MCA Substitutes Form IEPF-5 With New Claim Form

Notification No. G.S.R. 733(E); Dated: 01.10.2025

1. Introduction

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has notified an amendment to the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016. This amendment introduces key procedural changes to streamline the process of claiming unpaid amounts and shares transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). The revision aims to simplify compliance and improve the accuracy and transparency of refund claims.

2. Substitution of Form IEPF-5

A major highlight of the amendment is the substitution of the existing Form No. IEPF-5 with a newly revised form. This form is used by investors or claimants to request a refund of unpaid dividends, matured deposits, debentures, or shares that have been transferred to the IEPF. The updated form is expected to reduce errors and incomplete submissions, ensuring a more efficient claim process.

3. Key Changes Introduced in the Revised Form

The new version of Form IEPF-5 introduces several additional fields and documentation requirements. It now includes provisions for entering entitlement letter details, information of the authorised representative, and an updated list of supporting documents to be submitted along with the claim. These additions are designed to strengthen the verification process and ensure that only genuine claimants receive refunds or transferred shares.

4. Impact on Stakeholders and Compliance

For investors, the revised process brings greater clarity and accountability when reclaiming amounts or securities from the IEPF. Companies and their nodal officers will also need to align their internal processes with the updated format to ensure seamless coordination with the IEPF Authority. The inclusion of entitlement and representative details enhances traceability, while the updated documentation checklist ensures completeness and consistency across all claims.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, the MCA’s amendment to the IEPF Rules, 2016 marks another step toward digitally empowered and transparent investor protection mechanisms. By introducing a more detailed and structured claim form, the government seeks to make the refund process faster, fairer, and easier for investors. Stakeholders are advised to familiarize themselves with the revised Form IEPF-5 and updated compliance requirements to ensure smooth processing of future refund claims.

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