Business Returns E-file: Reviewing with the E-file Viewer

Reviewing with Adobe Reader

The E-file Viewer presents the contents of your XML files in Acrobat (PDF) format and organized according to the IRS and state provided schemas. The XML file contents are displayed with identifying information pulled directly from the schemas.

The descriptions in the PDF file rely on working links to provide supporting schema details. Blue underlined hyperlinks make navigation to supporting documents, such as other forms or schedules, trouble-free.
Each page of the PDF file includes the taxpayer name, federal ID number (FEIN), page number, and the date the XML file was created.
PDF bookmarks provide a way to quickly jump to specific forms or supporting details. Where multiple forms or schedules are included, the number of forms and schedules are indicated parenthetically, and the bookmark can be expanded to list each form and schedule.
Shortcut keys are available as an aid to navigation. For example, type Alt + Left Arrow to return to the previous view.
The PDF file is searchable using the Find feature. For example, an element name that is found in a validation error can be entered in the field and searched for quickly. Knowing the context of the data can help resolve validation issues.
The E-file Viewer can be accessed faster, especially when loading large XML files. You no longer need to exit the return to view either the XML or PDF file.
The PDF file can be saved by the E-file Viewer on your local machine.

Using the Adobe Reader

The PDF ‘grid’ is displayed in Adobe Reader.

As shown in the example below, each page of the PDF file includes:

the taxpayer name (Galaxy Electronics Inc)
an EIN or SSN
a timestamp when the PDF was created, and
a page number.

All schema elements are displayed whether or not they are populated.

A bar is displayed at the beginning of each form schema. This bar includes the schema name, the document ID associated with the schema, any informational text that might be applicable (for example, the dormant indicator for Form 8858, shown below), and links (blue underlined text) to any supplemental schemas called by the form but not called by a specific line number.

When the schemas have multiple choice elements, where only one element can be chosen, the descriptions of each choice element are indented. For example, for Method of Accounting, cash, accrual, and other may apply, but only one can be selected.

Items, which can occur multiple times, are displayed in consecutive order with a header indicating the beginning of each occurrence. This example displays two separate items that are included in Other Current Assets.

Hyperlinks (blue underlined text) are available to jump to supporting details. For example, if a detail exists for Other Income on line 10, the description will have a hyperlink (see red arrow below).

Simply, click the link to view the supporting detail. This example displays the first item included in Other Income.

Bookmark View

The Bookmark view lists the form and schedule schemas included in the PDF file. Click the second icon (red arrow) to open this view

Click each form or schedule schema to take you to that specific section in the PDF file.

As shown below, a form, such as 5471, can have multiple instances. The total number of forms is shown inside a parenthesis (5). Also, a plus sign is displayed next to the file name when more than one instance of the form exists in the PDF file. Click the plus sign to expand the list and see that each file has a unique identify number (such as IRS5471N1, IRS547N2, IRS547N3, and so forth). The first instance of the form is the item shown with the parenthesis, while the second instance has N1 at the end of the description. Click the bookmark to go to the instance of that form.

For consolidated returns, each company has its own bookmark that is expandable to show the detail applicable to that company

E-file/oit_ef_review_2.htm/TY2020

Last Modified: 08/10/2021

Last System Build: 09/13/2021