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What Does the eCPR XML V2 Update Mean for California Certified Payroll?
The eCPR XML V2 update is a new file format for California certified payroll uploads, and it becomes the only format DIR accepts on January 13, 2027. The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) began accepting V2 files on October 28, 2026. Until January 13, DIR accepts both V1 and V2 files, so no one has to switch overnight.
This matters because a rejected upload can turn into a late filing. Contractors and subcontractors on most California public works projects must submit certified payroll records to the Labor Commissioner through DIR’s online system.
eCPR stands for electronic certified payroll records. An eCPR XML file is a structured data file that carries a contractor’s certified payroll into DIR’s Public Works portal, including employee hours, classifications, wages, fringe benefits, and deductions. The XML schema is the rulebook that tells payroll software which data goes in which field, so a schema change affects every system that builds these files.
What Changed in the eCPR XML V2 Schema?
The eCPR XML V2 schema asks for less contractor and project information and more detail about each worker. DIR describes V2 as a simpler file that adds detail on employee classifications, fringe benefits, and deductions.
| Area | What changed in V2 | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor and project details | Most are removed, including license number, address, project name, and contract IDs | Nothing to add. These fields are no longer needed. |
| PWCR number | Now required in every file | Confirm your DIR contractor registration number is correct in payroll |
| Employee names | Split into separate first and last name fields | Make sure each employee record has clean first and last names |
| Awarding body | Now optional | No action needed |
| Classifications | One employee can have more than one classification | Review workers who split time between trades |
| Fringe benefits and deductions | New fields for fringe payment details and other deductions | Confirm fringe and deduction setups are accurate |
| Version element | Required in every file for processing | Hand-built files should follow DIR’s V2 XML guidelines |
PWCR is your DIR Public Works Contractor Registration number, so a missing or wrong number can stop a V2 file. The multiple classification change helps when one worker runs equipment part of the week and works as a laborer the rest. DIR also says its portal will now give more detailed error messages.
When Do the eCPR XML V2 Changes Take Effect?
DIR launched eCPR XML V2 on October 28, 2026, and V1 stops working at DIR on January 13, 2027. eBacon customers have one more date to watch, since eBacon retires its V1 reports on December 18, 2026, unless DIR announces further changes.
| Date | At DIR | In eBacon |
|---|---|---|
| October 28, 2026 | V2 launches. V1 is still accepted. | eBacon generates both V1 and V2 files in your zip file |
| December 18, 2026 | V1 and V2 are both still accepted | eBacon retires V1 reports unless DIR announces more changes |
| January 13, 2027 | V1 is retired. Only V2 is accepted. | V2 only |
Plan to file every California job with V2 by mid-December, while the V1 backup is still available.
When Do the eCPR XML V2 Changes Take Effect?
DIR launched eCPR XML V2 on October 28, 2026, and V1 stops working at DIR on January 13, 2027. Between those dates, DIR accepts both versions.
| Date | What happens at DIR |
|---|---|
| October 28, 2026 | V2 launches. V1 is still accepted. |
| January 13, 2027 | V1 is retired. Only V2 is accepted. |
Plan to switch every California job to V2 well before January 13, while V1 still works as a backup.
How Does Certified Payroll Software Handle the eCPR XML V2 Switch?
Certified payroll software should build the V2 file from the payroll data you already enter, so your team doesn’t have to rebuild files by hand. eBacon generates both the V1 and V2 DIR XML files for jobs set up for DIR reporting, which gives teams a backup while DIR works through the transition.
That backup matters because DIR did not publish detailed specifications before launch. If V2 runs into unexpected issues on DIR’s end, a V1 file keeps reporting on time until January 13.
The eBacon Certified Payroll Reporting page explains how eBacon builds WH-347 forms, state reports, and agency uploads like DIR’s eCPR files.
How Can Payroll Teams Prepare for V1 Retirement?
The best way to prepare is to test V2 uploads now, while V1 still works as a safety net. Then clean up the data V2 relies on.
- Confirm your PWCR number is correct in your payroll system.
- Check that every employee has a clean first and last name on file.
- Review employees who work in more than one classification.
- Verify fringe benefit and deduction setups, since V2 reports more detail on both.
- If a V2 upload fails, use DIR’s error message to fix it, and upload a V1 file in the meantime so your filing stays on time.
- Sign up for DIR Public Works email updates so you hear about changes as soon as contractors do.
- Add January 13, 2027, to your compliance calendar.
What is eBacon?
eBacon is the only construction-focused platform featuring certified payroll with a money-saving fringe trust. All-in-one software with scheduling, GPS-enabled time tracking, safety system, and inventory management for contractors with 15 to 500 employees.
How Can I See eBacon’s DIR Certified Payroll Reporting in Action?
You can see how eBacon builds DIR eCPR XML files, WH-347 forms, and state certified payroll reports by scheduling a product tour.
Frequently Asked Questions About eCPR XML V2
When does DIR stop accepting eCPR XML V1 files?
DIR stops accepting V1 files on January 13, 2027. After that date, every eCPR XML upload to DIR’s Public Works portal must use the V2 schema.
Can certified payroll software create eCPR XML V2 files?
Yes, certified payroll software can build eCPR XML V2 files directly from weekly payroll data. eBacon generates DIR XML files for California public works jobs, so payroll teams can upload to DIR without building XML by hand.
What happens if my V2 file is rejected before January 13, 2027?
You can still upload a V1 file until January 13, 2027, so a rejected V2 file doesn’t have to mean a late filing. Use DIR’s error message and the V2 XML guidelines to fix the V2 file before V1 retires.
Does the eCPR XML V2 change affect federal WH-347 reporting?
No, eCPR XML V2 only changes the file format for uploads to California DIR’s Public Works portal. Federal Davis-Bacon projects still follow U.S. Department of Labor certified payroll rules, and some projects require both.
Who has to submit eCPR files to DIR?
Contractors and subcontractors on most California public works projects must submit certified payroll records to the Labor Commissioner through DIR. DIR exempts a few categories of projects from online reporting, so check DIR’s eCPR exemptions list if you’re unsure.
Citations
- California DIR: Certified Payroll Reporting
- California DIR: eCPR XML Guidelines, Version 2.0
- California DIR: eCPR Reporting Exemptions
- California DIR: Public Works Email Updates
