.