The same validation process will be applied to files checked in the test facility and files that will be lodged via the ATO portal. To test a file: Prepare the files using software developed in accordance with the published reporting specifications. Log in to the test facility using the user ID and password. Select Send data located in the left hand menu. Select Browse to locate the file and then select OK. Select Send to submit the file to the ATO, where it will be checked for format compatibility and data quality. Select Transaction history to confirm the file has been uploaded. This can be done while the file is being validated for errors and warnings. When the validation is complete select Download from the Transaction history screen to download the validation report confirming the data is in a valid format or detailing any errors found. Accessing the test facility To obtain a user ID and password for the test facility, complete the File transfer test facility registration form at . The test facility can be accessed from the same location. For support in the use of the test facility, including password reset: email , or phone (02) 6216 4004 between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday AEST. Reporting via the internet Intermediaries or Reporting Parties are able to test and lodge their electronic ESS file via the Tax Agent Portal or Business Portal when a data file has been prepared and stored locally. On screen confirmation will be provided once the file has been sent. The ATO will perform data quality and format compatibility checks after the data file is sent. If the user selects the email acknowledgement option in the an email will be provided confirming the ‘Lodge file’ process, files have been successfully lodged with the ATO. A validation report will be available in the portal to advise if the report was successfully validated or if there are any problems. For more information about Portal file transfer go to The security features of the portals address the most commonly held concerns over based electronic dealings, namely: authentication (the sender is who they say they are) confidentiality (the communication can only be read by the intended recipient)
The same validation process will be applied to files checked in the test facility and files that will be lodged via the ATO portal. To test a file: Prepare the files using software developed in accordance with the published reporting specifications. Log in to the test facility using the user ID and password. Select Send data located in the left hand menu. Select Browse to locate the file and then select OK. Select Send to submit the file to the ATO, where it will be checked for format compatibility and data quality. Select Transaction history to confirm the file has been uploaded. This can be done while the file is being validated for errors and warnings. When the validation is complete select Download from the Transaction history screen to download the validation report confirming the data is in a valid format or detailing any errors found. Accessing the test facility To obtain a user ID and password for the test facility, complete the File transfer test facility registration form at . The test facility can be accessed from the same location. For support in the use of the test facility, including password reset: email , or phone (02) 6216 4004 between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday AEST. Reporting via the internet Intermediaries or Reporting Parties are able to test and lodge their electronic ESS file via the Tax Agent Portal or Business Portal when a data file has been prepared and stored locally. On screen confirmation will be provided once the file has been sent. The ATO will perform data quality and format compatibility checks after the data file is sent. If the user selects the email acknowledgement option in the ‘Lodge file’ process, an email will be provided confirming the files have been successfully lodged with the ATO. A validation report will be available in the portal to advise if the report was successfully validated or if there are any problems. For more information about Portal file transfer go to The security features of the portals address the most commonly held concerns over electronic dealings, namely: authentication (the sender is who they say they are) confidentiality (the communication can only be read by the intended recipient) based
ESS_annual_report_specification_draft_v3.0.0_tracked.docx