This guide helps reporters prepare a FATCA report using the ATO’s Small Reporter Tool (SRT) v1.08.
Introduction
This guide provides information to help Australian reporting financial institutions (RFI’s) complete and lodge their Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) report.
FATCA reports must be lodged in eXtensible Markup Language (XML) format. The FATCA SRT allows reporters – who meet the criteria below – to input information into an Excel spreadsheet and convert the data into an XML file.
The FATCA reporting period is a calendar year – 1 January to 31 December. Reports should be lodged by 31 July in the following year.
In this section
- Who should use this guide
- How to use this guide
- Regular updates
- Feedback
- Setting up the spreadsheet
- How to lodge
- Backup of data
- Nil reports
Who should use this guide
The SRT should be used by Australian FATCA reporters with 50 or less reportable individual accounts and 50 or less reportable organisation accounts.
Reports with more than 50 reportable individual and 50 organisation accounts will not be accepted.
The SRT can also be used to submit a Nil report.
Do not re-use a version of the SRT you have previously used. The SRT is updated periodically. Download an SRT for each report you create.
At this stage the SRT is not available for MAC users. We will issue a communication if this changes.
How to use this guide
Read this guide in conjunction with the FATCA XML Schema User Guide v2.0 (PDF 1.15MB)This link will download a file.
The tables below map the SRT cell reference and name to the FATCA Schema XML element and attribute name. To help you locate more detailed information about each element and its requirements, the relevant page number in the FATCA XML Schema User Guide v2.0 has also been provided.
Regular updates
Always refer to the online published version of the FATCA XML Schema User Guide and FATCA – Small Reporter Tool user guide to ensure you have the most recent information.
Feedback
We welcome your feedback on the SRT and User Guide. Provide your feedback and suggestions to ato-dmi@ato.gov.au.
Setting up the spreadsheet
To set up the spreadsheet:
- download the SRT (XLSM 5.80MB)This link will download a file
- save the SRT onto your computer. The spreadsheet is not compatible with MAC computers.
- turn on macros before filling out the SRT. Macros are needed for the SRT to auto populate certain fields and to generate the report.
- complete the SRT ensuring all required information is included in the following tabs
- report information
- individual accounts
- organisation accounts
- generate report – this creates an XML file.
- save the XML file to your computer.
How to lodge
Lodge the file through ATO online services using the File Transfer facility in either:
Then select:
- lodge file
- test – files can be tested prior to lodgment to check whether there are any errors to be corrected before lodging
- lodge.
Follow the steps available at:
At lodgment, a validation report will be produced advising whether the lodgment was successful or not.
In Online services for business, the link to Download validation report will open the report once it is available on the File transfer landing page.
If successful an ATO reference number is provided. This confirms the report has been lodged to the ATO. This does not confirm the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has successfully processed the report. If the IRS advises the ATO of any errors we will contact you if corrective action is required.
Backup of data
It is the responsibility of the RFI to keep records as part of their FATCA reporting obligations. Submitted records may need to be re-supplied or referenced in the event of errors or amendments.
Nil reports
FATCA reporters with no reportable accounts can use the SRT to lodge a Nil report.
To complete a Nil report all of the mandatory elements in the Report Information tab must be provided. Please also ensure you:
- indicate this is a Nil report at cell C32
- include Sponsor details if applicable
- complete the Filer category
- if reporting a Reporting financial institution only, Filer category must be completed at C26
- if reporting a Sponsor, Filer category must be completed at C54 only
- all other sections should be left blank.
Then you:
- generate report – this creates an XML file.
- save the XML file to your computer.
- lodge the file through ATO online services using the File Transfer facility as explained under How to lodge.
Completing the spreadsheet
Do NOT copy and paste information into the spreadsheet as this will corrupt the template.
