Why You Can’t Update Payroll Error PS038 and How to Fix It?

Are you experiencing ‘Can’t update payroll error PS038‘ when running payroll, downloading the tax table updates, and getting stuck as ‘Online to Send’ when sending paychecks? If so, you must read this blog and follow each troubleshooting solution to fix it. 

Error code PS038 appears when trying to run the payroll services, download the tax table update, and when paychecks are stuck in the ‘Online to Send’ state. It happens mainly when a user tries to send a paycheck in an outdated version of QB. Now, you must be wondering how you will fix this error. Don’t worry; below, we discuss the possible causes and the suitable solutions you’ll require to fix error PS038. 

If you need further assistance from experts, dial +1(855)-955-1942 and get in touch with the team of QB advisors

Reasons Why QuickBooks Desktop Error PS038 Appears 

Get familiar with the possible reasons that trigger QuickBooks Desktop Error error code PS038 when downloading the payroll update or using the payroll services:

  • Not updating the payroll tax table update through Admin privileges.  

  • Using outdated QuickBooks software can also trigger the error code PS038.

  • Repeatedly trying to update the QuickBooks, payroll services, and tax tables update. 

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Learn How to Resolve QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038

Below, we have mentioned the suitable solutions you should follow to eliminate QuickBooks payroll error PS038 and run the payroll services successfully: 

Solution 1: Identify and Toggle the Stuck Paychecks 

Error PS038 mainly appears when a paycheck gets stuck to ‘Online to Send.’ Below, we are discussing a complete process of how you can recover this paycheck and fix the ongoing error: 

Step 1: Identify Stuck Paychecks 

  • Click on QuickBooks’s ‘Edit’ menu, then select ‘Find.’

  • Go to the ‘Advanced’ tab. 

  • Move to the ‘Choose Filter’ section. From the filter list on your screen, select ‘Detail Level.’

  • Choose the ‘Summary Only’ option and return to the ‘Filter’ list.

  • Select ‘Online Status’ from the list and then select ‘Online to Send.’

  • Further, select the ‘Find’ option to show the paychecks that aren’t sent to Intuit. 

  • When done, move to the next step. 

Step 2: Toggle the Paychecks You Found in the Above Step 

  • Select and open the oldest stuck paycheck. 

  • Choose the ‘Paycheck detail’ option.

  • In the prompt ‘Review Paycheck’ window, move to the ‘Earnings’ section and add the same earnings item as the last earning item. 

  • When a ‘Net Pay Locked’ message pops up, select ‘No.’

  • Ensure there are no changes to the net pay and tax amounts. When done, click ‘OK.’

  • If a ‘Past Transaction’ message appears, click ‘Yes.’

  • Now select ‘Save & Close’ to close the paycheck window. 

  • Select ‘Yes’ when a ‘Recording Transaction’ message appears. 

  • Open the paycheck again and select the ‘Paycheck details’ button.

  • Move to the Earning Section and delete the earning item you added above. 

  • Again, confirm that there are no changes to the tax amount & net pay amount, and then click ‘OK’

  • If you have any other stuck paycheck, use the same steps from step and release it.  

  • When done, repeat step 1 and download the tax table update again.

If using this solution does not help you fix error PS038, move to the next solution. 

Solution 2: Update QuickBooks to its Latest Release 

Follow the steps given below to get the most recent version of your QuickBooks Desktop program:  

  • Go to the QuickBooks icon on your computer’s home screen and right-click. 

  • Select ‘Run as an administrator.’

  • When done, open QuickBooks Desktop. 

  • Move to the QB’s menu bar and select the ‘Help’ menu. 

  • From the dropdown menu, select ‘Update QuickBooks Desktop.’

  • Click on the ‘Update Now’ tab and click ‘Get Updates.’

  • When done, restart QuickBooks Desktop and try to rerun the payroll services.

We hope this blog helped you understand and fix the can’t update Payroll error PS038.If you require any further help to do this, dial +1(855)-955-1942 and consult the issues with the team of QB ProAdvisors. 

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