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Nov. 5, 2026
MeF stakeholders:
Form 56 schema and business rules are available for distribution through the Registered User Portal and your e-Services mailbox, which is part of the Secure Object Repository (SOR). Users can access their mailbox through their existing e-Services account to retrieve the schema and business rules packages.
To receive schema package distributions, you must have an active e-Services account and be listed on an e-file application with the provider option of software developer. Your role on the e-file application must be principal, responsible official, or delegated user with MeF authorities. Registered e-Services users listed on a state e-file application will also receive this distribution.
We encourage you to review your e-file application to verify that you have the appropriate role and confirm that you can access your e-Services account.
Note: You can access the login page, register for e-Services, reset your password, and make changes to your existing account through e-Services online tools for tax professionals on IRS.gov.
XML schema
Form 56 "Diff" files identify the changes made to the CUv26.0 schema package compared to the CUv25.0 schema package.
Business rules
Form 56 CUv26.0 business rules are available in two formats containing identical information: Adobe PDF (.pdf) and Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook(.xlsm).
If you have any questions about the schemas or business rules, please send your inquiry to the MeF mailbox.
Tax year 2026 Modernized e-File schema and business rules for individual tax returns and extensions