A Digital Signature Certificate, like hand written signature, establishes the identity of the applicant filing the documents through internet. A Digital Signature Certificate is not only a digital equivalent of a hand written signature, it adds extra data electronically to any message or a document where it is used to make it more authentic and more secured. Digital Signature ensures that no tampering of data is done once the document has been digitally signed.
A Digital Signature is issued by a Certification Authority (CA) and is signed with the CA's private key. A digital signature typically contains the: Owner's public key, the Owner's name, Expiration date of the public key, the Name of the issuer (the CA that issued the Digital ID), Serial number of the digital signature, and the digital signature of the issuer. Digital signatures deploy the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology. A Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is normally valid for 1 or 2 years, after which renewal is required.
Class 2 digital signature for MCA21/ROC e-Filing.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) under the MCA21 program, has made e-filing (online filing) with Digital Signature mandatory. Class 2 Digital Signature (RCAI Class 2) is the minimum standard DSC required for e-filing on the MCA21 portal. All the authorized signatories of company under MCA21 require Class-2 Digital Signature Certificate. Similarly any document filed by Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), CWA and TAX PRACTIONERS under MCA21 require Class-2 Digital Signature Certificate.
Class 2 digital signature for Income Tax e-Filing.
e-Filing with Pan Encrypted Digital Signature Certificate on the Income Tax e-Filing portal has been made mandatory w.e.f 1st July 2011 for Firms and Individuals whose accounts are required to be audited u/s 44 AB of the Income Tax Act' 1961. For others who do not come under the above category, e-Filing Income Tax returns can be done with Digital Signature Certificates also. If filing is done electronically using digital signature, there is no need to submit a physical copy of the return. Else a physical printed copy of the filled up Form along with the copy of the Provisional Acknowledgement Number of your e-Return has to be submitted.
Class 2 digital signature for Applying for DIN from Ministry of Corporate Affairs
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) under the MCA21 program, has made Digital Signature mandatory for applying for DIN (Director Identification Number). Class 2 Digital Signature (RCAI Class 2) is the minimum requirement for online application for the same. Hence all the Directors of a company under MCA21 require Class-2 Digital Signature Certificate.
Class 2 Digital Signature for EPFO
Class 2 Digital Signature Certificate is used for online submission of transfer claims by Members. Now a member has an option to submit his claim either through his present employer or the previous one. Members can see all such claim requests with ease, verify/correct member details, approve and submit the requests online through this portal. Online submission of claims can be done only with the Digital Signature of the Authorised person of the organisation.
Class 2 Digital Signature for Form 16A signing and TRACES
Class 2 Digital Signature Certificate is used for online registration with TRACES and signing Form 16A for TDS purposes.
Class 2 Digital Signature for SEZ Online
Class 2 or Class 3 Digital Signatures can be used for SEZ Online system users to submit all applications, customs transactions & compliance reports via electronic forms.
