Skip Header and Navigation

Printer-friendly version of a Department of Revenue web page. Back to Full Screen Display

Wisconsin Department of Revenue

 2-D Bar Code Specifications

Wisconsin uses NACTP's established guidelines for 2-D bar codes with one exception. We require the X (horizontal) dimension be no less than 15 mils. ensuring the highest possible read rate on your client's documents. We use a PDF417 format 2-D bar code and will read the bar codes at 200 DPI. The bar codes on the forms listed below must have an X to Y ratio of three. The error correction DDL must be set to four. The X (horizontal) dimension of the bar code element must range from a minimum of 15 mils. to a maximum of 25 mils. If your company cannot implement the 2-D bar code, you still need to produce a 1-D bar code and leave the space blank where the 2-D bar code would have been placed.

NEW APPROVAL PROCESS - 1-D documents must be approved before 2-D testing will be conducted.

Make sure that:

  1. If no entry is required for a data field, leave the field blank. Do not enter alpha characters such as “none” or “zero” in a financial field. Do not draw lines through a field that should be left blank.
  2. All data must be placed in the specific area designated for a field.
  3. Always include a 1-D bar code on the documents and schedules even though the 2-D bar code is being used.
  4. The printing of the 2-D should be the default option in the software.
  5. Check the Software and Printer Requirements for 2-D Bar Code Printing.
  6. Once a 2-D bar code is generated for a completed tax document, no information on the document can be altered. If information is altered, a new 2-D bar code will need to be generated for the document. Inform all clients that they cannot change entries on the tax return sent to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue once the 2-D bar code is generated on the return. Any changes made to the document after the 2-D bar code is generated will be lost in processing the tax document.

Forms Development

Data Layouts and Form Test Documents Test Scenarios (updated on 12/5/07)
Form 1
Form 1 + Schedule H
Form 1 + Schedule H-EZ
Form 1
Form 1 + Schedule H
Form 1 + Schedule H-EZ
#2
#4
#5 + Schedule FC
#7 + Schedule H
#8 + Schedule H
Form 1A
Form 1A + Schedule H
Form 1A + Schedule H-EZ
Form 1A
Form 1A + Schedule H
Form 1A + Schedule H-EZ
#6 + Schedule H
#9 + Schedule H
Form 1NPR
Form 1NPR + Schedule H
Form 1NPR
Form 1NPR + Schedule H
#3
Form WI-Z Form WI-Z #1
Schedule H Schedule H n/a
Schedule H-EZ Schedule H-EZ n/a

Document Testing Procedure

Submit 1-D returns for approval. Once approval is achieved on the 1-D return, submit 2-D bar coded test returns for approval. Test results will be sent via e-mail.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Don Holec, Revenue Supervisor
2135 Rimrock Rd., 3-418
P.O. Box 8903
Madison, WI 53708-8903
Telephone: (608) 261-6223
Fax: (608) 264-6884
E-mail Additional Questions
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Information Technology Contact
Diane Zoern
IS Systems Development Services Senior
2135 Rimrock Rd 4-224
Madison WI 53713
Telephone: (608) 264-9927
E-mail: diane.zoern@revenue.wi.gov

Last updated December 5, 2007