Quick Ways To Fix QuickBooks Error PS036 | Payroll

QuickBooks Error PS036 is a payroll error that occurs at the time of uploading payroll to the latest tax table. Factors like damaged data, inactive payroll subscription, and incorrect service keys can bring the issue. It often indicates that there is some problem while verifying the desktop payroll subscription. 

Error Name: QuickBooks Error PS036

Error Message: QuickBooks has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Error Code: PS036

Main Cause: Inactive Payroll Subscription

Common Causes of QuickBooks Error PS036

Well, not only the inactive payroll subscription but there are other causes also that make the error appears. 

• Damaged QuickBooks desktop file Paysub.ini.
• Incorrect Service key.
• Subscriptions to payroll are more than one.
• The payroll agreement and Direct deposit agreement are active.
• EIN or the number showing on the payroll subscription is invalid.
• Outdated products and services.
• PSID is not valid or incorrect.
• Windows version and the QuickBooks desktop create compatibility issues.

Read More : Easy steps to install QuickBooks connection diagnostic tool

Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Error PS036

There are various solutions through which you can fix the QuickBooks error PS036. Get into the steps below to learn the fixations.

Solution 1: Verify QuickBooks Payroll Subscription

As it is the most relevant cause behind the occurrence of this error, so we will make sure to root out it first with the following steps.

• Initiate the procedure by downloading the installing the newest version of the Tax table and QuickBooks application.
• Access the software now.
• Once done, try to log in to the payroll service account.
• Navigate towards the Employee tab.
• Choose My Payroll Services and Account or Billing Information.
• Afterward, you need to enter the login credentials. 
  
• Don’t forget to hit the Sign-in button.
• Make sure that you restart the system.
• Again, try to download the updates.
• You can end the procedure by accessing QuickBooks and verifying if the issue gets resolved or not.

Solution 2: Rename Paysub.ini File

This is the second solution that will help in renaming the Paysub.ini file and thus troubleshoot the issue. 

• Paysub.ini cannot be found easily as it is a hidden file on Windows. 
• So, to access it, the user needs to modify the settings of Windows folder permissions.
• Once done, navigate towards the tab named Open My Computer.
• Make sure that you select the Organize button. 
• Once done, go to the Folder and Search Options. 

• From there, tap the View tab. 
• Thereafter, choose Hidden files and folders. 

• Put a tick mark on the box next to Show hidden files, folders, and drivers.
• Choose the Apply button.
• Consequently, hit OK.
• Now, select another tab named My Computer.
• Try to find the file that is titled Paysub.ini.
• Perform a right-click on the same file and select the Rename button.
• Once done, try to change the file extension to .old.
• You can carry out the same procedure for other paystub files too.

Read More : Error 3371 QuickBooks: Permanent Fixation Methods

Solution 3: Install QuickBooks in Selective Startup

If any of the two solutions would not work to fix QuickBooks error PS036 then make sure to get into these points and learn the procedure of Clean installing QuickBooks in selective startup.

Enable the Selective Startup Mode

• To initiate, create a backup of the company file. 
• You can do it on an external storage device. 
• Also, carry your license credentials with you that will help in re-registering the software. 
• Once done, access the Run window by pressing Windows + R button. 
• Now, you need to enter MSConfig on the field. 

• Thereafter, hit the Enter tab. 
• When the window appears, choose the General option. 
• Make sure to click on the tab named Load System Services and Selective Startup. 
• Consequently, navigate towards the Services tab. 
• Choose the tab named hide all Microsoft services.

• Now, you need to select the tab named Disable all. 
• After that, remove the checkmark from Hide all Microsoft services. 
• Select the tab named Windows installer. 
• Move forwards by hitting OK.
• The selective startup mode will be activated once you restarted the windows. 

Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop

• Proceed with accessing the Run window (Windows + R).
• Once done, enter appwiz.cpl.

• Just hit the Enter button now. 
• You will see a list of all recently installed programs. 
• Thereafter, choose the QuickBooks desktop. 
• Make sure that you hit another tab named Uninstall/Change. 

• Once done, choose remove. Use administrator login to conduct the uninstallation.
• Hit Next in this step. 
• You can restart windows after the software gets deleted.

Reinstall the QuickBooks Desktop

• To begin with, download the QuickBooks setup file.
• Now, you need to run the QuickBooks.exe file.
• Go through the instructions carefully shown on the screen.
• Next, provide the license registration information.

Switch Windows to Normal Startup Mode

• Initially, you need to open the Run window.
• Now, just enter MSConfig.
• Move forward by hitting Enter.
• Go to the General section and choose Normal startup mode.

• Hit OK. 
• Thereafter, restart your Windows. 
• Once done, run the payroll update. 
• Just check if the issue gets resolved or not.

