How to Use Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) For An E-Invoice

1. How to Use Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) For An E-Invoice Summary: Here is a step-by-step guide for using a digital signature certificate for an e-invoice, in the appropriate and efficient way. Read on to find out more. Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is a method of signing documents electronically, to verify the authenticity of the person signing, which can be substituted for a physical handwritten signature. It is very important that one knows the legal requirements to be fulfilled before using a digital signature on an invoice. For instance, all invoices should be physically signed by an authorized representative of the entity issuing the invoice, as per the CGST Rules. Using DSC under e-invoicing system The supplier should upload the JSON of the invoice onto the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) for an e-invoicing system. The JSON will then follow specific mandatory and optional parameters, one of which is the digital parameters. The hash will be generated by the IRP and if it is valid, it will digitally sign the JSON, using its private key. If this JSON that is signed has been tampered with, then the digitally signed invoice is invalid and the digital signature will also not be validated. Once, this whole process is completed, the invoice is valid to be used by the seller for his business transactions. The digitally signed e-invoice will also be forwarded to the GSTN and e-way bill system by the IRP. Requirement and applicability of DSC Once the digitally signed invoice is validated by the IRP, the JSON will be digitally signed and a QR code will be generated. When the printed copy of the original invoice is provided to the recipient, the supplier will have to disclose the QR code, his/her digital signature, and the Invoice Reference Number that is generated by the IRP. How do you attach a digital signature to an e-voice? First of all, ensure that you have the necessary software for reading the DSC and an 'emSigner' tool is installed. Step 1: Generate an invoice in the prescribed JSON format. This can be done in multiple ways such as offline utilities or mobile apps by any of the digital signing solutions. Then log in to the IRP and attach JSON. Step 2: The 'Verify using DSC' button should be clicked, which will open up a dialogue box, that will show the various digital signatures available.

2. Step 3: Select the appropriate digital signature on the invoice before clicking on the 'Sign' button. Make sure that the DSC belongs to the authorized signatory as registered on the GST portal. You may have to enter the password for DSC. Step 4: A message will appear indicating the completion of the process and the attaching of the Digital Signature Certificate was successful. You can then press OK to proceed. On a final note E-invoicing is now being used even by small and medium-scale businesses. Companies are constantly in search of enterprise digital signature solutions that will provide simple and efficient methods for transitioning to a paperless environment. E-invoicing allows them to considerably reduce costs and improve customer service.