Help with CSV file format

CSV error – Missing or invalid header row

You may get this error message when filing CSV wage reports:

“1”,”High”,”Missing or invalid header row. In the header row, the first cell must be labeled “SSN” and the row must contain eight columns with a label in each.”

What this error means

The number of columns in the file doesn’t match the number of columns in the header row.

This means the system is ‘seeing’ more columns in the file than expected.
It’s easy to accidentally add a column when creating a report, especially when using spreadsheet software to create the report.

What’s on this page

This page provides instructions for how to fix this error in your wage report. Use the instructions for the file format that you are using, either the 6-column format with no headers or the 7-column format with headers.

What if I need more help

If you have tried the instructions above AND are still having trouble, reach out to us by emailing paidleave@esd.wa.gov with CSV Help in the subject line.
If you are having other formatting errors, see the .CSV filing instructions. If needed, you can also download the 7-column .CSV file template.