# [phone] How to Fix QuickBooks Payroll Keeps Turning Off Issue?

QuickBooks is widely recognized for simplifying financial and payroll tasks for small and medium-sized businesses. However, many users occasionally encounter technical hiccups, such as the frustrating issue where **QuickBooks Payroll keeps turning off automatically**. This problem can hinder payroll processing, employee compensation, and tax filing, potentially leading to compliance issues.

If you're facing this issue, you're not alone. This guide explains the causes, signs, and step-by-step methods to **fix the “QuickBooks Payroll keeps turning off” issue** on both **QuickBooks Desktop and Online**, with expert support available at **[phone]**.

## ✅ Table of Contents

1. [What is the “Payroll Keeps Turning Off” Issue?](#what-is-the-payroll-keeps-turning-off-issue)
2. [Why Does QuickBooks Payroll Turn Off Automatically?](#why-does-quickbooks-payroll-turn-off-automatically)
3. [Common Signs and Symptoms](#common-signs-and-symptoms)
4. [Preliminary Checklist Before Troubleshooting](#preliminary-checklist-before-troubleshooting)
5. [Fixes for QuickBooks Desktop](#fixes-for-quickbooks-desktop)
6. [Fixes for QuickBooks Online](#fixes-for-quickbooks-online)
7. [Advanced Solutions](#advanced-solutions)
8. [When to Call Support – [phone]](#when-to-call-support)
9. [Preventive Measures](#preventive-measures)
10. [Conclusion](#conclusion)

## 📌 What is the “Payroll Keeps Turning Off” Issue?

The **“QuickBooks Payroll keeps turning off”** issue occurs when your payroll subscription is either deactivated repeatedly or fails to stay active. You may notice that payroll options are unavailable even after reactivating the service, leading to disruption in payroll processing or employee tax calculations.

This error can happen intermittently or persist until manually fixed or addressed by support.

## ❓ Why Does QuickBooks Payroll Turn Off Automatically?

Several causes can trigger this issue. Understanding them helps in applying the correct solution:

### 1. **Expired or Inactive Payroll Subscription**

If your payroll subscription has lapsed or wasn't renewed properly, it may shut down repeatedly.

### 2. **Incorrect Service Key**

A mismatched or incorrect **Payroll Service Key** can cause communication issues between your QuickBooks software and Intuit servers.

### 3. **Corrupt or Missing QuickBooks Files**

Damaged or missing components like `payroll.ini` or `qbwuser.ini` may impact payroll services.

### 4. **Outdated QuickBooks Software**

Using an outdated QuickBooks version can prevent compatibility with payroll services.

### 5. **Internet Connectivity Issues**

QuickBooks requires a stable internet connection to verify and maintain payroll subscription status.

### 6. **Multi-user Conflicts**

If QuickBooks is set up in **multi-user mode**, one user’s settings or restrictions may interfere with payroll access.

### 7. **Windows or Security Settings**

Antivirus, firewall, or UAC settings might block payroll service files or communications.

## 🔍 Common Signs and Symptoms

Here’s how you can tell if you are facing this problem:

* Payroll center doesn’t open
* “Reactivate Payroll” message pops up repeatedly
* Employees' tax info disappears
* Direct Deposit feature disappears or fails
* Paycheck calculations are incorrect
* Payroll subscription status displays "Inactive" even after activation

## 📝 Preliminary Checklist Before Troubleshooting

Before diving into the fixes, ensure you have the following ready:

* Your **QuickBooks Admin login credentials**
* **Payroll service key**
* **Intuit account login info**
* An active **internet connection**
* QuickBooks updated to the latest release

You can also call the **QuickBooks Payroll Experts at [phone]** for guided assistance.

## 🛠 Fixes for QuickBooks Desktop

Let’s begin troubleshooting if you’re using **QuickBooks Desktop**.

### ✅ Step 1: Verify Your Payroll Subscription Status

1. Open QuickBooks Desktop.
2. Go to **Employees** > **My Payroll Service** > **Account/Billing Information**.
3. Log in to your Intuit account.
4. Check the subscription status. If inactive, renew the service or call **[phone]**.

### ✅ Step 2: Re-enter the Payroll Service Key

1. Go to **Employees** > **My Payroll Service** > **Manage Service Key**.
2. Click **Edit**.
3. Remove the old key and enter the correct **16-digit Payroll Service Key**.
4. Click **Next** and then **Finish**.
5. Restart QuickBooks and check if payroll is working.

