This story is from July 12, 2018

Digital signature certificate for ITR filing: Things you should keep in mind

ITR Filing: Obtaining a digital signature certificate (DSC) is very much needed while filing Income Tax returns (ITR) online. As the deadline to file ITR looms, this certificate can help in completing the verification process electronically.
Digital signature certificate for ITR filing: Things you should keep in mind
Key Highlights
  • A digital signature certificate contains owner's name, public key details, information about certifying authority, serial number and digital signature. Here's all you need to know about it:
NEW DELHI: Obtaining a digital signature certificate (DSC) is very much needed while filing Income Tax returns (ITR) online. As the deadline to file ITR looms, this certificate can help in completing the verification process electronically.
Digital signature certificate or DSC: It is a digital (online) format of physical or paper certificates. A digital certificate can be presented electronically to prove one’s identity, to access information or services on the Internet or to sign certain documents digitally.
A DSC contains owner's name, public key details, information about certifying authority, serial number and digital signature.
It comes in the form of a USB token.

Who issues a DSC: A licensed certifying authority (CA) issues the digital signature under Section 24 of the Indian I-T Act, 2000.
Fee: The cost of obtaining a digital signature certificate may vary as there are many entities issuing DSCs and their charges may differ.
Time taken: Three to seven working days. DSC can also be issued by some CAs on the same day (based on eKYC for Aadhaar holders) on providing all required details.
Validity: The certifying authorities are authorized to issue a DSC with a validity of one or two years.


Legal status: Digital signatures are legally admissible in a court of Law, as provided under the provisions of I-T Act, 2000.
How to register DSC with I-T dept:
* Log on to Income Tax portal (www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in) using your PAN (username) and password
* Click 'Register Digital Signature' under 'Profile settings' tab
* Download 'DSC Management Utility' (link given on the page) and extract the 'ZIP folder' to open the 'DSC management utility'

* Generate the signature file (USB token) and follow the instructions
* Attach the generated file and click on 'submit'
Process to upload ITR online using DSC:
* Fill the form and save it on the your system
* Log on the tax department portal and click on 'Submit return' option
* Fill the assessment year and select 'Yes' when asked 'Do you want to digitally sign the file?'
* Upload the USB token (DSC) and generate signature file
* Finish the process by authenticating the efiling return
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