Software Filing using XML frequently asked questions

What is XML?
eXtensible Markup Language (XML) is controlled and monitored by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and is now the generally accepted mechanism for data exchange over the internet.  It is also the recommended e-GIF (e-Government Interoperability Framework) standard for use by Government agencies in web applications.

What is the XML Gateway?
The XML Gateway provides online access over the internet into Companies House databases for customers to submit as well as retrieve company information via their own applications or web pages.

How do I register for software filing via the XML Gateway?
To register, you will need to complete an Online Filing Credit Account Application and post to the address shown on the form. On receipt of your application, Companies House will create an account, allocate a credit limit and despatch under separate cover a Presenter ID and Presenter Authentication Code, which are linked to your account.

If I have an existing Software Filing account, do I have to open a new credit account to start using the XML filing service?
If you are an existing customer of the software filing service their will be no requirement to open a new account.

Can I use my XML Gateway output account to software file?
Separate XML Gateway logins (and credit accounts) are required for input and output products, even though they use the same portal.

Who do I contact for advice on developing the XML service?
The Technical Interface Specification is available from mconnors@companieshouse.gov.uk

Why is the current Software Filing (Tagged based) service being removed?
With the introduction of the Companies Act 2006 there will be a requirement to handle director’s private addresses in a secure and encoded manner from October 2008. The introduction of an HTTPS service (XML) will help satisfy this requirement and provide a more efficient, safer and faster method of filing data to and from Companies House than the current e-mail (Tagged) based service.

When will the current tagged based service be removed?
Both software filing systems will run in parallel until October 2009 when the Tagged based service will be removed.

What are the benefits of using the XML Software Filing Service?

• XML is an open/industry standard interface definition language.
• XML enables open and portable system interfaces and system integration.
• XML is an e-GIF (e-Government Interoperability Framework) standard and recommended for use on all government Web based interfaces. e-GIF promotes the adoption of XML as the primary standard for data integration and data management for all public sector systems.
• For at least the last five to six years all new developers and Web designers in Universities and Colleges are trained in XML.
• Standardising on XML allows both Companies House and external developers to utilise development and test tools available in the market place.
• Software Filing of accounts insists on XML (specifically xbrl), and as such Companies House recognises that it is currently asking package providers to develop to two interface standards.
• Other European and Irish Software filing systems use an XML interface.
• Companies House wishes to develop more secure communication methods and provide our Software Filers with Web Services which by design employ XML as a data format.
• Companies House wish to investigate reducing the filing burden on companies by liaising with other Government departments in order to provide “single filing” opportunities. The majority of other Government Departments (HMRC, HMLR) already utilise XML.
• Interfaces defined in XML provide a more structured way of enforcing interface rules and as such could reduce the number of queries/rejections experienced by customers – thus reducing human involvement and increasing response times.
• For Companies House, XML will mean a reduction in the internal data translations that are required, leading to faster response times and less scope for error.

Technical Issues

I can't understand how I can get these files to you to be tested. I have the URL but that doesn't seem to do anything, I just get errors when I click on it.
Companies House cannot provide any advice and support on developing your software. However, we hope the information and examples on the web page will give you the help you need. Please refer to the guidance on using XML which can be found at:
http://xmlgw.companieshouse.gov.uk/iface.shtml