QuickBooks Payroll is an important service in the application that enables users to handle and manage various payroll practices. These tasks involve making employee payments, sending paychecks, filling out e-forms, and calculating and processing taxes. Therefore, to keep up with tax compliance, updating your payroll tax tables to the latest is extremely important. Regrettably, an irritating payroll-related error faced by several customers- QuickBooks Error PS038- often pops up on their screens. Thus, users are unable to download the tax tables and perform the payroll processes. Hence, this guide highlights the reliable troubleshooting measures to rectify the Error and underlines its possible causes.
You can refer to the proven solutions mentioned in this guide to fix QuickBooks Error PS038, well and good. Otherwise, our QuickBooks Experts Team is just a call away. They are here to help you with any kind of problem at Support Number +1(844) 580-0110.
QuickBooks Error PS038 Description:
As the code PS in the Error represents, QuickBooks Error PS038 is an infamous payroll update error of the PSXXX series that leaves the users helpless when they attempt to download the updates for their tax tables. Also, when sending paychecks, they are stuck in the “Online to Send” status. When you bump into this Error while updating payroll, your system reads the following message:
“Error: Payroll Update! You have retrieved the recent payroll update and validated your QuickBooks payroll subscription. We recommend you to go online again before {date- MM/DD/YYYY}. [PS038]”
If we look into this matter, error PS038 may be caused by an outdated version of QB or data integrity problems. Continue reading to learn all the possible triggers of this trouble.
Responsible Causes of QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038
Here, we have listed a number of reasons why this Error appears on your screen so that you can pinpoint the right solution and avoid it in the future.
• When your QBDT is not properly installed or updated, the outdated version causes compatibility issues, thus pushing QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038.
• If your QB company data files are getting integrity errors, they can fail when sending payroll data.
• If the QuickBooks Desktop Payroll you use is inactive or the subscription expired, your payroll tasks will be hindered.
• While sending paychecks, if they are stuck in the Online to Send status, this Error will likely surface on your desktop screen.
• The issue can arise when your accounting software fails to verify the digital signature.
• Difficulty downloading payroll tax tables can also result from inaccurate system dates and times.
• Any corruption in the CPS folder can lead to QuickBooks Error PS038.
Other factors contributing to QB Error PS038 while updating payroll:
• Lost company file data or components,
• Blockage due to misconfigured system firewall,
• Anti-virus program interruptions,
• Any other third-party application hindrances,
• Insufficient admin privileges, and
• Incorrect internet connection settings.
Pre-requisites to resolve Payroll Problem in QuickBooks Error PS038
Before you set on the journey to troubleshoot QuickBooks Error PS038, you need to apply the following instructions:
First Step: Ensure Updating your QuickBooks Accounting Software
If your application is outdated, download the newest QuickBooks update notes. This usually fixes the problem only in the initial stages. Do it this way:
• Run the software, reach the Help section, click on Update QBDT, and hit Update Now.
• Check the box for Reset Updates and then press Get Updates.
• After successful updates, restart the program.
• On opening the application, select Install Now, then rerun your PC.
Second Step: Backing up QuickBooks Company File data
On priority, you must securely backup the complete QuickBooks company data and files. Here’s how to create one:
• In QB, click File, then Switch to Single-User mode.
• Head to the File again, choose Backup Company and click Create Local Backup.
• Now, in this window, tap on Local Backup, tap Next, and move to the Local Backup Only area.
• Designate a location for your company file backup storage.
• Before you save the backup, it will undergo a test to ensure its sound shape and integrity. Once it is done, press OK.
• Lastly, click on Save it Now, then Next.
Troubleshoot QuickBooks Error PS038 occurred when downloading the payroll tax tables
Technique 1: Attempt Sending Payroll or Usage Data to Intuit
After that, verify if you can send or receive your payroll data. Carry the steps given below to confirm:
• Advance to the Employees tab, click My Payroll Service and select Send Usage Data.
• If this option is not prominent on your screen, then,
• Go select Employees > Send Payroll Data.
• In the Send/Receive Payroll Data window, pick the Send All option.
• Next, write your Payroll Service PIN when asked.
• Look if the send was successful, then try to update your payroll tax tables.
However, on the appearance of QB Error Code PS038, follow the resolutions provided further in this blog.
Technique 2: Determine the Stuck Paychecks in Online status
• Proceed to the Edit option, then click Find.
• Now, select Advanced, and move to the Choose Filter section.
• Herein this division, opt for Detail Level from the list of filters.
• Next, select Summary Only.
• Then, steer to the Filter list again and scroll down.
• Choose Online Status followed by Online to Send.
• After that, select Find to identify the paychecks that failed to be sent to Intuit.
• Further, pay attention to the Number of Matches in the Find Windows and note them down.
Lastly, advance to the next measure to correct the QuickBooks Payroll Update Error PS038.
Technique 3: Use Verify and Rebuild Data Utility to Repair Your Damaged Data
First Step: Verifying your company data will highlight the stuck paychecks pending to be sent.
• Leave the Find tab and drive to the File section.
• In this menu, pick Utilities and then Verify Data.
• If the results after verification ask you to rebuild your data, kindly proceed to the next step.
Second Step: Rebuilding the Company Data to fix the Error
• Hit the prompts: File > Utilities > Rebuild Data.
• Then follow the prompts to backup data files; hit OK.
• After that, you’ll get a message when rebuilding finishes.
Third Step: Reassure yourself by Verifying the Data again
• Follow these instructions: File > Utilities > Verify Data.
• The outcome will help you analyze if further fixing of errors is required manually.
To manually fix the errors detected later, continue with the next step.
Technique 4: Operate the Stuck Paychecks
• Access the oldest Paycheck and open its Paycheck Details.
• Look into the Review Paycheck window, and see under the Earnings.
• Here, you must add the same earnings item as the last in the given list. For ex. Suppose the last earnings item in the list is “Hourly Rate”; you have to add this same item to your list.
• Then, a message will bump on your screen stating Net Pay Locked; click NO.
• Next, you should see that the tax amounts and the net pay remains unchanged; tap OK.
• On getting a past transaction message, hit YES.
• Now, press Save & Close to finish the Paycheck.
• After that, choose YES for the Recording Transaction warning Message.
• Reopen the Paycheck and view the Paycheck Details.
• Delete the earnings item you recently added in the Earnings section.
• Further, in this step, verify there are no changes in the tax amounts and net pay.
To remove the Error PS038 in QuickBooks, you must repeat the above steps for each Paycheck stuck in between and failed to send you found in Technique 2.
Finally, undertake Technique 1 to apply the changes you made in this troubleshooting procedure and then download the payroll tax table updates once again.
Concluding Thoughts!
The process to eliminate QuickBooks Error PS038 when trying to update tax tables or send paychecks in the QuickBooks Payroll is briefly explained in this blog. Hopefully, it aided your work and provided assistance against this stubborn Error. However, users might find it difficult if they are not very used to troubleshooting software errors. In such cases, seeking a professional will be your first choice. Our QuickBooks IT Experts are available at +1(844) 580-0110. Dial the number and talk to them directly for immediate help.
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