Germany Releases FATCA Schema Files & Guidance

April 17, 2017

Stephen Kessinger

Author

Sovos

This blog was last updated on December 22, 2021

Germany’s BZSt released both FATCA schema files (XSD files are provided in the [zip file|www.bzst.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/FATCA_downloads/ELANKOM_Schema_FATCAXML2.0_230317_zip.zip?__blob=publicationFile]), and guidance ([Communications Manual Part III, version 2.0|www.bzst.de/DE/Steuern_International/FATCA/Kommunikationshandbuch/Kommunikationshandbuch_FATCA_Teil_III.pdf?__blob=publicationFile]).

Both provide important information on how to properly create FATCA returns. Information about the releases can be found in the latest [Infobrief|www.bzst.de/DE/Steuern_International/FATCA/Infobrief/Aktuell/Infobrief_Aktuell.pdf?__blob=publicationFile].

In addition, Germany published guidance on notifications (“[Verarbeitungsprotokolle FATCA|www.bzst.de/DE/Steuern_International/FATCA/zul.Korrekturwege/Verarbeitungsprotokolle.pdf?__blob=publicationFile]”), and a [sample notification XML|www.bzst.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/FATCA_downloads/BASE-FATCA-USEMPFANGSBESTAETIGUNGANFI-2_3.xml;jsessionid=59A55E9D225E6CAE8ECB7A25249E2AFD.intranet1?__blob=publicationFile]. Previously, Germany had released an [Abbreviation Index/Glossary|www.bzst.de/DE/Steuern_International/FATCA/Kommunikationshandbuch/Abkuerzungsverzeichnis_Glossar.pdf?__blob=publicationFile], and [Business Rules|www.bzst.de/DE/Steuern_International/FATCA/Vorschriften/Datensatzschema.pdf?__blob=publicationFile].

All of these files should be reviewed in order to prepare for this August’s FATCA reporting. Germany has already posted guidance on CRS filing.

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Stephen Kessinger

Stephen Kessinger is a Regulatory Counsel for Sovos Compliance. Within Sovos' Regulatory Analysis function, Stephen focuses on AEOI reporting, including FATCA, CDOT and CRS. Before joining Sovos, Stephen earned his B.A. from the University of Vermont, and his J.D. from Roger Williams School of Law. He currently is a member of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Bar Associations.