# QuickBooks Payroll PS038 Error: Fix Payroll Update Not Working

Seeing **QuickBooks Payroll PS038 Error** can be frustrating — especially when payroll is due and employees are waiting to get paid.

This error usually appears when QuickBooks gets **stuck paychecks** and cannot update payroll tax tables. As a result, payroll updates fail and you may not be able to run payroll at all.

If this is happening right now, don’t worry. This is a common QuickBooks Payroll issue — and it can be fixed.

📞 **Need immediate help? Call QuickBooks Payroll Support: [phone]**

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## What Is QuickBooks Payroll PS038 Error?

PS038 happens when:

* Paychecks are stuck in “Online to Send” status
* Payroll updates won’t complete
* QuickBooks can’t verify payroll data

Because of this, you may be unable to:

* Download payroll updates
* Process payroll
* Calculate taxes correctly
* Submit payroll forms

If payday is close and PS038 is blocking payroll:

📞 **Call [phone] right now.**

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## Common Signs of PS038 Error

You might notice:

* “You have retrieved the latest payroll update and it cannot be validated”
* Payroll update fails repeatedly
* Paychecks stuck in queue
* Payroll won’t run
* Error PS038 appears on screen

These are clear signs QuickBooks Payroll is experiencing PS038 issues.

📞 **For fast help, call [phone].**

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## Main Reasons Why QuickBooks Payroll PS038 Error Occurs

Let’s keep this simple.

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### 1. Stuck Paychecks

Old or unsent paychecks prevent payroll updates.

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### 2. Damaged Payroll Data

Corrupted payroll files can trigger PS038.

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### 3. Outdated QuickBooks Desktop

Older versions struggle to sync payroll data.

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### 4. Internet or Server Issues

QuickBooks must connect to Intuit servers to validate payroll.

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### 5. Company File Damage

A damaged company file can block payroll communication.

Not sure which one applies to you?

📞 **Call [phone] and let a payroll expert diagnose it.**

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## How to Fix QuickBooks Payroll PS038 Error (Step-by-Step)

Follow these easy steps. Many small business owners fix PS038 this way.

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### ✅ Step 1: Update QuickBooks Desktop

1. Open QuickBooks
2. Go to **Help → Update QuickBooks Desktop**
3. Click **Update Now**
4. Restart QuickBooks

Updates fix many payroll bugs.

📞 **Still seeing PS038? Call [phone].**

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### ✅ Step 2: Find Stuck Paychecks

1. Press **Ctrl + F**
2. Select **Advanced**
3. Filter by **Online Status = To Send**

Delete or resend any stuck paychecks.

📞 **Need help finding stuck paychecks? Call [phone].**

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### ✅ Step 3: Verify and Rebuild Company File

1. Go to **File → Utilities → Verify Data**
2. If errors appear, run **Rebuild Data**

This repairs internal payroll problems.

📞 **For file repair, call [phone].**

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### ✅ Step 4: Send Payroll Data Again

1. Go to **Employees → Send Payroll Data**
2. Wait for confirmation

Then retry payroll updates.

📞 **If this fails, call [phone].**

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### ✅ Step 5: Download Payroll Updates Manually

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

📞 **Still stuck? Call [phone].**

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## Advanced Fixes If PS038 Still Appears

If basic steps don’t work:

* Run QuickBooks as Administrator
* Install **QuickBooks Tool Hub**
* Run **Payroll Diagnostic Tool**
* Try updating payroll in a sample company file

If payroll works in the sample file, your company file likely needs professional repair.

📞 **Get expert help now: [phone]**

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## When Should You Call QuickBooks Payroll Support?

Contact support immediately if:

* PS038 keeps coming back
* Payroll updates won’t complete
* Paychecks are stuck
* Taxes won’t calculate
* Payday is approaching

Payroll delays can hurt employee trust and cause compliance issues.

📞 **Call [phone] for fast QuickBooks Payroll PS038 support.**

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## Final Thoughts

Most **QuickBooks Payroll PS038 Errors** are caused by:

✔ Stuck paychecks
✔ Outdated QuickBooks
✔ Damaged payroll data
✔ Internet issues
✔ Corrupted company files

The good news? Almost all PS038 errors can be fixed quickly with the right steps.

If you don’t have time to troubleshoot, professional help is the fastest solution.