The 5 Most Commonly Used Digital Certificates
What is it, why do I need it, and how many types of digital certificates exist?
Currently, companies and self-employed individuals require electronic accreditation.
The digital certificate is a digital document containing the identifying data of a person on the Internet and allows them to exchange information with other individuals and organizations, such as signing documents or accessing electronic headquarters, with the guarantee that only you and your interlocutor can access it. Currently, it is essential for companies and professionals to have a certificate, and for self-employed individuals, it is mandatory to have a digital certificate since the Tax Agency requires certain documents to be submitted via the internet.
List of the most common procedures that can be managed with the digital certificate:
Filing and payment of taxes. Payment of taxes such as income tax, and in the case of self-employed individuals, the settlement of VAT.
Filing claims and appeals.
Consultation and payment of fines at the DGT (General Directorate of Traffic).
Consultations and procedures for subsidies. The processing of subsidies is expedited through this method.
Completing population and housing census data.
Registration and application in the municipal census.
Electronic signing of official documents and forms.
Obtaining reports from Social Security. Such as the work history.
Procedures with the Employment Service.
Income tax return.
Once you have the digital certificate, you can perform all procedures online securely.
If you do not have a digital certificate, you must go to a Certification Authority. It is important to do so with an officially recognized entity to ensure the identity of the holder, the integrity of the message, and the non-repudiation of electronic transactions.
There are different types of certificates depending on the tasks to be performed with them:
Certificate of Representative before Public Administrations: This type of qualified digital certificate is issued in favor of a natural person empowered by an Entity (WITH or WITHOUT Legal Personality) to carry out procedures before Public Administrations, such as tax returns, grant applications, administrative proceedings, submitting bids, etc. It can be used by legal representatives and authorized agents with sufficient powers to represent an organization, with the responsibility of using it in accordance with their powers to carry out procedures before Public Administrations on behalf and representation of the Entity.
Corporate Certificate: It digitally identifies a natural person and links them to an organization or entity, informing of the position they hold in it (employee, associate, collaborator, client, or supplier). The holder can make digitally signed communications accrediting their membership in a specific organization, but it does not grant them any powers beyond those they have through their usual activities. It is not suitable for proxies or general representatives, as it does not inform about the existence of powers of representation.
Certificate of Legal Representative: A qualified certificate that allows a natural person with general representation powers to act on behalf of an entity or organization. It is a combination of the two types of digital certificate mentioned above, as it allows for online administrative procedures as well as digital document signing. It can be used by legal representatives or proxies with general powers.
Power of Attorney Certificate: This type of digital certificate is exclusively for special proxies. It allows them to act on behalf of an organization strictly within the scope of their powers to sign documents (contracts, minutes, communications, instructions, etc.). It is not recommended for acting before Public Administrations in online procedures. Thus, natural persons with special notarial powers over an organization can be holders. They will be responsible for using it according to their powers and limitations.
Electronic Seal Certificate: The qualified Electronic Seal certificate allows a legal entity to identify itself electronically and make electronic signatures without the need to incorporate the data of a representative. It is suitable for cases where signature and authentication are required in automated processes. The certificate can be associated with a private key kept to guarantee the integrity and authenticity of the signed documents.
