The Department of Income Tax (Systems) has introduced a scheme to facilitate filing of returns online by E-Return Intermediaries. Details of the scheme and the rocedure to be followed for enrollment by the E-Return Intermediaries are available on the web site of the Department at http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in and at www.tin-nsdl.com.
After passing the Data Connectivity test and registering on the E-Filing site, E-Return Intermediaires will be able to file tax returns through the internet.
The Department has proposed a mechanism for data exchange between the Intermediaries and its systems that will facilitate offline creation of returns (without being connected to the Internet or the E-Filing website) in XML format and uploading of the same to the website when connected to the Internet. The Department has therefore designed an XML schema which defines the data structures and data types for each Return form.
The advantages of this mechanism are:
- The E-Return Intermediary can prepare Returns in XML format offline (using an client application of its choice) without needing an Internet connection for long periods.
- A single XML Return file can contain details of multiple assessee’s in a structured format
- It is compatible with multiple platforms and operating systems.
- It follows standard data exchange protocols and mechanisms for data transfer over the Internet.
- It lends itself to easy interpretation at the server end.
- The Intermediaries can develop client applications (on any platform and operating system) to generate the XML Return files and embed the validations to be carried out for data exchange within the application.
The XML schema for each form contains elements which correspond to the various columns /form fields being filled in the Paper Return. The XML schema describes the data types that can be used against each element and the validations being carried out to check the accuracy of the data submitted by the Intermediaries.
It is important to understand the contents of the schema in order to be able to transmit Return files to the E-Filing web site that are in accordance with the data standards published. The purpose of this document is to explain the various data types used in the Schema, the validations and constraints imposed while submitting the Return information.
This document is a technical guide targetted at Software Developers who wish to develop a client application to be used by Intermediaries to generate XML files for each Form Type (like Form-10B, Form-10BB, Form-29B, Form-3CA, Form-3CB, Form-3CD, Form-3CEB & Form-6B).
Download E-Filing Schema Guide
e-Filing Schema Download for Asstt. Year 2014-15
