Digital Signatures

What is Digital Signature?

A digital signature authenticates electronic documents in a similar manner a handwritten signature authenticates printed documents. This signature cannot be forged and it asserts that a named person wrote or otherwise agreed to the document to which the signature is attached.  Instead if you are looking for something on the go try these digital signature

Why do we need a Digital Signature?

  • Income Tax returns - IT department offers a facility to eFile your tax returns. eFIling ensures accuracy of assessment and faster processing of refunds. Digital signature may be used during eFIling of tax returns so that you need not send a signed copy of the return by post. Corporates are required to file their tax returns using digital signature mandatorily.
  • FIling annual corporate returns - All Private Limited companies and LLPs need to file their returns electronically using Digital signature.

A elaborative list of areas where digital signatues can be used is given below.

Applicability

Class I
Class II
Class III
Rs. 1,500/- Rs. 6,500/-

Digitally sign your e-mail yes yes yes
Encrypt your e-mail yes yes yes
Single Key Pair Support yes yes yes
Electronically authenticate individual / device identity to web servers yes yes yes
Personal Use yes yes yes
       
Requires verification of applicant credentials   yes yes
Digitally sign official documents / communications   yes yes
Encrypt sensitive data shared over the web, originating from certified individual / device   yes yes
Dual Key Pair Support   yes yes
Obligatory electronic proof of identity for regulatory purposes   yes yes
Applicability to online transactions and e-commerce   yes yes
Binding as per Indian IT Act 2000   yes yes
Commercial Use   yes yes
Online Tax Returns / TDS Filing   yes yes
E-commerce transactions   yes yes
       
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and other secure login-based transactions requiring strong authentication     yes
Physical authentication and confirmation by RA     yes
Internet Banking     yes
Online trading     yes
Bill Payments     yes