QuickBooks offers different features and tools to streamline multiple business operations, but it is very prone to certain errors. You might face the QuickBooks payroll error PS038 when your payroll is stuck and shows “online to send”. If we talk about its causes, then the misconfigured date and time of the system can play a major role in the occurrence of this error, for instance. This error further prevents you from accessing payroll features.

Going down to the end of the blog, you will see all the information, including the causes and the solutions. The following is the warning message that you may encounter when this occurs:

“You’ve retrieved the latest payroll update and validated your Payroll subscription.  We strongly recommend that you go online again before 02/16/2019. [PS038]”

Stuck with a technical problem? Don’t worry—our expert team is here to guide you thoroughly. Dial our 1–855–542–9309 to connect with a QuickBooks ProAdvisor today.

Responsible Causes for QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038

QuickBooks error PS038 is caused by a number of reasons that have been elaborated below:

• Corruption of QuickBooks company files.
• Wrong internet connection settings.
• Incorrect Internet Security.
• Misconfigured firewall application settings.
• A file that is essential to update payroll is missing.
• QuickBooks is unable to verify the digital signature.
• Multiple versions of QuickBooks are available on your computer.

Delve into Troubleshooting Methods for QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038

After knowing about the error code and the causes that triggered it. It’s time to learn the troubleshooting methods to get rid of this error as soon as possible:

Recommended to read: QuickBooks error 7149

Step 1: Start by updating and backing up the QuickBooks data

Before you send payroll data, it is required to update QB and create a backup of your data.

Step 2: Let’s send payroll data or usage data

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

Note: If you can’t see any of these options, move ahead.

1. Go to the Employees tab.
2. Click on Send Payroll Data.
3. Head over to the Send/Receive Payroll Data window
4. Choose Send All. 
5. You might be prompted to enter the payroll service PIN.
6. Enter payroll service PIN.

You can update your payroll if the send is successful.

If it is unsuccessful, contact professionals. 

In case the error still persists, go to the next step.

Step 3: Identifying stuck paychecks

1. Head to Edit.
2. Choose Find.
3. Click the Advanced tab.
4. Head over to the Filter section.
5. Tap Detail Level from the Filter list.
6. Click Summary Only.
7. Take a look at the Filter list. 
8. Swipe down to the Online Status.
9. Pick Online to send.
10. Choose the Find option.
11. You can see the paychecks that were not sent to Intuit.
12. Look at the Find window.
13. Note the Number of matches.

Step 4: Verifying and rebuilding your data

1. Close the Find window.
2. Run a data verification tool. 
3. You can see the paychecks that are stuck and waiting to be sent. 
4. Rebuild your data file.
5. Download the payroll update.

If the error still doesn’t fade away, contact a QB expert.

Final Thoughts

To end the blog, QuickBooks payroll error PS038 is one of the PSXXX series issues that disrupts operations and prevents you from accessing many payroll features. If you have understood the blog, implement the steps accordingly; otherwise, you can opt to contact professionals if resolving the error feels difficult. Dial 1–855–542–9309 to do so.

You may also read: Understanding and Troubleshooting: QuickBooks Running Slow