With fast digitisation happening in India, the firms need to cope with large amounts of data. This makes it important for them to facilitate the use of Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). It is mandatory for every Indian business organisation to file Goods and Services Tax (GST) returns, either offline or online. Filing their GST returns online using digital signature certificate on the GST portal is a fast and convenient method, as compared to the traditional offline mode. A Digital Signature Certificate verifies your identity during online purchases and safeguards the transactions against fraud and guarantees the authenticity of your GST filings.
Here is a guide on how to apply DSC online and get a DSC for GST to speed up your compliance process and prevent frequent mistakes.
Understanding Digital Signature Certificate in GST
These days Digital Signature Certificate has become essential for LLPs and companies to file GST returns to ensure online transactions are safe. The authorized signatories can electronically file GST returns using a Class 2 or 3 digital signature that comes with a one, two, or three-year validity period. Under the GST framework, a Digital Signature Certificate ensures that the documents you submit are genuine. There are almost no chances of fraud as your identity gets confirmed when you file returns online.
Anyone who is listed on the GST portal as an authorised signatory of a business can sign and file GST returns using a digital signature. Organisations often designate their employees as authorized personnel to sign and file GST returns on the company’s behalf. With a digital signature for GST, the authorised signatories can file returns online, at any time and from anywhere, saving a great deal of time and money.
How can one decide which DSC type is best for you, when you apply DSC online. Well, the answer lies in your unique demands. Usually, a Class 2 DSC is adequate for the majority of GST-related activities; however a Class 3 DSC works when your operations involve high-stakes transactions and enhanced security measures are required.
How to apply DSC online for GST: Step-by-step guide
- Visit eMudhra portal and click on ‘Buy Certificate’.
- Select the user type as per your specific use-case (Individual or Organization).
- Select the type of certificate as per your requirements. As per default setting, you can select ‘Signature’ as certificate type for all your digital sign requirements.
- As per your requirement, select the validity period, which ranges from 1 year, 2years or 3 years.
- Proceed with a click on ‘Buy Certificate’ to complete your purchase of DSC.
- Verify your identity through the online process.
- Once you are done, download your Digital Signature Certificate.
How to register DSC on the GST portal:
Before you register your Digital Signature Certificate at the GST Portal, you need to install the emSigner utility from the Register DSC page. It is important here to note that DSC registration is PAN based and only Class 2 and Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate are accepted at the GST Portal.
Follow the steps below to register your DSC with the GST Portal –
Step 1: Visit the GST portal. Click on ‘Login’ button available on the top right panel of the portal.
Step 2: Enter your username and password correctly and click on ‘Login’ button.
Step 3: On the next page, click on your profile name. Select ‘My Profile’ from the drop-down menu of the portal.
Step 4: From ‘My Profile’ section, select ‘Register/ Update DSC’.
Step 5: Click on the ‘PAN of Authorised Signatory’ from the drop-down list and select the authorised signatory. Then make a check on ‘I have downloaded and installed the signer’ and click next on ‘Proceed’.
Step 6: Select the DSC and click ‘Sign’ to successfully complete the DSC registration process. Once you are done on the portal, will display a message showing ‘Your DSC has been successfully registered’.
Conclusion
Obtaining and registering a DSC for Goods and Services Tax is essential for security and compliance. You can make your business processes much more efficient by being aware of the right DSC type, apply DSC online process, the registration process and its benefits. Your GST filing transactions will be safe, convenient and legitimate under the law if you are thoroughly aware about the functions of digital signature certificates, the registration process and steer clear of these mistakes.