mollylee34589
New member
Diagnosis and Solutions: Q&A
Q1. What exactly is Error PS036?
A1. PS-series codes appear when QuickBooks Desktop can’t validate payroll data with Intuit’s servers. PS036 means “Current Payroll Subscription Cannot Be Verified.” The program stops downloading tax-table updates and won’t let you create or transmit paychecks until the mismatch is resolved. Think of PS036 as QuickBooks saying, “I’m not convinced you have a valid, up-to-date payroll plan.”
Q2. What typical signs tell me PS036 is looming?
A2.
“Error PS036: QuickBooks can’t verify your payroll subscription.” pops the moment you click Employees ▸ Get Payroll Updates.
Payroll Center shows a red X with “Update Required.”
Paychecks you try to create refuse to calculate taxes or display zero net pay.
A hanging progress bar labeled validating license… for several minutes before PS036 appears.
If you notice any of these, stop payroll processing and jump into the fixes below.
Q3. Why does PS036 happen?
A3. Four main causes make Intuit’s license system reject your file:
Cause Examples
Expired or inactive subscription Credit card on file expired, account went into non-payment hold.
Mismatched EINs Company file lists an Employer ID different from the one registered with Intuit Payroll.
Outdated QuickBooks release Core program older than the current tax-table installer.
Corrupted entitlement files The encrypted EntitlementDataStore.ecml got damaged by a crash or antivirus quarantine.
Q4. Step 1 — How do I confirm the payroll subscription is still active?
A4.
Open QuickBooks in single-user mode.
Go to Employees ▸ My Payroll Service ▸ Account/Billing Information.
Sign in with your Intuit ID.
Under Status you should see Active.
If it reads Inactive, Canceled, Hold, or Suspended → click Resubscribe or Resolve Now, update payment details, and wait until “Active” appears.
Close and reopen QuickBooks to force a fresh license handshake.
Fully 50 % of PS036 cases clear right here.
Q5. Step 2 — Could the EIN in my company file be wrong?
A5. Yes. QuickBooks stores an Employer Identification Number (EIN) that must match the EIN registered under your payroll subscription. To check:
Company ▸ My Company ▸ Edit
.
Under the Company Information tab, note the EIN.
Compare it to the EIN shown in the Intuit “Account/Billing Information” portal.
If they differ even by one digit, PS036 triggers.
Fix → File ▸ Close Company. Create a backup before editing. Then:
Company ▸ My Company ▸ Edit → correct the EIN → OK → save.
Exit and reopen QuickBooks; retry payroll update.
Q6. Step 3 — Is my QuickBooks Desktop release current enough?
A6.
Press F2 to open the Product Information window.
Look for Product Release: R##.
Anything below the latest release for your year (for example, 2025 R5 when R7 is available) can choke the PS036 validation.
Help ▸ Update QuickBooks Desktop ▸ Update Now ▸ Get Updates, then relaunch QuickBooks.
Run Employees ▸ Get Payroll Updates again.
Q7. Step 4 — How do I rebuild damaged entitlement files (ECML)?
A7. The Entitlement Data Store holds license tokens. If it’s corrupt, QuickBooks thinks you’re unlicensed.
Close QuickBooks and all Intuit windows.
Open Task Manager; end any QBW32.exe, QBUpdate.exe, or IntuitUpdateService.exe still running.
Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8 (v7 or v6 on older years).
Rename EntitlementDataStore.ecml to EntitlementDataStoreOLD.ecml.
Reopen QuickBooks; you’ll be prompted to re-register the product. Enter license number and product code (found in F2 window).
QuickBooks rebuilds a fresh ECML file → try payroll update again.
Q8. Step 5 — Will clearing the CPS folder help with PS036?
A8. Sometimes. A corrupt payroll tax-table (CPS) package can fool the validator.
Close QuickBooks.
Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks 20XX\Components\Payroll\CPS.
Rename the most recent CPRxxxxxx folder to CPR.old.
Reopen QuickBooks → Employees ▸ Get Payroll Updates → Download entire update.
When “Update complete” appears, close and reopen QuickBooks. Test payroll.
Q9. Step 6 — Should I run the QuickBooks Tool Hub utilities?
A9. Definitely. Intuit bundles fixes that rebuild license, install, and data components:
Tool Hub Tab Utility What It Repairs for PS036
Program Problems Quick Fix my Program Ends stray QB processes, resets program files
Installation Issues QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool Repairs .NET Framework and VC++ libs that ECML relies on
Company File Issues QuickBooks File Doctor Scans .QBW for payroll-specific damage
Download the latest Tool Hub (Google “Intuit QuickBooks Tool Hub”), install, then run these utilities in the order above. Reboot Windows afterward.
Q10. Could antivirus or firewall software be blocking license calls?
A10. Yes. QuickBooks talks to over port 443 (TLS 1.2). A strict firewall or real-time antivirus scan can drop packets, making the license server think you’re offline.
Whitelist QBW32.exe, QBUpdate.exe, IntuitUpdateService.exe.
