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Digital Signature

While Digital-India has become the top-most priority of the Indian Government, online transactions and e-filings are being encouraged. The authentication of the transaction and documents becomes a matter of worry and hence require a system for verifying the integrity. Digital Signature is one such way of authenticating the documents electronically.

Equivalent to the physical signature once Digital Signature Certificate is issued, it is an electronic format of signature validating the identity of the signee with no discrepancies. Issued by the Certifying Authority licensed by the Controller of Certifying Authorities, Digital Signature Certificate is used for online transactions, income tax e-filing, annual return filing, incorporations, e-tenders and many more. There are 3 types of Digital Signature, Class I, Class II and Class III.

The secure digital key, ie, Digital Signature Certificate when used on a document becomes encrypted by private key which then can only be accessed if the receiver has the public key. This ensures the security and integrity of the document. Digital Signature is issued in the form of USB e-Token, which is a USB drive containing the Digital Signature Certificate and can be accessed through computer to sign the documents electronically.

As e-filing of return has been made mandatory by government, it has become necessary for almost everyone to have Digital Signature. Jain Divya & Associates can help you get Digital Signature smoothly and within a couple of days.

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Documents Required for Digital Signature

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• PAN card
• Passport
• Aadhar Card
• Driving License
• Bank Account Passbook
• Electricity Bill for Address Proof
• Latest Bank Statement
• Tax Registration Certificate

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Process for Digital Signature

The Digital Signature Certificate can be obtained the next day or in a couple of day depending upon the submission of documents and government processing.

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• Signature should be same as in identity proof and needs to be submitted in blue ink only.
• The Digital Signature application along with all the attested documents in hardcopy need to be submitted to the Certifying Authority through courier.
• Once the documents and signature is verified by the official, the Digital Signature Certificate is issued the next day.
• The USB e-Token containing the Digital Signature Certificate is couriered to your address.

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Significance of Digital Signature

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Digital Signature – Class I

The certificate is issued to private subscribers or individuals, verifying the names and emails of the personnel inaccordance with the database of Certifying Authority. This provides very basic level of assurance and is used for low-value or non-commercial transactions.

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Digital Signature – Class II

This certificate is issued to both business personnel and private individuals, verifying all the documents and information provided by the applicant does not conflict and is in accordance with consumer database available with Certifying Authority. Class II certificate provides moderate assurance and is used for e-filings required by Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Income Tax Department.

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Digital Signature – Class III

The Class III certificate involves highest level of assurance and hence is issued only after the physical appearance of the applicant before the Certifying Authority. It is issued to both individuals and organizations. This digital signature is used for high-value transactions and e-commerce applications, for e-auctions and e-tendering.

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Validity of Digital Signature

The Digital Signatures are usually issued with the validity of 1 to 2 years. However, the Digital Signature can be renewed once the previous term is expired.