Technical Fixes to Overcome QuickBooks Error PS038: 3 DIY Steps

Posted by Alastor Moody
14
Oct 28, 2025
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When you try to send paychecks online or manage their payroll activities, PS038 can be frightening. The most recent payroll tax table updates must be applied in QuickBooks Desktop to run payroll. 


You may receive an error notice along the way that says, "You have successfully verified your payroll subscription and obtained the most recent payroll update."


We strongly advise you to log back on before mm/dd/yyyy [PS038]. Many customers see this frequent issue when attempting to update or process paychecks in QuickBooks.

What are the Triggering Pointers of QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038?

This segment outlines the key points that explain the reasons behind its occurrence. 


  • If you have a bad internet connection

  • Microsoft QuickBooks may be blocked by Windows Firewall, which prevents the program from operating properly

  • You can get the PS038 QuickBooks issue if you haven't downloaded the most recent tax tables and updated QuickBooks payroll

  • After restoring the most recent QuickBooks payroll update, you may notice QB error PS038 after validating the payroll subscription

  • Stuck paychecks may be the cause of QB error PS038

  • Because they limit and interfere with the QB's functionality, third-party apps and antivirus software can cause issues

  • This problem may arise if billing or credit card information is entered incorrectly

Working Solutions to Resolve the QuickBooks Error PS038 on Your System

To eliminate this payroll error code PS038 from your system, you need to have a proper solutions guide that will help you to go through this procedure smoothly. 

Solution 1: Revise the QuickBooks application

  • Begin by opening the QuickBooks application and selecting the Help menu

  • After selecting the Update QuickBooks Desktop button, press the Update Now button located in the upper-right area

  • After choosing the Get Updates option, exit and reopen your program to confirm that the QuickBooks payroll update issue ps038 has been resolved

Solution 2: Forward Your QB Payroll Information

  • To begin, open the QB Payroll software

  • Next, select the Employees tab, and last, select My Payroll Service

  • Next, choose the option to provide payroll usage data from the My Payroll Service menu

  • Note: You could find the submit payroll data option under the Employees option in certain versions of QuickBooks Desktop

  • You should try sending the payroll data later. If the data transmission was successful, return to QB Payroll and update it


Note:- QuickBooks Clean Install Tool helps resolve installation issues by safely removing damaged program files, ensuring a fresh QuickBooks setup without errors.

Solution 3: Find the paychecks that are stuck in the Online to Send process

  • First, select the Advanced button beneath the Edit tab's Find option

  • The next steps under the Choose Filter tab are to locate the Filter list and select the Detail Level option

  • You must then select the option that reads Summary Only

  • The next step is to locate the Filter list from the Choose Filter option and choose Online Status

  • Also, pick the Online to send option from the drop-down menu on the right side of the screen

  • Finally, select the Find option and examine every unsent paycheck that is the source of the payroll problem ps038

Conclusion

This blog has covered all the required information that will make your resolution procedure easier, as it has three quick steps to fix the QuickBooks error PS038 on your device. However, if you are unable to go through it, dial +1(855)-738–0359 to connect with us instantly to resolve your queries. 


Explore more:- QuickBooks Error 1723 occurs due to Windows installer or system file corruption, preventing QuickBooks installation or updates from completing successfully.

FAQ — QuickBooks Error PS038

What is QuickBooks Error PS038?

  • QuickBooks Error PS038 occurs when there is a problem processing payroll updates. This error typically arises due to incorrect payroll subscription status, outdated QuickBooks files, or system conflicts that prevent payroll updates from completing successfully.

Why am I seeing QuickBooks Error PS038?

  • This error appears when QuickBooks cannot verify your payroll subscription or when there are network interruptions, outdated software versions, or firewall settings blocking the update process.

How can I identify if my payroll subscription is causing PS038?

  • You can check your payroll subscription status under the QuickBooks Account Management settings. Expired or inactive subscriptions often trigger PS038 errors during payroll updates.

Can outdated QuickBooks software cause Error PS038?

  • Yes, running an outdated version of QuickBooks may prevent payroll updates from processing, resulting in PS038. Keeping QuickBooks updated ensures compatibility with Intuit’s payroll servers.

Does internet connection affect QuickBooks Error PS038?

  • Absolutely. A slow, unstable, or blocked internet connection can interrupt communication with payroll servers, causing the PS038 error when QuickBooks attempts to update payroll.

How do firewall or antivirus settings trigger QuickBooks PS038?

  • Firewall or antivirus programs may block QuickBooks from connecting to payroll servers, stopping updates and generating PS038 errors. Adjusting security settings to allow QuickBooks connections often resolves the issue.

Can I fix QuickBooks Error PS038 without contacting support?

  • Yes, you can often fix it by verifying your payroll subscription, updating QuickBooks, checking internet connectivity, and ensuring firewall or antivirus software is not blocking the update.

Does user permission affect QuickBooks PS038?

  • Limited admin privileges can prevent QuickBooks from completing payroll updates. Ensure you are logged in as an administrator to process updates successfully.

Will restarting QuickBooks or the computer help with PS038?

  • Restarting QuickBooks or your system can sometimes clear temporary glitches or memory issues that interfere with payroll updates, potentially resolving the PS038 error.

Is QuickBooks Error PS038 common for QuickBooks Desktop or Online?

  • PS038 mainly affects QuickBooks Desktop users during payroll updates. However, network issues and subscription verification can trigger similar errors in QuickBooks Online payroll services.

How can I prevent QuickBooks Error PS038 in the future?

  • Regularly update QuickBooks, verify payroll subscription status, maintain stable internet connectivity, and ensure security software allows QuickBooks connections to prevent recurring PS038 errors.

When should I contact QuickBooks support for PS038?

  • If all basic troubleshooting steps fail, including updating software, verifying subscription, and checking internet and firewall settings, contacting QuickBooks support is recommended to resolve persistent PS038 errors.

Learn More About:- How To Fix QuickBooks Error 15271?

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