IEPFA RULES AND RELAXATIONS MAKING CLAIMS SIMPLER AND FASTER

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IEPFA Rules and Relaxations: Making Claims Simpler and Faster
For years, investors—especially NRIs—have struggled with the complexity of reclaiming unclaimed dividends, matured deposits, or shares. The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) has been steadily introducing rules and relaxations to make this journey smoother, faster, and more transparent. Let’s explore how these changes are reshaping the claim process.

Streamlined Claim Process
The cornerstone of IEPFA’s reforms is the Form IEPF-5 submission. Once filed online, a Service Request Number (SRN) is generated, serving as the unique identifier for your claim. This digitization ensures that every step—from entitlement verification to refund or share transfer—is traceable and accountable.

Key Relaxations Introduced
• Postal Receipt Upload: Claimants can now upload postal receipts directly on the MCA portal under the “Pending for Action” tab. This eliminates delays caused by lost or unacknowledged courier submissions.
• E-verification Reports (EVR): Companies and their Registrars & Transfer Agents (RTAs) are mandated to file EVRs online, reducing manual bottlenecks and ensuring faster validation.
• Simplified Communication: Queries, discrepancies, and updates are tied to your SRN, making communication with IEPFA officials more structured and efficient.
• Digital Transparency: Claimants can track their claim status in real time, reducing uncertainty and empowering them with visibility.

Benefits for NRIs
For NRIs, these relaxations are particularly impactful. Distance often magnifies the challenges of paperwork and follow-ups. With digitized tracking, postal receipt uploads, and structured SRN-based communication, NRIs can now manage claims remotely with confidence. This bridges the gap between investors abroad and their financial legacy in India.

Common Pitfalls Still to Avoid
Despite the relaxations, claimants should remain vigilant:
• Ensure accurate details in Form IEPF-5 to avoid rejection.
• Upload postal receipts promptly to prevent claims from stalling.
• Track SRN status regularly to catch discrepancies early.
• Send physical documents without delay, as they remain a critical part of verification.

Posted On: 2026-02-03