How to Register Your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) on the Income Tax Portal

The electronic version of a physical or paper certificate is known as a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). It is used to verify an individual's or organisation's identification online or on a computer. DSC verifies an electronic document the same way a handwritten signature verifies a printed or handwritten document.

Knowing how to register DSC on the Income Tax Portal is essential for tax compliance. It helps verify your identity through the documents that you submit online for taxation purposes. DSC registration is required for all the documents that you file on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal.

Digital Signature Certificate Registration on the e-filing Portal

A DSC can e-verify a taxpayer's returns. You can also complete DSC registration online on the e-filing portal. Registered users can carry out the following activities:

Register for DSC
Register DSC of Principal Contact
Re-register for DSC when your registration has become invalid
Re-register for DSC when your registration has not expired

Prerequisites for DSC Registration

Here are the prerequisites for DSC registration:

You need to register on the e-Filing portal with a valid user ID and password
You need to download and install the emsigner utility
You should plug the USB token obtained from a Certifying Authority Provider into the computer
DSC USB token must be certified with Class 2 or 3 Certificate
You must ensure that the DSC you wish to register is active
DSC must not be revoked

Documents Required for DSC Registration

Here are the documents you need to submit when registering your DSC:

Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, Driving licence, etc.
Address Proof: Aadhaar card, Driving licence, utility bills, Voter ID, etc.
Company documents, if applicable

How to Register DSC on the Income Tax Portal

Registering your DSC on the Income Tax Portal is an easy online process. Here’s how to do it:

Use the login and password of the individual or authorised signatory to log in to the e-filing website (www.incometax.gov.in)
From the login Dashboard, select ‘My Profile’
Click on ‘Register DSC’ to create a new DSC
Enter your email ID that is linked with the DSC token
Select ‘I have downloaded and installed emsigner utility’ and click on ‘Continue’
Select the dropdown for provider and certificate
Type in the provider password
Click on ‘Sign’ after entering your DSC token password

Rectifying Mistakes While Registering DSC

Here are the steps you need to follow to rectify any mistakes while registering your DSC:

Step 1: Go to a registered CA website
Step 2: Navigate and select the ‘Change DSC details’ option
Step 3: Fill out the required information of the DSC
Step 4: Click on the renewed or changed DSC and select it

What is the use of DSC?

The digital signature certificate is required to sign Statutory Forms and Income Tax Returns. It is also required to verify one’s responses to notices issued by the I-T department. THe DSC is necessary for refund reissue requests for e-filing customers who have chosen this option. The user must first register their DSC with the e-filing system before signing or verifying any document.

How can I create a DSC signature for ITR?

You can register for DSC on the income tax website, incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in, under the ‘My Profile’ section and register your DSC.

How can I upload my signature on the income tax portal?

You can upload your signature on the I-T portal by logging in and navigating to the ‘My Profile’ section. Then, you need to register your DSC and upload it.

What does an emSigner mean?

emSigner refers to an electronic solution that allows individuals and organisations to sign essential documents digitally. DSC registration is also facilitated by emSigner.

Where can I get a DSC?

You can procure a DSC through a certifying authority. After that, you need to register your DSC on the e-filing portal.

How to register DSC in the E-filing Income Tax Portal?

Log in to the e-filing portal and go to ‘My Profile.’ Select ‘Register DSC,’ enter the email linked to the DSC token, and download the DSC utility tool. Choose the ‘Provider’ and ‘Certificate,’ enter the Provider Password, and click ‘Sign.’

Is DSC required for TDS return?

Yes, your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is required when filing your TDS returns. You need to validate your uploaded TDS statement with a DSC. This ensures the authenticity and integrity of the electronically submitted documents.

How can I activate my DSC?

Install the DSC software on your computer. Log in to the portal and go to "Register/Update DSC." Select your DSC and click "Sign" to activate it.

What is the validity of DSC?

DSCs are typically issued with a one or two-year validity. Once the validity expires, these DSCs can be renewed.

How do I apply for a DSC online?

To apply for a DSC online, log into the income tax e-filing portal and go to the ‘My Profile’ section. Click on ‘Register DSC’ on the left side of the screen and follow the steps to complete the registration.

How much does DSC cost?

The cost of a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) varies depending on the issuer, the class of the certificate, and its validity period.

How to use DSC for ITR filing?

Download the ‘ITD e-filing DSC Management Utility’ from the income tax portal
Open the utility after extracting the zip folder, and click ‘Submit ITR/Form Online’
Enter your e-filing credentials and PAN
Choose the DSC type: USB token or .pfx file

Depending on the type, you can complete the remaining steps as mandated.