# QuickBooks Payroll Tax Table Not Updating – Causes, Errors & Complete Fix Guide

QuickBooks Payroll relies on **regular tax table updates** to calculate payroll taxes accurately and remain compliant with federal, state, and local regulations. When the **QuickBooks payroll tax table does not update**, it can result in **incorrect tax calculations, payroll processing errors, and compliance risks**.


## What Is a QuickBooks Payroll Tax Table?

A **Payroll Tax Table** is a database that contains:

* Federal tax rates
* State and local tax rates
* Payroll calculation formulas
* Tax thresholds and limits

QuickBooks updates these tables regularly to reflect **IRS and state tax law changes**. Without current tax tables, payroll calculations become **outdated and inaccurate**.

## Why Is My QuickBooks Payroll Tax Table Not Updating?

Several factors can prevent payroll tax table updates, including:

* Expired payroll subscription
* Poor or unstable internet connection
* Firewall or antivirus blocking QuickBooks
* Incorrect system date & time
* Corrupt QuickBooks installation
* Damaged company file
* Windows permission issues

## Common Error Messages When Payroll Tax Table Won’t Update

You may see one or more of the following error messages:

* **QuickBooks Error PS038**
* **QuickBooks Error PS077**
* **QuickBooks Error PS032**
* **QuickBooks Error 15270**
* **QuickBooks Error 12002, 12007, 12009, 12029**
* **You have not downloaded the latest tax table update**
* **Cannot update payroll tax tables**

# Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Payroll Tax Table Update Issues

## Solution 1: Verify Your Payroll Subscription Status

1. Open QuickBooks
2. Go to **Employees → My Payroll Service → Account/Billing Information**
3. Log in and verify **Active subscription status**

If expired, **renew your payroll service** to receive tax updates.

## Solution 2: Update QuickBooks Desktop to Latest Release

1. Go to **Help → Update QuickBooks Desktop**
2. Click **Update Now → Get Updates**
3. Restart QuickBooks

Keeping QuickBooks updated prevents compatibility issues.

## Solution 3: Manually Download Payroll Tax Table Updates

1. Go to **Employees → Get Payroll Updates**
2. Check **Download Entire Update**
3. Click **Update**

After completion, confirm tax table version via:

**Employees → My Payroll Service → Tax Table Information**

## Solution 4: Check System Date & Time Settings

Incorrect system time can block updates.

1. Right-click Windows clock → **Adjust Date & Time**
2. Enable **Set time automatically**
3. Sync system clock

## Solution 5: Run QuickBooks as Administrator

1. Close QuickBooks
2. Right-click QuickBooks icon → **Run as Administrator**
3. Retry payroll tax update

## Solution 6: Configure Firewall & Antivirus Settings

Allow QuickBooks programs:

* QBW32.exe
* QBUpdate.exe
* IntuitSyncManager.exe

Open ports:

* **80, 443, 8019, 56728**

## Solution 7: Use QuickBooks Tool Hub (Recommended Fix)

1. Download **QuickBooks Tool Hub**
2. Open → **Installation Issues → QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool**
3. Run → Restart PC → Retry update

## Solution 8: Reset Payroll Updates (Fix PS038 Error)

1. Employees → **Send Payroll Data**
2. Retry update
3. If stuck paychecks exist, remove and recreate them

# Advanced Troubleshooting (Professional Fixes)

If the problem persists:

* Perform **Clean Install of QuickBooks**
* Repair **Windows .NET Framework**
* Use **Verify & Rebuild Data Utility**
* Install QuickBooks in **Selective Startup Mode**

# Error Code Breakdown – Causes & Fix Summary

| Error Code | Main Cause | Recommended Fix |
| ----------- | -------------------- | --------------------- |
| PS038 | Stuck paychecks | Resend payroll data |
| PS077 | Corrupt installation | Repair QuickBooks |
| PS032 | Corrupt company file | Verify & Rebuild |
| 15270 | Update conflict | Restart QuickBooks |
| 12002/12007 | Network timeout | Fix internet/firewall |

# Best Practices to Prevent Payroll Tax Table Update Errors

✔ Always keep QuickBooks updated
✔ Maintain active payroll subscription
✔ Run QuickBooks as Administrator
✔ Regularly verify system date/time
✔ Allow QuickBooks through firewall
✔ Use automated backups

# Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### Q1. How often does QuickBooks release payroll tax updates?

QuickBooks releases tax table updates **weekly or bi-weekly**, depending on tax law changes.

### Q2. Can I run payroll without updating tax tables?

No. Running payroll with outdated tax tables may result in **incorrect tax calculations and penalties**.

### Q3. Why does my tax table update stop at 0%?

Usually due to **firewall restrictions, network issues, or Windows permission problems**.

### Q4. Can I manually install payroll tax updates?

Yes. Intuit provides **manual payroll tax update files** for offline installations.

# Final Thoughts

When **QuickBooks payroll tax table won’t update**, it can seriously impact **payroll accuracy, compliance, and business operations**. By following the troubleshooting steps in this guide, most payroll update problems can be **resolved quickly and safely**.

👉 **Facing QuickBooks payroll tax table update issues? Contact our experts today 888-463-3385 for fast and secure payroll troubleshooting support!**