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                                             Rev. 7/31/17

 Scan Specifications for the 

   2017 Ohio SD 40XP

     Important Note

  The following document (2017 SD 40XP) contains grids for place-
  ment of information on this specific tax form. To accurately print, do 
  not reduce the size, rotate or center this document. Doing so will 
  jeopardize the integrity of the grid. When printing from Adobe Reader, 
  select “None” for  “Page Scaling,” which is under “Page Handling.”

                           Ohio Department of Taxation

                           4485 Northland Ridge Blvd.

                           Columbus, OH 43229

                           tax.ohio.gov



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    Ohio Department of Taxation Scannable Tax Forms
1. Introduction:
  The Ohio Department of Taxation (ODT) prescribes the format of Ohio tax returns and forms. 
  The department’s primary objective is to ensure that the tax forms are compatible with the 
  department’s automated remittance processing systems and can be processed in an efficient, 
  accurate and economical manner.
 
  These  guidelines  are  for  computerized  tax  processors,  software  developers,  computer 
  programmers, commercial printers, and others who develop and use substitute and reproduced 
  tax forms.

2. Definitions:
  2.01 Substitute Tax Forms –
        A form other than the official ODT form that is computer-produced, computer-programmed 
        or commercially typeset and printed. ODT must be able to process substitute tax forms 
        in the same manner as the official forms. Substitute tax forms that are electronically 
        produced must duplicate the appearance and layout of the official form including size of 
        margins, special keying symbols and line numbers.

  2.02  Facsimile (Text Mode) Forms  
        For filing purposes, ODT does not accept dot matrix facsimile signature returns and 
        schedules. They do not contain the data-entry symbols and other requirements necessary 
        for processing. Companies must clearly print in the top margin of electronically processed 
        text mode forms: “DO NOT FILE THIS FORM.”

  2.03  Scannable Tax Forms –
        The computer-prepared scannable forms are similar to the official ODT tax forms with 
        the following exceptions: 1) the taxpayer-entity information layout and 2) a scanline that 
        contains the taxpayers’ tax data.

  2.04 Reproduced Tax Forms –
        Reproduced  tax  forms  are  photocopies  of  the  official  ODT  forms.  ODT  will  accept 
        reproductions of official forms if the reproductions are:

        1)  Facsimiles of the official form produced by photo-offset, photoengraving, photocopying 
        or other similar reproduction processes;
        2)  Printed in black ink on white paper of substantially the same weight, texture and quality 
        as the official forms;
        3)  Legible in both the original text of the form and the filled-in data; AND
        4)  The same dimensions as the official form, including the paper and the image produced on it.

        ODT will accept one-sided reproduced forms even if the official form is two-sided. However, 
        ODT prefers two-sided reproduced forms that result in the same page arrangements as 
        the official form. You may not file reproduced tax forms that do not meet the preceding 
        guidelines. Reproduced tax forms that deviate from the official forms are considered 
        substitute tax forms.

  2.05  ID Field –
        The area where the name, address, account number/Social Security number (SSN) are printed.

  2.06  ICR-Readable Fields 
        All fields that will be read using Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) technology. 



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  2.07 Line Item Text 
        The text, including item numbers, specifying the information to be entered into a data field.

  2.08  OCR-Readable Field  
        The scanline field that will be read using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology.

  2.09  Record Layout  
        A 6-line-per-inch vertical (row) and 10-characters-per-inch horizontal (column) spacing 
        grid,  specifying the exact placement of all fields and characters on the facsimile form, is 
        provided with each form specification to assist in proper spacing and alignment.
 
  2.10  Data Field  
        The specific space on the form where a numeric figure is entered.

3. Specifications: 
  3.01 Field Length –
        Each form must contain the exact number of ID fields, line item texts and data fields, as 
        the department-issued form.

  3.02  Signature –
        The signature, title and date area must be formatted in the same manner as the department-
        issued form.

  3.03  Name and Address –
        Name and address must be placed in the row and column specified in the grid format 
        provided with each form.