Allow outgoing HTTPS (port 443).
Temporarily disable the AV, refresh payroll update, then re-enable AV once verified.
Q11. What do I do if I manage multiple company files and PS036 appears in only one?
A11. That file likely has duplicate payroll subscription info or mixed EINs.
Open the working file and note its EIN and payroll subscription details.
Switch to the error file.
Verify Company Information → correct EIN.
Employees ▸ My Payroll Service ▸ Manage Service Key → remove any extra service keys, keeping just the active one.
Validate again.
If both files need separate EINs, you must purchase an additional payroll subscription; a single license cannot service two EINs.
Q12. I’m on QuickBooks Online Payroll and see a PS036-style banner. Same fixes?
A12. The code is Desktop-specific, but the root cause—subscription mismatch—still applies. In QBO:
Go to Gear
▸ Account & Settings ▸ Billing & Subscription.
Confirm Payroll shows Active.
If not, update payment or reactivate.
Clear browser cache, refresh the page, or open in Incognito mode.
Banner should disappear within a few minutes.
Q13. How do I avoid PS036 happening again?
A13.
Set calendar reminders to renew or update credit-card details 30 days before expiry.
Keep one EIN per company file—never reuse a sample file for a different entity.
Turn on automatic program updates (Help ▸ Update QuickBooks ▸ Options ▸ Automatic).
Download payroll weekly even if you pay monthly; it surfaces license issues early.
Document license number, product code, and service key in a secure password vault for quick re-registration.
Q14. When should I call Intuit support instead of DIY?
A14.
You’ve completed Steps 1–6 and PS036 persists.
Account/Billing Information shows Active, but validation still fails.
You’re inside 24 hours of payroll deadline and can’t risk more downtime.
☎ 1-855-478-6082 (Mon–Fri 6 AM-6 PM PT). Have your License #, Product Year, and Payroll Subscription ID ready for the agent.
Q15. Quick one-page “CLEAR” mnemonic to kill PS036 fast?
Letter Action
C Confirm subscription is Active in Account/Billing Info
L Line up EIN in Company Info with Intuit records
E Eliminate old ECML (rename EntitlementDataStore)
A Apply latest R-update to QuickBooks Desktop
R Re-download tax table after renaming CPR folder
Follow C L E A R top-to-bottom and, in nearly every case, Payroll Error PS036 will vanish—letting you finish your pay run, file taxes, and keep employees happy without frantic last-minute calls.
Q1. What exactly is Error PS036?
A1. PS-series codes appear when QuickBooks Desktop can’t validate payroll data with Intuit’s servers. PS036 means “Current Payroll Subscription Cannot Be Verified.” The program stops downloading tax-table updates and won’t let you create or transmit paychecks until the mismatch is resolved. Think of PS036 as QuickBooks saying, “I’m not convinced you have a valid, up-to-date payroll plan.”
Q2. What typical signs tell me PS036 is looming?
A2.
“Error PS036: QuickBooks can’t verify your payroll subscription.” pops the moment you click Employees ▸ Get Payroll Updates.
Payroll Center shows a red X with “Update Required.”
Paychecks you try to create refuse to calculate taxes or display zero net pay.
A hanging progress bar labeled validating license… for several minutes before PS036 appears.
If you notice any of these, stop payroll processing and jump into the fixes below.
Q3. Why does PS036 happen?
A3. Four main causes make Intuit’s license system reject your file:
Cause Examples
Expired or inactive subscription Credit card on file expired, account went into non-payment hold.
Mismatched EINs Company file lists an Employer ID different from the one registered with Intuit Payroll.
Outdated QuickBooks release Core program older than the current tax-table installer.
Corrupted entitlement files The encrypted EntitlementDataStore.ecml got damaged by a crash or antivirus quarantine.
Q4. Step 1 — How do I confirm the payroll subscription is still active?
A4.
Open QuickBooks in single-user mode.
Go to Employees ▸ My Payroll Service ▸ Account/Billing Information.
Sign in with your Intuit ID.
Under Status you should see Active.
If it reads Inactive, Canceled, Hold, or Suspended → click Resubscribe or Resolve Now, update payment details, and wait until “Active” appears.
Close and reopen QuickBooks to force a fresh license handshake.
Fully 50 % of PS036 cases clear right here.
Q5. Step 2 — Could the EIN in my company file be wrong?
A5. Yes. QuickBooks stores an Employer Identification Number (EIN) that must match the EIN registered under your payroll subscription. To check:
Company ▸ My Company ▸ Edit
.Under the Company Information tab, note the EIN.
Compare it to the EIN shown in the Intuit “Account/Billing Information” portal.
If they differ even by one digit, PS036 triggers.
Fix → File ▸ Close Company. Create a backup before editing. Then:
Company ▸ My Company ▸ Edit → correct the EIN → OK → save.
Exit and reopen QuickBooks; retry payroll update.
Q6. Step 3 — Is my QuickBooks Desktop release current enough?
A6.
