No doubt, QuickBook is a mine of characteristics and features offered by Intuit to help users deal with their accounting tasks. But after all, it is also a software, which may encounter errors due to software or hardware glitches. In this blog, we will focus on QuickBooks error PS038, which is a QuickBooks or payroll update error. Payroll is one of the wonderful features of QuickBooks, automating tasks like direct deposit, managing employee payments, and many more, but when this gets into trouble, you can’t access any of its features. You may not update QuickBooks due to an outdated QuickBooks, corrupted payroll data, wrong tax withholding information, etc. Let’s go into the depths of the blog and learn the methods that are proven effective to resolve this error.

If you are facing QuickBooks technical glitches and have been frustrated by this. You're not alone, we’re here to help. The blog has described everything about the error, but if you still can’t fix it. Give a ring to 1–855–542–9309 and instantly get connected to our best pro advisors. 

Vulnerable Causes Behind QuickBooks Error PS038

Here is a list of reasons that have been triggering this QuickBooks payroll error code PS038:

• This error is triggered due to an outdated QuickBooks.
• This issue may arise from damaged or corrupted payroll data in QuickBooks.
• Due to the wrong Social Security Number or the tax withholding information.
• An expired payroll subscription could also be a contributing factor.

Let’s Conquer QuickBooks Error PS038

To resolve the error effectively, follow the steps outlined below.

Step 1: Updating and backing up QuickBooks data

To proceed with this method, it is mandatory to update the QuickBooks software and create a backup of your data to avoid further consequences. 

Recommended to read: How do I fix a connection error 3645 in QuickBooks?

Step 2: Sending payroll data or usage data

1. Go to the Employees.
2. Choose My Payroll Service.
3. Click Send Usage Data. 
4. Move to the next steps if there are such options.
5. Go to the Employees tab
6. Choose Send Payroll Data.
7. Move to the Send/Receive Payroll Data window.
8. Click Send All.
9. Enter your payroll service PIN if asked.

If the send is successful, update it again.

If this is found unsuccessful, move to the next step.

Step 3: Identifying stuck paychecks

1. Move to Edit.
2. Click Find.
3. Choose the Advanced tab.
4. Go to the filter list.
5. Move to the Choose Filter section
6. Click Detail level.
7. Tap Summary Only.
8. Go back to the Filter list.  
9. Look at the drop-down.
10. Choose Online Status.
11. Pick Online to Send.
12. Tap Find.
13. You’ll be able to view the paychecks that haven’t been sent to Intuit.

Note: Make a note of the number of matches displayed on the screen in the Find window.

Step 4: Verifying and Rebuilding data

After successfully completing the above three steps, it’s time to verify and rebuild your QuickBooks data. Verifying the data helps in scanning or detecting the issues or data damage, and rebuilding will fix those issues.

Step 5: Toggling the stuck paychecks

1. Go to the Paycheck Detail.
2. Move to the Earnings.
3. Open the Review Paycheck window.
4. Add the earnings as the last earning item in the list.
5. If the Net Pay Locked message is received. 
6. Click No.
7. Choose OK.
8. If you receive a message like Past Transaction.
9. Pick Yes.
10. Select Save Close.
11. If a message pops up saying recording a Transaction.
12. Tap Yes.
13. Launch a paycheck. 
14. Click the Paycheck Details button.
15. Move to the Earnings section.
16. Delete the earnings items that you added in this.
17. There should be no changes to the tax amounts and net pay. 
18. Select OK.
19. Repeat these steps for stuck paychecks. 
20. Download the tax table again.

Overall Summary

QuickBooks error PS038 is typically a QuickBooks or payroll update error that is most commonly encountered when a user attempts to update payroll features. The reasons that led to this error and the methods to repair it are already mentioned above. If the implementation of those steps also doesn’t work, dial 1–855–542–9309 to have direct interaction with professionals

You may also read: How to Clean Install QuickBooks? Some Easy Steps