Instant and Practical Hacks to Resolve QuickBooks Error PS038

28.08.25 02:07 PM - By Joan Martin

QuickBooks Error PS038


QuickBooks error PS038 may be encountered when running payroll update and fails to do so. This prevents you from running and creating a QuickBooks direct deposit form. The reasons that might be triggering this error could be a conflict with third-party apps, corrupted company files, improper firewall settings, and many others. To help you overcome this problem, you are given this blog that explains every detail about the error using various sections. 

Read the blog from top to bottom and explore the solutions that are proven effective in resolving it. Let’s begin

If you can’t eliminate QuickBooks error PS038 on your own and prefer to get professional help, give a call 1.855.738.2784 and ask your questions to certified experts.


Key Factors Leading to the QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038

Let me give you a list explaining the reasons behind QB error PS038.

  1. The third-party application is conflicting with the QB application.
  2. If the QB Desktop is not updated.
  3. Due to damaged or corrupted company files.
  4. It can occur due to damaged or corrupted network data files (.ND) or Transaction Log (.TLG) files.
  5. QB fails to update the payroll because of improperly configured firewall settings.


Step-by-Step Guide to Solve the QuickBooks Error PS038

Review the solutions below, which experts have suggested. Let me help you implement each step accordingly:


Update QB

  1. Go to the Help menu.
  2. Tap on Update QuickBooks Desktop.
  3. Click on Update Now.
  4. Choose Get Updates.
  5. Exit QB and open it again.
  6. After opening the application, try getting its update again.

To keep your data safe, we suggest you create a backup of your data so that if something goes wrong while resolving the error, you will not lose anything.


Send usage data

  1. Go to the Employees menu.
  2. Choose My Payroll Service.
  3. Tap on Send Usage Data.
  4. If any of these options are not available, go to the next step.
  5. Head to the Employees menu. 
  6. Tap on the Send Payroll Data.
  7. Head to the Send/Receive Payroll Data.
  8. Click Send All.
  9. Input your payroll service pin if you are asked to do so.
  10. After doing this, if the send is successful, update QB payroll. In case the send is unsuccessful, contact a professional.


Identify stuck paychecks

  1. Go to Edit.
  2. Choose Find.
  3. Tap on the Advanced tab.
  4. Select Advanced.
  5. Head to the Choose Filter section.
  6. Hover over the Filter list.
  7. Click Detail Level.
  8. Tap on Summary Only.
  9. Traverse back to the Filter list.
  10. Swipe down to the Online Status
  11. Choose Online to Send.
  12. Go to Find. Here, you will find the paychecks that were not sent to Intuit.
  13. Make a note of the Number of matches in the Find window.


What You Should Remember

To outline this blog, QuickBooks error PS038 is a payroll update issue that prevents you from running its features and brings delays to the workflow. The reasons why you fall into such an issue are clearly explained in the section above, along with the solutions to troubleshoot it. If you don’t want to risk your data and want experts to deal with this, dial 1.855.738.2784 to talk to a Pro Advisor.

You can also read: QuickBooks Payroll Not Working, How to Fix it?

Joan Martin