TRACES : Register DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)

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Sakshi Shah

DSC
DSC Registration
TDS
TRACES
Last updated on April 19th, 2023

TRACES means TDS Reconciliation Analysis and Correction Enabling System. It is the online portal for administration and implementation of TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) and TCS (Tax Collected at Source). To use the services like submit an online correction, update the profile and access all downloads, you should do KYC validation using DSC and avoid multiple KYCs in the same session. For KYC validation using DSC, it is important to register your DSC on TRACES. It must be a valid DSC (class 2 or class 3 certificate) obtained from a third-party vendor.

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Steps to register DSC on TRACES

  1. Log in to TRACES

    Log in to TRACES – Enter User Id, Password, TAN or PAN and captchaTRACES - Login Page for Taxpayers

  2. Register DSC

    Go to Profile > Signature. Select the Digital Signature and click on ‘Register DSC’ TRACES - Register DSC under Profile

  3. Select the DSC

    A web signer window will appear on the screen. Select the DSC .pfx file or hard tokenTRACES - Register DSC - websigner window

  4. Enter the password

    Click on Register and enter the password set at the time of installing the certificate.TRACES - Register DSC - select DSC

  5. Complete the registration process

    The certificate details will appear on the screen. Click on ‘ok’ to complete the registrationTRACES - Register DSC - Certificate details

  6. Success message

    The DSC is successfully registered. A success message will appear on the screen.TRACES - Register DSC - Success message

User can view certificate details registered by clicking on the hyperlink by navigating to the ‘Signature’ tab. To re-register the digital signature certificate using the same process, click on the “Re-Register” button.
Tip
User can view certificate details registered by clicking on the hyperlink by navigating to the ‘Signature’ tab. To re-register the digital signature certificate using the same process, click on the “Re-Register” button.

Error Messages for DSC Registration on TRACES

Error 1: PAN Mismatch

The error for PAN mismatch would appear when the user selects an incorrect digital signature certificate not associated with the same PAN.

Error 2: DSC already registered

When the user registers or re-registers with a digital signature certificate which is already registered before, an error message is displayed on the screen – ‘Certificate selected is already registered’

Error 3: DSC is revoked

If the Certifying Authority has revoked the certificate and the system updates Certificate Revocation List with the corresponding crl (certificate revoking list) file, you will not be able to register revoked certificate on TRACES.

Error 4: DSC verification failed

If the certificate verification fails, an error message ‘Error occurred while DSC registration. Please try after some time’ will appear on the screen. In that case, contact TRACES helpdesk or send an email to contactus@tdscpc.gov.in

Error 5: DSC expires

When the registered DSC is about to expire, a message ‘Your certificate will expire in ‘n’ days’ will appear on the screen to intimate the user regarding the expiry of DSC.

FAQs

How to resolve “Error in establishing connection with TRACES Websocket Esigner” on TRACES?

This is a technical error. Please ensure that WebSigner Setup is installed and service is running on your machine. Also, ensure that there are no proxies enabled on the browser while doing DSC activities. Here are the steps to resolve the error:
1. Uninstall the Java Utility and EmSigner
2. Install JAVA 8 Update 162 32-bit version only
3. Download TRACES Web Signer Setup V 2.0 setup file from TRACES
4. Install DSC drivers on your computer
5. Update your Chrome (if it is of Older version)
6. Clear cache & cookies from your browser
7. Restart your computer
8. Run EmSigner as administrator

My Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is already registered on TRACES. However, when I am trying to submit online correction, system does not allow me to proceed. What should I do?

You need to clear the cookies and reload the website. If the issue still persists check the browser being used. Internet Explorer 7,8 or 9, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox 17 & above are the compatible browser for TRACES

What are the differen types of error messages on TRACES for DSC registration?

1. PAN Mismatch
2. DSC already registered
3. DSC is revoked
4. DSC verification failed
5. DSC expires 

Got Questions? Ask Away!

  1. Hey @HarishMehta

    Taxpayers or deductee cannot directly download form 16/form16A, the option to download Form 16/ 16A has been given to the Deductor. So, if you need Form 16 / 16A for TDS deducted by your current or previous employer or deductor you will have to contact them for the same. There is no option available on TRACES whereby you can download it yourself.

    Hope this helps!

  2. Hey @Dia_malhotra

    Yes, individuals can still register as a taxpayer on TRACES even if they do not have TAN of the deductor by providing:

    • Assessment Year
    • Challan Serial Number and
    • Amount of tax you have paid

    Hope this helps!

  3. Avatar for saad saad says:

    In my Justification Report it shows an interest payable error whereas I’ve already paid the interest for that particular month According to the regulations what could be the reason for this?

  4. Hi @saad,

    According to regulations, interest payment default/errors may arise due to error in challan details , short deduction, short payment, late deposit of TDS amount. Here, you can file correction statement and revise the return.

    Hope this helps!

  5. The USB e-pass 2003 token device is particular type of a DSC.

  6. hello, i want to cancel the TDS on sale of property (26QB) which i created in hurry. i have made login and tried the TRACES refund option. But the total amount of TDS is “Consumed” and Max refund amount is zero.
    What is my option now? TDS was paid on 16th Oct ( 6 days back). Hoping for a solution on this.

  7. Hi @nisshant

    26QB is the challan cum return statement. As soon as you file the form, TDS amount paid by you gets utilized. There are few corrections that are allowed in form 26QB. You can refer to the article below. You cannot get the refund of the taxes paid through an online method. You can contact concerned Assessing Officer (AO) of the Income Tax Department (ITD).

    You can also contact Aaykar Sampark Kendra (ASK) on Toll Free No. 1800-180-1961 to ask for help.

    Hope this helps!

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