File Record Types

Data Connection import and export files are structurally identical – both file types contain the same record types in the same position. For that reason, Data Connection export files can be used as import files without modification.

The following is a summary of the two record types included in a Data Connection import or export file. These record types are explained on a field-by-field basis in subsequent sections.

Header Record This mandatory first record in the file contains the subject tax return locator code, if applicable, taxpayer’s name, spouse’s name for a 1040 file, optional identification code for the taxpayer, a file source code fabricated at export by the Data Connection export program, and the Data Connection Replacement Flag.

The header record for the 1040 tax application contains ten data fields. The header records for the other tax applications (990, 1041, 1065, and 1120) are structurally identical and contain six data fields.
Data Records Multiple records can follow the Header Record. Any number of records may be required to fulfill the import task. Each record contains the form and field name combination defining the tax return database value that is the import target or the export source. Activity, group, and subgroup numbers define the various levels of activity and group data, and the data value corresponds to the form and field name combination. Export files include a data source code for each record as follows:
- O: Data source is the Organizer
- T: Data source is Tax Forms
- W: Data source is Workpapers

Import/Export/dc_specs_gst_7.htm/TY2021

Last Modified: 02/23/2021

Last System Build: 10/18/2022