The payroll function of QuickBooks is highly sophisticated and requires regular updates to avoid technical issues. It greatly improves efficiency and accuracy in performing complex calculations. The use of payroll calculators is essential for ensuring accuracy. However, like any advanced feature, there may be some limitations. One commonly encountered issue in the QuickBooks 2017 version is error code PS038.

QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038: What is it?

The QuickBooks error code PS038 appears on the screen when attempting to send a paycheck through online mode, preventing the transmission of payroll information for workers. This error can be recognized by the message "You will see error code: PS038 when running payroll, downloading tax table updates, and if paychecks get stuck as “Online to Send". One of the main causes of this update error in QuickBooks Desktop is an inactive payroll subscription.

• The QuickBooks accounting software is outdated.
• Downloading QuickBooks Payroll using an old method.
• When sending a paycheck online, it gets stuck.

Why is QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038 occurring?

While updating QuickBooks, several reasons can bring forth this QuickBooks error PS038, but here are some of the most significant.

The QuickBooks desktop software is outdated

Having an outdated QuickBooks Desktop can cause payroll issues like error code PS038. On the other hand, upgrading QB Desktop can fix minor issues, as well as payroll update errors.

The QuickBooks data file is corrupted

Generally, QuickBooks Error PS038 is caused by corrupted or damaged payroll data in your QB company file. This blog explains how to fix it.

Invalid employee information

A payroll error PS038 can also be caused by errors or inaccuracies in employee data, such as Social Security Numbers or tax withholdings. As a result, you should always verify that the employee data you enter into QB payroll is accurate.

An inactive payroll subscription

If your payroll subscription has expired or if you haven't subscribed to QuickBooks payroll, the PS038 issue may appear.

Payroll Update Issues

Here's how to confirm whether a payroll update is in progress if you're seeing error PS038 caused by a technical problem or a bug.

Security software or a firewall

For QuickBooks to download payroll updates, it must connect to the internet and download the update package from Intuit's official website. In the case that a firewall configuration or security program, such as an antivirus, prevents QuickBooks from operating or gaining access to the internet, payroll updates can't be downloaded.

Problems with Internet connections

QuickBooks requires a reliable and fast network connection to download payroll updates. However, an unreliable or shoddy connection will interrupt the payroll updates.

The PSID or EIN is incorrect

You may experience QuickBooks problem PS038 if the employer identification number (EIN) or payroll identification number (PSID) you entered in the company file is inaccurate.

The QuickBooks installation has been damaged

In this blog, we examine how to identify and troubleshoot the PS038 issue caused by corrupted QuickBooks installation files.

How do I fix QuickBooks Payroll Error PS036?

Accounting Effects of Intuit QuickBooks Error Codes:

Additionally, QuickBooks error PS038 can negatively impact your business accounting, beyond its immediate impact on the update process.

It will appear with a similar code, and one thing led to another, resulting in the crash of a functioning window as a result of the QuickBooks Update error. Moreover, it decreases the processing velocity and increases the completion time of the undertaking as a result.

Your payroll update process gets interrupted by the appearance of the error, and you will be unable to move even a single step forward.

Sending Paychecks Error: There may have been inconsistencies in the available information because the error causes clients to look at different records while handling Paychecks.

How to Fix QB Desktop Error PS038?

The following high-level measures can be taken to fix QuickBooks error PS038:

Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest version

• The QuickBooks desktop must be dispatched first.
• Afterwards, you should click on the Help tab and continue updating QuickBooks Desktop.
• QuickBooks Desktop needs to be updated
• Click the Update Now tab, select all the recommended updates, and then click the Get button.
• Close QuickBooks and reboot your computer after the update is complete.

Data on usage and payroll should be sent

Once your QuickBooks is updated (which should be the most recent version), you can send usage or payroll data and then verify whether the error PS038 has been resolved.

• Go to the Employees tab in QuickBooks.
• Open the My Payroll administration section.
• Then, depending on your payroll administration, you can select either Send usage data or Send payroll data.
• If you see that payroll has been sent effectively, you may update payroll again.

Find the stuck checks

A paycheck that gets stuck as an online version to send is most likely the cause of QuickBooks Error code PS038. To calculate this, you should determine how many of these paychecks were stuck.

• Go to the Edit menu in QuickBooks.
• Click on the Find button next.
• Go to the Advanced tab, find the Choose Filter segment, and click Detail level.
• As it stands, click Summary.
• Click online status again in the Choose Filter segment.
• Select Online to Send from the drop-down list.
• In order to locate any unsent paychecks, click the Find button.
• When you run a Verify Data apparatus, the stuck paychecks will also appear on the screen.

Use the Verify and Rebuild Data Utility to verify and rebuild your data

• Ensure that the QuickBooks organization record has been backed up.
• At this point, you should dispatch QuickBooks and go to the File menu.
• Click the Verify Data button after snapping the utility menu.

You can try remaking the data if you still see the stuck paycheck samples after following this solution.

Data rebuilding:

• Select the Utilities button from the File tab.
• Click on Rebuild Data and then click OK
• After that, click Save to make a reinforcement.
• Once the rebuild process is complete, snap the View results again.

In case of trouble, you can reach out to our Dancing Numbers team by LIVE CHAT or by filling out the lead form available on our official website. Our expert staff is available to assist you round the clock. Our company understands the needs of your business.