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At Taxbuddy, we help you get a Digital Signature for easy IT e-filing. With this, you can effortlessly secure documents and address complex financial transactions in a few clicks. We take you a step ahead of hassle-free return submission by reducing the possibility of fraud, unauthorized access, and cyber-attacks.
What is a Digital Signature Certificate?
A Digital Signature Certificate is a digital key used to validate and certify the identity of the holder. Issued by the Certifying Authorities (CA), it uses public key encryptions to store information about the user’s name, country, pin code, email address, name of the certifying authority, and date of issuance of the certificate. A DSC is typically valid for one to two years, but you can renew it before the expiry period.
Advantages of a DSC for Filing Income Tax Returns
Using a DSC makes the e-filing of IT returns easy, secure, and hassle-free. Here are a few advantages it offers to individuals and businesses:
Authentication:
A digital form of identification that ensures the authenticity of the sender or signatory in online transactions, including e-return filing
Data Integrity:
Maintains the integrity of digital documents by ensuring they have not been tampered with or altered during transmission
Non-Repudiation:
Provides non-repudiation, so the signer cannot deny involvement in the signed document or transaction
Legal Validity:
Gives legal validity to documents, equivalent to physical signatures, making them admissible in court as evidence
Secure Transactions:
Enhances the security of online transactions by preventing unauthorized access and fraudulent activities
Compliance:
Ensures compliance with legal and security standards set by regulatory authorities and government agencies
Efficient Document Signing:
Streamlines the document signing process, making it fast and efficient compared to traditional paper-based signatures
Global Acceptance:
Globally recognized, facilitating secure and authenticated transactions on an international scale
Cost Savings:
Eliminates the need for physical signatures, minimizing paperwork, courier costs, and processing time
User Convenience:
Provides convenience and flexibility in a digital work environment as users can sign documents and authenticate transactions remotely
Encourages E-Governance:
Promotes e-governance through secure and authenticated interactions between individuals, businesses, and government entities
Protects Privacy:
Protects the privacy of individuals and organisations by allowing only authorized parties to access and sign sensitive documents
How to Get a Digital Security Certificate?
1
Visit the Certifying Authourity’s Website
You can access one of the Certifying Authorities’ websites, select the DSC Class 3 application/registration, and fill out the form.
2
Fill in the Necessary Details
These include the class of the DSC, applicant name and contact details, GST number, validity, documents for proof of identity, declaration, and payment details.
3
Proof of identity and address
The supporting documents uploaded to the DSC application must be attested by an attesting officer. You may go ahead without uploading any supporting documents if the CAs offer Aadhaar eKYC-based authentication.
4
Payment for DSC
After filling out the DSC application form and uploading the documents, make the payment for the issuance of the DSC. You can make it online with net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI.
5
Issuance of DSC Online
After verifying your application and documents, the CAs issue the DSC electronically and send an encrypted pen drive containing it by post.
Types of Digital Security Certificate
Sign
Sign Certificates help with signing a document. You can affix it to PDF, documents, or files for income tax returns, GST returns submission, MCA online forms, and web-based services. A Sign Certificate facilitates validation of the user’s identity and the integrity of the document. The receiver can be sure about the data being unaltered and the document being untampered.
Encrypt
With the Encrypt Certificate, you can encrypt documents, files, and sensitive and confidential data. It enables companies and enterprises to encrypt and upload documents on online portals. It also helps encrypt personal data for secure sharing. Encrypt DSC is apt for legal documents, e-tender filing documents, e-commerce documents, and other confidential records.
Sign and Encrypt
The Sign and Encrypt Certificate is a combination of both and facilitates the signing and encrypting of documents. It is used for filing government applications, documents, and forms and applications. Users seeking to maintain and authenticate the confidentiality of the data exchange prefer this DSC type.
Acquire Your Digital Signature Certificate Securely with TaxBuddy
TaxBuddy is your trusted partner when it comes to obtaining a Class 3 DSC. It includes an encryption certificate, a signature, and a USB token for dependable security.
By obtaining the Class 3 DSC through us, you can fortify the security of your online transactions and safeguard the authenticity of your digital documents. We guide you through the process, empowering you with the confidence to engage in secure online transactions.
Frequently asked questions
Q
Who should apply for a Digital Signature Certificate?
A
Government agencies have adopted DSC after the popularity of e-commerce. It is a statutory requirement for several e-forms that need to be digitally signed by the authorised signatory. Therefore, individuals and entities must obtain a digital signature. Consider it like a passport and PAN card that enables you to prove your identity.
Q
Where can the digital signature certificate be used?
A
A digital signature certificate works as a valid legal instrument for digitally signing various documents. These include filing income tax returns, e-tenders, and regulatory company filings.
Q
How long does it take to receive the DSC in India?
A
Most CAs issue a digital certificate between three to seven days.
Q
What is the validity of the Digital Signature Certificate?
A
The validity of the DSC is 1 or 2 years depending upon the class of DSC. As a holder, you need to be aware of the validity period to avoid business loss.
Q
What are the classes for the Digital Signature Certificate?
A
An individual or company must purposely select the DSC class while applying for it. These are:
Class 1: It verifies the name and email address of individuals.
Class 2: It is required by companies and other entities and can be used for filing tax returns. However, the Controller of Certifying Authorities discontinued Class 2 Certificates from 01.01.2021 and instructed the issuance of Class 3 Certificates in their place.
Class 3: It is used by individuals or entities who need to sign online forms on government portals like company registration forms, EPF registration forms, and online auctions or tenders. It is the most secure form of a digital signature certificate.
Q
Can I renew the certificate?
A
Yes, you can renew the DCS within 7 days before the expiry of the existing one. However, the renewal has to be in the existing name. A holder applying with a different name means it will be considered a new application. The only changes allowed are for the postal address and contact details.
Q
How many DSCs can a person hold?
A
One person can hold two DSCs for a single email ID. You can utilize one for personal use and the second for professional use. If you need a third one, you can get it from a different email ID.
Q
How can I create DSC on my own for GST e-filing?
A
You can create DSC on your own for GST e-filing with the following steps:
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Access the GST portal with your member login
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Select your profile
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Register/update DSC using your DSC USB Token
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Select authorized signatory to register
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Select the certificate and sign
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Confirm DSC registration.
Q
What is the difference between a digital signature and a digital certificate?
A
A digital signature verifies that a digital document, message, or transaction is authentic. Conversely, a digital certificate contains personal information to identify and trace the holder.