Income Tax Resolves Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) Issues: A Breakthrough on 14th September 2023
The world of taxation has seen a significant transformation in recent years, with technology taking center stage. On September 14, 2023, the Income Tax department made headlines with a groundbreaking move to resolve Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) related issues. This development promises to streamline and enhance the tax filing process for millions of taxpayers. In this blog, we'll delve into the issues that DSC users faced and the innovative solutions that have emerged from this recent development.
The Significance of Digital Signature Certificates ( DSC ) Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) are a crucial element in the modern tax filing process. They offer a secure and efficient way for taxpayers to sign and submit documents electronically. DSCs ensure data integrity, authenticity, and legal validity, reducing the need for physical paperwork and facilitating a more convenient and environmentally friendly tax compliance process.
The Challenges Taxpayers Faced While DSCs have been a game-changer for tax filing, users have encountered several challenges over the years:
Compatibility Issues: Taxpayers often faced difficulties in using DSCs with various devices and platforms, leading to frustration and delays.
Security Concerns: Concerns about the security of DSCs and potential vulnerabilities prompted some users to seek more robust solutions.
Technical Glitches: Technical issues, such as software bugs and system failures, occasionally disrupted the smooth functioning of DSCs.
Documentation Hassles: The process of obtaining and renewing DSCs involved significant paperwork, creating an administrative burden for taxpayers.
The Breakthrough on September 14, 2023 The Income Tax department's announcement on September 14, 2023, marks a significant turning point in addressing these issues. Here's how the department has sought to resolve DSC-related challenges:
Enhanced Compatibility: The Income Tax department has rolled out a comprehensive update to ensure better compatibility with a wide range of devices and software. Taxpayers can now use their DSCs more seamlessly, regardless of their preferred technology.
Advanced Security: To address security concerns, the department has incorporated advanced security features into the DSC infrastructure. This includes stronger encryption and authentication measures, providing users with increased confidence in the security of their digital signatures.
Technical Support: The Income Tax department has expanded its technical support services to assist taxpayers facing issues with their DSCs. A dedicated helpdesk and online resources are available to provide guidance and solutions promptly.
Streamlined Documentation: The process of obtaining and renewing DSCs has been simplified. Taxpayers now experience less administrative hassle, making it easier to acquire and maintain their certificates.
Income Tax posted :
Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) related issues and solutions
Taxpayers are advised to check DSC for its expiry date, registration on e-Filing portal & installation of latest emBridge application to avoid last minute issues in e-Verification.
In case, you are facing any problem in e-Verification through DSC, please refer to the following FAQs:
Q1: During e-Verification using DSC, I am getting “Something went wrong” error message, what should I do?
Ans: If you are facing issue (Something Went Wrong) in DSC, please follow below mentioned steps:
First uninstall the existing emBridge application and then download the latest application.
To download latest application: Download New DSC Utility.
Install the new version.
Follow the guidelines provided in the emBridge installer for the basic troubleshooting.
Please Delete existing certificate and import it again in Epasstoken Tool and re-try.
Q2: My DSC registered with e-Filing portal has expired, what should I do?
Ans: Taxpayer needs to register a new valid DSC with e-Filing portal. Please follow below mentioned steps:
Procure a new digital signature certificate from DSC provider.
Login to e-Filing portal and navigate to “Register DSC” functionality.
Register the new DSC on e-Filing portal.
Q3: My DSC registered with e-Filing portal has expired. I am trying to register a new DSC, but getting error message “Customer already exists”, what should be done?
Ans: To register a new DSC, kindly de-register the old DSC registered on e-Filing portal against your PAN. Please follow below mentioned steps:
Procure a new digital signature certificate from DSC provider. Buy Digital Signature for income tax Now.
Raise a grievance on e-Filing portal to de-register the old DSC. Also, attach screen shot of error message to grievance raised.
Mention the reason for registering the new DSC.
Once your old DSC is de-registered, you will get an email communication, post that you can register a new DSC by following the DSC registration steps.
Q4: The key person associated with the corporate has left and the new key person has registered DSC against his PAN but during e-Verification using DSC, still the PAN of earlier key person is reflected, kindly guide?
Ans: In case the key person associated has changed, you need to update the details of new key person in profile and appoint as Principal Contact. Please follow below mentioned steps:
Login to e-Filing portal using corporate PAN.
Navigate to My Profile-> Key Person details-> Add the details on the new key person-> Appoint as Principal Contact
Ask the Principal Contact to login to e-Filing portal with its PAN and navigate to My Profile->Register DSC.
Follow the DSC registration steps.
Once DSC is registered successfully, same can be used for verification of ITRs/Forms/other requests for corporate PAN.
Q5: While verifying using DSC, I am getting “Certificate mismatch” error?
Ans: In case of non-individual (Companies, Firms, Trusts, LLPs etc.) PANs, kindly make sure that DSC used for verification should be linked with PAN of the Principal Contact and DSC should be registered on e-Filing portal from Login of Principal Contact.
In case you are still facing problem in e-Verification through DSC, please contact helpdesk at numbers 18001030025 180041940025 & +91-80-46122000 +91-80-61464700
The Income Tax department's proactive approach to addressing DSC-related issues represents a significant step forward in modernizing and improving the tax filing process in India. The enhanced compatibility, security, and support, coupled with streamlined administrative procedures, promise to simplify the experience for taxpayers and boost confidence in the use of DSCs. As technology continues to evolve, the future of tax compliance in India is looking increasingly convenient, efficient, and secure, thanks to innovations like those introduced on September 14, 2023.
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