This error occurs for two reasons:
The MIF isn't in the correct format. If this is the case, you may also receive errors on the Transaction Audit Report.
The MIF file includes special characters (e.g. apostrophe).
To resolve:
Open the MIF file in Notepad and check that it is in the correct format.
For more information on the correct format, refer to article Import Transactions from Time and Attendance.
If you are a Payroll Online customer, you will need to copy the file to your desktop and then open in Notepad. To copy the file, refer to article Save reports/files as an Online customer.
If the file is in the correct format. Search the file for the text mentioned in the error message. A special character has been included in one of the fields, e.g. Job Code. Update the file so there are no special characters.