The digital world is making the process simple and fast, and the government is working in the same direction. The Goods and Services Tax system has made the taxing process transparent and efficient. However, in order to run easily in this system, documents of business have to be submitted online. The DSC (Digital Signature Certificate) is intended to ensure that the submissions are safe and legally valid.

In this article, we will explain what DSC in GST is, how to get one, and how to register it on the GST portal. MSME owners planning for an online business loan will have good takeaways from this article.

What Is DSC in GST?

It’s the digital signature to makes one confirm the identity and legitimacy of the electronic file and similar to handwriting is written electronically. It can, thus, ensure authenticity. Therefore, it has the authentic signature of a real person who is really issuing a document are correct.

For GST purposes, DSC is mainly required for certain types of taxpayers, such as:

• Companies
• Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
• Foreign companies
• Other businesses opting to use DSC for secure filing

Using DSC ensures that online submissions, like GST returns and applications, are secure and meet the legal requirements.

How to obtain a Digital Signature Certificate?

To get a Digital Signature Certificate you will have to follow the following;

Step 1: Choose a Certifying Authority (CA):

A DSC can be issued only by an approved Certifying Authority (CA) of the government. Some popular CA’s in India are eMudhra, Sify, and NSDL. You can apply for a DSC from their respective websites.

Step 2: Select the Type of DSC:

Class 2 DSC: Used in GST filings and identity authentication

Class 3 DSC: Used in high-security transactions like e-tendering.

GST uses a Class 2 or Class 3 DSC.

Step 3: Application Form Filling-up:

You can also submit your application online by filling up the DSC application form available on your CA’s website.

You will have to fill in basic information details as follows :

Name

PAN Card Number

Email ID

Mobile Number

Type of business

Step 4: Submission of Supporting Documents

While submitting your application form, you would have to provide some documents for the verification of your identity and address.

While submitting a DSC application form, commonly applied documents are:

PAN Card

Aadhar Card

Passport-size photograph

Proof of address: Utility bill or bank statement

Step 5: Completion Verification Process

After submitting your application, the CA will verify your details. You might need to go through video verification or physically visit the office of a CA for verification.

Step 6: Receipt of DSC.

Once the CA verifies your request, then he shall issue a DSC in your name. You may get a USB token from him through which your digital signature will be carried. Handle it properly as you may require the same for GST filings and other purposes.

How to Successfully Register a Digital Signature on the GST Portal?

After obtaining the DSC, you may go ahead to register it on the GST Portal. Proceed as follows:

Step 1: Log In to the GST Portal

The applicant has to log in to the official portal of GST, www.gst.gov.in with the help of a GSTIN number and password.

Step 2: Access the DSC Registration Page

After successful login:

On the dashboard, click on ‘My Profile’.

Under ‘Quick Links’, select ‘Register/Update DSC’.

Step 3: Download and Install the DSC Utility

Before you start, you need to download the DSC utility from the GST portal. This application would help your computer to recognize the USB token of DSC. So, download and install the utility. Insert the USB token.

Step 4: Choose the Authorized Signatory

Choose the name of the authorized signatory from the list that is available. An authorized signatory is the person whose DSC is going to be available at the time of GST filing.

Step 5: Sign Using DSC

Click on “Proceed”, The utility will ask you to select your DSC certificate. After selecting that, click on ‘Sign’ to finalize it.

Step 6: Confirmation

After a successful registration, you will notice a confirmation message on the portal. Your DSC is now ready for your use while filing GST returns.

Conclusion

DSC is the principal instrument to ensure the compliant process of GST without any hassles or fraud. the DSC registration process is quite easy, starting from choosing the certifying authority right up to the integration of the DSC with the GST portal. This helps businesses, especially those required by law, move around the GST system easily and lawfully.

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