Why won't my VZL file upload?

• Modified on: Mon, 1 Jun, 2026 at 1:01 PM

The VZL is the digital summary wage sheet you send to the Tax Authorities. If the upload fails or gives an error, one of the reasons below is usually the cause.

Cause 1: You opened the CSV file before uploading it

This is the most common mistake. The moment you open a CSV file (for example, by double-clicking it), the file gets changed automatically. The Tax Authorities' system then refuses it.

What to do:

1. Go back to Celery and generate the file again
2. Upload it straight away — without opening it first
3. That's it. The upload should now work

Cause 2: A CRIB number is missing

Every employee — and the employer — must have a CRIB number. A CRIB number is a tax identification number used in the Caribbean. If even one is missing, the file will be rejected.

What to do (example for Curaçao):

1. Go to Reports > C43 - Missing info
2. Check which employees are missing a CRIB number
3. Add the missing CRIB numbers
4. Generate the VZL file again

Cause 3: The file contains negative amounts

The Tax Authorities' system does not accept negative numbers in the totals. If any total is below zero, the file will be rejected.

What to do:

1. Check the totals in the VZL before you export it
2. Correct any negative amounts in the relevant payroll runs
3. Generate the VZL file again

Cause 4: You edited the file in Excel

Excel changes the structure of the file behind the scenes. This breaks the file, and the Tax Authorities will not accept it.

What to do:

• If you must make changes, only use Notepad (not Excel)
• Even better: generate a fresh file from Celery and skip editing altogether

The correct steps to submit your VZL

Follow these steps in order to avoid problems:

1. Go to Reports > C43 - Missing info and check for missing CRIB numbers
2. Add any missing CRIB numbers
3. Make sure all totals are positive — no negative amounts
4. Go to Reports > Annual reports > Report 13
5. Select the correct year and click Apply
6. Click Export > CSV for Tax Authorities
7. Upload the file directly to the Tax Authorities — do not open it first