Everybody knows about the E filing of TAX Returns. But this process can be done 100% online iff you have digital signature. Otherwise you have to go INCOME TAX Office to submit your acknowledgment. So to get the most benefit you should have a digital signature.
What is digital Signature:
A digital signature or digital signature scheme is a type of cryptography that authenticates documents in electronic form in the same way as a handwritten signature authenticates hard copy documents. A year before, these signature were quite costly. But now you can easily own a signature starting 49Rs/yr to 300Rs/year depending upon the class of digital signature.
Basically there are 3 classes of Digital signature. We will discuss it one by one and we will tell you how you can get it at cheaper price.
Class 1 Digital Signatures
This is basic type of digital signatures. Class 1 are legally valid as per the Indian Information Technology Act, 2000. However, since they do not provide strong authentication of user identity, they are not applicable for commercial use. You can use these type of signatures for
*Digitally sign your e-mail, in which you assure your recipient that the mail has come from you.
*Encrypt your e-mail, where you block unauthorized people from receiving or reading your e-mails.
*Electronically authenticate your identity to web servers, where you establish a communication link with the web server to secure your confidential information such as credit card details, password details, etc.
To get this type of digital signature you should have a valid email address. You can directly purchase this type of digital signatures from websites.
Class 2 Digital Signatures
These are most common in terms of use, these type of signatures can be used for IT Tax Return, Loan application, IRCTC , NIC, MCA21, Online banking, E- commerce etc. Class 2 Gold Individual Certificates enable you to digitally sign your e-mail for unequivocal identification, encrypt your mail to block unauthorized access, and electronically authenticate your identity to web servers, e-commerce sites and other transactional portals where proof of identity is mandatory. The extent of identification provided by this class of certificates is limited to the information available on the validating server. Class 2 certificates authenticate your identity , provide content/software integrity and assured encryption standards to maximize security.
These certificates are applicable to personal and commercial use in environments requiring obligatory identity proof.You can not get this type of Digital signatures completely online. You have to apply online through E-mdudhra with some supporting documents like
Attested copy of any one of the following as identity proof (attestation may be by any Public Notary/Gazetted Officer/Bank Manager)
*Passport
*Driving License
*Voter's ID
*PAN card
*Company ID Number
Digital Certificate - Class 3 Platinum
Class 3 signatures have maximum security level. These are issued to individuals, organizations and devices and are applicable for personal and commercial use. Typically, they are used for Electronic Data Exchange (EDI), internet banking/broking, e-tendering and other web-based transactions where confidentiality and authenticity are critical.
These are digital certificates that are appropriate for digital signatures, encryption, electronic access control, e-commerce and online financial transactions that require a strong assertion of the customer's identity.
Documents required for class 3 are same as class 2. Cost for Class 3 signatures for an individual is higher than that of the class 2 which adds additional security.
Somewebsite providing Online digital signatures are
India
www.e-mudhra.com
www.digitalsignatureindia.com
www.mcadigitalsignature.com
www.digitalsignature.in
Global
www.topazsystems.com
www.Arx.com
www.cryptolog.com
If you know some website offering free Digital Signature, please leave a comment here.
All class of digital signatures are legal As per Indian Information Technology Act, 2000. Best and affordable would be class2 signatures as they solves almost all common purposes and provide a good level of secured information.