Report information tab
Cell ref |
Cell Name |
Schema XML Element Name |
FATCA User Guide Page |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
C3 |
Sending company Id number (Note 1) |
SendingCompanyIN |
19 |
Must be the ReportingFI or Sponsor GIIN. |
C4 |
Warning |
Warning |
20 |
Nil |
C5 |
Contact (Note 1) |
Contact |
20 |
Contact details of the ReportingFI used when errors are identified – max 200 characters. |
C6 |
Corrected message identifier |
CorrMessageRefId |
21 |
To be used for correction, void and amendment reports to link to the original reports. Refer to FATCA report errors |
C7 |
Reporting period end date (Note 1) |
ReportingPeriod |
21 |
Use YYYY-MM-DD format |
C8 |
Message reference |
MessageRefId |
20 |
Automatically generated identifier. This identifier will be required if you need to correct, void or amend reports. |
(Note 1) Mandatory element
Cell ref |
Cell Name |
Schema XML Element Name |
FATCA User Guide Page |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
C10 |
Name (Note 1) |
Name |
37 |
This is the name of the reporting financial institution |
C11 |
Name type |
Name/NameType |
37 |
Select from drop-down menu |
C12 |
Country of residence (Note 1) |
ResCountryCode |
29 |
Select from drop-down menu |
C13 |
Tax identification number TIN (GIIN) |
TIN |
30 |
Must report the registered ReportingFI GIIN. A sponsor GIIN must not be reported in this cell (A Sponsor GIIN is identified by 'SP' within the GIIN format. If reporting for a Trustee Documented Trust (TDT) then this cell is left blank and the Sponsor details must be completed beginning at C3 |
C14 |
Tax identification number (ABN) |
ABN |
|
Enter the ABN of the ReportingFI |
C15 |
Type |
AddressType |
26 |
Select from drop-down menu |
C16 |
Country (Note 1) |
CountryCode |
27 |
Must be ‘AU’ |
C17 |
Country subentity (state or territory) |
CountrySubentity |
28 |
State or territory – for example, NSW, QLD, ACT |
C18 |
Street (Note 1) |
Street |
28 |
none |
C19 |
District |
DistrictName |
28 |
Not used for Australian addresses |
C20 |
Building identifier |
BuildingIdentifier |
28 |
none |
C21 |
Suite identifier |
SuiteIdentifier |
28 |
none |
C22 |
Floor identifier |
FloorIdentifier |
28 |
none |
C23 |
Post office box |
POB |
28 |
none |
C24 |
Post code (Note 1) |
Postcode |
28 |
none |
C25 |
City (Note 1) |
City |
28 |
none |
C26 |
Filer category |
FilerCategory |
38 |
Use FATCA602 for Australian ReportingFIs. If reporting a sponsor do not provide a FilerCategory in this cell |
C27 |
Document type (Note 1) |
DocTypeIndic |
23 |
Select from drop-down menu. For corrections, voids and amendments refer to FATCA report errors |
C28 |
Document reference |
DocRefId |
25 |
Automatically generated identifier. This identifier will be required if you need to correct, void or amend reports |
C29 |
Corrected message identifier |
CorrMessageRefId |
25 |
Must be completed if submitting a correction, void or amendment report as used to link to the original report. Refer to FATCA report errors |
C30 |
Corrected document reference identifier |
CorrDocRefId |
26 |
Must be competed if submitting a correction, void or amendment report as used to link to the original report. Refer to FATCA report errors |
(Note 1) Mandatory element
Cell ref |
Cell Name |
Schema XML Element Name |
FATCA User Guide Page |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
C32 |
Nil report |
NoAccountToReport |
46 |
Select from drop-down menu |
C33 |
Document reference |
DocRefId |
25 |
Automatically generated identifier. This identifier will be required if you need to correct, void or amend reports |
C34 |
Corrected message identifier |
CorrMessageRefId |
25 |
Must be completed if submitting a correction, void or amendment report as used to link to the original report. Refer to FATCA report errors |
C35 |
Corrected document reference identifier |
CorrDocRefId |
26 |
Must be completed if submitting a correction, void or amendment report as used to link to the original reports. Refer to FATCA report errors |
Cell ref |
Cell Name |
Schema XML Element Name |
FATCA User Guide Page |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
C37 |
Type |
N/A |
43 |
For Australian reporting choose Sponsor from the drop-down menu. |
C38 |
Name |
Name |
37 |
Name of the Sponsoring entity |
C39 |
Name type |
Name/NameType |
37 |
Select from drop-down menu |
C40 |
Country of residence |
ResCountryCode |
