How to Resolve QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038

QuickBooks Error PS038 affects payroll operations, stopping users from sending paychecks. This error usually appears when paychecks are stuck "Online to send." Payroll cannot be processed until users fix the error. The message reads, "You've retrieved the latest payroll update and validated your Payroll subscription. We strongly recommend that you go online again before [date] PS038." Users often face update problems or stuck paychecks due to this issue.

• Viruses or malware can trigger this error.
• Old QuickBooks versions increase the risk of the error.
• Damaged company files cause PS038.
• Weak internet connections can interfere with payroll updates.
• Windows Firewall or a third-party antivirus might block QuickBooks.
• Failure to install the latest tax table update leads to PS038.
• Incorrect payroll subscription validation or repeating updates can create issues.
• Stuck paychecks, user permission issues, incorrect system date/time, or disk problems also contribute.

Open QuickBooks. Select Help, then Update QuickBooks Desktop. Click Update Now, Get Updates, then restart QuickBooks when the download is done.

Go to Employees > My Payroll Services > Send Usage Data. If payroll sends successfully, update payroll again. If PS038 persists, keep troubleshooting.

Open Edit > Find > Advanced. Filter by Detail Level (Summary Only), then Online Status (Online to send). Click Find to display unsent paychecks.

Back up your data first. Open File > Utilities > Verify Data, then Rebuild Data. After rebuilding, check the status of stuck paychecks. Do not use the Rebuild Data tool more than twice.

Repeat the steps to find stuck paychecks. Open each paycheck. Select Paycheck Detail, go to Earnings, and add the last item again. Click No if Net Pay Locked appears. Select the Rate Field, then review Net Pay and taxes; no changes should happen. Save and close the paycheck. Reopen it, remove the added item, then save and close again.

Go to File > Backup Company > Local Backup. On the Create Backup page, select Options and use Browse to choose a location. Save the backup and check if PS038 remains.

Right-click the QuickBooks icon. Select Run as Administrator. Try updating payroll again.

Key Tips

• Always back up the company file before each solution step.
• Make sure QuickBooks Desktop and payroll tax tables are updated.
• If problems continue, contact QuickBooks support for help.

This format presents direct steps and explanations so that algorithms and readers find the content easy to understand and use.