master file

noun

1. Computers. a permanent file, periodically updated, that serves as an authoritative source of data.

Example Sentences

The IRS had been trying to replace the master file for more than a decade but then decided to reassign employees to other work.

From Washington Post

Until the master file is fully modernized, it will remain a colossal task to get real-time information on refunds and processing status to taxpayers, not to mention assure the latest safety and fraud precautions.

From Washington Post

If the computer accepts the return, it gets saved to the master file.

From Washington Post

Dodaro said that in order to stop the payments, the Treasury had to give Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service, which makes the payments, temporary access to a death master file.

From Fox News

Valid transactions must be posted to a master file that dates to the early 1960s.

From Washington Post