ez1095 Software: How to Validate the XML eFile Documents before Submitting to IRS

This guide is for ez1095 2024 and later version clients.

(For ez1095 2023 and previous versions, please follow this guide for XML validation.)

With ez1095 software, you can print and file 1095C, 1094C, 1095B and 1094B ACA forms with peace of mind.

Step 1: Generate efile XML documents

1.1 Start ez1095, set up company, enter form information and open the efile screen. (More information can be found from ez1095 Quick Start Guide)

To use this XML validation feature, you should generate the XML files with valid information, such as valid TCC, EIN and other information.

1.2 Create a new data folder on your computer that you can access easily. (For example: C:/20XX_ACA)

1.3 Change the file directory which is at the bottom of the efile screen.

1.4 Click "Save Data"

1.5 Click "Create File"

1.6 Open the file folder, you will find two files.

"Manifest_soapheader_xxxxxx.xml"
This is the manifest file.

"1094X_Request_YourTCC_xxxxx.xml".
This is the data file.

Step 2: Validate XML files

2.1 Click ez1095 top menu "Current Company" then Click the sub menu "Validate EFile XML" to view Validate EFILE screen.

2.2 Select the XML file you want to check

2.3 Click the "Validate" button

2.4 If there are error(s), you will see detailed information from message board.

Step 3: Troubleshooting

3.1 Refer to this guide to identify the error and resolve it.

Common XML File Errors and Solutions

Error Examples

Example 1:
ERROR (Form Id []; Name [Susan Williamson]; SSN []; Line 25 ): The 'urn:us:gov:treasury:irs:ext:aca:air:ty24:ContactPhoneNum' element is invalid - The value '55512345' is invalid according to its datatype 'urn:us:gov:treasury:irs:ext:aca:air:ty24:ContactPhoneNumberType' - The actual length is less than the MinLength value.

If you see the blank form ID, employee name and SSN in the error message, it is a Form 1094 error. Please open 1094C/B form and fix the error.

Example 2:
ERROR (Form Id [1]; Name [Ann Smith]; SSN [122223456]; Line 130 ): The 'urn:us:gov:treasury:irs:common:USZIPCd' element is invalid - The value '805' is invalid according to its datatype 'urn:us:gov:treasury:irs:common:USZIPCdType' - The Pattern constraint failed.

If you see the employoee name and SSN in the error description, it is a 1095 form error. Please open the 1095C/B for this employee and fix the error.

Example 3
ERROR (Line 130 ): The 'urn:us:gov:treasury:irs:common:USZIPCd' element is invalid - The value '805' is invalid according to its datatype 'urn:us:gov:treasury:irs:common:USZIPCdType' - The Pattern constraint failed.

If the error description starts with line number, you are using the old version. Please follow this guide:

How to read XML file data by line number with NOTEPAD application

3.2 Remove the old XML files from the folder, create the new XML files and validate.

3.3 Submit to the IRS.

- How to submit ACA files to IRS by yourself with your own IRS account and TCC

- How to submit ACA files to IRS with halfpricesoft efiling service