How do I send import files to Tilt via SFTP instead of uploading them?

Quick answer

If your HRIS or payroll system can push files automatically, you can send import files to Tilt's SFTP server instead of uploading them manually. Connect to sftp.hellotilt.com (port 30202 or 22) using the SFTP username and password your HR team manages under the Integration tab. Place files in the /test version of the folder until they're confirmed error-free, then move them to the final import folder (imports/profiles for profile files, imports/payroll for pay history files).

Who this applies to / Prerequisites

You must be an HR user in Tilt.
Your HR team can find the SFTP username and create the password on your Tilt Dashboard under the Integration tab. Tilt does not create the password for you, for security reasons.
Files must be .csv with column headers that match Tilt's template exactly, including the asterisks.
For pay history files: the Employee Demographic (profile) file must be sent successfully before the pay history file.

Connection details

Host: sftp.hellotilt.com
Port: 30202 or 22
Username: available to your HR team on your Tilt Dashboard under the Integration tab.
Password: created by your HR team on the Tilt Dashboard under the Integration tab. Tilt does not create this for you, for security reasons.

Folder structure

Testing/validation folder (temporary): use the /test folder until your files are confirmed error-free — imports/profiles/test for profile files, imports/payroll/test for pay history files.
Destination folder (final import): move files here only after they're validated and error-free — imports/profiles for profile files, imports/payroll for pay history files.

File requirements

Employee Demographic (Profile) files

Prerequisite: None.
File naming: No specific naming required, but customers often use a format like mmddyyyy_employee_demographic.
Sending frequency: Daily is recommended; weekly is acceptable. Pick a preferred day for weekly transfers.

Employee Pay History files

Prerequisite: The Employee Demographic (profile) file must be sent successfully first.
File naming: No specific naming required, but customers often use a format like mmddyyyy_employee_payroll.
Sending frequency: Send at the end of each pay period, typically pushed with the close of each pay cycle.
Initial upload: A one-time file covering the past 18 months of payroll data is required. This helps accurately predict paid state benefit amounts and prevent payroll adjustments.
Zero values: If an employee has no pay in one of the five gross pay categories (regular wage, overtime, bonus, commission, taxable fringe benefit), hardcode the value as 0.00.

What if it doesn't work

You can't find your SFTP password: Tilt does not create it for you. Your HR team creates the password on the Tilt Dashboard under the Integration tab.
Files in the /test folder aren't importing: That's expected. The /test folders are validation-only — data is not imported until an error-free file is placed in the final folder (imports/profiles or imports/payroll).
Pay history file rejected because employees aren't found: Send the Employee Demographic (profile) file successfully first, then send the pay history file.
Rows failed with header errors: Headers must match Tilt's formatting exactly, including the asterisks. Correct them and re-send.

Limits and exceptions

Tilt does not create your SFTP password, for security reasons. Your HR team manages the username and password under the Integration tab.
Files placed in the /test folders are for validation only; data is not imported until an error-free file is placed in the final import folder.
Only .csv files are accepted, with headers matching Tilt's template exactly.
For pay history: the profile file must be sent successfully before the pay history file, and the initial pay history file must cover the past 18 months.

How do I send import files to Tilt via SFTP instead of uploading them?

Skip manual uploads — connect via SFTP, validate in /test, then move error-free files to import automatically.