If you receive a QuickBooks Payroll Service Server Error or Payroll Connection Error while sending payroll data or direct deposit paychecks, the issue may be related to your internet connection, system settings, security software, or QuickBooks configuration.
Note: To pay your team by direct deposit, you can add Contractor Payments to paycontractors or use Intuit QuickBooks Workforce to pay both employees and contractors.
Common Payroll Server and Connection Errors
You may encounter one of these messages when processing payroll:
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“Payroll Service Server Error. Please try again later. If this problem persists, please contact Intuit Technical Support.”
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“Payroll Connection Error.”
These errors can occur because of:
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An invalid security certificate.
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Payroll data being sent while QuickBooks is in multi-user mode.
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A network timeout preventing QuickBooks Desktop from connecting to the payroll server.
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General internet connection problems.
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Internet security or personal firewall settings blocking QuickBooks.
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Incorrect system date or time settings.
To resolve the issue, try the solutions below. After completing each solution, send your payroll again to check whether the problem is resolved. If you're using QuickBooks Desktop to process payroll, make sure QuickBooks is in Single-User Mode before sending payroll data.
Solutions to Fix Payroll Server or Connection Errors
Solution 1: Download and Install the Latest Payroll Tax Table
An outdated payroll tax table can prevent payroll from connecting correctly to the payroll service.
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Open QuickBooks Desktop.
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Select Employees.
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Select Get Payroll Updates.
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Select Download Entire Update.
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Click Download Latest Update.
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Wait until the update finishes.
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Try sending your payroll again.
Keeping the payroll tax table updated can help QuickBooks communicate properly with the payroll service.
Solution 2: Check Your System Date and Time Settings
Incorrect date, time, or time-zone settings can interfere with secure connections between QuickBooks and the payroll service.
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Close QuickBooks.
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Right-click the time and date on your Windows taskbar.
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Select Adjust date/time.
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Make sure the correct date and time are displayed.
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Confirm that the correct time zone is selected.
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Enable automatic time synchronization if available.
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Reopen QuickBooks.
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Try to send your payroll again.
Solution 3: Restart Your Computer
A simple restart can clear temporary system and network problems that may interfere with QuickBooks payroll services.
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Save your work and close QuickBooks.
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Close other running applications.
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Restart your computer.
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Wait for Windows to load completely.
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Open QuickBooks again.
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Make sure you are in Single-User Mode.
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Try sending your payroll data or direct deposit paycheck again.
If the error continues after restarting, continue with the remaining troubleshooting steps, particularly those involving your internet connection and security settings.
Final Thoughts
Payroll server and connection errors can prevent you from sending payroll data or processing direct deposits successfully. In most cases, checking the payroll tax table, correcting your system date and time, restarting your computer, and using Single-User Mode can help resolve the problem. If the error continues, further network or security troubleshooting may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a payroll server error in QuickBooks?
A payroll server error can occur because of an outdated payroll tax table, incorrect system date and time, network problems, security software, firewall settings, or a temporary connection issue with the payroll service.
Why am I getting a Payroll Connection Error?
The error may appear when QuickBooks cannot establish a proper connection with the payroll service. Check your internet connection, system date and time, firewall settings, and make sure QuickBooks is updated.
Can I send payroll in QuickBooks Multi-User Mode?
No. When sending payroll data, switch QuickBooks Desktop to Single-User Mode. Multi-user mode can interfere with the payroll connection.
How do I fix a QuickBooks payroll connection error?
Start by updating the latest payroll tax table, checking your computer's date and time settings, and restarting your computer. Then try sending payroll again.
Can incorrect date and time settings cause payroll errors?
Yes. Incorrect date, time, or time-zone settings can interfere with secure connections between QuickBooks and the payroll service.
What should I do if the payroll server error continues?
If the error remains after completing the troubleshooting steps, check your internet and security settings and contact Intuit Technical Support for additional assistance.