If you're running payroll in QuickBooks and suddenly get stopped by QuickBooks Error PS077, you're not alone. This frustrating error often appears during a payroll update, leaving users unable to continue paying their employees or filing taxes. Fortunately, resolving this problem doesn’t have to be difficult — as long as you know what’s causing it and how to fix it.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Error PS077 in QuickBooks, including what it is, why it happens, how to fix it, and how to prevent it in the future. Whether you’re a small business owner or an accounting professional, this post is your complete solution to getting payroll updates back on track.
QuickBooks Error PS077 is a payroll update error that occurs when QuickBooks fails to download or install the latest payroll tax table. This issue commonly arises in QuickBooks Desktop when the software cannot validate your payroll subscription or access the necessary files.
The error message typically says:
"QuickBooks is having trouble installing payroll tax table update. Error PS077: QuickBooks is unable to verify your payroll subscription."
When this happens, your payroll operations can come to a halt, delaying paychecks and causing compliance issues. Knowing what’s behind this error is essential for finding the right fix.
You may be experiencing QuickBooks Error PS077 if you notice:
Payroll updates repeatedly failing to install
System freezing or crashing during updates
An error code displayed during tax table updates
Inability to verify or activate your payroll subscription
Delays in processing payroll or calculating employee taxes
These symptoms can seriously disrupt your workflow, so it’s important to resolve the issue promptly.
There are several possible causes behind the PS077 error. Understanding these reasons can help you identify the best solution for your specific situation:
QuickBooks relies on internal program files to complete tasks. If these files are damaged or missing, updates can fail.
An expired or inactive payroll subscription can block update downloads and result in PS077.
Your payroll tax table file may be outdated or corrupted, preventing it from syncing with the latest updates.
Using an outdated version of QuickBooks can trigger compatibility issues with payroll updates.
Mismatched account or billing info can lead to problems verifying your payroll subscription.
Windows settings or security programs (like antivirus or firewall) may block QuickBooks from accessing the internet or required services.
Read more - QuickBooks Payroll Error PS101 Stopping Paychecks?
Fixing PS077 requires addressing the root cause. Below are several tested solutions you can follow, in order, to resolve the error:
Outdated QuickBooks software is one of the leading reasons for error PS077.
Steps to update QuickBooks:
Open QuickBooks Desktop.
Go to Help > Update QuickBooks Desktop.
Click Update Now, then check the Reset Updates box.
Click Get Updates and wait for the update to complete.
Restart QuickBooks and attempt the payroll update again.
Your payroll subscription may have expired or become inactive.
Steps:
Open QuickBooks.
Go to Employees > My Payroll Service > Account/Billing Information.
Sign in to your Intuit account.
Verify your subscription status and update any billing information.
If needed, contact Intuit support to re-activate your subscription.
Sometimes, revalidating the service key resolves authentication issues.
Steps:
Go to Employees > My Payroll Service > Manage Service Key.
Note your existing key, then remove it.
Re-enter the same payroll service key.
Click Next > Finish and restart QuickBooks.
Corrupt program files can prevent successful updates.
Steps:
Close QuickBooks.
Open the Control Panel.
Navigate to Programs > Programs and Features.
Select QuickBooks and click Uninstall/Change.
Click Repair and follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart your system and try updating again.
Intuit’s QuickBooks Tool Hub offers automated tools to resolve issues like PS077.
Steps:
Download and install the QuickBooks Tool Hub (from Intuit).
Open it and go to the Program Problems tab.
Click Quick Fix My Program.
After the process completes, re-open QuickBooks and attempt the payroll update.
If none of the above methods work, you may need to reinstall QuickBooks using a clean install process.
Steps:
Back up your company file.
Uninstall QuickBooks from Control Panel.
Download the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool.
Run the tool and reinstall QuickBooks.
Restore your backup and retry the payroll update.
Always keep QuickBooks updated to the latest release
Regularly verify your payroll subscription status
Use strong and accurate login credentials
Schedule monthly maintenance checks for file integrity
Use QuickBooks Tool Hub to run preventive diagnostics
Keep your antivirus and firewall settings QuickBooks-friendly
No, this error blocks access to updated payroll tax tables, which are necessary for accurate payroll calculations.
Not necessarily. It could be inactive, expired, or unverified. You can check this from the QuickBooks account settings.
Yes, especially among users who skip QuickBooks or tax table updates.
In many cases, yes. If you follow the steps in this guide, you can often resolve it yourself. However, if you are unsure, it's better to contact a QuickBooks expert.
No, your company files are stored separately. Just make sure to back them up before uninstalling.
This comprehensive guide should help you solve QuickBooks Error PS077 and get back to running payroll smoothly. But if the problem persists or you run into additional issues, don’t struggle alone. Our team of certified QuickBooks experts is here to help. Call the My Payroll QuickBooks at +1 855 510 7210 for instant assistance.