---
# System prepended metadata

title: 'QuickBooks Error PS033: Fix Payroll Update Issues (Step-by-Step)'
tags: [QuickBooks Error PS033, QuickBooks payroll update error PS033, QuickBooks payroll error PS033, PS033 QuickBooks Desktop]

---

# QuickBooks Error PS033: Fix Payroll Update Issues (Step-by-Step)

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Payroll processing is critical for any business. QuickBooks Desktop users rely on accurate payroll updates to calculate taxes, deductions, and employee paychecks. However, encountering a **QuickBooks Error PS033** can disrupt payroll updates and delay important payments.

This guide will explain **what QuickBooks Error PS033 is**, the common causes, and provide **step-by-step solutions** to fix payroll update issues quickly and safely.

## What is QuickBooks Error PS033?

**QuickBooks Error PS033** appears when QuickBooks Desktop is unable to update payroll due to subscription or connectivity issues. This error often occurs during the payroll update process and may display a message like:

> “QuickBooks cannot update payroll due to Error PS033. Please verify your payroll subscription.”

This error prevents QuickBooks from downloading the latest payroll tax tables, which may affect federal and state tax calculations. Ignoring this error can lead to non-compliance and incorrect payroll processing.


## Common Causes of QuickBooks Payroll Error PS033

Understanding why **QuickBooks Error PS033** occurs will help you prevent it in the future. Key causes include:

1. **Inactive Payroll Subscription**

   * If your payroll subscription has expired or is not active, updates cannot be downloaded.

2. **Damaged or Missing Payroll Update Files**

   * Corrupt update files can prevent QuickBooks from completing payroll updates.

3. **Incorrect System Date and Time**

   * QuickBooks validates subscription dates; incorrect system settings may trigger PS033.

4. **Network or Firewall Restrictions**

   * QuickBooks needs internet access to validate subscriptions and download updates. Firewalls or antivirus programs may block this process.

5. **Damaged QuickBooks Desktop Installation**

   * Corrupted installation files can interfere with payroll updates.

6. **Limited User Permissions**

   * Lack of administrative privileges can prevent payroll updates from completing successfully.

## Step-by-Step Guide to Fix QuickBooks Error PS033

Follow these steps to resolve the **QuickBooks payroll update error PS033**:

### Step 1: Verify Your Payroll Subscription

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Go to **Employees → My Payroll Service → Account/Billing Information**.
3. Check that your subscription is active.
4. If it is inactive or expired, renew your subscription immediately.

### Step 2: Ensure Stable Internet Connection

* QuickBooks requires an uninterrupted internet connection to update payroll.
* Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus software that may block QuickBooks servers.

### Step 3: Correct Date and Time Settings

1. Right-click your computer’s clock → Adjust date/time settings.
2. Ensure your system date, time, and time zone are correct.
3. Restart QuickBooks and retry payroll updates.

### Step 4: Update QuickBooks Desktop

1. Go to **Help → Update QuickBooks Desktop → Update Now**.
2. Select **Get Updates** and restart QuickBooks once the update completes.
3. Retry the payroll update to check if PS033 is resolved.

### Step 5: Repair QuickBooks Desktop Installation

1. Close QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Go to **Control Panel → Programs and Features → QuickBooks Desktop → Uninstall/Change → Repair**.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to repair QuickBooks.

### Step 6: Run QuickBooks as Administrator

* Right-click the QuickBooks Desktop icon → **Run as Administrator**.
* Attempt the payroll update again to bypass permission-related errors.

### Step 7: Manually Download the Latest Payroll Tax Table

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Navigate to **Employees → Get Payroll Updates → Download Entire Payroll Update**.
3. This ensures the most recent payroll tax tables are downloaded.

### Step 8: Check Firewall and Security Settings

* Add QuickBooks and its payroll servers to the firewall exceptions list.
* Ensure antivirus or VPN software does not block QuickBooks access to Intuit servers.

### Step 9: Contact QuickBooks Payroll Support

If PS033 persists after following the above steps, call **844-753-8012**. Certified QuickBooks experts can resolve subscription issues, repair payroll files, and troubleshoot update failures efficiently.

## Tips to Prevent QuickBooks Payroll Update Error PS033

1. **Keep Payroll Subscription Active** – Always ensure your subscription is valid and renewed on time.
2. **Update QuickBooks Desktop Regularly** – Installing the latest updates prevents compatibility issues.
3. **Verify Internet and Firewall Settings** – Allow QuickBooks to access payroll servers.
4. **Maintain Accurate System Date & Time** – Correct computer settings are essential for subscription validation.
5. **Backup Your Company File** – Always back up before updating payroll to prevent data loss.
6. **Check Administrative Rights** – Ensure you have full admin access to perform updates.

## Why Resolving QuickBooks Error PS033 is Critical

1. **Accurate Payroll Calculations** – Ensures employee wages, taxes, and deductions are correct.
2. **Compliance** – Prevents errors in federal and state tax filings due to outdated payroll tables.
3. **Business Continuity** – Avoids payroll delays and maintains employee trust.
4. **Data Integrity** – Prevents data corruption or discrepancies in payroll history.


## Final Thoughts

**QuickBooks Error PS033** can disrupt payroll processing and create compliance risks. By verifying your payroll subscription, updating QuickBooks Desktop, and following the step-by-step guide, you can quickly resolve this error and continue processing payroll accurately.

For persistent **QuickBooks PS033 payroll update errors**, call **844-753-8012** to get expert assistance. Professional QuickBooks support ensures your payroll updates correctly and your accounting remains error-free.

## Common Questions About QuickBooks Error PS033

**Q. Does PS033 affect payroll processing?**
**A.** Yes. If QuickBooks cannot update payroll, tax tables may be outdated, leading to inaccurate payroll calculations.

**Q. Is QuickBooks Error PS033 only for Desktop users?**
**A.** Primarily, yes. QuickBooks Online handles payroll differently and does not encounter PS033.

**Q. How long does it take to fix PS033?**
**A.** Minor issues like date/time or subscription errors can be fixed in minutes. Installation or file corruption issues may take longer.

**Q. Will repairing QuickBooks affect my company data?**
**A.** No. Repairing QuickBooks fixes program files only; your company file remains intact.

**Q. Who can help if PS033 persists?**
**A.** Call **844-753-8012** for professional QuickBooks payroll support to resolve PS033 safely and quickly.
