This blog was last updated on December 22, 2021
Germany’s BZSt released both FATCA schema files (XSD files are provided in the [zip file|www.bzst.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/FATCA_downloads/ELANKOM_Schema_FATCAXML2.0_230317_zip.zip?__blob=publicationFile]), and guidance ([Communications Manual Part III, version 2.0|www.bzst.de/DE/Steuern_International/FATCA/Kommunikationshandbuch/Kommunikationshandbuch_FATCA_Teil_III.pdf?__blob=publicationFile]).
Both provide important information on how to properly create FATCA returns. Information about the releases can be found in the latest [Infobrief|www.bzst.de/DE/Steuern_International/FATCA/Infobrief/Aktuell/Infobrief_Aktuell.pdf?__blob=publicationFile].
In addition, Germany published guidance on notifications (“[Verarbeitungsprotokolle FATCA|www.bzst.de/DE/Steuern_International/FATCA/zul.Korrekturwege/Verarbeitungsprotokolle.pdf?__blob=publicationFile]”), and a [sample notification XML|www.bzst.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/FATCA_downloads/BASE-FATCA-USEMPFANGSBESTAETIGUNGANFI-2_3.xml;jsessionid=59A55E9D225E6CAE8ECB7A25249E2AFD.intranet1?__blob=publicationFile]. Previously, Germany had released an [Abbreviation Index/Glossary|www.bzst.de/DE/Steuern_International/FATCA/Kommunikationshandbuch/Abkuerzungsverzeichnis_Glossar.pdf?__blob=publicationFile], and [Business Rules|www.bzst.de/DE/Steuern_International/FATCA/Vorschriften/Datensatzschema.pdf?__blob=publicationFile].
All of these files should be reviewed in order to prepare for this August’s FATCA reporting. Germany has already posted guidance on CRS filing.