Application: DSC
India is pushing towards establishing a digital economy. It means an impetus for not just digital payments but an entire digital infrastructure where every business operation can be done through digital mode. The government has supported and sponsored such a move by shifting from physical filing to e-filing. It has also created the need and increase in usage of digital signature in India.
A digital signature is a signature in electronic form, which is now increasingly being used to sign and authenticate various official documents. It allows remote signing and authentication of the document and also ensures that the data is not tampered with in any manner whatsoever. In India, under various laws, digital signatures have been made compulsory by the authorities.
TYPES OF DIGITAL SIGNATURES
There are three classes of digital signature currently available in the market. They are Class 1 digital signature, Class 2 digital signature, and Class 3 digital signature. Class 1 certificates are mainly used for private purposes and are used to confirm user name and email id. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Class 2 certificates are used for both business and private purposes. These are used to authenticate and confirm that the data being signed is not wrong and does not conflict with any official details already in existence.
Class 3 certificates provide the highest level of authenticity and are used for commercial purposes. In most cases, the issuing authority will insist on the presence of the certificate holder to grant him such a certificate.
Digital signatures were previously available in .pfx files as well, which were transferable digitally. However, due to the misuse of the same, the practice has been stopped.
WHERE CAN DIGITAL SIGNATURE CERTIFICATES BE USED?
In many situations, digital signatures have been made compulsory. Specific applications or documents can only be filed via the use of a digital signature. In the following conditions, it is mandatory to authenticate the data using a digital signature only.
- Digital signature for Income Tax Return filing of a Company
- Filing Tax Audit Report and Income Tax for taxpayers liable for audit
- Application of Director Identification number
- Digital signature for e-tendering application
- Digital Signature for EPF filing
- Digital Signature for company registration and return filing
- Digital signature for obtaining Import Export Code
- GST Returns for company
- GST Audit Reports
Apart from the cases mentioned above, various other forms and returns have to be filed using a digital signature. In certain situations, even a professional like a Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, or Cost Accountant is required to sign his/her reports using their digital signature.
The digital signature certificate or DSC cannot be used as soon as they are obtained. DSC online registration is compulsory on the respective portals to enable usage of the same. For instance, if a person is e-filing tender using a DSC, it has to be first registered on the site where the e-filing is to be done. Only then it can be used.
WHO ARE THE CERTIFYING AUTHORITIES?
There is various digital signature certifying authorities who have been entrusted with the task of providing a digital signature. A digital signature in Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata was readily available initially. However, now they are available in every city through an authorized centre only. DSC providers like e-mudhra, (n)Code solutions, Safescrypt, and other certifying authorities have been approved by the Controller of Certifying authorities in India.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR DIGITAL SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE:
The application for a digital signature certificate in Chennai or any other city is straightforward. It requires a duly filled form, a unique mobile number, a unique email id and proofs of identity and address. Video verification and SMS verification are needed to prove the authenticity of the person acquiring the DSC through digital signature providers in Chennai or other respective cities.
Digital signatures are provided within 24 to 48 hours through various agencies appointed by such certifying authorities. The certificates are also offered in less than 60 minutes with the use of Aadhar Card.
With the increase in the use of digital signature certificates, digital signatures providers in Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and other major cities have seen a considerable surge in popularity.
Various official organizations require the usage of certain classes of a digital signature. Class 2 and Class 3 digital signatures are generally accepted by most official departments, including the Income Tax Department, Ministry of Corporate affairs, Goods and Service Tax Websites, Employee provident fund portal, and even for e-filing of commercial tenders. The highest and most secure certificates are the Class 3 certificates. Such Class 3 digital signature certificates in Chennai and other metro cities are readily available and provide and ensure the authenticity of the highest level.
The increase in the use of digital signature is a welcome move that allows the paperless filing of various documents. It reduces the need for human intervention and the recurring issue of human error.