​​​​Wisconsin sales and use tax registrants and/or their representatives may transmit sales and use tax (Form ST-12) return data in an electronic file. This process is intended for participants who have technical expertise to create and validate an XML document or are using software that provides that service.

The sales and use tax file transmission:

• is a secure process for receiving formatted electronic transmissions of sales tax returns.
• uses XML language and a Department of Revenue web server.
• offers web GUI and scripted transmission methods.
• allows one return per XML file.
• allows multiple XML files zipped together for one transmission.
• does not use SOAP or MIME enveloping processes.
• is HTML based over SSL using 128-bit encryption.
  
• sends acknowledgements within one business day.
• includes electronic funds transfer (EFT) debit and credit payment processes.
• incorporates work done by the IRS and the Federation of Tax Administrators standards group.

Caution: Neither Adobe nor Microsoft Excel generates the XML in the proper format. You cannot use either of these products to file a sales tax return. We also do not accept PDF files.​

Important: 

• Effective April 1, 2025, the county of Racine imposes a 0.5% sales and use tax. See the Tax Rates common questions.
• Letter of Intent (LOI) - Companies who generate Wisconsin sales and use tax returns in XML format (third-party software) should complete an LOI each year. See link below. ​

Receipt Number: Immediately upon transfer, you will receive a receipt number confirming we received a file. It does not mean your return has been accepted. Keep this number for your records.

Acknowledgement with Confirmation Number or Reject Error Message: Within a few minutes, you should ALSO receive an email (to the address you supplied in the return) telling you whether the return was accepted or rejected, and the reason why if rejected. If accepted, the email will contain the confirmation number. If you do not receive the email within 24 hours, contact the department with your receipt number.

​Return Schema Information

• Contact ​DORDeveloperRelations@wisconsin.gov for older schema packages
  
  
• Return schema V3.0 Effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2025
  
  
• Return schema V3.1 Effective for periods beginning on or after April 1, 2025
  
  
• Third-Party Software Approval Information (includes LOI)
  
  
• Acknowledgment schema (XSD format)
  
  
• Sample Acknowledgement - Accepted (XML format)
  
  
• Sample Acknowledgement - Rejected (XML format)
  

General Information

• Sales and Use Tax information
  
  
• Publication 129 -- Sales & Use Tax File Transmission Handbook
  
  
• Common Questions
  
  
• Form ST-12 | Instructions
  
  
• Sales and Use Tax Reports
  
  
• Sales and Use Tax Electronic Mailing List
  
  
• Third-Party Software Vendors 
  
  

Submitting XML Returns:

This system is for authorized users only. System access is monitored. By using this system, you expressly consent to this monitoring. Evidence of unauthorized access will be provided to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: