Return XML: File Format

The Return XML import and export files are XML files and have identical format and record structure – one header record followed by any number of data records. The files can be opened in Microsoft XML Notepad, Altova XMLSpy, other commercial XML editors, or a text editor like Notepad.

Opening an XML file in XML Notepad gives the user an easy means of changing the file content:

Change return number (locator)
Deleting existing records
Add new data records
Change existing data record values

The XML file can then be saved. This in turn can be imported back into a locator. The round-trip import/export capability allows the user to manipulate tax return data without having to be connected to the tax compliance application. Data from any source can be converted into the file format required by Return XML with the requisite data field identification. The data can then be imported into an existing tax return.

Import/Export/rxml_online_5.htm/TY2021

Last Modified: 03/20/2020

Last System Build: 10/18/2022