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.

• Help with the 8-Column Format
• .CSV template
• Test your file

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 your UBI number and business name in the subject line.