Two Factor Authentication for e-Way Bill & e-Invoice

The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has announced that 2-factor authentication (2FA) will be made mandatory for all taxpayers with an Aggregate Annual Turnover (AATO) above Rs. 100 crore from July 15, 2023. This is being done to enhance the security of the e-Way Bill/e-Invoice System and to prevent fraudulent activities.

To enhance the security of e-Way Bill/e-Invoice System, NIC is introducing 2-Factor Authentication for logging in to e-Way Bill/e-Invoice system. In addition to username and password, OTP will also be authenticated for login.

There are 3 different ways of receiving the OTP. You may enter any of the OTP and login to system. The various modes of generating OTP are explained below:

1. SMS: OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number as SMS.

2. On ‘Sandes’ app: Sandes is a messaging app provided by government so that you can send and receive messages. You may download and install the Sandes app on your registered mobile number and receive the OTP in it.

3. Using ‘NIC-GST-Shield’ app: ‘NIC-GST-Shield’ is a mobile app provided by e-Way Bill /e-Invoice System, so that OTP can be generated by using the app. This app can be downloaded only from the e-Waybill / e-Invoice portal from the link ‘Main Menu 2-Factor Authentication. Install NIC-GST-Shield’. Download, install and register this app on your registered mobile number. You should ensure the time displayed in the app should be in sync with e- Waybill /e-Invoice system. On opening the app, OTP is displayed. You may enter this OTP and continue the authentication. The OTP gets refreshed after every 30 seconds. You will not require internet or any dependency on mobile network for generating the OTP on this app.

Registration for 2-Factor Authentication

On logging to e-Waybill System go to Main Menu→ 2 Factor Authentication and confirm the registration. Once confirmed, the system will ask OTP along- with username and password. The OTP authentication is based on individual user accounts. The sub users of GSTIN will have separate authentication depending on their registered mobile number in the e-Way Bill/ e- Invoice System. Once you have registered for 2 Factor authentication, then the same is applicable for both e-Way bill and e-Invoice system.

Conclusion

The introduction of mandatory 2-Factor Authentication for taxpayers with AATO above Rs 20 Crores is a significant step towards fortifying the security of taxpayer data and financial transactions. This proactive measure aligns India with global cybersecurity standards and safeguards the interests of high-value taxpayers. Taxpayers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the upcoming changes and take the necessary steps to implement 2FA before the November 01, 2023 deadline to ensure a seamless transition and uninterrupted access to tax services.

This Article is only a knowledge-sharing initiative and is based on the Relevant Provisions as applicable and as per the information existing at the time of the preparation. In no event RMPS & Co. or the Author or any other persons be liable for any direct and indirect result from this Article or any inadvertent omission of the provisions, update etc. if any.

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