Error PS038 in QuickBooks is a common problem that QBDT users may encounter, and this is usually highlighted by the prompt message: "You have successfully downloaded the latest payroll update patch and verified your payroll subscription. We strongly recommend that you go online again before XX/XX/XXXX [PS038]." This error has proven challenging since it disrupts payroll processing activities. It usually happens when paychecks are annotated "online to send" or are strangled in the processing queue.
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Detrimental causes leading to QuickBooks error PS038
An old version of QuickBooks Payroll software is one reason for error ps038.
Incorrect or incomplete installation of QuickBooks Payroll software.
Damaged or corrupted company files can also cause error ps038 QuickBooks.
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Proven solutions to rectify QuickBooks error PS038
If you are looking for a solution, we can give you a 100% guarantee to rectify QuickBooks Error PS038. We advise you to follow the steps given by our experts in the sequence of order.
Step 1: Updating and backing up your QuickBooks data
Before you move to the next steps, don’t forget to install the latest QuickBooks update and back up your data.
Step 2: Send your payroll data or usage data
Go to Employees, click My Payroll Service, then Send Usage Data. If you do not see this option, see the next step.
Go to Employees, and then choose Send Payroll Data.
Select Send All from the Send/Receive Payroll Data window. When prompted, enter your payroll service pin.
If the send is successful, you should be able to retrieve payroll updates once more. However, if you still see the error message, move to the next steps.
If the send fails, please reach out to us for assistance.
Step 3: Locate stuck paychecks
Go to Edit, and then select Find.
Choose the Advanced tab.
Click the Advanced tab.
Choose Filter, Filter list, and then Detail Level. Then click Summary Only.
Now again, from the Filter list, click back to scroll down, find Online Status, and click Online to Send.
Then click Find. You should see paychecks that never reached Intuit.
Pay attention to the "Number of matches" on the Find window. Proceed to Step 4.
Step 4: Verify and Rebuild your data
Close the Find window, and run a verify data. It will display the waiting-to-be-transmitted stuck paychecks.
Rebuild your data file.
Try downloading payroll updates again. If you see the error persist, follow step 5.
Step 5: Switch on the stuck paychecks
Open the oldest stuck paycheck.
Click on the Paycheck Detail button.
Please add the same earnings item to the Earnings area of the Review Paycheck window.
For instance, if the last item on the list is the hourly rate, add another earnings item named hourly rate.
A Net Pay Locked message will appear. Choose No.
Ensure that there are no changes to the tax amounts and net pay. Choose OK.
If you get a Past Transaction message, choose Yes.
Choose Save & Close to save the paycheck.
Choose Yes on the Recording Transaction warning message.
Open the paycheck. Click Paycheck Details.
You need to remove the earnings items you have added in the Earnings area.
Make sure no changes to tax amounts and net pay are in place. Then, choose OK.
Repeat for each of the stuck paychecks identified in Step 2.
When done, repeat Step 1 and download the tax table update again.
Conclusion
To wrap up, QuickBooks error PS038 is a payroll update error that occurs due to many reasons, which have already been discussed above, along with the solutions. Our experienced experts have provided you with solutions. If you get stuck at any point in between, contact our QuickBooks Online support team. We will help you overcome the error and provide the best solution.
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