FATCA XML schema best practices for Form 8966

FATCA XML documents should conform to recommended XML schema best practices. Certain characters are prohibited and if included, ICMM will reject the file and generate an error notification.

Non-optional entity reference

If an XML document contains one of these characters in the XML text content, the data packet will be rejected and an error notification (XML not well-formed) will be generated. These characters are not allowed by XML syntax rules and must be replaced with the following predefined entity references. To prevent error notifications, please ensure your XML documents do not include any of these characters.

Optional entity reference

If an XML document contains one of these characters in the XML text content, it is not restricted and will not cause an error notification. The characters should be replaced by the following predefined entity references to conform to XML schema best practices.

SQL injection validation

If an XML document contains one of these combinations of characters in the XML text content, the data packet will be rejected and a failed threat detection (error) notification will be generated. These combinations of characters are not allowed. To prevent error notifications, do not include any of these combinations of characters.