29 |
Select from drop-down menu |
C41 |
Tax identification number (GIIN) |
TIN |
30 |
Enter the GIIN of the Sponsoring entity |
C42 |
Tax identification number (ABN) |
ABN |
31 |
Enter the ABN of the Sponsoring entity |
C43 |
Type |
AddressType |
26 |
Select from drop-down menu |
C44 |
Country |
CountryCode |
27 |
none |
C45 |
Country subentity (state or territory) |
CountrySubentity |
28 |
none |
C46 |
Street |
Street |
28 |
none |
C47 |
District |
DistrictName |
28 |
none |
C48 |
Building identifier |
BuildingIdentifier |
28 |
none |
C49 |
Suite identifier |
SuiteIdentifier |
28 |
none |
C50 |
Floor identifier |
FloorIdentifier |
28 |
none |
C51 |
Post office box |
POB |
28 |
none |
C52 |
Post code |
Postcode |
28 |
none |
C53 |
City |
City |
28 |
none |
C54 |
Filer category |
FilerCategory |
38 |
Choose FATCA607 (Sponsor) or FATCA609 (TDT Sponsor) only for Australia |
C55 |
Document reference |
DocRefId |
25 |
Automatically generated identifier. This identifier will be required if you need to correct, void or amend reports |
C56 |
Corrected message identifier |
CorrMessageRefId |
25 |
Must be completed if submitting a correction, void or amendment report as used to link to the original report. Refer to FATCA report errors |
C57 |
Corrected document reference identifier |
CorrDocRefId |
26 |
Must be completed if submitting a correction, void or amendment report as used to link to the original report. Refer to FATCA report errors |
Individual accounts tab
Cell Ref |
Cell Name |
Schema XML Element Name |
FATCA User Guide Page |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
A3 |
Account number (Note 1) |
AccountNumber |
48 |
If no account number is available use ‘NANUM’ |
B3 |
Account number type |
AccountNumber/Type |
48 |
Select from drop-down menu |
C3 |
Closed |
AccountClosed |
49 |
If reporting an account that has been closed or transferred in its entirety then complete this field |
D3 |
Name type |
Name/NameType |
32 |
none |
E3 |
Title |
Title |
32 |
none |
F3 |
First name (Note 1) |
FirstName |
32 |
none |
G3 |
Middle name |
MiddleName |
32 |
none |
H3 |
Last name (Note 1) |
LastName |
33 |
none |
I3 |
Generation identifier |
GenerationalIdentifier |
32 |
none |
J3 |
Suffix |
Suffix |
32 |
none |
K3 |
General suffix |
GeneralSuffix |
32 |
none |
L3 |
Country of residence |
ResCountryCode |
29 |
Select from drop-down menu |
M3 |
Tax identification number |
TIN |
30 |
Refer to FATCA news and updates for updated TIN Codes |
N3 |
Country of issue |
TIN/Issuedby |
30 |
none |
O3 |
Type |
AddressType |
26 |
none |
P3 |
Country (Note 1) |
CountryCode |
27 |
Select from drop-down menu |
Q3 |
Country Subentity |
CountrySubentity |
28 |
none |
R3 |
Street (Note 1) |
Street |
28 |
none |
S3 |
Building identifier |
BuildingIdentifier |
28 |
none |
T3 |
Suite identifier |
SuiteIdentifier |
28 |
none |
U3 |
Floor identifier |
FloorIdentifier |
28 |
none |
V3 |
District name |
DistrictName |
28 |
none |
W3 |
Post office box |
POB |
28 |
none |
X3 |
Post code (Note 1) |
Post code |
28 |
none |
Y3 |
City (Note 1) |
City |
28 |
none |
Z3 |
Date |
BirthDate |
34 |
Date of birth of account holder |
AA3 |
City |
City |
34 |
City the account holder was born |
AB3 |
City Subentity |
CountrySubentity |
34 |
State or territory the account holder was born |
AC3 |
Country |
CountryCode |
34 |
Country of birth |
AD3 |
Former country name |
FormerCountryName |
34 |
Former name of Country of birth if applicable – refer AC3 |
AE3 |
Account balance (Note 1) |
Account balance |
53 |
For explanation of required information refer to page 53 of the FATCA User Guide |
AF3 |
Currency (Note 1) |
AccountBalance/currCode |
53 |
Select from drop-down menu |
AG3 |
Dividend |
PaymentAmt |
55 |
none |
AH3 |
Currency |
PaymentAmt/currCode |
55 |
none |
AI3 |
Interest |
PaymentAmt |
55 |
none |
AJ3 |
Currency |
PaymentAmt/currCode |
55 |
none |
AK3 |
Gross proceeds |
PaymentAmt |
55 |
none |
AL3 |
Currency |
PaymentAmt/currCode |
55 |
none |
AM3 |
Other payment |
PaymentAmt |
55 |
none |
AN3 |
Currency |
PaymentAmt/currCode |
55 |
none |
AO3 |
Document reference |
DocRefId |
25 |
Automatically generated identifier. This identifier will be required if you need to correct, void or amend reports |
AP3 |
Corrected message identifier |
CorrMessageRefId |
25 |
Must be completed if submitting a correction, void or amendment report as used to link to the original reports. Refer to FATCA report errors |
