40xxx · Reported payee
CESOP error 40020
“Wrong IBAN format”
Caught before you file
What it means
An account identifier declared as an IBAN does not have the shape of one: two letters, two check digits, then 10 to 30 letters and digits.
Why files get it
- An account number declared type="IBAN".
- Spaces, dashes or a country prefix added by a formatting step.
How to fix it
- Write the IBAN without separators, e.g. LV77BALT0000123456.
- If the account is not an IBAN, declare type="OBAN" or "Other".
Check a file for 40020 before you submit
The free validator runs the CESOP business rules against your file and names the error each finding would become — 40020 included — so the Validation Result is not where you first hear about it.
The file is parsed in your browser tab. No upload, no account.
Source: the error catalogue in the Payment Data XSD User Guide — CESOP, v4.40 (DG TAXUD), §2.2.3.18. The explanation is ours; it describes the file format and is not tax advice.