5500 E-file: Creating a Federal Validation File for GoTo Functionality

The existence of XML errors will prevent the return from being e-filed. XML validation errors indicate that return data does not meet requirements defined in the DOL schemas. Using the GoTo functionality will aid in resolving XML validation issues.

Even though you can view XML validation errors in the View > Diagnostics dialog after you create the e-file, you will not be able to use the GoTo feature to go to the source of the error. This step describes how to generate an XML file for validation purposes only. If you generate the XML validation file following these steps, you can use GoTo to help correct validation errors.

The XML file generated by following these steps will NOT be transmitted to the DOL.

Click the Create Validation File button. This creates a validation file for this return only.
Select View > Diagnostics > Efile XML Validation Errors to display the XML validation errors.
Depending on the method used to generate the XML file, the validation heading will change. XML validation errors generated through these steps will have a heading instructing you to use GoTo to correct the error.
Select each validation error to go to the source of the invalid information. This may be a Tax Form field or an Organizer field. If the error is in a Tax Form field, hyperlink to the applicable Organizer field to correct the input.
The XML validation errors listed in View > Diagnostics will not be updated until you recreate the XML file.
After you have corrected all validation errors, create the final XML file to transmit to the DOL.

E-file/5500_ef_6.htm/TY2020

Last Modified: 08/13/2020

Last System Build: 09/13/2021