Introduction to e-CNPJ and e-CPF
New technologies bring new possibilities – and new challenges. E-CPF and e-CNPJ were created to help providing a safer structure to the people who use online services.
High-tech devices provide online access to several different services that required much more time and displacement in the past. It's been a few years since it's possible to shop, buy tickets, book rooms and make money transfers online.
These new possibilities also bring new problems when it comes to safety. Forgery is one of the biggest challenges faced by online services users, especially when the subject is internet banking.
To help users feel safer about their online actions, two tools were created to assure the privacy of information and guarantee the authenticity of files sent by e-mail: the e-CNPJ and e-CPF, which are digital certificates approved by the Secretaria da Receita Federal (Secretariat of the Federal Revenue) and have the purpose of protecting personal or corporative information.
E-CPF is used by private people, being the online version of CPF, the Brazilian Individual Taxpayer Registry. E-CNPJ is used by legal entities, as a virtual version of CNPJ, the National Register of Corporate Taxpayers. Both documents can be issued by three different entities: Certsign, Serasa and Serpro.
e-CPF
e-CPF was created for electronic communication between private people and the Brazilian Federal Revenue. It is used to guarantee the integrity of the banking transactions of private people, as well as the reliability, privacy and inviolability of messages and other services made online. More than that, the digital certificate has a legal validity to be used as the handwritten signature of the individual, proving that he agrees with the document signed.
With an e-CPF, people can send their income tax return, consult and update their register as a contributor, recover information regarding their historic of returns and check their situation in the “malha fina”, which is the database system where the Federal Revenue stores income declarations that presented inconsistencies. It's also possible to obtain certificates from the Federal Revenue, as well as register letters of attorney and monitor cases electronically.
Types of e-CPF
There are different types of e-CPFs, each one appropriate to a different case. Their prices vary, but it's possible to acquire one with an minimum cost of BRL 125,00.
e-CPF type A3 Simples: the safest one as its data is generated, stored and processed in a token. Only the owner of the token has access to the password. This version of e-CPF is destined exclusively to the micro or small companies that opted for the Simples Nacional. It is valid for one year.
e-CPF type 3: in this version, data is generated, stored and processed in a smart card or token, making it inviolable and unique and providing mobility. Only the person with access to the card password or token can use it. This service is valid for three years.
e-CPF type 1: this one is generated and stored in a personal computer, without any smart card or token. It's advisable to be stored in only one computer and protected by a password. This version is valid for one year.
Required documents
To require an e-CPF it is necessary to present the original and a copy of the following documents:
- One 3x4 picture;
- Identity card (foreigners can present passports);
- CPF;
- A recent proof of residence (maximum of 90 days);
- Voter registration (optional)
- PIS (Social Integration Program) / PASEP (Program of Formation of the Patrimony of the Public Server)
e-CNPJ
E-CNPJ guarantees the integrity of banking transactions for legal entities. Just like e-CPF works for private people, e-CNPJ is used to guarantee the reliability, privacy and inviolability of messages and other services made online. It can also be used as the official signature of the person who owns it.
Types of e-CNPJ
In the same way it happens with e-CPF, there are also different types of e-CNPJ. The minimum cost of an e-CNPJ is approximately BRL 185,00.
e-CNPJ type A3: is the same as e-CPF type A3, with the difference that it is created for legal entities.
e-CNPJ type A1: is the same as e-CPF type A1, but created for legal entities.
Required documents
Original and copy of documents from both company and legal representatives are required.
Company:
- Commercial registration, if it's an individual company;
- Constitutive act, statute or social contract in operation (registered in the case of commercial or civil societies, and in the case of joint-stock companies, with documents about the election of its managers);
- CNPJ proof of registration.
Legal representative:
- One 3x4 picture;
- Identity card (foreigners can present passports);
- CPF;
- A recent proof of residence (maximum of 90 days);
- Voter registration (optional);
- PIS/ PASEP (optional).