QuickBooks users may come across multiple instances of error codes when updating QuickBooks payroll. One notable error code that comes in this list of Payroll Service errors is the QuickBooks error code PS038. However, the update process is not the sole instance when this error may be encountered. It can also be observed during the submission of the paychecks online. The error may show up as soon as the user clicks on the “Online to send” option. As a result, this issue hinders the processing of the paychecks and also obstructs the update process. This blog will be addressing all the facades of QuickBooks Error PS038, including the different methods for fixing it.
Main causes of QuickBooks Error PS038
Some of the main reasons behind this Payroll service error are:
- Using an old QuickBooks version for processing the paychecks.
- Issues while sending the online paychecks.
- Expiration of the payroll subscription.
- Slow internet connection at the time of updating QuickBooks Error PS038.
- Not running the updates with admin privileges.
Viable fixes for QuickBooks Error PS038
Some of the notable and workable fixes for this QuickBooks Error are:
Fix 1: Running QuickBooks as admin
- Right-click on the QuickBooks Desktop icon on the Desktop.
- After that, choose the Run as administrator option.
- When QuickBooks opens, click on Help tab and then hit on the option to Update QuickBooks Desktop.
- Now, hit on the Update Now option.
- To get the updates started, hit on the Get Updates option.
- If the error pops up in the initial stages of this process, head to the next fix.
Fix 2: Send Payroll Data
- Launch QuickBooks as an admin.
- Hit on the Employees option.
- After that, proceed ahead with the My Payroll Service option.
- Subsequent to that, click on Send Usage Data.
- Choose the Send All option.
- Once the Payroll data is sent, try to update QuickBooks payroll again.
Fix 3: Use the Verify and Rebuild Tool
Steps To Verify Data
- The first step is to verify the existence of any error within the company file.
- For that, run QuickBooks and after that, click on the File tab.
- Here, click on Utilities.
- Thereafter, opt for the Verify Data option.
- Follow up by clicking on Ok.
- If any error is detected, the next step is to rebuild the company file.
Steps To Rebuild Data
- Upon opening QuickBooks, click on the File menu.
- Herein, click on Utilities.
- Choose the Rebuild Data option.
- Backup the file and then click on Save.
- Once rebuilding is complete, hit on View Results.
- Now proceed with the same action led previously led to QuickBooks Error PS038. If the issue still persists, perform the steps below:
- Click on Edit and then hit on the Find option.
- Subsequently, click on the Advanced tab.
- Head to the filter option and choose Detail Level and Summary only option.
- In the filter, opt for Online Status.
- After that, opt for the Online to Send option.
- Follow up by heading to Find and search for paychecks.
- Provide all the essential information for the paycheck and, after that, save it in M.S. Excel.
- Once done with that, click on the Paycheck Detail option.
- Herein, access the first paycheck.
- Now, head to the Review Paycheck option and thereafter proceed to the Earning Section.
- The user is required to type in the same earning item as the previous earning item.
- A message stating Net Pay Locked will appear on the screen.
- Click on No to quit this message.
- Uses are required to ensure that the Tax and Net Pay are unaltered by opting for the Rate field of the new earning item.
- In case the Past Transaction message appears, the user is required to choose Yes.
- Subsequently, click on Save and Close.
- After that, run the paycheck again and choose payroll Details
- Delete the recently entered earning item from the earning section
- Ensure that Tax and Net Pay aren’t altered.
- Click on Save and Close.
- Repeat the steps for other paychecks having the Online to Send status.
- Try sending the usage data again to check if QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038 got resolved.
Fix 4: Check for any inconsistent paychecks
- Click on the Editing menu.
- Therein, click on Search, followed by clicking on Advanced.
- After that, click on the Choose Filter tab.
- From the filter out list, choose the degree of detail.
- Choose the summary to proceed ahead.
- Subsequent to that, click on the online status option in the filter list.
- Click on send to online to send the paycheck.
- Double-check the paychecks for any inaccuracies.
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The current discussion threw light on the various methods to troubleshoot QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038. For direct communication with our experienced QuickBooks experts, just give us a call on our 24/7 toll free dedicated helpline 1-800-761-1787.