The Digital Age has provoked a real revolution in the most diverse sectors of society, and in the business world, it could not be different: technological transformations are very evident in corporate life. Today, numerous technological resources make up the new reality of small and large companies. The e-CNPJ is proof of this.
Among so many great innovations, the certificates and digital signatures stand out for validating transactions carried out in a virtual environment, eliminating the physical presence of the parties involved, facilitating the entrepreneur's life and optimizing the relationships cultivated with its employees, partners and government entities.
In this sense, a digital certificate that is increasingly being used is the e-CNPJ. Today, it is practically impossible to think of a perfectly operational company that does not make use of this resource.
It was with this in mind that we, at ZapSign, prepared this special article for you, explaining everything about what the e-CNPJ is, how much it costs and how to make this digital certificate. Come with us!
What is the e-CNPJ?
As it does not indicate to me, the e-CNPJ is the electronic version of the CNPJ. This solution is a type of digital certificate that works as a digital identity for legal entities in the Internet and electronic media, guaranteeing their authenticity, in addition to regulating the formality and legality of their business and relationships in a virtual environment.
It is worth remembering that only legal entities in full legal activity and already registered in the National Register of Legal Entities (CNPJ), can acquire an e-CNPJ.
That said, we point out that the use of the e-CNPJ is appropriate for a series of purposes, in order to simplify and streamline various processes, making them less bureaucratic and expensive. Among the possible applications, we can highlight:
- sign contracts;
- obtain documents of legal relevance, such as receipts, certificates and other documents with legal relevance;
- make the registration of powers of attorney;
- make inquiries;
- perform and authenticate online business and financial transactions;
- issue electronic invoices;
- gain access to restricted information from systems, both public and private;
- monitor tax proceedings over the Internet.
- access the Virtual Taxpayer Assistance Center (e-CAC) through the Federal Revenue Service website;
- rectify the DARF (Federal Revenue Collection Document);
- issue important declarations, such as the DIPJ (Declaration of Economic-Fiscal Information of the Legal Entity), the DCTF (Declaration of Federal Tax Debts and Credits), and the DITR (Declaration of the Tax on Rural Territorial Property);
- pay your legal entity's debts online
As with any digital certificates, e-CNPJs are issued by Certification Authorities (CAs). These entities are accredited by the ICP-Brazil (Brazilian Public Key Infrastructure) and authorized by the Certifying Authority of the SRF (Secretary of the Federal Revenue).
Certification Authorities are entities, whether public or private, directly responsible for issuing, distributing, renewing and revoking certificates – and it is worth remembering that they, and only them, are allowed this management work.
What types of e-CNPJ exist?
You can choose between two different types of e-CNPJ: the A1 digital certificate and the A3 digital certificate. Next, we will explain the differences between each of these certificates.
Type A1 digital certificate
With the type A1 e-CNPJ, there is no need to use smart cards or tokens, as the certificate is generated and stored directly on the holder's personal computer.
In this way, it is recommended that the holder protect the document with an access password, as soon as it is issued, in order to guarantee greater security to his e-CNPJ.
It is also advisable for the holder to create only a single backup copy, storing his e-CNPJ on only one computer. This type of certificate is valid for one year.
Type A3 digital certificate
This is a type of e-CNPJ that, compared to the previous one, presents a higher level of security, precisely because it uses a smart card or token to save and manage your data.
Therefore, only the device's password holder can use it. Another advantage of the A3 type certificate is its validity period, generally longer than that of the A1, and which can reach up to five years.
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What are the main benefits of having an e-CNPJ?
It is undeniable that, from many points of view, obtaining an e-CNPJ offers a multitude of advantages for your business. Among the main ones, we can highlight:
Practicality and security in issuing electronic invoices
Since, through the e-CNPJ, you are able to issue electronic invoices, your processes run in a much more practical and safe way. However, care must be taken when issuing NF-e with e-CNPJ, as it is recommended for companies whose sole responsibility for issuing the notes is the person holding the certificate.
In companies whose attribution belongs to more than one person, it is advisable to use another type of digital certificate, developed specifically for issuing invoices.
Signing documents
Thanks to data encryption technology, the e-CNPJ allows you to validate transactions and even perform electronic signature of documents, guaranteeing the same authenticity of a signature made by your own hand and, therefore, reducing bureaucracy.
High level of mobility
The possibility of signing agreements by digital means is, undoubtedly, a determining factor when closing deals between those who are far away.
By signing electronically, agreements between parties from different neighborhoods, cities and even countries can run much more fluidly, uncluttering the procedures and eliminating unnecessary complications.
Cost reduction
Since all processes can be carried out in a virtual environment, the numerous operational costs related to face-to-face procedures are reduced, or even eliminated.
When spending on material purchases; print; registries; fuel; tickets; motoboys; and many others are no longer a constant, operational efficiency only tends to win – not to mention that digital documentation has considerably higher levels of security against accidents and misplacement.
Gain in sustainability
The environmental issue has been a much discussed topic in recent years. Since digital certificates help to significantly reduce paper production and consumption, in addition to greatly reducing the exploitation of natural resources, the positive impact of this technology on the environment is extremely relevant.
Note that, here, we mention only the main benefits presented by this type of certificate. However, it is clear that the advantages of obtaining an e-CNPJ are vast and are intrinsically related to the huge range of functions offered by its use.
This consolidates this type of digital certificate as something essential to give your business the autonomy, security, flexibility, agility, sustainability and fluidity necessary for its full operation.
How to make the e-CNPJ?
As already mentioned, an e-CNPJ is a digital certificate, and therefore, to acquire it, you must follow the steps below.
1 – First, to obtain a digital certificate of any type, you must choose which of the ICP-Brasil Certifying Authorities (CAs) best suits your needs. They are all listed, in alphabetical order, on this link.
2 – After deciding which AC best suits your case, you must go to its website and request the issuance of your e-CNPJ. During this step, the Certification Authority itself will provide all the information relevant to the process.
3 – After contacting the Certification Authority, you must schedule a date and time to attend a Registration Authority – AR, with your required documents. An AR is an entity linked to the CAs, and it is up to it to check your order data and register your biometrics, your face photo and your fingerprints.
4 – Once all your data has been checked, your certificate will be ready, duly validated and with the same authenticity as a physical file. It is in the AR itself that the user who opts for the A1 type certificate receives all instructions on requirements, file download and technical support. It is also in AR that the user who chooses the A3 type certificate receives his smart card or token.
It is worth explaining that, in the same way that it is possible to request an e-CNPJ, it is also possible to revoke it. This procedure can be done either online or in person.
To revoke your e-CNPJ over the internet, just access the revocation page of the Certifying Authority through which you took the document.
On the other hand, in order to revoke it in person, it is necessary to appear at the Registration Authority of your choice, in possession of all your documents, and to present the justification for your request.
The certificate revocation request is particularly common in case of need to change information such as email, address, correction of incorrectly registered information or violation or loss of the media in which the e-CNPJ was saved.
How much does an e-CNPJ cost?
Naturally, the Certifying Authorities charge a fee to make your e-CNPJ. On average, the amount to be paid ranges from about R$150 to approximately R$570 – this varies according to the CA, the type of certificate chosen and the validity period.
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