PS038 - cannot run payroll

I'll make sure you'll be able to run your payroll, @bt936.

I admire you for updating your payroll. Allow me to share a few steps to fix this issue. 

Besides your payroll, you'll also want to ensure you've updated your QuickBooks Desktop (QBDT) to the latest release. This way, we can guarantee the program is packed with the newest features and fixes. 

Also, does the paycheck get stuck as "Online to Send"? If so, let's try to send your data to isolate this. You can follow these steps depending on your payroll service:
 

• From the Employees menu, select My Payroll Service, then click Send Usage Data.
• From the Employees menu, select Send Payroll Data.

If you're able to send it, I suggest updating your payroll again. If you still get the PS038 message, I propose verifying your data. To be guided through the process, check out this article: Resolve payroll error PS038.

If the send wasn't successful, I recommend contacting our support team. This way, one of our agents can look into your account and check why you're unable to run your payroll. You can reach out to them through this link: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/help/en-us/contact-us?product=QuickBooks%20Desktop

Once everything is all set, you can utilize this link for guidance in running your payroll seamlessly: Learn about QuickBooks Desktop Payroll with how-to videos.

You might also want to consider inviting your employees to QuickBooks Workforce. This way, they can view their paychecks online.

I'm always here to back you up whenever you need help running your payroll. I can also aid you if you have other QuickBooks concerns. Just leave the details of it and I'll answer them for you. Have a good one!

I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE HELP DESK OR SUPPORT IS USELESS. I DID A SHARE SCREEN THE PERSON ON THE OTHER LINE HAD ME GOOGLE REPAIR QUICKBOOKS! WASTED A WHOLE DAY YESTERDAY WITH QUICKBOOKS HELP SUPPORT-GOT HUNG UP ON MULTIPLE TIMES AND WASTED TWO WHOLE DAYS WITH THIS. IM AT MY BREAKING POINT! 

This morning when I try to run my QB payroll (which is overdue) it is asking me to update but states last day to update was on 8/31/21.  This did not pop up yesterday. When I click on update, a pop up window of Error code 40003 comes up stating to contact support.  I have requested twice now (20 minutes apart) for call back with no phone call. 

This is not the kind of experience that we want you to have, @AshleyCo and @bt936. 

I can help you with resolving the error you have to run your payroll successfully. 

This error code 40003 could be caused by damaged components in your QuickBooks, your connection, or firewall settings. You can update QuickBooks Desktop to get the latest release and resolve the error you're having. 

Follow the steps below:

1. Search for QuickBooks Desktop. Right-click the icon and select Run as administrator.
2. From the No Company Open screen, go to the Help menu and select Update QuickBooks Desktop.
3. Click the Options tab and select Mark All and then choose Save.
4. Go to the Update Now tab and select the Reset Update checkbox.
5. Click on Get Updates.

You can now restart your computer for the changes to take effect. 

Check the following articles if you need more help troubleshooting the error you have when updating your payroll:

• Verify and troubleshoot QuickBooks Desktop and Internet Explorer settings
• Configure firewall and internet security settings for QuickBooks Desktop

Once resolved, you can now run your payroll, see this article for detailed guidance: How do I create a paycheck for an employee?. 

Then, refer to the following article for more information about using the diagnostic tool in QuickBooks Desktop for any missing information and discrepancies: Run payroll checkup.

If I can be of any further help in resolving the error you're having to run your payroll successfully, let me know in the Reply section below. I'm always glad to assist in any way I can.​ Have a wonderful day!

@MJoy_DI will try this but that isn't the error code I'm trying to fix. I keep getting the PS038. And I still cannot run payroll. I've had employees waiting days for payment.

Hello there, @AshleyCo. Thanks for confirming the specific error you've encountered.

Allow me to join the thread and help you in fixing the payroll issue.

To start with, please make sure you have the most recent QuickBooks Desktop software release and Tax Table updates.

Once verified, try sending your usage/payroll data. Here's how:

1. Go to the Employees menu at the top.
2. Choose My Payroll Service.
3. Click Send Usage Data. 

If the send is successful, try to get payroll updates again. If the issue persists, follow the steps below:

1. Create a backup of the company file.
2. Go to the Edit menu at the top.
3. Choose Find.
4. Go to the Advanced tab.
5. In the Choose filter section, select Detail Level from the Filter list. On the right, select Summary only.
6. In the Choose filter section, select Online Status from the Filter list. Select Online to Send.
7. Click the Find button to see the paychecks that haven't been sent to Intuit.
8. Record the details of the paycheck(s). (You can also create a Payroll Summary report for the date of the transaction.) Send to Excel and Save.

However, if the error still showing, continue following Step 3 on this article: Resolve payroll error PS038.

For additional information, here's a resource to know more about fixing PSXXX errors: Fix PSXXX errors. 

Keep me posted on how things go on your end, @AshleyCo. I want to ensure this gets resolved for you.

Hi, bt936 and all

Hello, Shelby31. 

I've got the needed steps to help you fix error PS038 in QuickBooks. The said error happens when running payroll and downloading tax table updates.
  

To fix it, let's ensure your QuickBooks Desktop is updated to the latest release.

Once done, let's send your payroll data or usage data: 

1. Click the Employees. 
2. Pick My Payroll Service. 
3. Tap Send Usage Data.  

However, If you don’t see this option, follow the next step. 

1. Press Employees, then select Send Payroll Data.
2. In the Send/Receive Payroll Data window, choose Send All.  
3. Then enter your payroll service pin if prompted.

If its successfully send, try to get payroll updates again. 

To lead other possible solutions to the error you encountered, please review this article: Resolve payroll error PS038.   

Keep in touch with me on what the results are. I'll be around whenever you need further assistance. Stay safe!

Hey there, @Sam331. 

Thanks for chiming in on this thread. Allow me to point you in the right direction to get this problem handled. 

If none of the steps above worked for you, I suggest reaching out to our Customer Support Team for further assistance with your account. They have other advanced tools to take a closer look at the situation. Here's how: 

1. Go to the Help menu. 
2. Click the QuickBooks Desktop Help option. 
3. Press the Contact Us hyperlink. 
4. Enter your question and hit Let's talk. 
5. Scroll down and choose to Get a callback. 

It's that easy! 

Keep us updated on how the call goes. It's my priority that you're able process your payroll. Have a splendid weekend! 

Thanks for following up with the Community, Sam331.

I appreciate you performing my colleague's troubleshooting steps and also troubleshooting with our Customer Care team. I'd recommend continuing to get in touch with our Customer Care team so they can pull up your account in a secure environment, conduct further research, and create an investigation ticket if necessary.

They can be reached using the steps detailed in Candice C's post. You can also choose to chat with them if you'd prefer to. Be sure to review their support hours so you'll know when agents are available.

Please feel welcome to post a reply here or create a new thread if there's ever any questions. Enjoy the rest of your day!