Complete Guide to Use Digital Signature on Income Tax Portal

YOUR Step-by-Step Guide to Use DSC on Income Tax Portal — exactly what you've been looking for!

If you've ever filed your Income Tax return online, you know the process isn't just about filling in numbers and clicking submit. Behind the scenes, the government needs proof that YOU — and not someone else — are actually filing that return. With sensitive financial information involved, there's no room for mistakes.

That's where a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC in Income Tax) comes in. For businesses, companies under audit, and even individuals who want a faster, smoother filing experience, a DSC is not just useful — it's often mandatory. Digital signature on Income Tax portal streamlines the filing process, saves time, and allows multiple filings or approvals to be completed securely.

Want to buy Income Tax DSC? No need to bother! Get Capricorn Digital Signature and start your Income tax filing easily.

Use DSC on Income Tax Portal

The government can't take your word for it — it needs a trusted, verifiable way. That's why the income tax portal uses an Income Tax DSC.

Why Income Tax Digital Signature?

Legal Recognition: Returns signed with a DSC are officially validated under the IT Act, 2000.

Faster Processing: With your identity instantly verified, returns move smoothly through the system without manual checks.

Mandatory for Certain Entities: Companies, LLPs, firms under audit, and tax professionals must use a DSC to file legally.

Class 3 DSC for Income Tax: Choosing the Right Digital Signature for Income Tax

Only a Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate is accepted for Income Tax submissions.

To be precise, you need a Class 3 DSC, which supports both signing and encryption. This means it can digitally sign your Income Tax returns to prove authenticity, and also secure sensitive data. You must get a Class 3 DSC for Income tax from a reliable DSC provider like Capricorn CA.

You must know where to start before filing your income tax returns using a Class 3 DSC for Income Tax. Let's have a look what's the first thing you need to do!

Income Tax Portal Access: Step-by-Step Login & Registration

Before you can use your Digital Signature Certificate for Income Tax filing (DSC in Income Tax portal), you need to log in or register on the Income Tax Portal.

How to Register on the Income Tax Portal?

1. Visit the Income Tax Portal

2. New users – Register first:

- Click on ‘Register'.

- Select ‘Register as a Taxpayer' option.

- Fill in your PAN.

- Click the ‘Validate' button.

Note: An error will appear if your PAN is invalid or not linked.

3. Consent for validation:

Check the box giving permission to validate your details with the UIDAI database.

4. Enter personal details:

Provide your Name, Date of Birth, Residential Status, etc., and click ‘Continue'.

5. Enter contact information:

Add your mobile number and email address.

6. Verify OTPs:

OTPs will be sent to your mobile number and email. Enter them and click ‘Continue'.

Note: OTPs are valid for 15 minutes and can be used for up to 3 attempts.

7. Review details:

Check all the information you have entered so far. Click ‘Confirm' to proceed.

8. Set your password carefully:

Enter the same password in both fields.

Note: Password requirements-

- Minimum 8 and maximum 14 characters
- Must include uppercase and lowercase letters
- Must include at least 1 number
- Must include at least 1 special character

9. Complete registration:

Click ‘Register'.

10. Login:

After registration, click ‘Proceed to Login' to access your account.

How to log in to the Income Tax portal?

Once you have registered, follow these steps to log in:

Income Tax Login Using PAN

1. Go to the Income Tax Portal.

2. Click on ‘Login' under the taxpayer section.

3. Enter your PAN in the User ID field.

4. Check the Secure Access checkbox and enter your password.

5. Click ‘Continue'. Your dashboard with all details will now be visible.

Income Tax Login Using OTP

1. Visit the Income Tax Portal

2. Click on ‘Login' under the taxpayer section.

3. Enter your PAN in the User ID field.

4. Check the Secure Access checkbox and enter your password.

5. Choose one of the following options:

- “I already have OTP” if you have received it.

- “Generate OTP” if you haven't received it yet.

6. Enter the OTP and click ‘Continue'.

7. On the next page, tick against the checkbox to validate Aadhaar details and click ‘Generate Aadhaar OTP'.

8. Now type in the Aadhaar OTP sent to your registered mobile number and click ‘Login'.

Income Tax Login Using Net Banking

1. Visit Income Tax Portal.

2. Click on the ‘Login' button.

3. Enter your registered User ID (PAN) and Password.

4. Scroll down and select the Net Banking option under “Other Ways to Access.”

5. Choose your Bank from the list and proceed.

6. Click ‘Continue' on the disclaimer pop-up that appears.

7. Log in to your bank account using your Net Banking User ID and Password.

8. Click the link to the e-Filing portal on your bank's page. You will land directly on your Income Tax e-Filing dashboard.

Income Tax Login Using Bank Account

1. Land on the Income Tax Portal

2. Click the ‘Login' button given on the top right corner.

3. Enter your PAN.

4. Tick the Secure Access checkbox, enter your password, and click ‘Continue'.

5. Choose between Bank Account EVC or Demat Account EVC.

6. Select either “I have EVC” or “Generate EVC” and click ‘Continue'.

7. Enter the EVC you received in the next field.

8. You will be successfully logged in and can access your dashboard.

Income Tax Login Using DSC

1. Visit the Income Tax Portal

2 Click on ‘Login'.

3. Enter your PAN.

4. Mark the Secure Access checkbox. Then, enter your password and click on the ‘Continue' button.

5. Click on the DSC option.

6. Select one option between the ”New DSC” and “Registered DSC”. Click on the Continue button.

7. Tick the checkbox saying that you have downloaded the DSC utility signer.

8. Next, you need to enter your DSC provider and the Digital Signature Certificate.

9. Then you need to enter the Provider Password and click on Sign.

10. You will be able to view your Income tax dashboard successfully.

Done with the Income Tax login. Now, for smooth income tax filing, you just need to register Digital Signature in Income Tax portal.

How to Register DSC in Income Tax Portal?

To use your Digital Signature for e-filing, you must first register it on the portal. Here is the step-by-step process to register Digital Signature in Income Tax portal.

Steps for DSC Registration:

1. Log in to the Income Tax Portal with your User ID (PAN), password, and captcha.

2. On the dashboard, go to ‘My Profile'.

3. Click on ‘Register DSC'.

4. Enter the email ID linked with your Digital Signature Certificate.

5. Connect your USB Token (that contains your DSC) to your computer.

6. Download and install the DSC utility (if you haven't already).

7. From the drop-down, select your Provider (the DSC issuing authority).

8. Choose your Certificate from the list that appears.

9. Click on ‘Sign' to complete the registration.

Once done with the DSC Registration, your DSC will be successfully registered on the Income Tax Portal and ready to use for signing returns or forms.

You're now all set to use your DSC for Income Tax filing! Need a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to use digital signature on income tax filing? Just CLICK HERE to get started.

If you haven't got your Digital Signature yet, it's not too late! Don't wait until the next Income Tax season. Buy Capricorn DSC today and stay ready.

Conclusion

You've now seen the complete step-by-step process of a Digital Signature on the Income Tax Portal — from registration, login, to DSC registration online while filing returns. Once your DSC for Income Tax is registered, you can use it anytime to e-verify ITRs, sign forms, or complete compliance tasks online.

If you already have a valid Class 3 DSC, you're all set. If not, you can easily apply and download your Digital Signature for Income Tax online through authorized providers like Capricorn CA.

With your DSC inplace, the next Income Tax filing season will be quicker, safer, and completely hassle-free.