One crucial tool that makes a variety of payroll chores easier is QuickBooks Desktop Payroll. Maintaining an up-to-date Payroll Tax table is essential for efficient payroll processing. But occasionally, technical issues like QuickBooks error PS038 might arise and possibly interfere with your online paycheck processing and payroll operations. This tutorial provides you with the essential tools and simple fixes you need to deal with this problem and keep your payroll management running smoothly. In addition to fixing this rare but enduring issue, following our professional guidance can improve QuickBooks Desktop Payroll's general functionality and keep your company's payroll processes running smoothly.

The alert message You have successfully downloaded the current payroll update patch and validated your payroll subscription is a common way for QBDT customers to identify the well-known QuickBooks error PS038. We highly advise you to log on once more prior to XX/XX/XXXX [PS038]. This issue presents a significant problem, particularly when it interferes with payroll processing operations. Payrolls that are stalled in the processing queue or tagged as "online to send" frequently experience this.

Facing a technical issue in sending paychecks due to error code PS038? Our experts are ready to assist you. Call our toll-free number to speak with a Pro and get back on track.


Why Do You See Error Code PS038 in QuickBooks Payroll?

The most effective cause of the QuickBooks error (PS038) is an inactive payroll subscription, as the error notice clearly states. The following are additional causes of QuickBooks Desktop error PS038:

  • An old QB application may be the cause
  • This issue may occur if you download QuickBooks Payroll using an outdated method
  • When a user attempts to send their paychecks online and they are stuck in the Online to Send phase, an error message appears
  • Error code PS038 is also evidently caused by destroyed firm files
  • An error message, PS038, could refer to an inactive payroll subscription


4 Recommended Fixes for QuickBooks Error PS038

To guarantee that updates are downloaded correctly and paychecks are delivered successfully, the QuickBooks payroll error code PS038 must be fixed. Therefore, after you have identified the causes of this issue, fix it by using the practical fixes listed below:

Method 1: Update the QuickBooks app on your computer

  • Open QuickBooks Desktop
  • Select Update QuickBooks Desktop from the Help menu
  • Click Get Updates after checking the box on the Update Now tab
  • Close and then reopen QuickBooks after the update has finished downloading.
  • Install the updates when asked


Method 2: After updating QuickBooks, try sending payroll

  • Select Send Usage Data from the Employee's option under My Payroll Services.
  • Try sending the information
  • Try rerunning payroll if it works
  • Go on to the next solution if the PS038 issue persists

Method 3: Give the damaged CPS folder a new name
  • Locate and verify the Paychecks as Online to Send, stuck
  • Select Find from the Edit menu
  • Select the Advanced tab
  • Choose Summary Only under Detail Level in the filter list
  • From the dropdown menu, select Online Status and then Online to send.
  • To get a list of all stalled paychecks, click Find


Method 4: Launch the Rebuild and Verify Data Tools

These integrated tools assist in resolving file-related issues.

Step I: Run Verify Data
  • Select File > Utilities > Confirm Information
  • Rebuild the data if problems are discovered

Step II: Run Rebuild Data
  • Select Rebuild Data under File > Utilities
  • Save a backup when asked
  • QuickBooks will initiate the rebuilding procedure
  • Rerun the Verify Data after finishing to be sure the problems have been fixed


Summing Up

In this detailed blog, we provided you with effortless steps to eliminate the QuickBooks error PS038 using different procedures. Hopefully, you can easily fix them, download the payroll tax table, and send paychecks. However, if you still have issues regarding this, you can give us a call at +1(855)-738-0359; our expert will guide you.