AQ3 |
Corrected document reference identifier |
CorrDocRefId |
26 |
Must be completed if submitting a correction, void or amendment report as used to link to the original reports. Refer to FATCA report errors |
(Note 1) Mandatory element
Organisation accounts tab
Cell Ref |
Cell Name |
Schema XML Element Name |
FATCA User Guide Page |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
A4 |
Account number (Note 1) |
AccountNumber |
48 |
If no account number is available use ‘NANUM’ |
B4 |
Account number type |
AccountNumber/Type |
48 |
Select from drop-down menu |
C4 |
Closed |
AccountClosed |
49 |
If reporting an account that has been closed or transferred in its entirety then complete this field |
D4 |
Account holder type |
AcctHolderType |
51 |
none |
E4 |
Name type |
Name/NameType |
37 |
none |
F4 |
Name (Note 1) |
Name |
37 |
none |
G4 |
Country of residence |
ResCountryCode |
35 |
Select from drop-down menu |
H4 |
Tax identification number |
TIN |
36 |
Refer to FATCA news and updates for updated TIN Codes |
I4 |
Country of issue |
TIN/Issuedby |
36 |
Select from drop-down menu if the account holder is a US entity, otherwise leave blank |
J4 |
Type |
AddressType |
26 |
none |
K4 |
Country (Note 1) |
CountryCode |
27 |
Select from drop-down menu |
L4 |
Country Subentity |
CountrySubentity |
28 |
none |
M4 |
Street (Note 1) |
Street |
28 |
none |
N4 |
Building identifier |
DistrictName |
28 |
none |
O4 |
Suite identifier |
BuildingIdentifier |
28 |
none |
P4 |
Floor identifier |
SuiteIdentifier |
28 |
none |
Q4 |
District name |
FloorIdentifier |
28 |
none |
R4 |
Post office box |
POB |
28 |
none |
S4 |
Post code (Note 1) |
Postcode |
28 |
none |
T4 |
City (Note 1) |
City |
28 |
none |
U4 |
Name type |
Name/NameType |
37 |
Substantial owner (Controlling person) details |
V4 |
Title |
Name |
37 |
Substantial owner (Controlling person) details |
W4 |
First name |
FirstName |
32 |
Substantial owner first name |
X4 |
Middle name |
MiddleName |
32 |
Substantial owner middle name |
Y4 |
Last name |
LastName |
32 |
Substantial owner last name |
Z4 |
Generation identifier |
GenerationalIdentifier |
32 |
none |
AA4 |
Suffix |
Suffix |
32 |
none |
AB4 |
General suffix |
GeneralSuffix |
32 |
none |
AC4 |
Country of residence |
ResCountryCode |
29 |
Select from drop-down menu |
AD4 |
Tax identification number |
TIN |
30 |
If no Substantial owner US TIN is available, refer to FATCA news and updates for updated TIN Codes |
AE4 |
Country of issue |
TIN/Issuedby |
29 |
Select from drop-down menu |
AF4 |
Type |
AddressType |
28 |
none |
AG4 |
Country |
CountryCode |
28 |
none |
AH4 |
Country Subentity |
CountrySubentity |
28 |
none |
AI4 |
Street |
Street |
28 |
none |
AJ4 |
Building identifier |
BuildingIdentifier |
28 |
none |
AK4 |
Suite identifier |
SuiteIdentifier |
28 |
none |
AL4 |
Floor identifier |
FloorIdentifier |
28 |
none |
AM4 |
District name |
DistrictName |
28 |
none |
AN4 |
Post office box |
POB |
28 |
none |
AO4 |
Post code |
Post code |
28 |
none |
AP4 |
City |
City |
28 |
none |
AQ4 |
Date |
BirthDate |
34 |
Date of birth of Substantial owner (Controlling person) |
AR4 |
City |
City |
34 |
City of birth of Substantial owner (Controlling person) |
AS4 |
City subentity |
CountrySubentity |
34 |
State or territory of Birth of Substantial owner (Controlling person) |
AT4 |
Country |
CountryCode |
34 |
Country of birth of Substantial owner (Controlling person) |
AU4 |
Former country name |
FormerCountryName |
34 |
Former name of Country of birth of Substantial owner (Controlling person) |
AV4 |
Account balance (Note 1) |
Account balance |
53 |
For explanation of required information refer to page 53 of the FATCA User Guide |
AW4 |
Currency (Note 1) |
AccountBalance/currCode |
53 |
Select from drop-down menu |
AX4 |
Dividend |
PaymentAmt |
55 |
none |
AY4 |
Currency |
PaymentAmt/currCode |
55 |
none |
AZ4 |
Interest |
PaymentAmt |
55 |
none |
BA4 |
Currency |
PaymentAmt/currCode |
55 |
none |
BB4 |
Gross proceeds |
PaymentAmt |
55 |
none |
BC4 |
Currency |
PaymentAmt/currCode |
55 |
none |
BD4 |
Other payment |
PaymentAmt |
55 |
none |
BE4 |
Currency |
PaymentAmt/currCode |
55 |
none |
BF4 |
Document reference |
DocRefId |
25 |
Automatically generated identifier. This identifier will be required if you need to correct, void or amend reports |
BG4 |
Corrected message identifier |
