The following links provide XML (Extensible Markup Language) schema information, Business Rules (reject criteria), and related announcements for Software Developers and Transmitters who are interested in developing software for Modernized e-File (MeF).
Schema and Business Rule Distribution
TY2016/PY2017 Schema and Business Rules are now available through the Registered User Portal and your e-services mailbox. Please refer to the MeF Status page for additional details and instructions.
Forms 1040/4868 Schemas and Business Rules
Forms 1120/1120-F/1120S/7004 Schemas and Business Rules
Forms 1120-POL/990/990-EZ/990-PF/8868 Schemas and Business Rules
Forms 1065/1065-B Schemas and Business Rules
Forms 2290/720/8849 Schemas and Business Rules
Form 1041 Schemas and Business Rules
Forms 94x Schemas and Business Rules
Please note: Form 7004 schemas and Business Rules are posted to IRS.gov with the Corporation schemas, however the 7004 schemas can be used when filing extensions for Partnership and certain Exempt Organization returns.
Known Issues and Solutions
Known Issues and Solutions are temporary workaround solutions to allow returns to be e-filed. A separate Known Issue and Solutions file is available for each tax year.
State Return Information
Both federal and state returns must be submitted in IRS-approved XML format. Federal returns must conform to valid schema versions. State returns must conform to the return structure specified by IRS and include elements defined for the specific state data. You can access the Corporate and Partnership State Master Schema on the TIGERS website.