Tax / eSigning
Error in Establishing Connection with TRACES WebSocket eSigner
Complete Fix for Indian Income Tax & TDS Filing Platform
This error occurs on the TRACES portal when the emSigner or DSC utility cannot connect to your browser via WebSocket. It affects CA professionals, TDS deductors, and PAO users filing on the Income Tax e-filing portal.
Root Causes
| Cause | Platform | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| emSigner not running | Windows | Start emSigner from system tray |
| Java not installed or outdated | All | Install Java 8 Update 351+ |
| Browser blocking WebSocket | Chrome/Edge | Allow insecure content on TRACES |
| Antivirus blocking port 8443 | Windows | Whitelist emSigner in antivirus |
| Wrong DSC token driver | All | Install correct ePass/Safenet driver |
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Fix 1 — Ensure emSigner Is Running
1
Look for the emSigner icon in your Windows taskbar (bottom-right system tray).
2
If not visible, go to C:\emSigner and double-click emSigner.exe.
3
Once the green icon appears in the system tray, refresh the TRACES page and retry signing.
Fix 2 — Allow Insecure Content in Chrome
Chrome Settings
1. Click the lock icon next to the TRACES URL
2. Select Site Settings
3. Find Insecure content → change to Allow
4. Reload the page
Fix 3 — Use Microsoft Edge in IE Mode
TRACES was designed for Internet Explorer. For best compatibility, use Microsoft Edge in IE Mode. Go to Edge Settings → Default Browser → add the TRACES URL to IE Mode pages list.
Fix 4 — Update or Reinstall Java
Download the latest Java 8 from java.com. Uninstall all older Java versions first via Control Panel → Programs, then install the fresh version and restart your computer before trying TRACES again.
Pro Tip for CAs
Always keep a dedicated machine with Java 8, emSigner, and Internet Explorer mode configured for TRACES. Chrome updates frequently break the WebSocket connection.
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