Rubicon Research has directed shareholders to submit tax documentation by August 10, 2026, to ensure accurate Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) on its proposed final dividend of ₹1.50 per equity share for financial year 2026 (FY26). The company’s Board of Directors recommended the payout during a meeting held on May 29, 2026, which requires approval from shareholders at the 27th Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for August 26, 2026. This communication is critical for investors as failure to provide necessary declarations may result in higher tax deductions or delays in receiving the dividend, which will be paid electronically after the record date of August 7, 2026.

The company emphasized that dividend income is taxable under the Income Tax Act, 2025, and TDS rates vary based on residential status and submitted documents. Resident individuals with valid PANs face a 10% TDS rate, while those without valid PANs or with discrepancies face a 20% rate. Non-resident shareholders, including Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs), are subject to a 20% TDS rate plus applicable surcharge and cess, unless they avail benefits under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA).

Key Dates and Deadlines

Shareholders holding shares in dematerialized form must update their Permanent Account Number (PAN), tax residential status, email address, and bank account details with their respective Depository Participants (CDSL or NSDL) before the record date. The company noted that pursuant to SEBI Master Circular dated February 6, 2026, and Regulation 12 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, demat holders should coordinate directly with their depository participants for bank detail updates.

TDS Rates and Exemptions

The company outlined specific exemption categories where no tax or lower rates apply upon submission of self-declarations and supporting documents:

• Resident Individuals: No TDS if aggregate dividend does not exceed ₹10,000 in Tax Year 2026-27, or if a valid Form 121 is furnished electronically via CDSL or NSDL platforms.
• Insurance Companies: Exempt upon submission of self-declaration, IRDA registration certificate, and PAN.
• Mutual Funds: Exempt upon submission of self-declaration, SEBI registration certification, and PAN.
• Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs): Exempt if registered with SEBI as Category I or II AIFs, supported by relevant certificates.
• New Pension System Trust: Exempt under Schedule VII of the Act.

Non-individual shareholders such as Hindu Undivided Families (HUF), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP), and companies are generally subject to 10% TDS without threshold, unless they provide evidence supporting exemption.

Document Submission Process

To claim DTAA benefits, non-resident shareholders must submit a self-attested Tax Residency Certificate (TRC), Electronic Form 41, and a self-declaration confirming beneficial ownership. Documents can be submitted via the company’s online portal or emailed to MUFG Intime India Private Limited, the Registrar and Share Transfer Agent. The company warned that documents received after August 10, 2026, may be considered at its sole discretion. In cases where multiple accounts exist under a single PAN with different tax categories, the higher withholding tax rate may apply to the entire holding. Shareholders advised that any excess tax deducted can be claimed as a refund through income tax returns.

Rubicon Research Ltd has filed the Scheme of Amalgamation to merge its wholly owned subsidiary, Kia Health Tech Private Limited, with itself under Section 233 of the Companies Act, 2013. The appointed date for the merger is April 1, 2026. As the transferor company is a wholly owned subsidiary, no shares will be issued, and no consideration will be payable, resulting in no change to the shareholding pattern or voting rights of the company. The scheme is subject to statutory, regulatory, shareholder, and creditor approvals.

The Board of Directors approved the scheme at a meeting held on July 20, 2026. The merger aims to achieve business synergy, pool resources, and optimise existing capabilities into a single entity. It is expected to result in economies of scale, reduction in overheads, and better utilisation of financial and human resources. The amalgamation will also reduce multiplicity of legal and regulatory compliances and augment the manufacturing footprint of Rubicon Research.

Key Corporate Actions

Capital Structure Changes

The authorised share capital of Rubicon Research will increase from ₹23,89,90,000 to ₹40,69,90,000 divided into 40,69,90,000 equity shares of Re. 1 each upon the merger of the authorised share capital of Kia Health Tech. The issued, subscribed, and paid-up share capital of the transferor company consists of 88,00,000 equity shares of ₹10 each, amounting to ₹880.00 lakh. The increase in the transferee company's issued capital as of June 30, 2026, was due to the exercise of employee stock options.

Merger Rationale

The proposed amalgamation is intended to facilitate the pooling of resources and exploit growth potential by combining activities under a single entity. It will enable better cash management and unfettered access to cash flow generated by the combined business. The merger will also help in rationalising vendors, aggregating purchase quantity, and managing the procurement supply chain more effectively. The scheme is conditional upon the approval of members and creditors, sanction by the Regional Director, and requisite consents from governmental authorities.