How to register Digital Signature for e-filing of Income Tax Returns

How to register Digital Signature for e-filing of Income Tax Returns using USB e- token:

• A digital signature authenticates electronic documents in a similar manner a handwritten signature authenticates printed documents.
• Digital signature cannot be forged and it asserts that a named person wrote or otherwise agreed to the document to which the signature is attached.
• The recipient of a digitally signed message can verify that the message originated from the person whose signature is attached to the document and that the message has not been altered either intentionally or accidentally since it was signed.
• Also, the signer of a document cannot later disown it by claiming that the signature was forged. In other words, digital signatures enable the “authentication” and “non-repudiation” of digital messages, assuring the recipient of a digital message of both the identity of the sender and the integrity of the message.
• 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 following:
• Owner’s public key
• The owner’s name
• Expiration date of public key
• Name of the issuer
• Serial number of the digital signature of the issuer.
• If you file return electronically using digital signature you have to submit a physical copy of return. If you do not have a digital signature but still you can e-file the returns. However, you must also physically submit the printed copy of the filled up Form along with the copy of the Provisional Acknowledgement Number of your e-return.
• The procedure to register the Digital Signature with Income Tax Department website for e-filing of Income Tax returns is as follows: