How to Resolve emSigner Errors When Filing GST Returns

The emSigner error typically appears as a pop-up message such as:

"Failed to establish a connection to the server. Kindly restart the emSigner."

This error indicates that the emSigner utility, which is essential for digitally signing GST documents, is unable to establish a connection with the GST portal server. It can occur across various browsers like Internet Explorer (now discontinued), Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, and on different operating systems such as Windows desktop operating systems only (emSigner is not supported on iOS or mobile devices).

The most common cause is a port mismatch, emSigner now uses port 1585 instead of the older 1645 port, causing connection failures if the software or browser settings are outdated. Other reasons include outdated emSigner utility, browser compatibility issues, or interference from antivirus/firewall software. Restarting the emSigner utility, updating it to the latest version from the official GST portal, running it as administrator, and configuring browser settings properly usually resolves this error.

This error is frequently encountered during GST return filing or DSC registration on the GST portal and must be addressed to complete secure digital signing and filing.

The emSigner error most commonly arises during key GST portal activities that require digital signature authentication, such as:

• During GST return filing

These are critical processes where the emSigner utility is required to digitally sign documents to authenticate and validate the filings.

• While registering or updating a DSC on the GST portal

Problems with emSigner connectivity or configuration often cause errors at these stages, preventing successful submission or DSC registration.

Specifically, users encounter the error message "Failed to establish a connection to the server. Kindly restart the emSigner" when the software cannot establish a proper connection with the GST portal server during these operations.

The emSigner error is a consequential error as a result of port changes. Earlier, the emSigner used the ‘1645 – https://127.0.0.1:1645’ port, but it now uses the ‘1585 – https://127.0.0.1:1585’ port.

Note: If users continue to use outdated emSigner software or blocked ports, the system fails to establish a connection, resulting in the error message prompting to restart emSigner. Updating to the latest emSigner version and ensuring the correct port is used resolves this issue effectively.

The following steps will help you resolve this GST portal error:

Step 1: Uninstall the previous version of emSigner

The procedure to uninstall the emSigner is:

Open the control panel available in the 'Start' menu > click on programs > then opt for uninstall programs > select any existing emSigner (GSTN) > and uninstall.

Step 2: Install the new emSigner from the GST portal

Go to the homepage of the GST portal and scroll down to the end. Go to ‘System Requirements’ under the category 'Help and Taxpayer Facilities'. Now, click on ‘DSC Registration’ to download and install the emSigner. Once installed, click on the 'Finish' button.

Right-click on the ‘emSignergstn’ icon on the desktop and select ‘Run as administrator.’

You will see a dialogue box indicating that the emSigner service has been started successfully. So, click on the 'Ok' button. On successful setup, you will see a ‘Digital Signature Signer’ window pop up.

Step 3: Restart the System/PC

Once you restart the PC, right-click on the ‘emSigner icon’ and follow the 'Run as Administrator' process again.

Step 4: Log in

After the last step, the emSigner will start working on supported browsers such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

Log into the GST portal and file the return or register/update the DSC on it. Provide a digital signature by entering the password.

Now, you have successfully resolved the emSigner error. However, you might experience this GST error again once in a while when logging in via Google Chrome.

After the completion of step 2, emSigner runs as a background service on your system. Ensure that Google Chrome is updated before proceeding with the following steps.

Open Google Chrome > click on Settings > go to Site Settings > open JavaScript > enter the URL mentioned below in the ‘Allow’ column:

https://127.0.0.1:1585
http://127.0.0.1:1585
https://127.0.0.1

(Note: Only loopback address 127.0.0.1 and port 1585 are used by emSigner for GST.)