How can XML be made consistent across users and applications?
XML holds great promise for many businesses and governments in easing data transformation processes and improving electronic exchanges of information. However, it is only a “meta language” specification, with many customizable aspects. So the various and distinct user-entities that wish to employ XML have to agree that there is value-added in developing and maintaining a tax XML “standard”. Our previous approach covering a decade’s time (ACH-based EFT for various payments, E-File for personal taxes, EDI for business taxes, 2-D barcoding, etc.) has been to define the structure of a transaction; define data elements (in some cases generic, in others specific); and (sometimes) define the order of data. We will need to continue to learn how best to adapt this approach to the development of XML standards in order to achieve the greatest benefit for all involved parties. ACTIVITIES TO DATE We have used an open forum, the state-industry TIGERS group (with previous successful work on EDI stand
