QB Error PS038: Let’s Troubleshoot the Payroll Update Error

QuickBooks is finance management software adopted in businesses worldwide to enhance their accounting and payroll processes. However, like all software, QuickBooks may encounter problems that may affect its performance. One is QuickBooks error PS038, which is often prevalent when synchronizing the payroll tax table list. This article will endeavor to provide an extensive overview of this error and some of the possible remedies for its occurrence.

QuickBooks Error PS038 is associated with payroll taxes. It usually appears as a message on the user’s QuickBooks screen or a popup window when the most current Payroll Tax Table update is downloaded and installed. This error prevents the completion of the payroll update and can cause deficits in the payroll calculation if it is not resolved immediately.

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What Triggers Payroll Update Error PS038 in QuickBooks?

You can identify and determine the following reasons for error PS038 on your system:

• QB Error PS038 can occur because of stuck paychecks pending paychecks that haven't been successfully processed or sent. These paychecks disrupt the payroll update and cause the error to appear.
• The user attempting to access the payroll update might need more privileges. In this case, the user does not have the necessary permissions or administrative rights to perform this task.

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Best Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Desktop Error PS038

Here’s a list of some tried-and-tested solutions; following them will help you fix not only error PS038 but also other payroll-related errors, including PS0XX, QuickBooks error PS036, QuickBooks error PS033, and others.

Solution 1: Check the Details of Paychecks Stuck in QuickBooks

Review the details on the paychecks stuck in QuickBooks when encountering error code PS038. Follow the steps in the 'Check and Locate Stuck Paychecks' section to gather a list of all paychecks stuck in QuickBooks.

• From the list, select ‘Paycheck Detail.’
• Next, head to the ‘Earnings’ tab in the Review Paycheck window.
• Locate the last item in the list and add it as a new item.
• QuickBooks will display a Net Pay Locked window; choose ‘No’ to close it.
• Now, choose the ‘Rate Field’ for the newly added item.
• Ensure there are no changes in Net Pay and taxes, then click ‘OK.’
• Choose ‘Save & Close,’ and click ‘Yes’ when prompted with Recording Transactions.
• Reopen the paycheck and select ‘Paycheck Details.’
• Delete the item added in the above step.
• Click ‘Save & Close’ to save changes.
• Repeat these steps for each paycheck and verify if the error is resolved.

Solution 2: Utilize Payroll Data and Company File Backup

Encountering QuickBooks error PS038 may lead to challenges accessing payroll data or company files. In such instances, utilizing a backup can help ensure the seamless operation of QuickBooks.

• Go to the ‘File’ menu in QuickBooks' main interface.
• Select ‘Backup Company,’ then choose ‘Local Backup.’
• After the Create Backup page shows up, select ‘Local Backup.’
• Access the Options section and open the ‘Backup Options’ window.
• Click ‘Browse’ to designate the file location.
• Confirm by selecting ‘OK’ to save the file in the chosen location.
• Remember to select a local drive for the backup.

Hopefully, the information provided in this blog helped you fix QuickBooks error PS038 and update the payroll tax table seamlessly. However, in critical situations, if the error persists or you have any queries, feel free to connect with our team of QuickBooks experts. Dial +1.833.802.0002 now and get the issues resolved instantly.