Will the software developers have a test facility to test the XML channel?
Once XML has been submitted to HMRC, can it be amended?
XML stands for Extensible Markup Language, which is a specification developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It is designed especially for web documents. XML enables the definition, transmission, validation, and interpretation of data between applications and organisations.
The major benefit of XML is that documents can be automatically generated by your system, which means there will be no need to key in the data. By having very little manual intervention XML will reduce your administrative burdens and allow you to submit your W1 Returns, W5, W6, W5D and W6D Warrants quickly and easily.
The sender of the XML message needs to have a Government Gateway account. Further information on how to obtain a Government Gateway account can be found on ATWD's Registering, enrolling and activating to use ATWD Service page.
If you are already registered on the Government Gateway and are enrolled to use the ATWD Service you will be eligible to use XML.
However, you will only be able to use XML provided you have the correct software installed.
Please note: It is the responsibility of the warehousekeeper or proprietor to arrange for XML software to be installed on their computer system.
Registering, enrolling and activating to use ATWD Service
Yes if you initially registered as an ‘Organisation’ at the Government Gateway.
However, if you already have a Government Gateway User ID and password for use with services relating to you as an ‘Individual User‘, eg PAYE Self Assessment or Council Tax, then you will be unable to use that User ID and password for any HMRC Online Service. This is because the Government Gateway differentiates between services relating to you and services relating to the organisation you work for.
If you only have an ‘Individual’ gateway user account you will need to register again to obtain a new User ID representing your organisation or employer.
Yes. There will be a test function available for software developers to test the XML channel. Details of the technical specifications and how to use the test service are available from the Software Developers area of the Practitioner Zone or the Software Developers Support (SDS) team who can be contacted at:
Email: sdsteam@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
Website: Online Services: practitioners (Software Developers)
No. If you notice a mistake on a submitted Warrant you will have to contact the National Warehouse Processing Unit on Tel 0131 469 7225/7179.
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FAQ: ATWD - XML channel (Acrobat PDF, 15KB) 
