Digital Signature Certificate: How to register Digital Signature Certificate for E-Filing

A Digital Signature is used to authenticate electronic documents in a similar manner as a handwritten signature authenticates printed documents. It is commonly used for financial transactions online. A valid digital signature gives a recipient reason to believe that the message was created by a known sender (authentication), that the sender cannot deny having sent the message (non-repudiation), and that the message was not altered in transit (integrity). One should register Digital Signature Certificate for E-Filing.

A Digital Signature Certificate is an electronic “passport” that allows a person, computer or organization to exchange information securely over the Internet using the public key infrastructure (PKI). A digital certificate may also be referred to as a public key certificate. An attachment to an electronic message used for security purposes. The most common use of a digital certificate is to verify that a user sending a message is who he or she claims to be and to provide the receiver with the means to encode a reply.

The Office of Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA), issues such certificates only to certifying authorities and the latter issues Digital Signature Certificates to the end user.

Digital Signature Certificate: How to Register

• Visit e-filing income tax site.
• Either Register yourself or log in.
• Go to profile settings.
• Click on Register Digital Signature Certificate.
• DSC using .pfx file-
  • Select the type of DSC .pxf file.
  • Browse and attach the keystore file.
  • Enter the password for your private key.
  • Click on generate Signature file.
• DSC using USB token-
  • Select the type of DSC USB token.
  • Select USB Token certificate.
  • Click on generate Signature file.
• Browse and attach the signature file,
• Click Submit

Note: If you file your tax returns using the digital signature you do not have to submit a physical copy of the return.

There are some agencies authorized by the CCA to issue DSCs.

• www.safescrypt.com
• www.nic.in
• www.idrbtca.org.in
• www.tcs-ca.tcs.co.in
• www.mtnltrustline.com
• www.ncodesolutions.com

Also read: How to claim Income Tax Refund