  3.04  Account/SSN – 
        The account or SSN(s) must be printed with spaces in the exact locations specified in 
        the record layout. 

  3.05  Scanline Font –
        The OCR scanline must be printed using a fixed 10-pitch, OCR-A (12-point size) font. 
        The use of Courier or OCR-B font is not permitted.

  3.06  Scanline Position – 
        ODT remittance scanline reads from right to left.  The bottom of the characters in the scanline 
        must be ½ of an inch from the bottom edge of the form and 1½ inches from the right edge. 
        See grid layout and Scanline Specifications Format for exact location of scanline.

  3.07 ICR  
        Dollar signs ($) are not permissible in ICR-readable fields. Commas and periods are not 
        allowed as separators between the digits in ICR-readable fields. ICR fields are defined 
        in the record layout of each form.

  3.08  Total Remittance Field –
        This is the remittance line on the form that shows the tax due amount and payment 
        submitted with the form. This field is read by the Courtesy Amount Reader (CAR) on 
        our remittance-processing equipment and requires a dollar sign ($) followed by a space 
        preceding the remitted amount. The total remittance field must also include a decimal 
        point to separate the dollar and cents digits. (Example: $ 12345.00)

  3.09  OCR/ICR Fields –
        Underlining or enclosing OCR/ICR readable data fields is not acceptable nor are vertical 
        bars to be used to separate dollar and cents fields.



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  3.10  Finished Form Size  
        Form size is as specified in the grid layout for each form. Extraneous borders are not 
        permitted. Edges MUST be trimmed to meet specifications. DO NOT HAND-CUT BOTTOM 
        OR RIGHT SIDE OF FORM.  

  3.11  Paper Requirement –   
        The paper must be white, high-quality bond paper with a minimum weight between 20 
        and 24 pounds.

  3.12  Back of Form – 
        Forms must be printed on one side only, unless the form is a two sided form. If two-sided, 
        see section 2.04.

  3.13  Inks –
        Forms must be printed using black ink, non-MICR (non-ferrous) ink or toner.

  3.14  Shading –
        The use of shading or solid black areas for sidebars, headings or other areas is not 
        permitted unless specified on tax return samples.

  3.15  Reference Marks –
        On all scannable returns and vouchers there are target marks on the form. Exact locations 
        of the target marks are listed on the grid layout for each form. Target marks must be a 
        solid black box and should be .2”W x  .167”H.

  3.16  NEW for 2017/2018 vouchers: Software Developer Identification – 
        The software developer identification is a two-digit vendor registration number (VRN) 
        that will be assigned to each developer. The identification will be assigned to you by the 
        Ohio Department of Taxation. The two-digit VRN refers to the developer who designs 
        the software to perform the tax calculations and to the developer who designs the form 
        templates. The VRN must be printed on each document in the exact area specified on 
        the form grid. The use of a standard font size is acceptable. This is the same two-digit 
        number assigned to you on your full-page scannable forms. For any questions or 
        VRN assignments, email: Forms@tax.state.oh.us

4. Testing: 
  All documents must be tested on ODT equipment before production runs. The ODT requests 
  a certain amount (see section 8 for quantities) of test samples (cut to exact size) with the 
  appropriate scanline and all data fields filled. Test documents must be submitted for approval 
  to:   

                              Ohio Department of Taxation
                                Forms Unit
                                4485 Northland Ridge Blvd.
                                Columbus, OH  43229

  Note: When submitting your forms for approval, include form STF – Approval Request for 
  Scannable Tax Forms with your order. This will allow us to communicate any required changes 
  to a contact person within your organization.

5. Approval Process: 
  After you have submitted approval form STF, the Forms Unit will confirm receipt. Allow at 
  least two weeks for the Forms Unit to review and approve your order. You will receive written 
  confirmation when your submittal has been approved.



