Fixing QuickBooks Error PS038: A Complete 2025 Guide Are you getting QuickBooks Payroll Update Error PS038 while trying to run payroll or update paychecks? You’re not alone. This frustrating issue typically pops up with the message: "You’ve retrieved the latest payroll update and validated your Payroll subscription. We strongly recommend that you go online again before mm/dd/yyyy." Fortunately, it’s fixable — and this guide walks you through everything you need to know to resolve QuickBooks Error PS038. Facing QuickBooks Error PS038? Learn 7 effective ways to resolve it now! Call our QuickBooks experts at +1-866-409-5111 for instant help & support. What is QuickBooks Error PS038? QuickBooks Error PS038 occurs when one or more paychecks are stuck as "Online to Send," preventing payroll updates or direct deposits from syncing properly. It generally happens in older versions of QuickBooks Desktop or when there’s a glitch during payroll data transmission. Causes of QuickBooks Error PS038 Understanding the root causes can make fixing the error easier: ● Payroll checks marked “Online to Send” ● Outdated QuickBooks Desktop version ● Corrupt payroll data ● Interrupted or failed payroll update process ● Incomplete subscription validation How to Fix QuickBooks Error PS038 Follow these steps carefully. You might only need one — or all — depending on your system's condition. 1. Update QuickBooks Desktop Keeping QuickBooks updated is your first defense. ● Open QuickBooks Desktop ● Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop ● Click Update Now , then Get Updates ● Restart QuickBooks once updates finish 2. Send All Pending Payroll Data ● Open QuickBooks ● Go to Employees > My Payroll Service > Send Payroll Data ● Click Send All to clear any stuck paychecks 3. Verify and Rebuild Data This ensures there’s no data corruption. ● Go to File > Utilities > Verify Data ● If errors are found, go to File > Utilities > Rebuild Data ● Follow the on-screen prompts Read More: How to Fix Quickbooks Error 15271 4. Identify Stuck Paychecks You can run a search to find paychecks marked as “Online to Send”: ● Press Ctrl + F in QuickBooks ● Choose Advanced , then filter Detail Level = Summary Only ● Set filter to Online Status = Online to Send Note the employee/paycheck details for later. 5. Edit and Re-Save Paychecks For each stuck paycheck: ● Double-click the paycheck ● Click Save & Close (even without changes) ● Repeat for all affected entries This resets the status and can remove the “stuck” flag. 6. Run Payroll Updates Again After re-saving stuck paychecks: ● Go to Employees > Get Payroll Updates ● Check Download Entire Update ● Click Download Latest Update 7. Contact Payroll Support Still stuck? Let an expert handle it. Call +1-866-409-5111 and speak to a certified QuickBooks Payroll specialist. Pro Tips to Avoid Error PS038 in the Future ● Always back up your company file before payroll processing. ● Regularly update QuickBooks and payroll tax tables. ● Avoid interrupting payroll updates once started. ● Run Verify & Rebuild Data monthly. Read More: QuickBooks Payroll Error Code 30159 Conclusion QuickBooks Error PS038 may seem daunting, but with the right steps, you can troubleshoot it yourself and get back to business fast. Whether it’s updating the software, re-saving paychecks, or clearing stuck data — this guide covers all the essential methods.