### ✅ Step 3: Update QuickBooks and Tax Tables

1. Go to **Help** > **Update QuickBooks Desktop**.
2. Click on **Update Now** tab.
3. Select all available updates and click **Get Updates**.
4. Once updated, go to **Employees** > **Get Payroll Updates**.
5. Check the **Download Entire Update** box and click **Download Latest Update**.

### ✅ Step 4: Repair QuickBooks Installation

1. Close QuickBooks.
2. Open **Control Panel** > **Programs and Features**.
3. Select **QuickBooks** > **Uninstall/Change** > **Repair**.
4. Follow on-screen prompts to complete the repair.

### ✅ Step 5: Configure Firewall and Security Settings

1. Add QuickBooks and payroll-related files (like `qbw32.exe`, `qbupdate.exe`) as **exceptions** in firewall settings.
2. Ensure ports used by QuickBooks (like 8019, 56728, etc.) are open.

## 🌐 Fixes for QuickBooks Online

If you are facing the issue in **QuickBooks Online Payroll**, follow these solutions.

### ✅ Step 1: Log Out and Log Back In

1. Sign out of your QuickBooks Online account.
2. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
3. Sign back in and go to **Payroll > Overview**.
4. Check if the payroll features are accessible.

### ✅ Step 2: Verify Subscription in Intuit Account

1. Go to **[https://accounts.intuit.com/](https://accounts.intuit.com/)**.
2. Log in using your QuickBooks credentials.
3. Navigate to **Billing & Subscription**.
4. Ensure payroll subscription is active and payment info is up to date.

### ✅ Step 3: Try Incognito/Private Browser Mode

Sometimes browser extensions or cache can interfere. Use:

* Chrome: `Ctrl + Shift + N`
* Firefox: `Ctrl + Shift + P`
* Safari: Private Window

Check if payroll works from there.

### ✅ Step 4: Contact Your Accountant or Admin

In QuickBooks Online, your access level may be limited. Ensure you're logged in as an **Admin** or ask the primary admin to verify the payroll settings.

## 🧰 Advanced Solutions

If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, try these advanced fixes:

### ⚙ Use QuickBooks Tool Hub

1. Download **QuickBooks Tool Hub** from Intuit's official website.
2. Install and open it.
3. Select **Program Problems** and run **Quick Fix my Program**.
4. Restart your system and relaunch QuickBooks.

### ⚙ Reset QuickBooks Desktop Update

1. Open QuickBooks.
2. Go to **Help** > **Update QuickBooks Desktop**.
3. Click **Reset Update**.
4. Download the update again and restart QuickBooks.

### ⚙ Rename QBWUSER.INI File

1. Navigate to:
`C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Intuit\QuickBooks [Year]`
2. Find `QBWUSER.ini` and rename it to `QBWUSER.old`.
3. Reopen QuickBooks. This forces the software to create a fresh .ini file.

## 📞 When to Call Support – [phone]

If none of the above methods fix the issue, or you experience:

* Frequent payroll deactivation
* Damaged company files
* Locked Intuit accounts
* Error codes like PS036, 30114, or 15276

Then it's best to speak with a certified expert by calling **[phone]**. Our professionals can diagnose subscription issues, corrupted files, and multi-user errors in real time.

## 🛡 Preventive Measures

Avoid future disruptions by following these steps:

* **Renew your subscription** on time.
* Always keep **QuickBooks and tax tables** updated.
* Avoid using multiple admin accounts with payroll access.
* Run **company file backups** regularly.
* Use **Intuit-recommended browsers** for QuickBooks Online.
* Whitelist Intuit’s domains in your antivirus and firewall settings.

## 🧾 Conclusion

The **QuickBooks Payroll Keeps Turning Off** issue can be frustrating, especially during important payroll runs or tax deadlines. Whether it’s due to subscription mismatches, outdated versions, or corrupted files, this guide has equipped you with everything you need to diagnose and resolve the problem.

However, if you’re still unable to restore your payroll service, don’t waste time risking employee satisfaction or compliance penalties. **Call QuickBooks Payroll Support at [phone]** and let certified professionals resolve it for you swiftly and accurately.