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6. Check Digit Routine (Modulus 10) For Scanline

     1)         Multiply each digit of the number by 1 or 2, starting from the left and going to the 
                right.  You will start with a 1 then 2, and continue this pattern to the end of that 
                number.
    2)          Add all the digits together. Do not add the sum of the totals. For example, if your 
                numbers are 1, 3, 4 and 19 your answer will be: 1 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 9 = 18.
    3)          Divide the total from the digits by 10.
    4)          Subtract the remainder from 10. The answer is your check digit. If your  
                remainder is zero, your check digit will always be zero.

     Note:  This same procedure is followed for all check digit calculations throughout these  
               specifications.

Example:

Check digit calculation for SSN and school district number:
 
Step 1 – Multiply each digit in the number by weights 121212.

       1  2  3  4  5   6   7   8   9  (SSN)                                2   5    0    9              (school district number)
 X 1  2  1  2  1   2   1   2   1                                         XX  1  1       22   1   1   22 0
       1  4  3  8  5  12  7  16  9                                    2 2   1010  0         180  18

Step 2 – The digits of the individual products are summed.

           1 + 4 + 3 + 8 + 5 + 1 + 2 + 7 + 1 + 6 + 9 = 47                        2 + 1 + 0 + 0 + 1 + 8 = 12

Step 3 – Divide the sum by the modulus (10):

                                                 4 (quotient)                                               1 (quotient)
                      (Modulus) 10   47 (sum)                                           (Modulus)       10   12   (sum)
                                              40                                                           10
                                                 7 (remainder)                                            2  (remainder)

Step 4 – To compute the check digit:

  Modulus – Remainder = Check Digit                               Modulus – Remainder = Check Digit

  10 - 7 =    3 (This is your check digit.)                       10 - 2  =    8             (This is your check digit.)

Step 5 – Append a space and the check digit to the right of the number: The complete form for 
the SSN is 123456789 3 and for the school district number is 2509 8.  



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7. Check Digit for Scanline Payment Period

Form           Period                     Check Digit

2018 IT 1040ES 0118 - April 17, 2018      0

               0218 - June 15, 2018       8

               0318 - Sept. 17, 2018      6

               0418 - Jan. 15, 2019       4

2018 SD 100ES  0118 - April 17, 2018      0

               0218 - June 15, 2018       8

               0318 - Sept. 17, 2018      6

               0418 - Jan. 15, 2019       4

2017 IT 40P    0517 - April 17, 2018      3

2017 SD 40P    0517 - April 17, 2018      3

2017 IT 40XP   0517 - April 17, 2018      3

2017 SD 40XP   0517 - April 17, 2018      3



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8. Scanline Specifications Format:     2017 SD 40XP                  Size: 8.5” X 3.667”

                                                                  Number      Character 
Description 
                                                                 of Positions Length

SSN                                                                1-10       9
Check Digit for SSN                                                11-12      1
Voucher and Year                                                   13-17      4
Check Digit for Voucher and Year                                   18-19      1
Spouse’s SSN 
(if single return or married filing separately, zero fill field)   20-29      9 
Check Digit for Spouse’s SSN                                       30-31      1 
School District Number                                             32-36      4
Check Digit for School District Number                             37-38      1
Form Type                                                          39-41      3

Placement of the Scanline:   Will start on line 63 at position 30 and end at position 70. 
Blank spaces must be as noted. Print zeros in fields that contain no data. The scanline font 
is OCR-A (12-point size), 10 pitch (pica spacing).
 
Example: 123456789X3X0517X 3 987654321X3 2801 9 515
                                                                         Important Note: 
                                                                         Make sure that there 
      
                                                                         is no masking of 
                                                                         numbers anyplace 
             1          2    3   4     5          6  7           8 9     on the vouchers.

1. SSN (9 digits and a space)
2. Check Digit for SSN (1 digit and a space)
3. Voucher and Year – will always be 0517 for year 2017 (4 digits and a space)
4. Check Digit for Voucher and Year (1 digit and a space)
5. Spouse’s SSN – print zeros in field if single or married filing separately return (9 digits and a space)
6. Check Digit for Spouse’s SSN (1 digit and a space)
7. School District Number (4 digits and a space)
8. Check Digit for School District Number (1 digit and a space)
9. Form Type: This will remain a constant “515” on all vouchers. (3 digits)

Note: The ICR-readable fields will be the school district number, the first three letters of the 
taxpayer’s last name, the first three letters of the spouse’s last name, and the taxpayer’s and 
spouse’s SSNs. Single and joint filers must be represented in a minimum of 5 test samples 
(20 test samples is the maximum amount) with at least two different names, addresses and 
school district numbers.



