Fix It or Nix It: QuickBooks Payroll Update Error PS038

Yes, QuickBooks Payroll is an integral part of QuickBooks. Sometimes, you might see Error PS038 when updating payroll. This usually happens if a paycheck is stuck as “Online to Send.” You might get a message like:

“You have retrieved the latest payroll update. We strongly recommend downloading the tax table and updating one paycheck to avoid getting stuck online when sending.”

This error can be fixed by following a few steps in QuickBooks.

What is QuickBooks Payroll Update Error PS038?

When you get this error “while running Payroll” in QuickBooks Desktop, it indicates that some Paychecks are stuck in the system as "Online to Send". This prevents Payroll from updating.

1. Leading causes of Error PS038:
2. Some Paychecks are stuck in "Online to Send".
3. QuickBooks or Payroll is not updated.
4. There is an error in the company file.
5. There is an interruption in the Internet connection during the Payroll update.
6. Incorrect use of Multi-User Mode.

Also Recommended: What is Error Code 80029c4a in QuickBooks?

Important things to know before proceeding:

1. Backup your company file:

• file > Back Up Company> Create Local Backup

2. Update QuickBooks and Payroll tax tables:

• QuickBooks: Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop
• Payroll: Employees > Get Payroll Updates

3. Run QuickBooks in Single-User Mode:

• File> Switch to Single-User Mode

Practical Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Payroll Update Error PS038

Is the QuickBooks PS038 error causing you any problems? Your problems are now over. With the simple and dependable techniques listed below, you may solve this issue from the ground up.

Solution 1: Install the most recent version of QuickBooks Desktop  

1. An outdated QuickBooks version may be the primary cause of error PS038.
2. First of all, open QuickBooks Desktop.
3. After selecting 'Help' from the menu, choose 'Update QuickBooks Desktop'.
4. Click the 'Update Now' button and select 'Get Updates'.
5. Restart the application after the update is complete.

Solution 2: Try sending payroll after the update

1. Take 'My Payroll Services' from the 'Employees' page.
2. Then click 'Send Usage Data'.
3. Make another payroll update if the data transfer was successful.

Solution 3: Identify stuck paychecks

1. Payrolls at the "Online to Send" stage could be stuck for some people:
2. Under the 'Edit' tab, select the 'Find' option.
3. Under 'Detail Level', select 'Summary Only'
4. Then under 'Online Status', select 'Online to send'.
5. To see all of the stuck paychecks, click the Find button now.

Solution 4: Make use of the rebuild and data validation tool

1. From the 'File' menu, choose Verify Data.
2. Then click on the ‘Rebuild Data’ option.
3. Following the process, verify the status of the stuck paycheck. 

Solution 5: Check and update the information on the delayed paycheck:

1. Open each stuck and check the paycheck details.
2. Re-add and then delete the last item in the Earnings tab.
3. Make sure they are no change in Net Pay and taxes
4. Save the changes and recheck the error status.

Solution 6: Stay safe by creating a data backup.

1. Under the File tab, select the Backup Company vote. 
2. To select the backup location, select the Local Backup option.
3. Save the file on a safe drive and check the error status.

Solution 7: Run QuickBooks as an administrator

1. Right-click on the QuickBook icon.
2. Select Run as administrator.
3. To avoid mistakes, run payroll services with improved access.

Conclusion

If you are getting the PS038 error in your QuickBooks software, then there is no need to panic. This problem mainly occurs when the payroll update process gets stuck. You can fix this problem by carefully following the simple steps mentioned above.

If you are still facing problems, technical help is needed now. Our expert team, trained in QuickBooks, is always ready to help. Contact us immediately to get a timely solution and eliminate this error forever.