Home      Contact      Index      FAQ's      Leave      Case Law      Purchase
IR-FILE Invalid Header

If you receive the ir-File error Invalid Header Record, then you have sent the wrong file. Don't panic - simply try again, this time sending the IRD the correct file.


Background

This FAQ was originally published on 5th April 1999 - just a few days after the introduction of ir-File.

The IRD decided to abandon ir-File in August 2000 because it was having "devastating effects on people's networks."

In February 2001 they introduced ir-File2, claiming "the new, bug-free system could already handle the 50,000 users the Government wanted to have filing online by June 2004, but take-up would be staggered so that help-desk support could keep up with demand".


Invalid Header Error

Ever since the original introduction of ir-File, the most common error is the wrong file being transmitted through the ir-File system.

If this happens, the error returned refers to an invalid header record. The solution, in every case, is simple and straightforward. The solution is, without exception, to transmit the correct file to the IRD.

The default file created by Ace Payroll is called EFILEIRD.CSV . There is a facility within Ace Payroll to specify the file name, but either way the file always ends in CSV. No other files in Ace Payroll end in CSV so it should be clear which file is sent.

Mistakes do happen. If the IRD advises there is an Invalid Header Error, you have sent the wrong file.

There is no major problem - simply try again to send the correct file.


IRD Help Desk

We have tried to word this delicately, and are a little lost for words. Possibly the examples speak for themselves without further comment.

Case Study 1


On 7th June 2001 a client called the Ace Payroll Help Desk saying they had sent their employee.dta file to the IRD, and they had received back an invalid header error. Clearly, they had sent the wrong file.

They originally called the IRD Help Desk, and were told to go into Microsoft Word, open the file, and change the header record.

Never, ever, open any data files used by Ace Payroll, or any other accounting software, in a text editor.

Make the slightest change, and you trash your files.

Case Study 2


This call was received by the Ace Payroll Help Desk on 4th July 2001.

It is probably best documented by reproducing the notes our staff member Rob made at the time

Problem Client was attempting to import PAY.EXE as their electronic file.
Symptoms Website was freezing and she had to reboot her computer.
IRD Solution/Advice
  • Your computer needs upgrading.
  • Upon informing them that it was a new computer.
  • It's probably full.
  • Upon informing them that it definitely was not full
  • Your data is corrupted. You'll need to get an IT expert in.
Ace Payroll Solution Advise correct filename to import and lead her through the process.
Total Support Time 6:56 minutes including hearing story about IRD Helpdesk, and taking through entire process.

If you receive the ir-File error Invalid Header Record, then you have sent the wrong file. Don't panic - simply try again, this time sending the IRD the correct file.

IR File Help Desk 0800 473 829 or 0800 IRD TAX

  Alphabetical Index FAQ Questions FAQ Contents Back to top
More on Electronic IR-File

  Setting up for IR-File   Invalid header error
  IR-File made simple   Monthly dealings with the IRD
  Multiple payroll amalgamation   Payroll giving overview
  Correcting IR-File errors  
  Alphabetical Index FAQ Questions FAQ Contents Back to top
Printed IR348 Employer Monthly Schedules

  Twice monthly PAYE returns   IR335 Employers Guide
  Employees with no payments   Difference between IR348 and IR349
  Printed IR348 returned by IRD   ACC payments not in ExAcc column
  IR348 different from one off report   Exclusions from monthly schedule
  New employees not on IRD form   Monthly dealings with the IRD
  Exclude non taxable allowances   Payroll giving overview
  Alphabetical Index FAQ Questions FAQ Contents Back to top
Copyright © 1985 - 2010 Ace Payroll
Feedback? E-Mail Us!
Call Toll Free
0800 223 729
Updated: 31st March 2010
Published: 11th July 2001
Back to top