The latest release of the '2002 Internet Service Technical Pack for Software Developers' from the UK Inland Revenue contains some sixteen (16) XML schemas and other documentation relevant to the development of software for the electronic submission of 2001/02 Tax Returns over the Internet. This pack is one of several containing XML schemas; financial agents, payroll bureaux and other intermediaries are now able to send a number of PAYE forms over the Internet on behalf of their clients who are employers. XML schemas are available for EB5 PAYE forms (P6, P6B, P9) and for PAYE 'In Year'. An online Y2002 Internet Test Submission Service has also been provided to software developers to test the validity of XML submissions under the internet service; these include Description IR-PAYE-EOY (2002 End Of Year submissions); IR-PAYE-EXB (2002 Expenses and Benefits submissions); IR-PAYE-STARTER (2002 Movements P46 and P45[3] submissions); IR-PAYE-LEAVER (Movements P45[1] submissions); IR-PAYE-PENNOT (2002 Pension Notification submissions); IR-PAYE-UPDATE (2002 Works Number Update submissions); IR-PAYE-DOM (2002 Domestic schemas P12, P37). This UK Inland Revenue Electronic Business activity parallels similar schema development work being done in the US by the Tax Information Group for ECommerce Requirements Standardization (TIGERS).

Sample Inland Revenue tax schemas:

• Main return
• Self-employment
• Capital gains
• Land and Property
• P6P6B-2002
• P9-2002
• In Year Schema P45, P46 and PENNOT
• WNU-2002-v1.xsd

The 2002 Internet Service technical pack "contains draft documentation required to support the development of software for the electronic submission of Tax Returns (2001/02) over the Internet. Note that this pack is aimed at Software Developers only and not for Individuals etc. who may in due course wish to use the Internet services for Self Assessment."

Inland Revenue is "keen to encourage Software Developers to incorporate the changes that will enable Internet services for both Self Assessment and PAYE forms and returns into their products and services. To help Software Developers create successful products they are supporting and participating in working parties to define XML schemas for certain Inland Revenue forms and returns. Software Developers interested in working with Inland Revenue on this are welcome to contact the Inland Revenue Electronic Business Unit..."