A Guide to Troubleshooting Quickbooks Payroll Error PS038

This blog guides you through understanding and fixing QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038, ensuring seamless payroll processing and error prevention.


QuickBooks Desktop Payroll is an important tool that helps small and medium-sized businesses manage multiple payroll tasks with guaranteed accuracy. It provides users with automatic calculation, filling, and paying of local, federal, or state payroll taxes, including maintenance of employee records and wages. Therefore, keeping your Payroll records current and QB software running smoothly. However, you may face interruptions in payroll processing due to Quickbooks Payroll Error ps038. To eliminate this error efficiently, continue reading this blog, emphasizing the error, its causal reasons, and its troubleshooting techniques.

Do you have problems sending paychecks, and QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038 is driving you up the wall? Call our certified professionals at +18442489739 to pull you back to the floor and rectify your QB software error.

Understanding the Payroll Error PS038

When performing payroll activities, your webpage may read the message:
!! You've retrieved the latest payroll update and validated your Payroll Subscription. We strongly recommend you to go online again before (Date: DD/MM/YYYY). [PS038]!!

The payroll error PS038 in Quickbooks desktop usually appears when processing paychecks and remains stuck as 'online to send.' It becomes challenging to continue the tasks, disrupting the workflow. Hence, you must know why you faced such an error and how to rectify the problem.

Know Why Quickbooks Payroll Update Error PS038 occurs.

The main factors that activate the error can be any of the following listed below:

1. You might be using outdated QuickBooks Payroll software, which hinders the activities, leading to error PS038.
2. It is triggered due to corrupted or damaged company files.
3. Your software might have yet to deliver paychecks, which remain stuck, obstructing the sending of fresh paychecks.
4. Unstable network connectivity can cause failure to send paychecks.
5. Inappropriate or unfinished QuickBooks Payroll Software installation can also be a reason.
6. An abrupt shutdown of your system due to a power cut or any other reason can lead to this error.
7. Your QB Payroll subscription might need to be updated or properly set up.
8. Your system firewall and antivirus software settings can be a blockage.

Rectification of Payroll Error PS038 in QuickBooks

Eliminating the Payroll Update Error PS038 is crucial, as it might further damage your QB software and data files. Carefully read the solutions below to correct the error and perform payroll services seamlessly.

Consider these on Priority:

Before addressing the troubleshooting methods, make sure to take these measures:

1. Have your Company File and all important payroll data backed up.
2. Ensure that you are using the QuickBooks system in Single-User-Mode.
3. It would help if you had your Payroll Tax Tables up to date, as they work according to the latest tax laws, and you can process the calculations with precision.
4. Only run the Rebuild Data Function once. Doing so might complicate your data file, making your process easier.
5. Check your network connections to fix the issue, as incorrect internet settings may result in the error PS038.
6. Also, verify your Windows firewall settings and make exceptions for QuickBooks.

Solution Methods with Step-by-Step Assistance

The Payroll Error will remain unless you take the required steps to counter the problem. Follow the prompts as listed in the given sequence to fix it.

Technique 1. Get the Latest QuickBooks Version Installed

1. To resolve the PS038 error, ensure you have the latest version of QB software.
2. Open the software and toggle towards the Help Menu.
3. Click the Update QuickBooks Desktop tab.
4. Now, choose the Update Now option and select Get Updates.
5. Rest while the download completes, and then reopen the application.
6. Finally, install the updates and head on to the next step.

Technique 2. Try Sending your Usage Data or Payroll Data

1. After installing the recently updated software, open the QuickBooks Payroll.
2. 2. Go to the Employees button, and from the drop-down menu, click on My Payroll Service
3. Now click on Send Payroll Usage Data.
4. If you can send data successfully, well, and well, continue with your troubleshooting journey.

Technique 3. Uncover the Stuck Paychecks as 'Online to Send'

1. Failure to pay can be the main reason for receiving this type of error. To make your process easy, identify the stuck checks and determine the number.
2. Head to the Edit option and click Find from the menu.
3. Choose the Advanced Tab and the Filter.
4. A list of filters will appear from which you choose Detail Level Filter, then Summary Only.
5. Again, go to the Filters option and click Online Status Online To Send Filter.
6. Finally, click the Find option to find the unsent paychecks.

Technique 4. Run the Verify and Rebuild Data Utility Tool

Performing the Verify and Rebuild Data Utility Test can be quite helpful in fixing the QB error PS038. The steps include

1. Run the QB application and open the File menu. Now click Utilities and then Verify Data Tool.
2. Click OK on the pop-up menu asking 'Do You Want To Continue?'.
3. The scan will find errors and send you a pop-up notification.
4. If it finds errors only, use the Rebuild Data tool; don't.
5. Again, open the Utilities option and select Rebuild Data Tool. You will be directed to your Company's File
6. Opt for either online or a local backup fitting your needs.
7. Set a backup schedule for your data – daily, weekly, or monthly.
8. Start rebuilding your data with Rebuild Data Utility.
9. Verify your data once more after the rebuilding process finishes to double-check.
10. Click on View Results when you have completed the process.
11. If the report detects unsolved issues, try repeating this method.

Note: Using the Rebuild data tool more than twice can lead to corrupted or lost data files. Hence, don't exceed the limit.

Technique 5. Backup Your Company File and Payroll Data

1. Payroll Error in QuickBooks Desktop sometimes depletes the payroll data; therefore, it's suggested that you back up the data files.
2. Find the File tab in the menu and choose Backup Company.
3. Then select the Local Backup option.
4. Create Backup page will appear on the screen
5. Click Options Backup Options Browse OK.
6. Now save to your preferred location but in a local drive.
7. Finally, check for error PS038. If it persists, proceed to the next step.


Technique 6. Run 'Quick Fix My Program'

1. The Quick Fix Utility shuts down all the processes running in QuickBooks's background and fixes the software. Follow the simplified steps enlisted below.
2. To operate QuickBooks Tool Hub, you need to close QuickBooks Desktop.
3. Open the Tool Hub or install it if you don't have it.
4. From the menu, click the Program Problems tab.
5. Select Quick Fix My Program Utility and wait till it is complete.
6. Once completed, open QB desktop and open your data file.


To Sum Up

With the help of this series of steps, you should be able to promptly address the overdue paychecks and successfully eliminate QuickBooks Payroll Update Error PS038. Even after performing all the troubleshooting steps, you face the error. Feel free to contact our dedicated team of QB experts to provide an immediate solution at your convenience. Remember to keep your QuickBooks Payroll Tax Tables updated regularly. Moreover, always close your Company File properly to avoid errors while completing your work.

Also Read : Best ways to fix QuickBooks payroll update error ps032 or ps077
Also Read : What are the Benefits, Features and Price of QuickBooks for Payroll Online
Also Read : Fix QuickBooks Error 15225: Digital Signature Verification Issue


QBook Assist

2 Blog posts

Comments