How to Eradicate QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038 Seamlessly?

Accounting

With the QuickBooks Desktop Payroll, it has become much more convenient for organizations to process and manage the employee’s payroll. However, keeping the QuickBooks payroll updated is important to enjoy the seamless payroll processing experience. But, sometimes while installing the latest payroll updates users might discover QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038 which might disrupt the ongoing payroll processes. 

Unfortunately, the Payroll Error PS038 in QuickBooks not only restrains you from accessing the latest payroll features but also leads to delays in processing payroll. So, getting it fixed as soon as possible is important using the correct troubleshooting techniques explained in this post. 

Wondering how to eliminate the QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038 and process your payroll seamlessly without any issues? Ring us at 1-844-266-9345 and have a one-to-one consultation with our QB professionals for a quick resolution. 

Let’s Understand Payroll Error PS038 in QuickBooks Desktop 

At times, the users may confront Payroll Error PS038 in QuickBooks Desktop while trying to update the payroll or tax table update to the latest version. Whenever the error pops up, it flashes the following error message on the screen stating:

“You’ve retrieved the latest payroll update and validated your Payroll subscription. We strongly recommend that you go online again before mm/dd/yyy [PS038].” 

However, the issue may also arise when the paychecks get stuck from “Online to Send ”. Therefore, it is necessary to troubleshoot the issue quickly so that you can continue your ongoing business smoothly. 

Also Read: QuickBooks Error PS032

What Are the Factors That Trigger QuickBooks Payroll Update Error PS038? 

The users might end up with QuickBooks Payroll Update Error PS038 due to the root causes given below. So, let’s study all of them carefully and get a better understanding of them in detail. 

Accessing the Older QuickBooks Version:- 

At times, the users might come across the QuickBooks Error PS038 while working on an outdated or older QuickBooks version which might prevent you from getting the payroll updates. 

Inappropriate Billing Details:- 

Another reason behind the issue is that the QuickBooks Payroll subscription details are either outdated or wrong due to which it is creating issues while installing the latest payroll updates. 

Unstable or Misconfigured Internet Connection:- 

If your internet connection is improper or not connected with a stable internet connection then you might result in QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038. 

Conflicts Due to Interruption of Windows Firewall:- 

Sometimes, the issue may happen when the Windows Firewall or the antivirus software is blocking access to QuickBooks. As a result, there is a high possibility that it might end up with Error Code PS038 in QuickBooks. 

Damage or Corrupt .ND and .TLG Files:- 

It could be possible that the issue may arise due to the damage or corruption in the network data (.ND) and transaction log (.TLG) files. 

Problems to Meet the System Requirements:- 

In other cases, the users might receive Payroll Error PS038 in QuickBooks Desktop if the system fails to meet the basic specifications required to run the application. 

Invalid Payroll Service Subscription:- 

In other cases, the users might encounter QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038 when they find that the payroll service subscription they are using is either invalid or not in use anymore. 

Know More: QuickBooks Error PS077

Advisory Tips You Must Know Before Fixing QuickBooks Error PS038 

Here we have listed a few of the important tips that you must know to resolve the QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038. 

1. One of the most important activities is to get the latest version of the QuickBooks Desktop to run the application easily. 
2. Another important point is that it is important to download the latest payroll tax table update. Conducting this update is important so that your can compute and process the payroll hassle-free according to the latest tax table laws. 
3. Moreover, you must verify that you are well-connected with a stable and high-speed internet connection. 

What Should You Do to Rectify Payroll Error PS038 in QuickBooks Desktop? 

In this blog’s section, we have elaborated on the tried and tested solutions to overcome Payroll Error PS038 in QuickBooks Desktop. 

Solution 1: Install the Latest Update of QuickBooks and Back Up Your Data

1. To get the latest update, launch the QuickBooks application as a Windows admin user. 
2. Soon after this, navigate to the Help menu > Update QuickBooks Desktop. 

3. Afterward, go with the Update Now option followed by the Get Update QuickBooks option.
4. Thereon, you have to wait for some while until the latest QuickBooks Desktop updates get downloaded on the device. 
5. End the process by re-opening the QuickBooks Desktop and assigning the relevant permissions to install the recently downloaded updates.

After this, to generate the backup of the QuickBooks company file to safeguard your data from getting into the wrong hands you must perform the steps outlined below. 

1. In the first place, shut down the QuickBooks in the single-user mode.
2. After this, browse to the QuickBooks File menu and then choose the Backup Your File followed by the Create Local Backup option. 
3. Now, you must tap the Browse option and opt for the suitable directory for saving up the backup file.
4. Thereon, from the Online and Local Backup options, you must run a test to analyze the data.
5. End the entire procedure by clicking on the Save It Now option. 