Press F2 to open the Product Information window.
Look for Product Release: R##.
Anything below the latest release for your year (for example, 2025 R5 when R7 is available) can choke the PS036 validation.
Help ▸ Update QuickBooks Desktop ▸ Update Now ▸ Get Updates, then relaunch QuickBooks.
Run Employees ▸ Get Payroll Updates again.
Q7. Step 4 — How do I rebuild damaged entitlement files (ECML)?
A7. The Entitlement Data Store holds license tokens. If it’s corrupt, QuickBooks thinks you’re unlicensed.
Close QuickBooks and all Intuit windows.
Open Task Manager; end any QBW32.exe, QBUpdate.exe, or IntuitUpdateService.exe still running.
Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Intuit\Entitlement Client\v8 (v7 or v6 on older years).
Rename EntitlementDataStore.ecml to EntitlementDataStoreOLD.ecml.
Reopen QuickBooks; you’ll be prompted to re-register the product. Enter license number and product code (found in F2 window).
QuickBooks rebuilds a fresh ECML file → try payroll update again.
Q8. Step 5 — Will clearing the CPS folder help with PS036?
A8. Sometimes. A corrupt payroll tax-table (CPS) package can fool the validator.
Close QuickBooks.
Navigate to C:\ProgramData\Intuit\QuickBooks 20XX\Components\Payroll\CPS.
Rename the most recent CPRxxxxxx folder to CPR.old.
Reopen QuickBooks → Employees ▸ Get Payroll Updates → Download entire update.
When “Update complete” appears, close and reopen QuickBooks. Test payroll.
Q9. Step 6 — Should I run the QuickBooks Tool Hub utilities?
A9. Definitely. Intuit bundles fixes that rebuild license, install, and data components:
Tool Hub Tab Utility What It Repairs for PS036
Program Problems Quick Fix my Program Ends stray QB processes, resets program files
Installation Issues QuickBooks Install Diagnostic Tool Repairs .NET Framework and VC++ libs that ECML relies on
Company File Issues QuickBooks File Doctor Scans .QBW for payroll-specific damage
Download the latest Tool Hub (Google “Intuit QuickBooks Tool Hub”), install, then run these utilities in the order above. Reboot Windows afterward.
Q10. Could antivirus or firewall software be blocking license calls?
A10. Yes. QuickBooks talks to over port 443 (TLS 1.2). A strict firewall or real-time antivirus scan can drop packets, making the license server think you’re offline.
Whitelist QBW32.exe, QBUpdate.exe, IntuitUpdateService.exe.
Allow outgoing HTTPS (port 443).
Temporarily disable the AV, refresh payroll update, then re-enable AV once verified.
Q11. What do I do if I manage multiple company files and PS036 appears in only one?
A11. That file likely has duplicate payroll subscription info or mixed EINs.
Open the working file and note its EIN and payroll subscription details.
Switch to the error file.
Verify Company Information → correct EIN.
Employees ▸ My Payroll Service ▸ Manage Service Key → remove any extra service keys, keeping just the active one.
Validate again.
If both files need separate EINs, you must purchase an additional payroll subscription; a single license cannot service two EINs.
Q12. I’m on QuickBooks Online Payroll and see a PS036-style banner. Same fixes?
A12. The code is Desktop-specific, but the root cause—subscription mismatch—still applies. In QBO:
Go to Gear
▸ Account & Settings ▸ Billing & Subscription.Confirm Payroll shows Active.
If not, update payment or reactivate.
Clear browser cache, refresh the page, or open in Incognito mode.
Banner should disappear within a few minutes.
Q13. How do I avoid PS036 happening again?
A13.
Set calendar reminders to renew or update credit-card details 30 days before expiry.
Keep one EIN per company file—never reuse a sample file for a different entity.
Turn on automatic program updates (Help ▸ Update QuickBooks ▸ Options ▸ Automatic).
Download payroll weekly even if you pay monthly; it surfaces license issues early.
Document license number, product code, and service key in a secure password vault for quick re-registration.
Q14. When should I call Intuit support instead of DIY?
A14.
You’ve completed Steps 1–6 and PS036 persists.
Account/Billing Information shows Active, but validation still fails.
You’re inside 24 hours of payroll deadline and can’t risk more downtime.
☎ 1-855-478-6082 (Mon–Fri 6 AM-6 PM PT). Have your License #, Product Year, and Payroll Subscription ID ready for the agent.
Q15. Quick one-page “CLEAR” mnemonic to kill PS036 fast?
Letter Action
C Confirm subscription is Active in Account/Billing Info
L Line up EIN in Company Info with Intuit records
E Eliminate old ECML (rename EntitlementDataStore)
A Apply latest R-update to QuickBooks Desktop
R Re-download tax table after renaming CPR folder
Follow C L E A R top-to-bottom and, in nearly every case, Payroll Error PS036 will vanish—letting you finish your pay run, file taxes, and keep employees happy without frantic last-minute calls.
Attachments
-
QuickBooks Payroll Not Working.jpg