CorrMessageRefId |
25 |
Must be completed if submitting a correction, void or amendment report as used to link to the original reports. Refer to FATCA report errors |
BH4 |
Corrected document reference identifier |
CorrDocRefId |
26 |
Must be completed if submitting a correction, void or amendment report as used to link to the original reports. Refer to FATCA report errors |
Unique report identifiers
There are two types of unique identifiers used to ensure that any corrections, voids or amendments can be aligned to the correct report and account information:
- Message reference (MessageRefId) – identifies the specific report and appears once (C8) in the Report information.
- Document reference (DocRefId) – identifies the specific data element within the report and appears in
- Report information (C28)
- Nil Report (C33)
- Sponsor (C55)
- Individual accounts – column AO for each account reported
- Organisation accounts – column BF for each account reported.
These identifiers must be unique across all time and space, meaning they can only ever be used once. Each document reference within a report must be unique.
In the SRT both these identifiers are automatically populated based on the Reporting Financial Institution’s GIIN (C13) or for Trustee documented trusts they are populated based on the Sponsor’s GIIN (C41).
You will need to retain these identifiers as they are required if you need to correct, void or amend reports.
FATCA report errors
The SRT can be used to correct, void or amend reports. The Document type cell (C27) in the Report information tab is used to indicate the type of report being submitted.
Here is a list of the FATCA report types and when they should be used:
- FATCA1 (new data) – new data that has not previously been processed or voided
- FATCA2 (correction) – corrected reports are only lodged when responding to a request from ATO staff to correct specific data. This would occur where there is an IRS record-level error notification
- FATCA3 (void) – void reports are lodged to erase previously lodged reports after a request from ATO staff in response to specific errors in the original report. Reporters may also void a report at any time if they become aware of inaccurate information
- FATCA4 (amendment) – amended reports are lodged to amend a previously lodged report that is later found, by you, to contain incorrect information. If, after lodging a report, you identify that some account holders were omitted from the report, you should lodge a new original report with just those omitted accounts and account information included. Reporters are able to amend a record in a previously lodged report at any time. This option is NOT to be used in response to an IRS error notification.
These unique identifiers are required for corrections, voids or amendments:
- The Message reference in a FATCA report has to be unique and can only ever be used once. When lodging a FATCA2, FATCA3 or FATCA4 report using the SRT, the Message reference will be automatically generated. Put the original report’s Message reference in the Corrected message identifier cells of the FATCA2, FATCA3 or FATCA4 report. There is only one Corrected message identifier (the Message reference from the original report), which is referenced multiple times within the FATCA2, FATCA3 or FATCA4 report.
- Similarly, each Document reference has to be unique and can only ever be used once. When lodging a FATCA2, FATCA3 or FATCA4 report using the SRT the Document references in the report will be automatically generated. Put the original report’s Document references in the respective Corrected document reference identifier cells in the FACTCA2, FATCA3 or FATCA4 report. For example, put the Reporting financial institution Document reference from the original report into the Reporting financial institution Corrected document reference identifier cell in the FATCA2, FATCA3 or FATCA4 report.
More information
For more information on FATCA visit:
- FATCA XML Schemas and Business Rules for Form 8966External Link – IRS website
- Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act reporting – ATO website
- email us at ato-dmi@ato.gov.auThis link opens in a new window
Term/Acronym |
Definition |
---|---|
FATCA |
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act |
XML |
eXtensible Markup Language |
RFI |
Reporting Financial Institutions |
SRT |
Small Reporter Tool |