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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 the update of your payroll to the latest tax table and 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 then follow the complete article for detailed troubleshooting instructions.

Dealing with QuickBooks Error PS036, contact us at our toll-free number 1.800.579.0391 for Immediate Help

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 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 is displaying “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 QuickBooks Desktop application  and the Tax Table release.
    • Open QuickBooks and Sign in to your Payroll Service Account.Sign in to Access your QuickBooks 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 changes those are required.
    • Click Update and then click Close to save the changes.
    • Now Restart your computer and download the updates again.
    • Open QuickBooks application and check if your issue is fixed.


      If you are trying to deposit, direct paychecks for the company, then we  suggest you contact us at our
      Payroll Support Phone Number 1.800.579.0391 and do not perform the troubleshooting steps mentioned below in the article.

Rename Paysub.ini file:

Paysub.ini files stores 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 first we need to  change the settings of windows folder options.
    • Open My Computer and click Organize.
    • Click Folder and Search Option and select the View tab.Windows Folder Options
    • Now click Hidden files and Folders and checkmark “Show Hidden Files,  Folders and Drivers” option.
      Show Hidden Items in Windows 8 and 10
    • 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 get rid of any installation issues that are 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.msconfig command
  • Type msconfig in the Run window text box and press Enter.
  • Now select the Load System Services and Selective Startup options under the General tab.Windows System Configuration
  • Navigate to the Services tab and select Hide all Microsoft Services option.Hide all Microsoft Services in Windows
  • Now click Disable all and uncheck Hide all Microsoft Services option.
  • Ensure that 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.Appwiz Run Command
  • Press Enter and Windows will open the list of all the installed programs.
  • Find and select QuickBooks Desktop and click Uninstall/Change option.Uninstall QuickBooks Desktop
  • 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 QuickBooks Product Download page or insert the installation disk in the CD Drive.
  • Run the QuickBooks.exe file to begin 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 run the payroll update once again 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, then it must be because of incompatible version of Windows, make sure you have the latest version of Windows operating system before you run payroll in QuickBooks.

These are the two methods you can follow to rectify Payroll Subscription error PS036, and if you found this troubleshooting method confusing or want an expert to help you fix this error, you can call Payroll Support Service Number 1.800.579.0391 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.