
Say goodbye to Payroll Update QuickBooks Error PS036 (cannot verify payroll subscription) and keep your payroll running smoothly. This error can appear unexpectedly and halt your payroll tax table update, but there’s no need to panic. This issue is often caused by an inability to validate your QuickBooks payroll subscription, but there may be other underlying factors.
Don’t let QuickBooks Payroll Update Error PS036 slow you down. This comprehensive guide will delve into the error code and provide you with helpful troubleshooting tips to resolve it. So buckle up and let’s get started on fixing this issue and elevating your payroll experience.
What does mean by Payroll Update QuickBooks Error PS036?
Payroll Update QuickBooks Error PS036 Windows 10/11 is a frequently encountered error when attempting to download payroll updates or update QuickBooks software. This error can cause significant disruptions to business operations by preventing users from accessing critical payroll and financial data. The error is commonly caused by incorrect service keys, invalid EINs, or incorrect company payroll information. To resolve this issue, users can perform a series of troubleshooting steps, including verifying their service keys and payroll subscription. By successfully troubleshooting this error, QuickBooks users can safeguard the security and accessibility of their financial and payroll data.

Reasons For QuickBooks Payroll Error PS036
Here are the major reason for QuickBooks Payroll Error PS036
- Verify that your QuickBooks Payroll account subscription is up-to-date and fully active.
- It’s possible that there may be multiple Payroll subscriptions or agreements active with Direct Deposit, but one of them may have become inactive.
- Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the file Paysub.ini has not been damaged or corrupted, and that the product and service have been regularly updated to maintain optimal performance.
- It’s also crucial to check the accuracy of the service key and the company file’s PSID to avoid any invalid information.
- To avoid any potential compatibility issues, it’s recommended to check the compatibility between the QuickBooks software and the Windows system being used. Lastly, make sure that the payroll subscription has a valid EIN or number.
Related article: How to fix QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038
Verify Payroll Subscription to Fix QuickBooks Error PS036
Below are the steps to help you verify your Payroll Subscription in QuickBooks and ensure that your subscription is up to date:
- Download and install the latest QuickBooks Desktop program and Tax Table release for maximum efficiency.
- Log into your QuickBooks Payroll Service account with ease.
- Navigate to the Employee menu and select “My Payroll Services.”
- In the Account/Billing Information section, enter your credentials and hit “Sign-in.”
- Access the Payroll Account Management Portal to view all your payroll-related information.
- Verify your Employee Identification Number (EIN) and company name for accuracy.
- Make any necessary edits by clicking the “Edit” button next to Payroll Admin.
- Save changes by clicking “Update” and then “Close.”
- Restart your computer and redownload updates to ensure they take effect.
- Finally, check the QuickBooks program to see if your issue has been resolved and bask in the glory of your newfound payroll mastery!
Troubleshooting Steps for QuickBooks Desktop Error PS036
To resolve the issue related to QuickBooks Desktop Error PS036 Windows 11, you can try following the recommended troubleshooting steps outlined below.
Method 1: Rename QuickBooks PaySub.ini File
Renaming the Paysub.ini file in QuickBooks can help resolve certain issues with your payroll subscription. Here are the steps to do it:
- Before making any changes to the file, it’s important to close the QuickBooks software.
- You can find the Paysub.ini file in the QuickBooks installation directory, usually located in “C:\Program Files\Intuit\QuickBooks [version]”.
- Right-click on the Paysub.ini file, select “Rename” and give it a new name such as “Paysub_old.ini”.
- After renaming the file, restart the QuickBooks software and see if the issue has been resolved.
- It’s also a good idea to check for any available payroll updates in QuickBooks to ensure that your software is up-to-date.
Note: Renaming the Paysub.ini file may cause you to lose your payroll history and other payroll information. So, it’s important to back up the file before making any changes.
Method 2: Perform a Clean Install of the QuickBooks
Here in method 2 we have shared steps to perform a clean installation of QuickBooks Desktop to fix QuickBooks Error PS036:
Step 1: Switch to Selective startup mode in Windows
To Enable Selective Startup mode in Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Create a backup of your company file and have your license registration information ready.
- Open the Run dialogue box by pressing Windows + R.

- Type MSConfig in the Run window text box and press Enter.
- On the General tab, select Load System Services and Selective Startup options.
- Go to the Services tab, select Hide all Microsoft Services, then click Disable All and uncheck the option.
- Ensure the Windows Installer option is selected, then click OK.
- Restart Windows to switch to Selective Startup Mode.
Step 2: Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop
To uninstall QuickBooks Desktop, follow these steps:
- Open the Programs and Features window by pressing Windows + R, typing “appwiz.cpl” in the search box, and pressing Enter.

- Locate QuickBooks Desktop in the list of installed programs, and select it.
- Click the “Uninstall/Change” option.
- Choose the Remove option and click Next. It’s important to note that you must be logged in as an administrator to proceed with the uninstallation.
- Once the process is complete, restart Windows to ensure a clean removal of QuickBooks.
Note: To ensure the safe and successful removal of QuickBooks Desktop, it’s recommended to take a backup of your company file and have your license information ready before proceeding with the uninstallation process. This will prevent the loss of any important data or license information during the uninstallation.
Step 3: Install QuickBooks Desktop
Installing QuickBooks Desktop is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you can follow to get started:
- Make sure you have the QuickBooks Desktop installation file ready on your computer.
- Back up your company file and gather any license information you might need during the installation process.
- Double-click the QuickBooks Desktop installation file to start the setup process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. This may include agreeing to the terms and conditions, specifying the installation location, and setting up a shortcut on your desktop.
- Once the installation is complete, open QuickBooks Desktop and register the product using your license information.
- Finally, restore your company file from the backup you created in step 2 to get back to work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, QB Desktop Payroll Update QuickBooks Error PS036 can be a frustrating issue for users, but it can usually be resolved by following the steps provided by QuickBooks Data Service Expert. If you are unable to resolve the issue on your own, it’s recommended to contact a Data Service expert at +1-888-538-1314 for further assistance. Their team of experts can help you diagnose the root cause of the problem and provide a solution to get you back up and running as quickly as possible.