Quickbooks payroll error ps038

Proven Ways To Fix Quick Books Payroll Error PS038 Within No Time

5 minutes, 16 seconds Read

QuickBooks Payroll is top-notch software that enables the business to take care of the employee’s payroll and other payroll-related tasks. To get the best out of the payroll software, it is best to update the QuickBooks payroll to the latest tax table update. But sometimes, while updating the payroll, QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038 might interrupt the user. This error mainly flashes on the screen while using an older version of the accounting software. The users get the following error message whenever the error strikes stating:

“You’ve retrieved the latest payroll update and validated your Payroll subscription. We strongly recommend that you go online again before 02/16/2019. [PS038]”. 

If this error obstructs you from preparing paychecks and you fail to perform your ongoing payroll task, don’t panic. In this post, we have discussed about the factors responsible for the error along with the simple resolution ways. 

Reasons That Instigates QuickBooks Payroll Error Code PS038

Having a deep knowledge of the QuickBooks Payroll Error Code PS038 will help the users in finding the appropriate solution to fix the issue. You can update yourself with the factors responsible for this error by reading the pointers below. 

  1. Poor internet connection is one reason that gives rise to QuickBooks Error PS038. 
  2. Corrupted or damaged in QuickBooks data files could be one of the reasons behind this error.
  3.  Sometimes, it may happen when your pay stubs get stuck while sending. 
  4. You haven’t installed the QuickBooks Desktop appropriately on your device. 
  5. In other instances, it may evoke because of the damage in the hard drive. 

What are the things you must consider before resolving QuickBooks Payroll PS038?


Before proceeding further with the troubleshooting solutions, you just consider a few points. 

  1. Check that you are operating the QuickBooks version currently added by Intuit. 
  2. Also, you must verify that you have established the backup data file. 
  3. For a smooth payroll update install, you must require an internet connection with good speed. 
  4. You have installed the latest tax table update in QuickBooks. 

Simple Tactics to Rectify QuickBooks Payroll Error Code PS038

In this blog section, we have provided you with all the best possible resolution methods to fix QuickBooks Payroll Error Code PS038. So, ensure that you must perform the solutions in the same manner as described below. 

Stage 1: Install the Latest Update of the QuickBooks Desktop

  1. First of all, launch the QuickBooks Help menu and then hit the Update QuickBooks Desktop button. 
  2. In the next step, you must hover your cursor over the Update Now tab. 
  3. Now, you must navigate to the Get Updates option. With this, it will automatically download the QuickBooks Desktop update on your system. Once you have successfully updated the software, relaunch it once again on your device. 

Stage 2: Send Your Payroll Data after updating it

Once you have successfully updated your QBDT application, send the payroll data after updating it. 

  1. First of all, navigate to the Employees menu, followed by the My Payroll Service option. 
  2. After this, you must pick the Send Usage Data option and proceed further. 
  3. In the next step, hit the Send All option from the Send/Receive Payroll Data window. Moreover, you must also include the Payroll Service PIN if mandatory. 

Stage 3: Review and Locate the Paycheck stuck as “Online to Send”

Most often, the users might stumble upon QuickBooks Error PS038 if paychecks get stuck as “Online to Send”. So, to rectify the issue, look for unsent transactions by applying the steps below. 

  1. In the first step, hit the Edit option followed by Find. 
  2. Afterwards, navigate to the Advanced tab and pick Detail Level from the Filter List. 
  3. Thereon, you must tap on the highlighted Summary Only option. 
  4. Go back to the Filter List and then scroll to the bottom of the page. Later on, click on the Online Status option and then hit Online To Send. 
  5. End the process by tapping on the Find option and verify whether all the paychecks are sent to Intuit. 

Stage 4: Utilize the “Verify and Rebuild Data” Tool

Instructions to Verify Data 

  1. In the earlier stage, launch the QuickBooks File menu and then hit the Utilities option. 
  2. Thereon, choose the highlighted Verify Data option and click OK to close all the open Windows. 
  3. For instance, if you spot that the QBDT application won’t create any issue, hit the OK button. 

Instructions to Rebuild Data 

  1. Primarily, choose the File menu followed by the Utilities option. 
  2. Thereon, navigate to the Rebuild Data option followed by OK. 
  3. Furthermore, hit the OK button followed by Save to establish the backup of the data file. 
  4. Once the rebuild process is completed, pick the View Results option. 

Stage 5: Cross-Check the Details on Paychecks Stuck in QuickBooks

  1. You must read the steps from the “Check and Find Paycheck Stuck as Online to Send” section to grab the list of all the paychecks that are stuck in QB. 
  2. After this, launch the last stuck Paycheck and choose the Paycheck Detail option. 
  3. Once you get the Review Paycheck window, search for the last earnings item from the list. Later on, include the same item once again. 
  4. With this, you will obtain a New Pay Locked message on your screen, where hit the No option. 
  5. In the next window, click the No option and proceed to the next step. 
  6. Once you verify that there is no change in the tax amounts and net pay, select the OK button. 
  7. When you see the Past Transaction message on your screen, hit the Yes option. 
  8. Next, hit the Save & Close option followed by the Yes button when you see the Recording Transaction warning message. 
  9. Try to re-open the Paycheck and hover your cursor over the Paychecks Details button. 
  10. You are supposed to remove all the earning items you recently included in the Earnings section. 

Wrapping It Up!!

Through this post, we ensure that now you can easily resolve QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038 by following the solutions as mentioned earlier. If still, you find any issues while getting the latest payroll updates, consult with our professionals anytime via the live chat facility. 

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