How to Correct QuickBooks Payroll PS038 Error Before Filing
- Fikire Shegu
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
Payroll tax filing deadlines are stressful enough—seeing a QuickBooks Payroll PS038 error right before submission can bring everything to a stop. This error typically appears when QuickBooks is unable to transmit payroll data to Intuit or the IRS, causing payroll filings to fail.
Whether you encounter the QuickBooks PS038 payroll error in Desktop or Online Payroll, it’s critical to resolve it before attempting to file taxes again. This complete QuickBooks Payroll troubleshooting guide explains what causes PS038, how to fix it step by step, and how to prevent it from happening again.
If you need immediate payroll tax filing help, call 844-753-8012 to speak with a QuickBooks Payroll support specialist.
What Is the QuickBooks Payroll PS038 Error?
The QuickBooks payroll submission error PS038 occurs when payroll data is stuck or unsent in QuickBooks, preventing successful communication with Intuit payroll servers or the IRS. When this happens, QuickBooks cannot complete payroll tax submissions.
Common error messages include:
“Error PS038: You have employees with payroll data that has not been sent.”
“QuickBooks Payroll failed to submit taxes PS038.”
“QuickBooks payroll cannot process PS038.”
This error must be resolved before payroll taxes can be filed.
Common Causes of QuickBooks PS038 Payroll Error
Understanding the cause helps ensure a permanent fix.
1. Stuck Paychecks
Unsynchronized or corrupted paychecks often trigger QuickBooks PS038 tax error messages.
2. Payroll Update Interruptions
The PS038 error after payroll update QuickBooks commonly occurs when updates fail to complete.
3. Damaged Payroll Data
Corrupted payroll files can cause QuickBooks Payroll IRS submission error PS038.
4. Network or Firewall Issues
Connection interruptions can prevent payroll data from transmitting correctly.
5. Incomplete Tax Table Updates
Outdated tax tables may block payroll submissions.
Symptoms of QuickBooks Payroll Filing Failed
You may be experiencing PS038 if:
Payroll taxes won’t submit
E-file status shows “pending” or “failed”
Error PS038 appears repeatedly
Payroll liabilities won’t update
IRS forms remain unfiled
These signs indicate QuickBooks payroll filing failed and must be corrected immediately.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix PS038 Error in QuickBooks
Follow these steps carefully to fix QuickBooks Payroll PS038 error before filing.
Step 1: Update QuickBooks and Payroll Tax Tables
Open QuickBooks.
Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
Select Update Now.
Restart QuickBooks.
Go to Employees > Get Payroll Updates.
Download the latest tax table.
This resolves many QuickBooks Desktop PS038 error fix cases.
Step 2: Identify Stuck Paychecks
Go to Edit > Find.
Select Advanced.
Choose Detail Level > Summary Only.
Filter by Payroll Item and select Net Pay.
Click Find.
Look for paychecks with a zero net amount or unsent status—these often cause QuickBooks payroll submission error PS038.
Step 3: Verify and Resave Paychecks
Open each identified paycheck.
Click Paycheck Detail.
Do not change amounts—just click OK.
Save and close the paycheck.
This forces QuickBooks to resend payroll data and fixes QuickBooks payroll cannot process PS038.
Step 4: Send Payroll Data to Intuit
Go to Employees > Send Payroll Data.
Wait for confirmation.
Ensure the status shows Successful.
Sending data clears the backlog causing QuickBooks Payroll failed to submit taxes PS038.
Step 5: Reattempt Tax Filing
After data submission:
Go to Employees > Payroll Tax Forms & W-2s.
Select Process Payroll Forms.
Refile the tax form.
This step confirms the PS038 error is resolved.
Fixing PS038 Error in QuickBooks Online Payroll
For Online Payroll users:
Log out and back into QuickBooks Online
Clear browser cache
Check payroll submission status
Retry sending payroll data
If the error persists, professional assistance may be required. Call 844-753-8012 for QuickBooks Online payroll PS038 error support.
Preventing PS038 Error in the Future
To avoid recurring PS038 errors:
Update QuickBooks regularly
Always complete payroll updates
Avoid interrupting payroll processing
Send payroll data after every payroll run
Reconcile payroll liabilities monthly
These steps reduce future QuickBooks PS038 payroll error occurrences.
When to Contact QuickBooks Payroll Support
You should contact support if:
Error PS038 repeats after troubleshooting
Payroll taxes are overdue
IRS submissions are blocked
Payroll data won’t resend
You’re close to filing deadlines
📞 Call 844-753-8012 for QuickBooks Payroll error resolution and tax filing help.
Payroll specialists can manually clear stuck payroll data and ensure compliance.
Why PS038 Must Be Fixed Before Filing
Ignoring PS038 can result in:
Late payroll tax filings
IRS penalties and interest
Employee W-2 inaccuracies
Compliance violations
Fixing the QuickBooks Payroll PS038 error before filing ensures accurate submissions and avoids costly penalties.
Final Thoughts
The QuickBooks Payroll PS038 error is serious—but it’s fixable when addressed correctly. Whether caused by stuck paychecks, failed updates, or data corruption, resolving PS038 before filing payroll taxes is critical.
Follow the steps in this guide carefully, and don’t hesitate to get expert help if the error persists.
📞 Call 844-753-8012 for trusted QuickBooks Payroll troubleshooting and tax filing support.
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