Also See: Update QuickBooks Desktop to the Latest Release

Solution 2: Try Sending Your Usage Data or Payroll Data:- 

1. To begin the process, move to the QuickBooks Employees menu and then hit the My Payroll Service option. Later on, go with the Send Usage Data option. However, if you are unable to find this option, then go to the next step. 

2. Thereon, choose the Employees menu and then hit the Send Payroll Data option. 
3. From the Send/Receive Payroll Data window, opt for the Send All option. Later on, you must insert the accurate Payroll Service PIN if required. 
4. However, if you see that you are able to send the payroll successfully then opt for the Send All option. Later on, mention the accurate payroll service pin if required. 
5. On the other side, if you find that the send is unsuccessful, then you must try to install the latest payroll updates.

Read More: QuickBooks Payroll Update Not Working

Solution 3: Verify the Paychecks that are Being Stuck in the Middle 

1. In the initial stage, move to the QuickBooks Edit menu and choose the Find option from the extended list of options.
2. After that, go with the highlighted Advanced tab to proceed further.
3. Once again, you are supposed to click the Advanced tab.
4. Thereon, you must browse to the Choose Filter section, and from the Filter List you must click the Online Status option. 
5. In the next step, hover your cursor over the Summary Only and return back to the Filter list. Later on, scroll down to opt for the Online Status and then the Online to Send option.
6. Afterwards, opt for the Find option and it will present you with all the paychecks that weren’t sent to Intuit earlier. Herein, you must note down the “Number of matches” from the Find window and then move to another solution.  

Solution 4: Take Advantage of the Verify and Rebuild Data Utility 

The users are required to run the Verify and Rebuild data tool to repair the damaged or corrupted company file data. So, to fix the issue, you need to run the tool by performing the steps outlined below. 

1. First of all, you must launch the QuickBooks application and then go to the File menu > Utilities > Verify Data option. 
2. Eventually, you will receive a pop-up message stating “Do you want to continue?” and then hit the OK button. 
3. Soon after this, you will notice that the Verify Data Tool will immediately start scanning the file. If the file spots any issues in the file, then you will get a pop-up message reflecting that there are issues with the data file.
4. On the other end, if it doesn’t find any issues then you won’t have to run the Rebuild Data Tool. 
5. If the file is having issues, then return to Utilities > Rebuild Data and it will ask you to back up your data file. 
6. Furthermore, you will receive the option to pick either an online backup or a local backup. Herein, you have to make a suitable choice which is best according to the requirements. 
7. Following this, you are supposed to make a decision on how often you wish to schedule the backup of the data- daily, weekly, or monthly. 
8. Afterwards, you will be prompted “Do you want to save the backup now or schedule it for later?”, pick the suitable option and hit the Next button. 
9. You must start running the Rebuild Data Utility and it will represent a window that will represent its progress. 
10. Once you are all sorted, open the QuickBooks application again and try to download the latest payroll updates to verify if the issue is resolved.

Solution 5: Conduct a Thorough Inspection of Unsent Paychecks 

The users are required to remove the unsent paychecks from QuickBooks to prevent any further discrepancies. But, before deleting them you must verify that they are not mentioned in a scheduled payroll run. As a result, it would help the employees to overcome the issues associated with employee pay and tax calculations. 

1. In the initial stage, look for the paychecks that are stuck in the middle using the steps listed in Solution 3. 
2. After this, you need to verify the first paycheck that is stuck and then hit the Detail Paychecks option.
3. With this, it will open up a Review Paycheck window on your computer screen. Herein, below the Earnings section, you need to insert the same earnings as the final earning item. 
4. Once you add a new item along with the earnings list it will open up a [Net Pay Locked] window on the screen. Herein, hit the No option and then move on to the next step.
5. You are supposed to confirm that no changes are made to the [NET Pay] and [tax amounts] and then hit the OK button.
6. When you see the Past Transaction pop-up message, tap the Yes button. 
7. Furthermore, opt for the Save & Close option to shut down the paycheck and then hit the Yes button from the Recording Transaction Warning message. 
8. Later on, try to open the paychecks once again and tap the Paychecks Details button.
9. Subsequently, you must remove the earnings items that you have recently added to the Earnings section.
10. Afterward, you must confirm that there are no changes made to the tax amounts and net pay.
11. In the next step, you must use the same steps again for every paycheck that is stuck in step 2. 
12. Once you are all sorted, try updating the QuickBooks and download the latest tax table again. 

Drawing to a Conclusion!!

Through this comprehensive post, we hope that the solutions explained above will help you troubleshoot QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038. If you are still receiving the error, then you can communicate with our QB professionals for quick resolution.