QuickBooks Cannot Verify Payroll Subscription Error PS036

 Error PS036 is a common error faced by QuickBooks Payroll users. This error occurs in QuickBooks payroll very often as numerous reasons can trigger this error in the application. Once you encounter QuickBooks Desktop error PS 036, it interrupts your payroll update to the latest tax table. It displays an error message “PS036 There is a problem verifying your payroll subscription“. In some cases, QuickBooks will even stop calculating the taxes after you encounter error code PS036. If you are also dealing with QuickBooks Payroll update error PS036, follow the complete article for detailed troubleshooting instructions.

What is QuickBooks Error PS036?

QuickBooks error PS036 is an error that strikes when Intuit update server can’t verify your subscription to the QuickBooks payroll services. This is the sole reason you see a “PS036 – trouble verifying payroll subscription and can’t install new payroll updated” error message right after clicking the Update option in the Get Payroll Updates window. There are roughly ten reasons why instead of having an active payroll subscription, Intuit update server can’t verify it, and you will find all of them in the next section of this article.

List of reasons why QuickBooks encounter PS036 error while verifying payroll:

1.  If your payroll subscription is not valid or expired.
2. Multiple payroll agreements are active with an inactive direct deposit agreement.
3. If the QuickBooks application file Paysub.ini is damaged or corrupt.
4. If your company file has any damage. (Download and Run QuickBooks File Doctor to repair damaged QuickBooks company file)
5. In case your QuickBooks application or supporting windows components are not updated.
6. The Service key you are using is incorrect.
7. If your company file’s PSID is not correct.
8.  In case the Windows you are using does not support the version of your QuickBooks Desktop application.
9. Invalid EIN Number is also a reason for this error to occur.
10. In case the payroll subscription status under QuickBooks Desktop Service Keys displays an “Invalid Number or EIN” error message.

Detailed Steps to Resolve QuickBooks Error PS036

Verify your QuickBooks Payroll Subscription:

Verifying the payroll subscription ensures that the error is not a result of an inactive payroll subscription.

• •  Download and install the latest version of the QuickBooks Desktop application and the Tax Table release.
  • • Open QuickBooks and Sign in to your Payroll Service Account.
    • Click Employee -> My Payroll Services -> Account/Billing Information.
    • Enter your login credentials and click Sign In.
    • Once you are logged in to your Payroll Account Management Portal, navigate to the Payroll Details section.
    • Make sure the EIN displayed with the company name is correct.
    • Click Edit next to the option that reads Payroll Admin and make any required changes.
    • Click Update and then click Close to save the changes.
    • Now Restart your computer and download the updates again.
    • Open the QuickBooks application and check if your issue is fixed.

  Rename Paysub.ini file:

  Paysub.ini files store the information about the payroll subscription and if it is corrupt, getting error in payroll is apparent. Renaming the file will force QuickBooks to create a new one that will help resolve the error PS036.

  • • Paysub.ini is a hidden file on windows; to view this file, we first need to change the settings of the windows folder options.
    • Open My Computer and click Organize.
    • Click Folder and Search Option and select the View tab.
    • Now click Hidden Files and Folders and checkmark the “Show Hidden Files,  Folders and Drives” option.
    • Click Apply and OK.
    • Go back to My Computer and from the search bar at the top search for Paysub.ini.
    • Once you see the Paysub.ini file, right-click on it and select Rename.
    • Now rename the file extension from .ini to .old.
    • Repeat the same process for all the Paysub files found.

  Clean Install QuickBooks Desktop in Selective Startup Mode

  Clean installing QuickBooks will help you eliminate any installation issues responsible for triggering error PS036 in QuickBooks.

  Switch Windows to Selective Startup Mode

  • The very first step of installing QuickBooks in selective startup mode is to create a backup of your company file on an external storage device and keep your license registration information handy to re-register the product.
  • Now press Windows + R to get the Run dialogue box.
  • Type MSConfig in the Run window text box and press Enter.
  • Select the Load System Services and Selective Startup options under the General tab.
  • Navigate to the Services tab and select the Hide all Microsoft Services option.
  • Now click Disable all and uncheck the Hide all Microsoft Services option.
  • Ensure that the Windows Installer option is selected and click OK.
  • Finally, restart Windows, and this will switch it to the Selective Startup Mode.

  Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop

  • Press Windows + R and type appwiz.cpl in the search box.
  • Press Enter, and Windows will open the list of all the installed programs.
  • Find and select QuickBooks Desktop and click Uninstall/Change option.
  • Select Remove and click Next. (Make sure you are logged in as an administrator to proceed with the uninstallation)
  • Restart Windows once QuickBooks is completely removed.

  Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop

  • Download the QuickBooks setup file from the QuickBooks Product Download page or insert the installation disk in the CD Drive.
  • Run the QuickBooks.exe file to begin the installation.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to finish the installation and enter the license registration information when QuickBooks prompts you to do so.

  Switch Windows to Normal Startup Mode

  • Press Windows + R and type MSConfig.
  • Press Enter and select the Normal Startup Mode under the General tab.
  • Click OK and Restart Windows.
  • Try to rerun the payroll update and check if QuickBooks error PS036 is now resolved.

  You must also ensure that the EIN used to activate payroll and PSID used in the company file is correct. If you are still unable to rectify the issue, it must be because of an incompatible version of Windows. Ensure you have the latest version of the Windows operating system before running payroll in QuickBooks.

  These are the two methods you can follow to rectify Payroll Subscription error PS036. If you found this troubleshooting method confusing or want an expert to help you fix this error, at any time. Our tech team is always ready to assist you with Payroll related errors and is available round the clock for continuous support.