Imagine discovering that a family member once invested in 100 shares of ITC during its early years. Over the decades, with dividends and bonuses, that small investment could now be worth over ₹1 crore. However, many such shares remain unclaimed, quietly transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). Most heirs don’t even realise what’s legally theirs. If you suspect your family might own such assets, this guide will show you how to claim them back. At Crystal Peak Wealth, we specialise in helping families recover unclaimed shares, turning forgotten investments into financial security and peace of mind.
ITC Historical Timeline: A Legacy of Growth
ITC’s story isn’t just about business; it’s about smart decisions, steady growth, and bold moves that turned a tobacco company into one of India’s most respected and diverse corporations.
Year | Milestone |
| 1910 | Founded as Imperial Tobacco Company of India Ltd. |
| 1954 | Became a Public Limited Company |
| 1974 | Renamed ITC Ltd. |
| 1979–1990s | Expanded into hotels, FMCG, and paperboards |
| 2000 | Launched Wills Lifestyle, Agarbatti, Aashirvaad brands |
| 2014 | Became India’s most admired company |
| 2022 | Reported ₹90,104 crore in gross sales and ₹15,058 crore net profit |
ITC’s Track Record: How Just 100 Shares Could Change Everything
ITC has consistently created shareholder wealth through dividends and bonus shares. Even a small investment made decades ago has grown into a fortune for many. Thanks to ITC’s steady performance and commitment to rewarding long-term investors.
Bonus Share History
| Year | Bonus Ratio |
| 1979 | 1:5 |
| 1989 | 1:2 |
| 1991 | 3:5 |
| 1994 | 1:1 |
| 2005 | 1:2 |
| 2010 | 1:1 |
| 2022 | 1:1 |
Dividend History (Recent Years)
| Financial Year | Dividend/Share (₹) |
| 2021–22 | ₹11.50 |
| 2022–23 | ₹15.50 |
| 2023–24 | ₹16.25 |
Even small holdings can multiply over time, making them well worth recovering.
What is the IEPF, and Why Do Shares Get Transferred?
The Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) is a government initiative to manage unclaimed dividends and shares. If no action is taken for seven consecutive years, the unclaimed dividend, and the shares it relates to, are moved to IEPF. Investors should regularly check for cases like ITC unclaimed dividend and shares to ensure they don’t miss out on funds owed to them.
Common Reasons for Share Transfers to IEPF:
No nominee named for the shares
Heirs unaware of ownership after the investor’s death
Small, forgotten investments
Disputes among family members or legal heirs
Legal Rules Governing IEPF Transfers
The process is governed by the Companies Act, 2013, and the IEPF Authority Rules, 2016. These rules make sure that ITC unclaimed dividends and shares are handled fairly and can be reclaimed by rightful owners.
Timeline for Unclaimed Dividends and Shares
| Event | Time Limit |
| Dividend declared | 30 days to claim |
| Funds unclaimed | Transferred to ‘Unpaid Dividend A/C’ |
| After 7 years | Shares + dividend moved to IEPF |
Companies must also publish shareholder names with unclaimed dividends within 90 days on their websites.
Transfer of Shares to IEPF: A Quick Breakdown
| Stage | What Happens |
| Year 1–7 | Dividends remain unclaimed |
| After 7 years | Shares are deemed forgotten |
| IEPF transfer | Company moves shares & funds to IEPF |
| Centralized management | IEPF holds shares until a valid claim is made |
This setup ensures your shares are safe even if forgotten but requires proper recovery steps. To avoid missing out, shareholders should periodically review the ITC unclaimed dividend list and take prompt steps to recover any dividends held by IEPF
Step-by-Step: How to Reclaim ITC Shares from the IEPF
It’s important to keep track of ITC unclaimed shares to ensure no entitled funds remain idle with the IEPF. Here’s how you can get back what rightfully belongs to your family:
Step 1: File Form IEPF-5
Download and complete Form IEPF-5 from iepf.gov.in. You’ll need:
PAN and Aadhaar
Share details (company, year, quantity)
Bank account linked to Aadhaar
Demat details (for crediting recovered shares)
Step 2: Submit Documents to ITC
Print and send the form, along with ID/address proof, indemnity bond, and other supporting documents to ITC’s Nodal Officer.
Step 3: Company Verification
The company will verify your documents and forward its report to the IEPF Authority within 30 days.
Step 4: Final Approval
IEPF reviews everything. If satisfied, they’ll transfer the shares to your Demat account and deposit any unpaid dividends in your bank account within 60 days.
Why Legal Guidance Can Make or Break Your Claim
Although the steps appear clear, they involve complex legal formalities. Many applications get rejected due to:
- Missing details or incorrect forms
- Lack of nominee records
- Ongoing family disputes
If shares were held by a deceased relative, inheritance paperwork becomes critical. A legal expert ensures your claim is correct the first time—saving time and avoiding costly rejections. This guidance is especially valuable when recovering ITC unclaimed shares, helping you navigate all procedural requirements smoothly.
The Role of Share Recovery Experts like Crystal Peak Wealth
With a deep understanding of IEPF rules and documentation processes, we simplify complex cases, especially those involving missing heirs or disputed ownership. From form filing to liaising with the nodal officer, we handle everything professionally. Our goal is to ensure that your legacy doesn’t remain buried in paperwork or bureaucracy.
Conclusion:
Your family’s forgotten shares might be worth more than you think. With ITC’s history of strong returns, even a few original shares could now be worth lakhs, or crores. The IEPF gives you a legitimate path to reclaim that legacy. But navigating it alone can be overwhelming. That’s why thousands turn to trusted advisors like Crystal Peak Wealth. They understand the process inside and out and help unlock long-lost wealth with care, precision, and efficiency. The sooner you act, the closer you are to claiming what’s rightfully yours.
To support you even better, we provide a variety of connected services. You can explore them here:
FAQs
Yes, legal heirs can file a claim by submitting death certificates, succession proof, and Form IEPF-5.
Absolutely. Recovered shares are credited to your Demat account, so opening one is essential before applying.
It usually takes 60–90 days, depending on how quickly the company verifies your documents.
You can request the company for help using PAN or other identification details to trace the shareholding.
Fees vary based on complexity. They offer end-to-end services, ensuring your claim is filed properly and efficiently.