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July 1, 2021
Question

Issues with Data File

  • July 1, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 0 views

We are having major issues with our data file.  When I came in this morning it was telling me that we had unpaid liabilities from last year (which we don't), but our balance sheet and reports were correct.  I rebuilt the file and tried to verify data several times.  First I got error #179, then that cleared and now it's #248.  I've been on hold or waiting for a call back from Intuit ALL day and I'm still nowhere.  Can anyone help?  Are there any companies I can pay to help?  I'm really just at my wits end here and need this resolved immediately.  

3 replies

Moderator
July 1, 2021

I'll ensure that your company file is free from any potential data issues, seasidelauren.

 

Error 278 occurs when an employee was overpaid or the Payroll Taxes. Since your balance sheet and report were correct. We can perform some troubleshooting steps to fix it. Let's make sure that your QuickBooks software is updated to the latest release. Then, download the QuickBooks File Doctor to your computer. We can use the QuickBooks File Doctor to scan your company file and fix possible data issues.

 

Step 1: Download and install QuickBooks Tool Hub.

 

  1. Open the file you downloaded (QuickBooksToolHub.exe).
  2. Follow the on-screen steps to install and agree to the terms and conditions.
  3. When the install finishes, double-click the icon on your Windows desktop to open the tool hub.

 

Step 2: Run Quick Fix my File.

 

  1. From the tool hub, select Company File Issues.
  2. Choose Quick Fix my File.
  3. Click OK when it completes and launch your QuickBooks.

 

If you get an error message, move to Step 3.

 

Step 3: Run QuickBooks File Doctor.

 

  1. From the tool hub, select Company File Issues.
  2. Choose Run QuickBooks File Doctor. It can take up to one minute for the file doctor to open. Note: If the QuickBooks File Doctor doesn't open, search for QuickBooks Desktop File Doc and open it manually.
  3. In QuickBooks File Doctor, select your company file from the drop-down menu. If you don’t see your file, click Browse and search to find your file.
  4. Hit Check your file (middle option only) and then Continue.
  5. Enter your QuickBooks admin password and then select Next.

 

Once done, you can run the Verify and Rebuild data again to check your file if it's already free of any error. Also, it's common to run rebuild multiple times as long as the error message is changing. There are times that data issues can be fixed one at a time after the others have been resolved.

 

For your reference, you can see the steps through this guide: Fix company file and network issues with QuickBooks File Doctor.

 

In case you want to correct year-to-date(YTD), you can review this resource: Adjust payroll liabilities in QuickBooks Desktop. This includes helpful tips and processes to correct your liabilities.

 

Let me know if you have any QuickBooks-related concerns. I'm here to help you.

July 1, 2021

I've already done these steps and I've rebuilt the file at least 10 times and the errors persist.

July 2, 2021

@seasidelauren 

Are you using QBD Pro/Premier? How big is your file size?


Pro, it's fairly large, I'd like to condense the data but I'm a little nervous until we can get these errors cleared up. . . 

July 2, 2021

There are many reliable third-party companies that can repair your data file such as Fourlane, Q2Q, or E-Tech.

July 2, 2021

Yes, there are companies that can assist you with fixing this. PM me if you would like a recommendation or two.

AlexV
Level 10
July 2, 2021

Hello seasidelauren!

 

I'm joining this post so I can help you in fixing the withholding issue.

 

First, we need to make an adjustment to correct the withholding. Please follow these steps:

  1. From the Employee menu, select Payroll Taxes and Liabilities.
  2. Select Adjust Payroll Liabilities, then enter the Date and Effective Date.
  3. In the Adjustment is for section, select the Employee and the employee's name.
  4. Under Taxes and Liabilities, select the payroll item you need to adjust and enter a negative number to reduce it. Click OK to save it.

 

Once done, please note that you need to amend both W-2, 941, and 940. QuickBooks Desktop offers a printable W-2c and W-3c that you can use as a reference. You'll need to file the W-2c and W-3c manually with the Social Security Administration. Follow these steps:

  1. From the Employees menu, select Payroll Center.
  2. Go to the File Forms tab and select Annual Form W-2c/W-3c - corrected Wage and Tax Statement, then Create Form.
  3. Select the employee, then OK. Click Review/Edit.
  4. Review each page. Make sure to check the box Check if this is a W-2c (corrected W-2).
  5. Fill in only the lines that need to be fixed in both the Previously Reported and Correct Information columns. 
  6. Remove the amounts from the remaining lines. Right-click on the amounts and select Override, then delete the amounts.

 

Check this link for Forms 941 and 940: Correct or Amend Forms 941 and 940. If you subscribed to Assisted payroll, please reach out to our Support Team so they can help you with the amendment.

  1. Go to Help, then select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
  2. Select Contact Us.
  3. Enter "Correct 941 & 940", select Let's talk, and then choose a way to connect.

 

Also, here's the article to answers common questions about W-2: Get answers to your W-2 questions.

 

If there are still unpaid liabilities from last year, you can record prior tax payments by following these steps:

  1. From the Help menu, choose About QuickBooks.
  2. Press Ctrl + Alt + Y, or Ctrl + Shift + Y to open the Setup YTD Amount window.
  3. Click Next until you reach the Enter prior payments section.
  4. Select Create Payment to enter all prior payroll taxes you've made.
  5. Tap the Accounts Affected... button. This displays options for how you want the payment to affect your Chart of Accounts (COA).
  6. Continue this process until you have completed all payments. Click Done to save your work, then select Finish to close the window.

 

If you need payroll reports, please visit this page: Reports.

 

Leave a comment again below if you need more help. Take care always!

July 2, 2021

This would result in tax implications for an employee that has already filed their returns and received refunds based on the incorrect amounts withheld.  So we can't just edit everything and refile at this point - how do I clear these errors from QB?