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Germany’s BZSt Launches New Digital Interface for FATCA Reporting
The German Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) is modernizing its FATCA reporting system by transitioning from the legacy ELMA interface (Schema Version 1.0) to the new DIP mass data interface, integrated into the recently launched BZSt Online Portal.
The move marks a significant shift in Germany’s digital tax infrastructure, aligning data transmission systems with modern standards for financial institutions under FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act). The transition is designed to improve data handling efficiency and user experience while preparing for long-term digital scalability.
Key Changes for FATCA Filers:
- Sunsetting of ELMA Interface:
The current ELMA interface and the older BOP portal will remain active until at least end of November 2025, to ensure uninterrupted reporting for the 2024 reporting year. However, no update to Schema Version 2.0 is planned—users must prepare to fully migrate to DIP. - New DIP Mass Data Interface:
A dedicated section on the FATCA page of the BZSt site provides guides, XML sample files, and communication handbooks related to the DIP interface. - Status Monitoring Replaces Receipt Acknowledgment:
Traditional submission receipts will be discontinued. Instead, financial institutions can now track real-time processing statuses through the portal. Importantly, the processing protocol and US IRS acknowledgment will still be provided as downloadable documents.
Why This Matters:
For multinational financial institutions and tax compliance teams, the move to the DIP system offers:
- Streamlined electronic submission
- Improved visibility over processing stages
- Enhanced security through the BZSt online environment
However, the lack of backward compatibility and the sunsetting of legacy systems require immediate action to begin internal system upgrades and testing using the DIP specifications.
Action Points for Financial Institutions:
- Access the DIP resource center to download XML guides and schema documentation.
- Test data submissions via the DIP interface before Q4 2025.
- Review the communication manual for transmission specifications and technical standards.
- Prepare internal teams for monitoring via processing status, not traditional confirmations.
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