Solution 4: Update QuickBooks Desktop to the latest version

When one is accessing the payroll features, there is a higher likelihood that there might be an error when one is using the outdated version of Quickbooks. So, to resolve this error, let us look at the steps one can follow one by one-

• Move your cursor towards the Help menu, and from there, open Quickbooks Desktop.
• Click on the icon “Update Quickbooks Desktop.”
• Select the Update Now icon, and after selecting it, click on Get Updates.
• Restart Quickbooks once this Update is completed.
• To check whether the issue is resolved, update the payroll again.

Solution 5: Validate the payroll service again

An outdated or incorrect payroll service leads to subscription validation issues and can cause eruption error PS036. So some of the steps one needs to follow are as follows-

• Select the Employees menu, and from there, click on Quickbooks Desktop.
• Click on the Manage service key by selecting the My Payroll service icon.
• Now, you must check whether the service key you entered for your payroll subscription is correct.
• If it is incorrect, you need to enter the new one by removing the old one. 
• Then finish by clicking next.
• Next, try to update the payroll again. 

Solution 6: Create a new windows admin account

Sometimes, creating a new Windows admin account can resolve the error, such as,

• To open the Run dialog, Click on Windows + R.
• Press enter by typing Control panel.
• Click on User accounts, and then select Manage another account.
• In PC settings, select Add a new user.
• Create a new admin account by following the prompts.
• Next, open Quickbooks by logging in to a new account and then try to update payroll again. 

Solution 7: Update the tax table in Quickbooks

Ensure that your tax table is up to date because an outdated version can accuse an eruption of error, so to resolve this issue, the steps to be followed are as follows-

• Move your cursor towards the Employees menu, and from therein, open Quickbooks desktop.
• Click on Get payroll updates.
• Through the payroll update window, verify the box that says Download entire payroll update.
• Select the icon. Download the latest update.
• Once you finish the QuickBooks update process, try re-running the payroll. 

Solution 8: Check and update the EIN (Employee Identification number)

An inactive or incorrect EIN associated with your payroll account can cause errors, such as

• Go to the Company menu, and from there, open Quickbooks.
• Click on the My Company icon.
• Check whether the employee identification number is correct from the company information window.
• If it is found incorrect, then correct it with an accurate number.
• Then, try to update the payroll again. 

Solution 9: Reset Windows User account control (UAC) settings

• To open the Run dialog, click on Windows + R.
• Click on enter by typing Control Panel.
• Click on the User accounts icon and select Change User Account Control Settings from there.
• Now, place your slider towards the Never Notify position.
• Press OK, and then start your system again.
• Next, in Quickbooks, try to update the payroll again. 

Solution 10: Repair Quickbooks desktop installation

Corrupted or damaged Quickbooks files may lead to Quickbooks error ps036, so to resolve this issue, one must follow the following steps such as-

• To open the Run dialog, close Quickbooks and click on Windows + R.
• In the search panel, type control panel and click on enter.
• Select the program and features from the control panel.
• Please scroll down the list, find Quickbooks from there, select it, and click Uninstall/change.
• Select Repair and follow the prompts from the Quickbooks installation window.
• Once the repair part is done, open Quickbooks again by restarting your computer.

Conclusion

QuickBooks error ps036 can hamper payroll processing, but resolving this error can be easy if one follows the correct methodology with an accurate approach. That is why, with the help of the above article, we have tried to resolve the issue. If one follows all these steps carefully, their work will not be interrupted by such errors, and they can work smoothly. But still, if one faces any issue, we are here to help them and provide assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What if the QuickBooks Error PS036 Occurred Because of the Outdated Tax Table?

Well, if the error is caused due to the outdated tax table then make sure to get into the solutions below to root out this factor. You can perform any of the recommended solutions to fix this issue. 

• Update the Windows
• Examine the Employee Identification Number (EIN)
• Update the QuickBooks with its Newest version
• Check out the login credentials of the QuickBooks account

Q2. What is the Procedure to Verify the Payroll Subscription?

With the steps below, you can get the procedure:

• To initiate, ensure that you are using the newest version of QuickBooks.
• The tax table must be updated too.
• Once done, access the QuickBooks software.
• Navigate towards the Employees tab.
• Make sure that you choose My Payroll Services.
• Consequently, hit the tab named Accounting/Billing information.
• Proceed to the next step by logging into the account.
• After that, restart the system and download the newest updates.

Q3. What are the Effects of QuickBooks Error PS036?

Listed below are some of the effects of QuickBooks error PS036.

• The software may not run properly and require reinstallation.
• The system runs slowly after getting this error issue.
• A sudden crash within the window.