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   1 2 3 4 5  6 7 8   9 10 11 12 13 14 15   16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84   85
45                                                               Rev. 7/17
46         OHIO SD 40XP                                                                                                                                                      Do NOT fold check or voucher.
           School District Income Tax Payment                                            • Do NOT staple or paper clip.
47         Voucher for an Amended Return                                                 • Do NOT send cash.                    2017SP                                                   Use UPPERCASE letters
48                                                                                                                                                                                    to print the first three letters of
49
50                                                                                                                                       School district                           Taxpayer’s                 Spouse’s last name
                                                                                                                                               number                              last name                  (only if joint filing)
51
           John Q. CitizenXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
52                       
           Jane E. PublicXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX                                                                                                 2801                                   CIT                              PUB
53                             
           1234 Any StreetXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
54                                                                                                                                                Taxpayer’s SSN
           Any CityXXXXXXXXXXXX, US 12345-2345                                                                                                                               123 45 6789
55                                                                                  
56         Includethis voucher with your payment for your  amended2017 school district income tax return.                                      Spouse’s SSN
           •  Make payment payable to: School District Income Tax                                                                              (only if joint filing)        987 65 4321
57         •  Mail to: School District Income Tax, P.O. Box 182389, Columbus, OH 43218-2389
58
59                                                                                                                                 Amount of
                                                                                                                                   Payment                             $ 123456789.00
60                                                                                                                                                                         
                                               Vendor’s
61                                             Registration 
62                                             Number         99
63                                                                                 123456789X3X0517X 3 987654321X3X2801   9 515
64
65
66



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                                                  Rev. 7/17
OHIO SD 40XP                                                                                                              Do NOT fold check or voucher.
School District Income Tax Payment                                   • Do NOT staple or paper clip.
Voucher for an Amended Return                                        • Do NOT send cash.           2017SP                     Use UPPERCASE letters
                                                                                                                          to print the first three letters of
                                                                                                   School district        Taxpayer’s Spouse’s last name
                                                                                                   number                 last name  (only if joint filing)
John   Q. CitizenXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
Jane E. PublicXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX                                                                2801                   CIT        PUB
1234 Any StreetXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
                                                                                                   Taxpayer’s SSN
Any CityXXXXXXXXXXXX, US 12345-2345                                                                                       123 45 6789
Includethis voucher with your payment for your amended2017 school district income tax return.   Spouse’s SSN
•  Make payment payable to: School District Income Tax                                             (only if joint filing) 987 65 4321
•  Mail to: School District Income Tax, P.O. Box 182389, Columbus, OH 43218-2389
                                                                                                   Amount of
                                                                                                   Payment         $ 123456789.00
                                 Vendor’s
                                 Registration 
                                 Number           99
                                                              123456789X3X0517X 3 987654321X3X2801   9 515



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                                                  Rev. 7/17
OHIO SD 40XP                                                                                                             Do NOT fold check or voucher.
School District Income Tax Payment                                   • Do NOT staple or paper clip.
Voucher for an Amended Return                                        • Do NOT send cash.           2017SP                Use UPPERCASE letters
                                                                                                                         to print the first three letters of
                                                                                                   School district       Taxpayer’s Spouse’s last name
                                                                                                   number                last name  (only if joint filing)

                                                                                                   Taxpayer’s SSN

Includethis voucher with your payment for your amended2017 school district income tax return.   Spouse’s SSN
•  Make payment payable to: School District Income Tax                                             (only if joint filing)
•  Mail to: School District Income Tax, P.O. Box 182389, Columbus, OH 43218-2389
                                                                                                   Amount of
                                                                                                   Payment
                                 Vendor’s
                                 Registration 
                                 Number






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