EFAST2 Invalidates XML

[Andy the Actuary]

I use IFILE with an XML feed from Relius. Generally, there has been no problem with EFAST2 accepting the feed. I just spent three hours locating an error. Hopefully, this discussion will spare others some pain.

Keep in mind that each time my uploads failed the only message EFAST2 produced was "The XML is not a valid file." This, of course, was not true as I even tested the XML for syntax with an XML tester.

(1) I reviewed the filing for suspected blanks and triple checked. Nope.

(2) I continued to edit XML file and dropped off the attachments and then the schedules one by one. Nope, until I got to Schedule C.

(3) I reviewed Schedule C but could not get EFAST2 to accept the XML no matter what I did to the Schedule C.

(4) I gave up and decided to upload the filing without the Schedule C. Worked fine.

(5) Then, I proceeded to enter the Schedule C manually on line and that worked fine until [drum roll] I entered an address. The address I attempted to enter was "7th & Washington." The entry field turned pink and it turns out EFAST2 didn't like the ampersand. So, when I changed "&" to "and," the XML uploaded just fine.

In short, EFAST2 gave no indication whatsoever what was unacceptable and through brute force I was able to determine the offending entry.

EFAST2 is very educational -- it teaches you how to cuss !!!